Information about schools and education
Are you an expat or a future expat in Luxembourg? Would you like to learn more about the educational systems available in Luxembourg so you can enroll your children? Are you the spouse of an expat and interested in adult education programs yourself?
Here are some key things to know about education in Luxembourg to help you prepare for your move and that of your children.
It’s important to know that Luxembourg has a highly developed education system tailored to its multicultural population.
Compulsory Education Structured by Age
First of all, education is compulsory for children aged 4 to 16 in Luxembourg. For children born on or after September 1, 2009, compulsory education has now been extended to age 18. Students who have obtained a diploma before the age of 18 are considered to have fulfilled this obligation.
The Luxembourg education system is structured into three main stages:primary or elementary education up to age 12, secondary education (corresponding to high school) from ages 12 to 19,and higher education thereafter.
Public schools are open to all and free of charge
In Luxembourg, public schools are free and open to all, from primaryschool through 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. Students attending public schools do not pay tuition fees.
Luxembourg universities charge tuition fees. However, under certain conditions, students may be eligible for a scholarship from the following government 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 educational system offers a real advantage when it comes to language learning.
Regardless of their background or nationality, children have the opportunity to learn several languages very quickly and become multilingual.
An international education system tailored 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 as effectively as possible, with tailored academic support and guidance.
Foreign students who have recently arrived in Luxembourg can thus integrate as smoothly 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 standard of education
Luxembourg has a generally high standard 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 2018 ranking, which included 15-year-old students, Luxembourg scored below the OECD average in all three subjects tested:
- reading: 470 points compared to 487 for the OECD
- science: 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 native language differs from the national languages of instruction. It should also be noted that instruction in high school is conducted in languages (German/French) other than the language predominantly used at home by children native to Luxembourg.
The next PISA study took place in 2025. Results are expected to be released in late 2026. It will be important to monitor the results in light of the significant internationalization of public secondary education since 2019.
Does your child need a little extra help with science subjects, or do you want to brush up on your skills? Contact Corps Enseignant.
A Thriving Higher Education Sector
Luxembourg is home to a number of higher education institutions, including the University of Luxembourg. Founded 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 growth of a thriving research community.
Furthermore, to promote higher education among its population , Luxembourg invests heavily in its students.
How to apply for a graduate scholarship?
Continuing Professional Education in Luxembourg
Vocational training is highly developed in Luxembourg. Adults looking to gain new skills or change careers can find a wide range of training programs at fairly reasonable costs.
Whether for language courses or training in specific fields, newcomers and long-time residents alike can find what they’re looking foramong the continuing education options.
You can also find master’s programs, particularly in management, to enhance your resume and skills.
Learn about education: public organizations
Career Guidance Center for Academic and Professional Life
The Career Guidance Center is a one-stop shop that brings together under one roof all the administrative bodies and services that help young people navigate school, student life, and professional life in the Grand Duchy.
By identifying their interests and helping them develop their abilities and skills, the Career Guidance Center enables them to learn about vocational training programs that match their profile and thus provides concrete support in their career planning and job search.
More information on the Maison de l’Orientation
Mengshoul, a platform for secondary and higher education
Mengshoul.lu is an interactive web platform that allows future middle school, high school, or college students to easily find schools to continue their secondary or higher education, or vocational training that matches their profile and expectations.
Mengshoul.lu was created at the initiative of the Ministry of National Education, Children, and Youth.
The platform lists all secondary schools in Luxembourg, including both local and international institutions. An interactivemap with a filtering system allows users to quickly select the appropriate secondary school based on their preferences 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, and student guidance. This information helps parents and students navigate the process more easily when choosing their future school.
Visit the Ecole.orientalion.lu platform
More informationon secondary education and higher education in Luxembourg
Ministry of National Education, Children, and Youth
The Ministry of National Education, Children, and Youth is responsible for the education system in Luxembourg, as well as for all information regarding care for children and young people. School is mandatory from ages 4 to 16 in Luxembourg.
On the website of the Ministry of National Education, Children, and Youth , you will find detailed explanations about the Luxembourg school system and how to enroll your child in school. You can also find intercultural mediators there if needed, as well as all information regarding the care of children and young people in Luxembourg.
Find here the essentials you need to know before moving to Luxembourg.
To help you integrate academically and professionally, check out our tips on obtaining equivalency for your diplomas and professional qualifications in Luxembourg, which will validate your experience.
Moving to Luxembourg? Get all the useful information for free with our Newcomer’s Guide, Just Arrived
Articles de la catégorie Education – Higher education in 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.
High schools and secondary education in Luxembourg
At age 12, after completing primary school, students in the Luxembourg education system move on to secondary school, where they are required to continue their education until age 18 or until they obtain a diploma or certificate of completion.