High school in Italy 2026: liceo, istituto tecnico and maturità

The Italian high school system lasts five years and ends with a national exam called maturità. This structure divides students by areas of interest much earlier than in other countries, which completely changes the type of diploma an international student will obtain at the end of the experience.

For families considering sending a child aged 14 to 18 to study in Italy, understanding the difference between a liceo classico and an istituto tecnico is not a minor detail: it is the starting point of the entire decision. O currículo acadêmico no high school no exterior varies greatly depending on the local system, and the Italian system is one of the most segmented in Europe.

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How the Italian high school system is organized

The high school system in Italy, called scuola secondaria di secondo grado, starts at age 14 and runs until age 19, spanning five years. The Italian model defines the path from day one: the student chooses the type of school before enrolling, and that choice shapes every subject they will study.

The three main categories are:

• Liceo: general education track with emphasis on humanities, sciences or arts, preparing students for higher education
• Istituto Tecnico: technical training with a scientific and technological foundation, combining theory and practical application in areas such as IT, economics and engineering
• Istituto Professionale: vocational training aimed at direct entry into the job market in sectors such as gastronomy, healthcare, fashion and tourism

Within the liceo, there are six tracks:

• Liceo Classico: focus on Latin, ancient Greek, philosophy and Italian literature; prepares students for humanities, law and social sciences at university
• Liceo Scientifico: mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology with a heavy workload; recommended for medicine, engineering and exact sciences
• Liceo Linguistico: three compulsory foreign languages over five years; strong track for international relations and philology
• Liceo Artistico: drawing, art history, design and visual expression; prepares for architecture, design and fine arts
• Liceo Musicale e Coreutico: music theory, instrument practice or dance; for students with prior arts training
• Liceo delle Scienze Umane: psychology, pedagogy, sociology and anthropology; less common but recognized by Italian universities

The five-year program is divided into two cycles: biennio (years 1 and 2) and triennio (years 3 to 5). In the biennio, the foundations are shared by all students within the same liceo type. In the triennio, specialized subjects take up more space.

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Istituto tecnico: technical training with university recognition

The istituto tecnico combines academic rigor and technological application. Graduates receive the diploma di perito, recognized for entry into technology faculties, polytechnic institutes and applied sciences programs.

The two main tracks are:

• Economic Track: administration, finance, marketing, international relations and tourism
• Technology Track: electronics, mechanics, IT, construction and environment, chemistry and materials

The istituto professionale qualifies students for specific professional certifications. International students rarely choose this track, as the focus is direct entry into the Italian job market, which requires advanced Italian fluency and qualification recognition in the home country.

Para quem está mapeando opções de high school no exterior focused on international academic outcomes, the istituto tecnico tecnologico with a strong maturità grade has good acceptance at European engineering and technology universities.

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The maturità: how the final Italian high school exam works

The maturità, informal name for the Esame di Stato, is the national exam that closes the five-year cycle and awards the diploma di scuola secondaria superiore. Without passing the maturità, the diploma is not issued.

The 2026 exam follows a three-part format:

• First exam (18 June 2026): Italian essay, the same for everyone, with seven options across literary text analysis, argumentative text and current affairs topics. Lasts up to six hours and is worth up to 20 points out of 100.
• Second exam (19 June 2026): varies by track. In the Liceo Classico it is Latin; in the Liceo Scientifico, mathematics; in the istituto tecnico, the main technical subject. Worth up to 20 points.
• Colloquio (oral): after the written exams, as scheduled by the commission. In 2026, structured around four subjects defined by the Italian Ministry of Education, two of which overlap with the written exams. Worth up to 20 points.

The remaining 40 points come from the credito scolastico, a grade accumulated throughout the triennio.

Two points about the use of the final grade:

• Medicine, architecture and psychology have their own entrance exams in addition to the maturità. The exam grade is a prerequisite, not a guarantee of admission.
• O boarding school em Milão prepares international students for both the Italian maturità and the IB Diploma, expanding options for universities outside Italy.

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How international students can attend high school in Italy

International students have two pathways to complete high school in Italy: attending the state public system or enrolling in a private international school that offers the Italian curriculum, the IB Diploma or a combination of both.

