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International Schools in Italy

Compare 39 international schools in Italy. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 16,996), location, and more to find the right international school now.

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Schools listed
39
Curricula
23
Average annual fee
EUR 16,996
Fee range
EUR 5,010 – 51,430
More school facts
Most common curriculum
IB (DP) (23 schools)
Average school size
597 pupils
Largest by enrolment
St. Louis School – Colonna Campus
Oldest
Marymount International School Rome (1946)
With boarding
5
About international schools in Italy

International schools in Italy are concentrated in the larger cities and offer a mix of international curricula - the International Baccalaureate, British (IGCSE/A-level) and American programmes are common, while a number of schools also run bilingual Italian - English pathways. These schools are typically private; some hold “scuola paritaria” status, which gives their qualifications legal equivalence with Italian state schools, and families should be aware that public Italian schools remain free for residents. Annual tuition varies widely by city, age and curriculum but in major centres such as Milan and Rome fees commonly sit in the mid-four-figure to low-five-figure euro range, with additional costs for registration, deposits, transport, meals and exam fees. Admissions often follow a September intake timetable but many schools run rolling admissions or waitlists and use school reports, interviews and placement tests - plan to start enquiries at least several months before your intended start date and confirm documentary and visa requirements directly with the school.

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17 international schools in Milan

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7 international schools in Rome

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2 international schools in Florence

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2 international schools in Naples

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1 international school in Venice

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1 international school in Vicenza

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1 international school in Brescia

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1 international school in Bergamo

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1 international school in Bologna

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1 international school in Brindisi

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1 international school in Como

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1 international school in Modena

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1 international school in Siena

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1 international school in Trieste

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1 international school in Turin

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Choosing an international school in Italy

Curricula

There are 39 international schools in Italy covering 23 curricula. The most widely offered are IB (DP) (23), IB (PYP) (17), IB (MYP) (17), British Curriculum (10), EYFS (Early years foundation stage) (8). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across Italy runs from about EUR 5,010 to EUR 51,430, averaging roughly EUR 16,996. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Italy run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

5 of the 39 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Italy we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

Popular comparisons in Italy

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FAQs for Italy

What curricula and qualifications can my child follow at international schools in Italy?
You will typically find full IB pathways (PYP, MYP, DP), British programmes leading to IGCSEs and A-levels, and a smaller number of US-style schools; some schools combine an international curriculum with the Italian curriculum so students can also prepare for Italian qualifications. Check each school’s prospectus for which programmes are offered at each age level and whether the school supports university applications in both Italy and abroad.
How much do international schools in Italy cost and what extras should I budget for?
Tuition ranges widely by city and age: in major cities many international schools charge in the region of €8,000 - €28,000 per year, with senior years often at the higher end; smaller towns and bilingual local providers can be lower. Expect additional one-off and annual charges such as application or enrolment fees, capital levies, school bus, lunches, uniforms and external examination fees, and confirm whether published fees are for termly or annual payment.
When should I apply and what does the admissions process usually involve?
Most families begin their search and make first enquiries 6 - 12 months before a planned September start, though many schools accept mid-year admissions subject to availability. Schools commonly ask for recent school reports, may run an interview or trial day and use placement or language assessments to determine the correct class; international transfers often require authenticated school records and copies of passports or residency documents.
What language will lessons be taught in, and how quickly will my child learn Italian?
English is the primary medium at most international schools, with schools offering additional modern languages and structured Italian lessons so children can pick up local language and culture; some providers run bilingual programmes where Italian is taught across parts of the curriculum. Speed of acquisition depends on the child’s age, previous exposure and the school’s language-support provision, so ask about EAL (English as an Additional Language) or Italian support and typical class sizes for language groups.
How can I check a school’s official recognition and whether its diploma is accepted in Italy and abroad?
Ask whether the school is an authorised IB World School, whether it holds recognised accreditation for its British or American programmes, and whether it is registered as a scuola paritaria with Italian authorities - parità gives Italian legal recognition to the studies taken there. Confirm with the school which final qualifications it issues (for example IB Diploma, A-levels, Italian Maturità) and contact national university admissions services if you need precise information about recognition for higher education in Italy or other countries.