In Italy, regions and ministries offer free courses with certificates for residents who want to improve their qualifications or return to the job market.
How does free public education work in Italy?
There is no single national catalog with all the courses. Most free vocational training is organized by region, with resources from the European Social Fund (ESF+) and national programs. Therefore, dates, courses, and rules vary from region to region.
What these courses have in common is that they do not charge an enrollment fee and, upon completion with the minimum attendance and final exam, issue a recognized certificate.
Regional vocational training courses
Each region publishes announcements for courses ranging from dozens to hundreds of hours, many with internships at companies. At the end, a certificate of qualification or skills is issued.
GOL program for job seekers
The Garanzia di Occupabilità dei Lavoratori program offers guidance and courses for unemployed individuals and those receiving income support. Access is through the Employment Center in your region.
Italian courses and teaching for adults
The CPIA, public centers for adult education, offer free Italian language courses and allow students to complete compulsory studies.
ITS Academy
These are two- or three-year post-secondary technical courses with a strong emphasis on practical work in companies. There may be an enrollment fee, but scholarships and fee waivers are available in many cases.
Who can participate?
The requirements are listed in the announcement for each course. In general, the following can apply:
- Italian citizens and citizens of other European Union countries residing in Italy.
- Foreigners with valid soggiorno permit.
- Unemployed people or people registered at the Centro per l'Impiego (Employment Center).
- Workers who want to update their skills or change fields.
- Young people who have already completed compulsory schooling.
Areas with the most available courses
Regions tend to direct resources to sectors that are hiring. In 2026, courses in digital skills, logistics, tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, industrial maintenance, and elderly care, such as the socio-sanitary operator (OSS) course, frequently appear.
Before choosing, it's worth checking which professions are in short supply in your province. A course aligned with local demand tends to open more doors, although no course guarantees employment.
See where to find courses with certification →What to prepare before registration
Having these items ready will prevent you from missing the deadline when the call for bids opens:
- Valid identity document or passport.
- Codice fiscale.
- SPID or CIE to access public portals.
- Permesso di soggiorno, if you are not a citizen of the European Union.
- Diplomas and an updated CV, preferably in Europass format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the courses really free?
Courses funded by regions and the ESF+ do not charge an application fee. Some programs, such as the ITS Academy, may have a fee, with scholarships available for those who qualify. Be wary of intermediaries who ask for payment.
Do I need to be an Italian citizen?
No. Foreigners with legal residency and a valid permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) can participate in most courses. Check the course announcement for each one.
Is the certificate valid throughout Italy?
Certificates of qualification issued by entities accredited by the region are recognized throughout the country. Private courses without accreditation may not have the same value.
Do I need to speak Italian?
Yes, most classes are in Italian and many courses require an A2 or B1 level. The CPIA offers free Italian courses for those who need to prepare.
Are there online courses available?
Yes. Part of the course is distance learning or a hybrid format. Even online, attendance is recorded and counts towards the certificate.
Official websites for finding courses
Tap on the website you want to open. They are public and free portals.