The San Marino education system is free, compulsory from ages 6 to 16, and based on the Italian model. It includes primary, lower secondary, and higher secondary education, with optional vocational and adult education programs. The University of San Marino offers tertiary education, with a focus on design, engineering, and other fields.
Key features of the San Marino education system:
Compulsory Education: Education is mandatory from ages 6 to 16.
Free Education: Education is free for Sammarinese citizens and residents.
Italian Influence: The system is closely aligned with the Italian education model, with diplomas recognised by Italy.
Literacy Rate: San Marino boasts a high literacy rate of 99.9%.
STRUCTURE OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-university level
Primary School (Scuola Elementare): 5 years.
Lower Secondary School (Scuola Media Inferiore): 3 years.
Higher Secondary School (Scuola Media Superiore): Provides academic and vocational paths.
University level
San Marino’s higher education degree system broadly corresponds to the Italian qualifications framework. It consists of first cycle programmes (Laurea) of 180 ECTS, second cycle programmes (Laurea Magistrale) of 120 ECTS and third cycle (Dottorato di Ricerca).
San Marino has a small higher education system with one public university, Università degli Studi della Repubblica di San Marino, offering various degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
The University of San Marino was established by Law No. 127 on October 31, 1985, under the authority of the Captains Regent, Ubaldo Biordi and Pier Paolo Gasperoni. Its academic journey began with the founding of the Higher School of Historical Studies in 1988. The university is headquartered in the historic center of the City of San Marino, within the Ancient Monastery of Santa Chiara, and also maintains a campus at the San Marino HUB in Dogana.
Most recently, a new private institution, European University Regent San Marino (EURSM), was founded, offering from October 2025 a one-year Master of Business Administration, which empowers global professionals to lead with confidence, agility, and purpose.
EURSM is part of Regent Global — an international network of forward-thinking institutions committed to innovation, accessibility, and global citizenship. Licensed in the Republic of San Marino, REU offers postgraduate education aligned with the European Higher Education Area, ensuring a high standard of academic quality.
