Information about schools and education
Are you an expat or future expat in Luxembourg? Would you like to find out more about the education systems available in Luxembourg so you can enroll your children? Are you the spouse of an expat and interested in adult education yourself?
Here are some key things to know about education in Luxembourg to help you prepare for your expatriation and that of your children.
It is important to note that Luxembourg has a highly developed education system that is well suited to its multicultural population.
Compulsory education structured by age
Firstly, education is compulsory for children aged 4 to 16 in Luxembourg. For children born since September 1, 2009, compulsory education has now been extended to the age of 18. Students who have obtained a school-leaving certificate before the age of 18 are considered to have fulfilled this obligation.
The Luxembourg education system is structured in three main stages:primary or elementary education up to the age of 12,secondary education, which corresponds to high school from 12 to 19 years of age, andhigher education beyond that.
Public schools are open to all and free of charge
In Luxembourg, public education is free and open to all, from primary school to high school. The Luxembourg government funds the education of its population.
Luxembourg invests in its youth and education to give young people every opportunity to integrate into society, including children from immigrant backgrounds. Pupils and students attending public schools do not pay tuition fees.
Luxembourg universities charge tuition fees. However, under certain conditions, students can receive scholarships from the following state agency: mengstudien.public.lu , effectively making tuition fees zero.
Multilingualism in Luxembourg's education system
Luxembourg is a multilingual country. This is reflected in its education system. The official languages of instruction are Luxembourgish, French, and German. In addition, English is taught as a foreign language in most high schools, starting in the second year of secondary school. The education system offers a real advantage in terms of language learning.
Regardless of their origin or nationality, children have the opportunity to learn several languages very quickly and become multilingual.
International education system, adapted to foreigners
Luxembourg is home to many expatriates. The education system is designed to meet the needs of all its residents, including non-Luxembourgers. Every effort is made to welcome foreign children, with tailored academic support and guidance.
Foreign students who are new to Luxembourg can thus integrate as well as possible into the school system of their country of origin or a different school system if they wish. Luxembourg offers a wide range of educational options, with several school systems: Luxembourgish, French, British, European, and international.
Relatively high level of education
Luxembourg has a generally high level of education. Schools are well equipped and teachers are qualified.
Unfortunately, the results of the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) studies do not confirm this observation. In the latest ranking in 2018, which included 15-year-old students, Luxembourg ranked below the OECD average in all three subjects studied:
- reading: 470 points compared to 487 for the OECD
- natural sciences: 477 points compared to 489 for the OECD
- mathematics: 483 points compared to 489 for the OECD.
It should be noted that Luxembourg has a very high proportion of foreign students (at least 55%) whose mother tongue differs from the national languages of instruction. It should also be noted that secondary school education is conducted in languages (German/French) that differ from the language predominantly used at home by native Luxembourgish children.
The next PISA study will take place in 2025. It will be important to monitor the results in light of the significant internationalization of public secondary education since 2019.
Does your child need help with science subjects, or do you want to brush up on your own knowledge? Contact Corps Enseignant.
Higher education in full development
Luxembourg has a number of higher education institutions, including the University of Luxembourg. Established relatively recently, the University now offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The country is also home to a number of research institutions, including the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology.
Luxembourg also invests heavily in research and development, which has led to the development of a thriving research community.
In addition, in order to promote higher education among its population , Luxembourg invests heavily in its students.
Continuing professional education in Luxembourg
Vocational training is highly developed in Luxembourg. Adults wishing to train or retrain can find a wide range of courses at reasonable prices.
Whether they are looking for language courses or training in specific fields, newcomers and long-term residents alike are sure to find something to suit them amongthe continuing education options available.
There are also master's degree programs available , particularly in management, to enhance your resume and skills.
Find out about education: public organizations
Maison de l’Orientation for school or career guidance
The Guidance Center is a one-stop shop that brings together all the administrations and services that help young people navigate school, student, and professional life in the Grand Duchy.
By identifying their interests and helping them develop their skills and abilities, the Maison de l’Orientation enables them to find out about vocational training courses that match their profile and thus provides them with practical support in their career guidance and job search.
More information about the Maison de l'Orientation
Mengshoul, a platform for secondary and higher education
Mengshoul.lu is an interactive web platform that enables future middle school/high school or university students to easily find institutions where they can pursue their secondary or higher education, or vocational training that matches their profile and expectations.
Mengshoul.lu was created on the initiative of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth.
The platform lists all secondary schools in Luxembourg and international secondary schools. An interactive map with a filter system allows users to quickly select the secondary school that best suits their needs and locate it within Luxembourg.
A detailed profile is provided for each selected school: school profile, partners and associations, school life and culture, activities and support offered, student guidance. The profile makes it easier for parents and students to choose their future school.
Visit the Ecole.orientation.lu platform
More information onsecondary education and higher education in Luxembourg
Ministry of Education, Children and Youth
The Ministry of Education, Children and Youth is responsible for the education system in Luxembourg, as well as for all information concerning childcare and youth services. School is compulsory in Luxembourg from ages 4 to 16.
You will find detailed explanations about the Luxembourg school system and how to enroll your child in school on the website of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth . You can also find intercultural mediators if necessary, as well as all the information you need about childcare and youth services in Luxembourg.
Here you will find everything you need to know before moving to Luxembourg.
To facilitate your academic and professional integration, check out our advice on obtaining equivalence for your diplomas and professional qualifications in Luxembourg, which will allow you to validate your experience.
Are you moving to Luxembourg? Find all the information you need for free in our New Arrivals Guide.
Articles de la catégorie Education – Enseignement supérieur au Luxembourg
University, higher education, and financial aid
In Luxembourg, young high school graduates can choose between continuing their higher education in Luxembourg or going abroad to study. Here you will find options for higher education in Luxembourg, at university or other higher education institutions.
Reception and academic support for foreign children
Has your family recently moved to Luxembourg or are you about to do so? To help newly arrived students (less than 24 months) integrate, the Ministry of Education offers a comprehensive school welcome and integration program for parents and students.
Luxembourg public primary school system
In Luxembourg, school attendance is compulsory from ages 4 to 16, or even 18. Here is some more information about the Luxembourg school system.