In Europe there is a variety of approaches to education, which in some cases result in complex systems.

What are the different organizational models in primary and secondary education and how long does each level of education last? How are the programmes offered at the tertiary level diversified? The answers to the questions on these issues can be found in the latest Eurydice publication entitled “The structure of the European education systems“.

This report presents the structure of education and training systems, from early childhood education and care to tertiary education for the 2022/2023 school and academic year. National diagrams help to orientate in the publication, also through schematic information, and illustrate how European countries structure their respective education systems. The information covers 39 European education systems, corresponding to the 37 countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme.

The Eurydice network has also published the text “Compulsory education in Europe“, focusing on the duration of compulsory education/training in Europe. This fact sheet focuses on the duration of compulsory education/training in Europe and highlights the starting and ending ages of education/training, distinguishing full-time and part-time compulsory education/training. Also in this case, the information covers the 37 countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme.

“The structure of the European education systems” >>

“Compulsory education in Europe” >>

What is Eurydice?

Eurydice is the European network that collects, updates, analyses and disseminates information on the policies, structure and organization of European education systems. Established in 1980 on the initiative of the European Commission, the network is made up of a European unit based in Brussels and various national units. Since 1985, Indire has been the seat of the Italian national unit.

Other useful links:

• Eurydice website – Italian national unity
• Eurydice site – European Central Unit
• All publications of the network