Education Luxembourg

Nurseries and Kindergartens (Crèche)

Enrollment process: Contact the local commune for information on available public nurseries and kindergartens. For private institutions, contact the selected garden directly for admission conditions and costs.

Optional Early Preparation (Précoce)

Enrollment process: Contact the city hall of your residence to register your child in the Précoce program.

Compulsory Preschool Preparation (Préscolaire)

Enrollment process: Registration is carried out through the local municipality (commune). It is recommended to contact in advance to secure a place for the child.

Elementary School (École primaire)

Enrollment process: Contact the education department of the local municipality of residence. Provide documents of previous education (if any) and attend an interview to assess the child's knowledge level.

Secondary School (Lycée)

Enrollment process: For children over 12 years old, it is necessary to contact the Newcomer Assistance Service. Provide translated and certified educational documents. Undergo testing to determine the level of knowledge and choose a suitable educational institution.

General Recommendations

Documents: Birth certificate of the child, documents confirming residence, medical certificates, and previous educational documents, if available, are required for enrollment in any educational institution.

Application deadlines: It is recommended to start the enrollment process in advance, especially in public institutions where the number of places is limited.

Financial Support: Luxembourg offers a childcare service voucher system that helps reduce the costs of kindergartens and extended care. For program information and registration, contact the local municipality.

 

Luxembourg offers a wide selection of kindergartens and schools with foreign language instruction, making the country attractive to international families. Here are some of them:

International Kindergartens

The International Kindergarten: Located at 5, rue Nassau, L-2213 Luxembourg. Accepts children from 2 to 4 years old. Operates Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 19:00. Education is conducted in several languages, including English and French.

Crèche de Luxembourg: Located at 12 Plt Altmuenster, 1123 Luxembourg. Open year-round from 7:30 to 18:30. Offers multilingual education, including English, French, and German languages.

International Schools:

International School of Luxembourg: Offers English-language education for children from preschool age to high school. The school is accredited for teaching the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

European School, Luxembourg I and II: These schools provide multilingual education with sections in English, French, and German. They follow the European curriculum and award the European Baccalaureate diploma.

 

In Luxembourg, the education system offers both public and private preschool and school institutions, each having its own features.

Public Educational Institutions

Preschool institutions (Crèches and Éducation Précoce):

Language environment: The main language is Luxembourgish, which facilitates early integration of children into the local community.

Cost: Public institutions are state-funded, but parents may incur small expenses depending on family income.

Elementary and Secondary Schools:

Language policy: Education is conducted in Luxembourgish, German, and French, providing multilingual education.

Curriculum: The standard national program is aimed at the comprehensive development of students.

Cost: Education is free, but small fees may be charged for additional materials or activities.

Private Educational Institutions

Preschool institutions:

Language environment: They may offer programs in various languages, including English, French, and others, attracting international families.

Cost: Private kindergartens usually charge fees, which vary depending on the institution and services provided.

Schools:

Curricula: Can follow international standards such as the International Baccalaureate or the British GCSE/A-levels system.

Language Environment: Instruction is often conducted in English, French, or other languages, providing flexibility for international students.

Cost: Education is paid, with an annual fee depending on the level and reputation of the school.

Comparative Features

Language Policy: Public schools focus on multilingualism with an emphasis on Luxembourgish, German, and French, whereas private schools may offer education in a single foreign language, often English.

Curricula: Public schools follow a national curriculum, while private schools may offer international programs adapted for international students.

Class Sizes and Individual Approach: Private schools usually have fewer students per class, allowing more attention to each child.

Cost: Public schools are free or require minimal fees, whereas private schools charge substantial tuition fees.

Below are some of the most renowned public and private schools in the country.

Public Schools

Athénée de Luxembourg: Founded in 1603, this school is the oldest in the country and is known for its high academic standards. It offers both traditional Luxembourg education and the International Baccalaureate program.

Lycée Michel Rodange: Located in Luxembourg, this school offers a wide range of academic and technical programs with a focus on multilingual education.

Lycée de Garçons Esch-sur-Alzette: Known for its strong programs in science and mathematics, as well as active extracurricular activities.

Private Schools

International School of Luxembourg: Offers English-language education from preschool to high school, including the International Baccalaureate. The school is known for its international community and high teaching standards.

Lycée Vauban: A French private school approved by the French Ministry of Education. It offers a complete education cycle from kindergarten to high school, culminating in a French diploma.

