Liceo linguistico
Liceo linguistico, or linguistic lyceum, is an Italian secondary school that prepares students for university. Students enter after middle school and spend five years there, roughly from ages 14 to 19. The curriculum is set by the Ministry of Education and focuses on languages and multicultural understanding, while also covering a wide range of other subjects.
During these five years, students study three foreign languages (including English) and develop a strong foundation in both humanities and sciences. At the end of the fifth year they take the esame di Stato, a final exam that allows entry to any university course. A student at this school is called a liceale; teachers are called professore or professoressa.
By the end, students are expected to have at least a B2 level in languages. The final exams include written tests and an oral exam, with Italian language work and a language component (usually English plus another language).
Some students participate in EsaBac programs, which can lead to earning both the Italian esame di Stato and the French Baccalauréat, with corresponding language qualifications.
After finishing liceo linguistico, graduates can apply to any university faculty—fields range from languages and humanities to science and medicine.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 05:22 (CET).