- Immigrant Times
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 15
Teaching and training for refugees in Italy
In Italy, education and training for refugees is a collaborative effort between the state, which guarantees the right to education, and a wide network of non-governmental organisations and associations that provide essential on-the-ground support.
By The Immigrant Times
Italy offers a range of teaching and training programmes for refugees and immigrants provided by the government, associations and other third parties.
September 2025: In Italy, the education and training of refugees is a collaborative effort between the state, which guarantees the right to education, and a wide network of non-governmental organisations and associations that provide essential on-the-ground support. This article explores the dual roles of the Italian government and civil society in fostering the integration of refugees through education and training.
The role of the Italian Government
The Italian government's approach to refugee education is rooted in the principle of equal access. Refugees in Italy have the same right to education as Italian citizens. This is particularly enforced for minors between the ages of 6 and 16, for whom education is compulsory.
Public schools and adult education
Children and teenagers are integrated into the public school system. For adults, the Provincial Centres for Adult Education (CPIA) offer courses, including Italian language classes, which are fundamental for integration.
National Integration Plan
The government has a ‘National Plan for Integration’, which recognises the key role of education and language learning in the integration process. This plan is a collaborative effort involving multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies.
University and professional training
Refugees have the right to enrol in universities and access professional training courses under the same conditions as Italian citizens. The government portal ‘Integrazione Migranti’ provides valuable information on accessing these opportunities.
Ukrainian students
In response to the influx of refugees from Ukraine, the Ministry of Education has established a dedicated online section for the ‘Accoglienza scolastica per gli studenti ucraini’ (School reception for Ukrainian students). This initiative provides schools with official documents, teaching materials, and operational guidelines to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian children and teenagers into the Italian school system.
The role of associations, NGOs and other third parties
While the government provides the legal and structural framework, the day-to-day support, teaching, and training for refugees are often carried out by a vast network of associations and non-profit organisations. These organisations fill the gaps and provide tailored support that is often beyond the scope of public institutions.
Asinitas
This non-profit organisation is a prime example of an association dedicated to education for refugees. Founded in 2005, Asinitas offers experimental Italian L2 (Italian as a second language) courses for foreign adults. Their school, ASNADA, is specifically designed for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants. They also provide training for teachers and educators working with this demographic.
Naga
A secular and independent voluntary organisation, Naga focuses on providing a wide range of services to foreign citizens, including refugees. While their core services are in healthcare, social, and legal assistance, they are a vital resource for refugees navigating the complexities of life in a new country, which is often a prerequisite to accessing education and training.
Community of Sant'Egidio
This international lay Catholic movement is deeply involved in social solidarity. Among their many activities, they run an Italian language and culture school for migrants and are involved in humanitarian corridors, providing a holistic approach to refugee integration that includes educational support.
Centro Astalli
As the Italian branch of the Jesuit Refugee Service,’Centro Astalli’is dedicated to accompanying, serving, and defending the rights of refugees. They offer a range of services that often include Italian language courses, legal support, and assistance in finding housing and employment, all of which are crucial for refugees to access and benefit from educational and training opportunities.
UNICEF
Other organisations such as UNICEF, with its Skills4YOUth e-learning course for young migrants and refugees, and networks like Scuolemigranti, which offers free Italian courses, further enrich the landscape of educational support for refugees in Italy.
Fazit
The Italian model for the education and training of refugees is a dynamic and multifaceted system. It relies on a strong legal framework provided by the government that guarantees the right to education, and the indispensable work of a vibrant civil society that provides the practical tools and support for integration. The collaboration between the state and the third sector is the cornerstone of this approach, aiming to empower refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute to Italian society.
‘Teaching and Training Refugees’ is part of The Immigrant Times’ open research project. You are invited to contribute, correct and comment. Email
Further reading: Teaching and training refugees in Europe || Teaching and training refugees in Germany || Teaching and training refugees in Sweden || Teaching and training refugees in Spain || Immigrant workers boost the Spanish economy || Teaching and training refugees in Italy || Immigrants in Italy ||
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