Support: over 30,000 specialisation courses authorised

A total of 30,241 places are available for the 11th cycle of specialisation courses in educational support for pupils with disabilities, for the 2025/2026 academic year. The Minister for Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, has signed the decree authorising the launch of the new specialisation programmes in educational support for pupils with disabilities, intended for teachers in nursery, primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools.

Specifically, the authorised places are allocated amongst Italian universities, taking into account the requirements set out by the Ministry of Education and Merit. This measure forms part of a three-year plan providing for a total of 90,000 places on specialisation programmes for the academic years 2024/2025, 2025/2026 and 2026/2027.

In order to gain admission to the courses organised by the universities, candidates must pass a preliminary selection test, one or more written or practical examinations, and an oral examination. The organisational and academic aspects of the courses will be governed by the individual universities through their own calls for applications.

The preliminary selection tests will take place from 14 to 17 July 2026 according to the following schedule: 14 July 2026 – Nursery school; 15 July 2026 – Primary school; 16 July 2026 – Lower secondary school; 17 July 2026 – Upper secondary school.

Universities will also be able to start courses early for candidates admitted directly in accordance with current legislation. The specialisation programmes must be completed by 30 June 2027.