St. George's International School: An English-speaking school following the British curriculum, including GCSE and A-levels. Known for its individual approach to each student and a variety of extracurricular activities.

When choosing a school in Luxembourg, it is important to consider language preferences, academic goals, and the individual needs of the child. It is recommended to visit selected schools, familiarize yourself with their programs, and speak with teaching staff to make an informed decision.

 

The educational system in Luxembourg aims to provide inclusive education for children with special needs, offering them equal opportunities for development and socialization.

Main aspects of support for children with special needs:

Inclusive Education:

Children with special educational needs are integrated into general classes of public schools, receiving the necessary support for successful learning.

Educational institutions adapt curricula and teaching methods, taking into account the individual needs of each student.

Specialized Support Services:

Schools have special educators, psychologists, and speech therapists who provide assistance to children with special educational needs.

Additional resources and materials are provided to facilitate effective learning.

Individual Educational Plans:

An individualized education plan is developed for each child with special needs, outlining goals, methods, and necessary resources.

Plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on the student's progress.

Specialized Institutions:

For children whose needs cannot be fully met within general education, there are specialized schools and centers offering adapted programs.

Professional Development of Educators:

Teachers undergo regular training and professional development in the field of inclusive education.

Collaboration with Families:

Parents are actively involved in the educational process, participating in the development and assessment of their children's individual education plans.

 

In Luxembourg, several specialized schools operate, providing tailored educational programs for children with special needs. These institutions offer an individualized approach, specialized methods, and support, promoting the development and integration of students.

Lycée Technique pour Professions de Santé: Specializes in training healthcare professionals, including programs for students with special educational needs.

Lycée Technique des Arts et Métiers: Provides technical education with a focus on art and crafts, including programs for students with special needs.

Lycée Technique du Centre: Offers a wide range of technical and vocational programs, including support for students with special educational needs.

These schools strive to create an inclusive educational environment, providing the necessary resources and support for the successful education of children with special needs. It is recommended to contact the selected institution directly for detailed information on the programs and services offered.

Luxembourg places great importance on the integration of foreign children into its educational system, offering various programs and language courses to facilitate their adaptation.

Integration and Student Reception Department

SECAM provides information and consultations to families newly arrived in Luxembourg, helping to identify the most suitable educational trajectory for their children.

Services: Individual support for students during the first two years of schooling, organizing meetings at SECAM offices or via video conferencing.

International public schools

Six public international schools offer educational programs in various languages, including English, French, and German, promoting the integration of children from different countries.

Features: Organization of special English classes, followed by transition to regular international classes.

Language courses

Institut National des Langues: The National Language Institute offers courses in Luxembourgish, French, German, and other languages for children and adults.

Features: Courses are structured by levels (A, B, C), each subdivided into four sublevels, ensuring a sequential language learning experience.

Online platform LLO.LU: The Ministry of National Education and the National Language Institute launched a free digital platform for learning Luxembourgish.

Features: Available to everyone, offering interactive lessons accessible from personal computers and smartphones.

 

Program Biergerpakt: An initiative of the Ministry of Family and Solidarity aimed at integrating new residents of Luxembourg.

Features: Includes the signing of an Integration Agreement and participation in an Integration Day, providing key information on living in the country and career orientation.

These programs and courses aim to support foreign children in their integration into Luxembourg society, providing them access to quality education and facilitating their successful adaptation.

 

In Luxembourg, extracurricular activities for children are organized at a high level, offering diverse opportunities for development and leisure.

Afterschool groups

Description: Afterschool groups provide childcare after school hours, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment. Includes homework assistance, creative activities, sports games, and cultural events.

Organization: Managed by local communes or private organizations.

Registration: Parents can enroll their child through the local municipality or directly at the chosen institution.

Clubs and groups

Types: Music, art, sports, science, languages, and more.

Organization: Can take place in schools or specialized centers.

Availability: Since September 2022, many clubs organized by communes have become free for children.

Summer and seasonal camps

Types: Day and residential, with a focus on sports, art, science, or language immersion.

Organization: Conducted by both government institutions and private organizations.

Registration: Required in advance, especially for popular programs.

Sports Clubs

Types of sports: Football, basketball, swimming, tennis, and others.

Organization: Local sports clubs and associations offer regular training and participation in competitions.

Artistic and Cultural Programs

Focus areas: Theater, music, visual arts, dance.

Organization: Cultural centers and art schools provide courses and workshops for children of various ages.

