Education for Ukrainians with a temporary protection permit in Italy

Kindergartens (scuola dell’infanzia)

Children aged 3 to 6 can attend kindergartens. Education in kindergartens is not mandatory, but it can help children:

• adapt to a new environment;
• learn Italian;
• get ready for school

Most kindergartens in Italy are public, but there are also private kindergartens. Tuition at private kindergartens can be high, but public kindergartens are usually free or very affordable.

Conditions for enrollment in kindergarten:

• permit for temporary protection (permesso di soggiorno per protezione temporanea);
• child’s birth certificate;
• vaccination certificate;
• medical reference.

How many children are in the group?

The number of children in a kindergarten group can vary, but usually it is from 20 to 25 children.

Schools (scuola primaria e secondaria di primo grado)

Children between the ages of 6 and 16 are required to attend school. Schooling is free for all children, including Ukrainian refugees. Ukrainian children can visit:

• regular Italian schools where they will study in Italian;
• special classes for Ukrainian children where they can learn Ukrainian language and culture.

There is also an opportunity for Ukrainian children to study online in Ukrainian schools.

Terms of admission to the school:

• permit for temporary protection (permesso di soggiorno per protezione temporanea);
• child’s birth certificate;
• vaccination certificate;
• medical reference;
• a document about the education that the child received in Ukraine (if any).

How many children are in the class?

The number of children in a class in a school can also vary, but usually it is between 20 and 25 children.

After finishing the 8th grade (scuola secondaria di primo grado), Ukrainian children can continue their education in :

• scuola secondaria di secondo grado : 5 years, 3 types:
  • licei: academic education, preparation for university;
  • istitui tecnici (technical institutes): professional education, preparation for work;
  • istituti professionali (professional institutes): specialized education, preparation for work;
• Centri di Formazione Professionale (CFP) : 3 years, specialized education, preparation for work.

Universities

Ukrainian applicants can enter Italian universities on general terms.

Where can I find more information?

• Italian Ministry of Education
• Embassy of Ukraine in Italy
• Associations of Ukrainians in Italy:  search in your region

It is important to know:

• Ukrainian children have the right to education in Italy, regardless of their status.
• There are many resources that can help Ukrainian families with children in Italy.
• You can get help with the preparation of documents, enrolling a child in school or kindergarten, as well as with adaptation to a new environment.