1. Scheme of the Education system from primary to secondary schooling

School                                 Age                     Duration                 Examination         
Scuola Elementare         5.5/6 - 11       5 yrs                     Licenza elementare  
Primary School

Scuola Media                11-14             3 yrs                      Licenza Media
Middle School 

Secondary school          14-17   3 yrs (Vocational school)    Diploma  
                                    14-19             5 yrs                       Diploma di maturità  

* Education is compulsory up to the age of sixteen.   

2. Types of academic qualifications similar to SPM or STPM
As highlighted in the above scheme, the Italian Education system includes for the Secondary school two different levels of achievement. Only a diploma obtained after five years allows the students access to the University. Please, refer to the attached photocopy for an overall view of the different types of  Secondary schools and their relatives qualifications.  

3. Entry requirements
No minimum entry requirements are requested at any of the school levels. For example, a student with a pass mark at Middle School examination (Licenza Media) can enter either Lyceum or Vocational college. The same applies for admission to the University. At each level although, the board of teachers prepares a final report with specific advice on the choice of studies by the individual student.  

4. Grading
At Primary and Middle School level the old numerical grading has been substituted by description of skills and abilities reached or not reached. At the Secondary level the numerical grading system is used throughout the course of studies and the final qualification (Diploma di maturità) is achieved by a minimum mark of 60 out of 100.  

 Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Universita' e della Ricerca
 Italian Universities

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