Education in Italy is compulsory for students in the age group between 6 to 16 years .The Education system is divided into five categories such as kindergarten (scuola materna), elementary school (scuola elementare), middle school (scuola media), secondary school (scuola superiore) and university (università). In Italy both the public and private education system exits. In 1861, when the unification of Italy took place, the Casati act authorized the responsibilities of the education system. The main objective of this act is to eradicate literacy.

Primary education

A three year of non- compulsory kindergarten or nursery school education precede the Primary education. The primary education is called as Scuola primaria in Italy.The primary education is for five years. The primary education is similar for all students. Even in the state funded or private school, the subjects are alike, with the exception being for the blind and hearing impaired. Fundamental education is given for the students in Italian, Mathematics, Geology, History, Biology, Social studies, History, geography, Visual and Musical arts and physical education.

Secondary education

The secondary education in Italy is divided into two phases such as Lower secondary school called as Scuola secondaria di primo grado or Scuola media in Italian language. It covers the middle age grades.The high school grade is covered by the upper secondary school called as Scuola secondaria di secondo grado in Italian language.

Lower Secondary school

This phase encompasses nearly three years (roughly from the age of 11 years to 13 years) It provides advanced education on subjects taught in the primary school. Also additional subjects such as Natural Sciences and Technology are taught in the Lower secondary school.

Upper Secondary school

This education phase cover nearly five years. At the end of final year, an exam is conducted known as the Esame di Maturità. After clearing this exam, they can have admittance to further education.

University

The Laurea (Bachelor’s degree) is a four year education period and it is from the age of 19 years to 23 years.
Master’s degree called as the Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica is a two year period.

Well known Universities

Some of the renowned universities in Italy are, the University Carlo Cattaneo, University of Pavia, Politecnico di Milano (the biggest technical university in Italy), etc.