The metropolitan area of Bologna: a territory where knowledge becomes opportunity

The Italian school system is organized into several levels:

• Nursery (0–3 years) – not compulsory; enrollment depends on available places.
• Preschool (3–6 years) – not compulsory; enrollment depends on available places.
• Primary school (6–11 years) – compulsory; enrollment is guaranteed.
• Lower secondary school (11–14 years) – compulsory; enrollment is guaranteed.
• Upper secondary school (14–19 years) – compulsory until age 16, with the option to continue until graduation; enrollment is guaranteed.

Schools are divided into public (state-funded) and private accredited (fee-based) institutions. Both follow the regulations set by the Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM). Non-accredited private schools cannot issue legally recognized diplomas; students must pass an aptitude exam at the end of each program or to transfer to a public or accredited school.

State preschools, primary, and lower secondary schools are organized into Comprehensive Institutes, grouping nearby schools of different levels.

Upper secondary schools are divided into different categories depending on the study tracks and are as follows:

• Lyceums (Licei) – theoretical and cultural programs for students aiming to continue their studies (Classical, Scientific, Human Sciences, Artistic, Musical, and Choreutic Lyceums).
• Technical Institutes (Istituti Tecnici) – practical programs focusing on specific skills in key sectors for economic and industrial development.
• Professional Institutes (Istituti Professionali) – vocational training in trades, crafts, and professions strategic for the economy.
  Tertiary higher education is offered by three types of institutions:
• Universities – under the MUR (Ministry of University and Research)
• Institutions of Higher Artistic, Musical, and Choreutic Education (AFAM) – under the MUR
• Higher Technical Institutes (ITS) – under the MIM

Each category includes both public and private institutions.

The metropolitan area of Bologna offers a wide range of high-quality educational opportunities, combining strong local roots with growing international openness. From early childhood to adulthood, the area provides a complete, accessible, and inclusive educational pathway designed to support children, teenagers, and young adults at every stage of growth.

The area hosts a diverse network of public and accredited schools, offering traditional, experimental, and international programs.

The metropolitan city of Bologna has over 100 nurseries, including those directly managed by municipalities and those affiliated with private institutions.

There are also over 300 educational institutions, including preschools, primary and secondary schools, covering public schools and accredited schools.

These schools are evenly distributed across the capital and the municipalities of the territory. Among the accredited schools, there are some international and bilingual schools, and some institutions offer international programs.

Tertiary education institutions in the Bologna metropolitan area include:

• the Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, one of Italy’s most prestigious universities.
• the Conservatory "G.B. Martini" of Bologna, a historic institution offering music courses at various levels and specializations.
• the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna, providing training in visual arts, design, and other artistic disciplines.
• the Fondazione Accademia Internazionale di Imola “Incontri con il Maestro”, offering advanced training and music mastery courses.
• the Bologna Business School - BBS, an international business school established by the University of Bologna.
• the Associazione Scuola Politecnica ITS Emilia Romagna, , offering 70 courses designed to meet the needs for specialization and innovation in the labor market.

This diverse educational landscape ensures that residents and newcomers have access to a variety of pathways for personal, academic, and professional growth.

Nurseries (0-3 years)

Nurseries are mainly managed directly by municipalities. Registration is therefore done online through the educational and school services portal of the municipality where the nursery is located, typically between January and March, through a public call. Registration is not automatic but allows placement on a waiting list.

The criteria used to determine the ranking for access are set independently by each municipality but generally take into account the child’s health status, the family’s socio-economic condition, family composition, and the employment or study status of the parents.

To access the portal and submit the registration, you usually need:

• SPID credentials (Public Digital Identity System) or CIE (Electronic Identity Card)
• ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator)

More information is available on the website of the relevant municipality.

For municipal preschools, registration is done online through the municipal portal. Each municipality follows different procedures for registration to state-run preschools.

Registration for private preschools is carried out at the administrative office of the school of interest.

For registration to both nurseries and preschools, you need the tax code of both the parent and the child, and proof of residence in the area or evidence of imminent relocation.

Primary, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary Schools (6-19 years)

Registration for these levels is done through the of the Ministry of Education and Merit portal, generally between January and February for the following school year.

More detailed information can be found on the website of the municipality where you plan to enroll your child.