Types of liceo in Italy: the complete guide to the tracks
There are six types of liceo in Italy: classics, scientific, linguistic, human sciences, art, and music & dance. Some split internally into several options. Here they all are, with the subjects that define them and where they lead.
How many licei exist
Six main families, but with internal variants the real paths are more. The scientific has the Applied Sciences option; human sciences has the Economic-Social option (LES); the art liceo splits into six tracks.
The licei one by one
- Classics — Latin, Greek, Italian, history, philosophy. For those who love texts and reasoning. Leads to humanities, law, philosophy.
- Scientific — maths, physics, science, with Latin. Typical outcome: engineering, medicine, economics.
- Scientific – Applied Sciences — like the scientific but without Latin and with more IT and labs.
- Linguistic — three foreign languages plus literature. For those thinking of translation, tourism, international relations.
- Human Sciences — psychology, pedagogy, sociology, anthropology. Leads to teaching and educational professions. The Economic-Social option adds law and economics.
- Art — drawing, art history, plastic arts, plus the chosen track. For those who create in images.
- Music & Dance — music or dance at a serious level. Usually requires an existing background and an entrance test.
The licei with multiple internal tracks
The art liceo splits into Figurative Arts, Architecture & Environment, Audiovisual & Multimedia, Design, Graphics, Set Design. Choosing "art" is only the first step; the second is choosing the track.
Undecided? Our guide on which liceo to choose matches each track to a profile, and the test does it on your data.
Frequently asked questions
Which liceo has the most outcomes?
The scientific and classics are the most "general" and keep many faculties open. But "more outcomes" doesn't mean "better for you".
How many languages do you study at the linguistic liceo?
Three foreign languages, usually English plus two others, alongside the study of their literatures.