What is high school like in Italy: liceo, istituto tecnico and maturità

Italian high school lasts five years (ages 14 to 19) and ends with a national exam called the maturità. The student chooses the school type on day one: liceo, istituto tecnico or professionale.

This guide explains the tracks, the exam, and how an international student enters. The program is in high school abroad.

To compare the liceo with other international options in the region, see the guide to bilingual boarding schools in Spain, Italy, and Portugal.

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Structure of the Italian education system

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High school in Italy is scuola secondaria di secondo grado: five years, ages 14 to 19, in a liceo, istituto tecnico or professionale, ending with the maturità. Characteristics:

• Duration: 5 years, generally for students aged 14-19.
• Mandatory: Education is compulsory up to 16 years of age.
• Division: There is no formal division into cycles, as in other countries, but the curriculum is progressive over 5 years.

The school type is chosen at entry: that path shapes every subject. The five years split into biennio (years 1–2) and triennio (years 3–5).

The Italian high school system is renowned for its comprehensive approach, which combines traditional academic disciplines with technical or professional training, depending on the type of school chosen.

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Curriculum and types of high schools

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In Italy, there are different types of high schools, each with its specific focus:

1. Lyceum: Academically focused schools, preparing students for university. There are several types: some text
   • Liceo Classico: Emphasis on humanities and classical languages
   • Liceo Scientifico: Focus on science and mathematics
   • Liceo Linguistica: Specialized in modern languages
   • Liceo Artistico: Focused on visual arts and design
2. Technical Institute: Combines general education with technical training in areas such as economy, technology or tourism.
3. Professional Institute: Offers practical professional training, preparing students for the labor market.

O Base curriculum includes subjects such as Italian, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science, Foreign Language, and Physical Education. The specific subjects vary depending on the type of school chosen.

There is also a human-sciences liceo and a music liceo. Istituto tecnico has an economic track (business, tourism) and a technological track (IT, mechanics, building). Students without advanced Italian usually join an international school with IB or A-Levels, in English.

It is important to note that the Italian system places great emphasis on learning the Italian language, which can be an initial challenge for international students, but also an excellent opportunity for linguistic immersion.

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Assessment and exam system

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The Italian assessment system has some peculiarities:

• Notes: The grade scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 6 being the minimum score for approval.
• Ongoing evaluations: Students are evaluated regularly throughout the academic year.
• Esame di Stato (maturità): national exam in year 5. Without a pass, there is no diploma. Three papers (Italian, the track subject and an oral) plus credito scolastico; score from 60 to 100.

O State Exam is crucial for the completion of high school and access to university. It consists of:

1. Written Italian tests and course-specific subjects
2. Multidisciplinary oral exam

The final score of the Esame di Stato is expressed in hundredths (from 60 to 100) and is considered for admission to Italian and international universities.

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School routine and student life

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School life in Italy has its own characteristics:

• Class Schedule: Generally from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m., from Monday to Saturday (some schools adopt the 5-day week).
• Class structure: Periods of 50-60 minutes.
• luncheon: Many schools don't offer lunch because classes end early.

Italian schools also offer extracurricular activities, although on a smaller scale compared to other countries:

• Sports clubs
• Theater and music groups
• Volunteer projects

Unlike many countries, the use of uniforms it is not common in Italian public schools, although some private schools may require them.

Italian school culture highly values classroom participation and the development of critical thinking, which may be an interesting adaptation for international students.

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Adaptation process for international students

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Italian schools are increasingly prepared to receive international students:

• Language support programs: Many schools offer extra Italian language classes for foreign students.
• Cultural orientation: Some institutions have programs to help adapt to Italian culture.
• Recognition of previous studies: The Italian system has procedures for validating studies carried out in other countries.

As for accommodation, international students generally have two options:

1. Living with an Italian family: Offers cultural immersion and daily support.
2. Boarding schools: Less common, but available at some private institutions.

Cultural integration is facilitated by the welcoming nature of Italian society and the wealth of cultural experiences available in Italian cities.

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Frequently asked questions about high school in Italy

What is the difference between liceo classico and liceo scientifico?

Liceo classico prioritises Latin, Greek, philosophy and literature. Liceo scientifico gives more hours to maths, physics and biology. Both last five years and end with the maturità.

Is the maturità accepted at universities outside Italy?

In several European countries, yes; outside Europe the process varies. Families aiming at the UK, the US or Canada often prefer the IB Diploma. International schools in Italy often offer both.

Does an international student need Italian?

In the state system, yes: teaching is in Italian (A2 to B1 to follow class). In an international school the main language may be English, with Italian as a second language.

How long is high school in Italy?

Five years, split into biennio (years 1–2) and triennio (years 3–5). In an international school the student often takes one or two years, not the full cycle, unless the plan is an Italian university.

What is the path for medicine in Italy?

Liceo scientifico is the most direct route, given biology, chemistry and physics. The later years need prep for the country’s medical-entry exam.

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Be Easy: boutique study abroad consultancy

Choosing liceo, istituto tecnico or an international school in Italy depends on language, age and university destination. A senior consultant matches that in the high school abroad program. Get in touch with us to build the project.