Parma is a city attentive to the education, training and cultural growth of people at every stage of life.
From early childhood through college, the area offers a well-rounded, inclusive and quality education and training system, with public and private schools, technical and vocational colleges, university courses, and post-diploma and vocational pathways.
Alongside formal offerings, the city promotes access to knowledge through a rich library system, language courses, intercultural initiatives and vocational training programs.
Studying in Parma
Parma offers a structured and articulated educational system, with educational pathways that accompany students from infancy to post-diploma and university specialization
In Italy, education is compulsory from age 6 to 16 and is provided free of charge in public schools for all children and young people. The entire education system is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM), which protects the right to study and supports education from ages 6 to 18.
The Italian school system is divided into several cycles of education designed to accompany children and young people in their growth and education.
Elementary school lasts for 5 years and is the first step in the educational journey. It is compulsory for all children who turn 6 years old by December 31 of the relevant school year.
Secondary school lasts 3 years and is for students who have completed elementary school. The first cycle of education ends with a final examination leading to a secondary school diploma.
Secondary school lasts five years and is divided into several lines of study:
- High schools (more theoretical and college-oriented paths)
- Technical colleges (with focus on technical and vocational skills)
- Vocational colleges (with more practical and work-related pathways)
The pathway ends with the baccalaureate exam , which provides access to university or postgraduate education.
Higher education includes universities, Technical Institutes of Higher Education (ITS), master's degree programs, and post-diploma or post-degree specialization programs.
Parma is a city that invests in the educational growth of young people, offering a quality public school system, complemented by recognized private schools and services dedicated to education.
From kindergarten through college, Parma schools accompany students and families on a comprehensive and inclusive learning journey.
For each grade you will find enrollment support services, practical information, and useful links to guide you.
Preschools and kindergartens welcome girls and boys from 0 to 6 years of age. In Parma there are both public and contracted private facilities with educational projects dedicated to the development of the youngest children.
You can learn more in the sections on Parma Municipality Educational Services for:
Elementary school lasts 5 years and is the first cycle of compulsory education. Elementary school in Parma offer inclusive educational pathways, with a focus on the development of basic skills.
You can learn more in the section on the City of Parma's Educational Services for Primary and Secondary Schools.
Secondary school (high school) lasts five years and offers diverse paths: high schools, technical institutes and vocational institutes. It is the transition that prepares young people for the world of work or university.
You can download the full list of secondary schools by clicking here.
The University of Parma, founded in 962 A.D., is one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, with more than a thousand years of history intertwined with that of the city and its territory. Today, the University is a modern and innovative educational hub, with a strong international vocation and a broad and multidisciplinary educational offering
The University of Parma offers a wide range of courses of study, including:
- Bachelor's Degree Courses
- Master's Degree Courses
- Single-Cycle Master's Degree Programs.
- Level I and II master's degrees
- Graduate Schools
- PhDs
The university campus integrates historic buildings and modern facilities, offering students state-of-the-art study and research environments. Libraries, laboratories, multimedia classrooms and spaces dedicated to sports and recreation contribute to a comprehensive and stimulating university experience
The University of Parma actively promotes international exchange programs and collaborations with academic institutions around the world, offering students opportunities for mobility and growth in a global context.
For more information on the University of Parma's educational offerings and opportunities, visit the official website:
Learn more about University of ParmaITSs offer post-diploma paths with high technical specialization, in collaboration with local companies.
ITS Foundations that have courses in Parma:
- TECH&FOOD,
- MAKER,
- SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS,
- ADRIANO OLIVETTI
The sectors covered by ITS training are:
- Agribusiness system
- Mechatronics
- Sustainable mobility and logistics
- Information, communication and data technology
Learn more by clicking the official Its Emilia-Romagna link.
International schools
For those seeking education in English or with an international approach, Parma is home to the European School, an accredited trilingual (English, Italian and French) public school that is part of the European Schools system, jointly created by the member states of the European Union.
The school welcomes students from kindergarten through the end of secondary school in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
the European School in Parma leads students to the European Baccalaureate Diploma.
Parma is a welcoming and international city, with numerous opportunities for those wishing to learn or perfect a foreign language, or for those arriving from abroad who want to learn Italian.
Language courses are an important resource both for enriching professional skills and for better integrating into daily life and the work environment.
Italian language courses aimed at foreign citizens are available, organized by public and private institutions. These courses help to improve communication in everyday life, but also to develop language skills useful for work or study.
You can learn more about:
Courses in English, French, Spanish, German and other languages are also active in the area, designed for both adults and children, in individual or group modes.
Among the main institutions that organize foreign language courses are:Language center of the University of Parma
Professional courses and certifications
A number of vocational training courses designed for people who want to update their skills, specialize in new areas or obtain certifications useful for work are active in Parma.
These courses are aimed at both young people seeking employment and workers who want to improve their professional profile, particularly in the areas most in demand in the market: technology, marketing, languages, finance, communication and sustainability.
Visit the Informagiovani site in Parma , in the section on vocational training, delve into the "training and employment" section on the Emilia-Romagna region website.
Parma's public libraries are an important reference point for students, families and citizens who wish to read, study, get information or simply experience spaces of culture and sociality.
The city's library system consists of several locations spread throughout the territory, accessible free of charge and designed for all ages.
To access services, you must register for free at one of the locations. With enrollment you can:
- Borrow books, DVDs, multimedia materials
- use study and reading spaces
- access digital services
- Participate in reading groups (including in English)
- Participate in cultural events and festivals
Libraries also offer study rooms, spaces for children and youth, events, classes and workshops for all ages.
There are 11 reading groups in Parma, including foreign language groups, which meet monthly and are open to all.
Special services include the EMILIB Digital Library, which includes ebooks, newsstand, and online resources for entertainment and education.
The "Digital Easy" desk is active at the Civic Library, and the system joins the "Born to Read" project with activities to promote reading in early childhood.
Libraries regularly organize exhibitions, meetings with authors, classes, readings and reviews. All events are posted on the libraries' one-stop portal.
For more info visit: libraries.comune.parma.it.
They are also promoters of the Pact for Reading, promoted by the City of Parma, with more than 70 adherents including institutions, schools and associations.
The Pact organizes the LiberaVoce Festival every year. All activities are posted on the website: pattoperlalettura.comune.parma.it.
For information on locations, hours and contact information, visit:
A free user card, valid throughout the library cluster, is required to use services.