Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Italy's Foreign-Pupil Classroom Cap Could Affect Few Students
Italy created a rule limiting the number of foreign pupils in each classroom to 30%.
The government says this will help students integrate and prevent schools from becoming separated into groups.
The rule also bans face coverings at school.
Experts say the classroom limit may affect only about 300 children across the country.
They estimate the number could be anywhere from zero to fewer than 1,000.
Many foreign pupils were born in Italy and will not count under the rule.
Because of these exemptions, only a small number of schools may actually be affected.
Critics say the measure may be aimed at appealing to voters before next year’s elections.
Italy’s cabinet approved a 30% ceiling on foreign pupils per classroom.
The decree also bans face coverings in schools.
Experts estimate the pupil limit could affect around 300 children nationwide.
About 2,600 state schools exceeded the 30% foreign-student threshold in 2024-2025.
Italian-born students and those established in Italy’s school system are exempt.
- Who
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, foreign pupils, education experts, and critics.
- What
- Italy introduced a 30% ceiling on foreign pupils per classroom and a ban on face coverings at school.
- When
- The decree was passed the week before September 28; it concerns the 2024-2025 school-year data and elections due next year.
- Where
- State schools across Italy.
- Why
- The government says the measures will support integration, prevent “ghetto classes,” and give students equal opportunities; critics view them as an attempt to counter a rival far-right party.
Government rationale
Critics and analysts
Purpose of the decree
Government rationale
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the policy a common-sense measure to support integration, avoid “ghetto classes,” and provide equal opportunities.
Critics and analysts
Critics said the measures were intended to counter the growing appeal of the rival far-right party National Future ahead of next year’s elections.
Likely practical effect
Government rationale
The government introduced the ceiling as a way to manage the concentration of foreign pupils in classrooms.
Critics and analysts
Costanzo Ranci and a Reuters analysis estimated that exemptions mean the ceiling may affect only around 300 children, fewer than 1,000, or possibly none.
- Classroom limit
- A maximum of 30% foreign pupils per classroom.
- Additional measure
- Face coverings are banned at school.
- Estimated impact
- Experts estimate about 300 children could be affected nationwide.
- Possible range
- The number could be zero and is unlikely to exceed 1,000, according to Costanzo Ranci.
- Schools above threshold
- Around 2,600 schools, or 9% of the total, had more than 30% foreign students in 2024-2025.
- Italian-born share
- About 64.5% of foreign students were born in Italy and are exempt.
- State-school population
- Italy had around 6.2 million students in state schools, excluding nurseries, according to August 2025 data.