School (scuola): education in Italy

Education is a key element of successful integration for Ukrainians who have found themselves in Italy. Knowing the country’s education system will help you and your children adapt more easily to the new environment. The main aspects of education in Italy cover the different stages, from nursery school to university, as well as opportunities for support and language courses.

The structure of the Italian education system

• Licei (Liceo), with an academic focus (humanities, sciences, classics, languages and others).
• Technical institutes (Istituto tecnico), preparing students for careers in technology, economics and tourism.
• Vocational institutes (Istituto professionale), oriented towards the labour market.

Higher education

After finishing secondary school, students can go on to universities, technical institutes or vocational colleges. The Italian higher education system is internationally recognised and offers a wide choice of study programmes.

How to enrol your child in school

To enrol a child in school in Italy you need the following documents:

• The child’s birth certificate.
• A passport or other identity document for the parents and the child.
• Codice fiscale (the child’s tax code).
• Permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) or a document proving legal residence in Italy.
• A vaccination certificate meeting local requirements.
• A certificate of previous schooling (for older pupils), if the child has already studied in another country.

If the child does not speak Italian, schools offer special programmes to support pupils from other countries, helping them adapt and learn the language more quickly.

Language courses for children and adults

If you do not speak Italian, it is worth signing up for a language course. Municipalities (Comuni) and community organisations often offer free courses for migrants, and schoolchildren can receive extra lessons to learn the language.

Support for Ukrainians

Following the large-scale migration of Ukrainians to Italy after 2022, special support programmes were set up for Ukrainian families. They include help at school and access to psychological support for children affected by the war.

Tips for parents

1. Keep in touch with the teachers and the school administration. If you have questions or difficulties, do not hesitate to contact them.
2. Encourage your child to take part in extracurricular activities to help them integrate more quickly into the new environment.
3. Support the study of your native language to preserve your child’s cultural identity.

Conclusion

Studying in Italy opens up many opportunities for Ukrainian children. Thanks to the support of the school system and additional resources, your child will be able to adapt quickly and succeed in their new country.