State public system: open to international students with a long-stay student visa (Type D Visa). The MIUR (Ministero dell'Istruzione) recognizes the student's academic history from their home country and places them in the appropriate year. The language of instruction is Italian in all subjects.

Private international schools: operate with an IB, A-Level or international Italian curriculum. The main language of instruction may be English, with Italian as a compulsory second language. These schools accept students without prior Italian fluency.

The Italian student visa (Visto Tipo D per studio) is required for stays longer than 90 days. Those who already hold European citizenship do not need a visa but must register their residency with the local municipality.

Two practical points for those planning ahead:

• O intercâmbio para adolescentes na Itália often starts with a summer program that serves as an adaptation test before the full academic year
• Families that invest first in a short-term program make a much more informed long-term decision

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International high school in Italy: what changes compared to the public system

Private international schools in Italy operate with different structures from state schools. In Milan, the largest international school campus in the country combines the Italian curriculum with the IB Diploma, allowing two diplomas upon graduation: one recognized by Italian universities and one accepted in more than 160 countries.

Three practical differences between the public system and international schools:

• Language: in state schools, all teaching is in Italian. In international schools, English is the main language and Italian is taught as a second language, with support for those starting from scratch
• Curriculum: the public system follows the fixed five-year Italian track. International schools can place students in one- or two-year programs without repeating previous years
• Diploma recognition: the maturità is recognized by Italian universities. The IB Diploma is accepted at universities in the UK, US, Canada, Europe and other destinations

For a student planning to enter a university outside Italy, the IB Diploma is the more strategic option. For those planning to enter an Italian university, the maturità is the direct pathway.

Na Suíça, o ensino médio faces a similar dilemma: a rigorous national system versus international schools with IB, and the right choice depends on the planned university destination.

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Medicine: the most demanding track in Italy

The entrance exam for medicine in Italy (TOLC-MED, or the former IMAT for international candidates) requires a solid foundation in biology, chemistry and logical reasoning. Students with a Liceo Scientifico background arrive better prepared.

A trajetória de medicina na Itália desde o ensino médio requires planning at least two to three years in advance.

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Design and creative careers: explore before committing

O summer camp de design automotivo na Itália is a gateway for students who want to confirm their interest before committing to the Liceo Artistico.

Os high schools pelo mundo have different systems across countries that help calibrate the comparison when Italy is on the list but is not the only option.

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Frequently asked questions about high school in Italy

What is the difference between the liceo classico and the liceo scientifico?
The liceo classico prioritizes Latin, Greek, philosophy and Italian literature, preparing students for humanities, law and social sciences. The liceo scientifico gives greater weight to mathematics, physics and biology, preparing students for medicine and engineering. Both last five years and end with the maturità.

Is the maturità accepted at universities outside Italy?
The maturità is recognized in several European countries and by some North American universities, but the process varies by destination. Those planning to enter a university in the UK, US or Canada generally opt for the IB Diploma, which has more standardized acceptance. International schools in Italy typically offer both.

Does an international student need to know Italian to attend high school in Italy?
In the state public system, yes: all teaching is in Italian, and the minimum expected level is A2 to B1 to follow the lessons. In private international schools, the main language may be English, with Italian taught as a second language from the start. Most international students start at private schools for this reason.

How long does high school last in Italy?
The Italian system spans five years, divided into biennio (years 1 and 2) and triennio (years 3 to 5). International students entering through private international schools typically complete one or two years, not the full cycle, unless their plan includes entering an Italian university.

What is the ideal track for those who want to study medicine in Italy?
The Liceo Scientifico is the most direct pathway, due to its strong coverage of biology, chemistry and physics throughout the five years. The final two years of the triennio must include specific preparation for the TOLC-MED or IMAT, which are the medical school entrance exams in Italy. Planning should begin at least two years before the exam date.

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Be Easy: consultoria boutique de intercâmbio

Be Easy supports families who want to give their child a real advantage before university. If your child is interested in studying high school in Italy, we have the right curation to help them build that path in the right environment, whether in a private international school or preparing for entry into the Italian public system. To understand the available options and speak with a dedicated senior consultant, get in touch with us.