Language Courses

Description: Courses for foreign children and locals are available for learning Luxembourgish, French, German, and other languages.

Organization: Offered by both government institutions and private language schools.

Registration and Cost:

Registration: Usually done through schools, local communes, or directly with the organizations offering the programs.

Cost: Varies depending on the program; many clubs organized by communes are free, although some specialized courses may require payment.

 

School Education

Primary School:

Knowledge is assessed using a letter scale:

A — Excellent

B — Good

C — Satisfactory

D — Unsatisfactory

Teachers regularly fill out student diaries, recording grades and comments. Parents are required to check and sign the diary entries daily.

Secondary School:

In secondary school, a 60-point grading system is applied, where 60 points correspond to the highest grade, and 30 points are the minimum passing mark.

Grades are assigned for different subjects, and the average score determines the student's academic performance.

Higher Education

Universities:

In Luxembourg universities, a modular grading system is used.

Each module consists of several subjects, and to successfully complete the module, a student must score a certain number of points.

The passing score usually is 10 out of 20. If a student does not reach this score in one subject but has high grades in others, the module can be passed due to the average score.

Thus, the grading system in Luxembourg is aimed at objectively reflecting the knowledge and skills of students, ensuring transparency and fairness in the learning process.

 

Luxembourg offers foreign students quality higher education in a multilingual and multicultural environment. To successfully enroll in the country's universities, the following requirements need to be considered:

Academic Qualification

Secondary Education Certificate: Candidates must provide a certificate confirming the completion of secondary education, recognized as equivalent to the Luxembourg secondary education diploma.

Grade Point Average (GPA): Many universities require a minimum GPA. For example, the University of Luxembourg sets a threshold GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

Language Proficiency

Multilingual education: Educational programs are frequently conducted in several languages: English, French, and German.

Language proficiency certificates: Candidates must provide results from internationally recognized exams:

English Language: IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT with a score of no less than 80.

French and German Languages: Certificates confirming the appropriate level of language proficiency, depending on the requirements of the specific program.

Personal Statement and Recommendations

Motivation Letter: Explains the reasons for choosing the program and university, as well as the candidate's career goals.

Recommendation Letters: From teachers or employers, confirming the candidate's academic and personal qualities.

Entrance Exams

Specific tests: Some programs may require additional exams or interviews.

Standardized Tests: For some programs, GRE or GMAT results may be required.

Visa Requirements

Temporary Residence Permit: Before applying for a visa, a temporary permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg.

Student Visa (Type D): After obtaining a temporary permit, candidates apply for a Type D visa at the Luxembourg consulate or embassy in their country.

Financial Requirements

Tuition Fees: Tuition costs vary depending on the program and university. For example, at the University of Luxembourg, the cost of undergraduate studies is 400 euros for the first two semesters and 200 euros for each subsequent semester.

Proof of Financial Solvency: It is necessary to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover education and living expenses.

International students are advised to familiarize themselves in advance with the specific requirements of the chosen university and program, as they may vary.

 

For admission to universities in Luxembourg, foreign applicants need to validate their diplomas and certificates to ensure their qualifications meet Luxembourg educational standards. This process involves several key steps:

Recognition of Foreign Diplomas

Contacting the National Information Center for Academic Recognition (NARIC): In Luxembourg, the NARIC center is responsible for the recognition of foreign educational documents. Applicants are encouraged to contact this center for official confirmation of their diploma equivalence.

Document Submission: It is necessary to provide the original diplomas, their supplements, and, if required, their certified translations into one of Luxembourg’s official languages (French, German, or Luxembourgish).

Document Legalization: Depending on the country of diploma issuance, an apostille or consular legalization may be required to confirm the authenticity of the documents.

Language Requirements

Language Proficiency Confirmation: Since education in Luxembourg is conducted in several languages (French, German, English), applicants must confirm their knowledge of the relevant language. This may be a B2 certificate or higher, or documentary proof of language study over a certain period.

Specific University Requirements

Additional Checks: Some universities may conduct their own checks or testing to verify the applicant's qualifications.

Specific Requirements for Certain Specialties: Certain fields of study may have additional requirements, such as proof of professional experience or entrance exams.

It is important to note that the process of diploma recognition can take a considerable amount of time, so it is recommended to start it well in advance before applying to the university.

 

In Luxembourg, adults are offered a wide range of additional courses and programs aimed at language learning and professional development.

Language Courses

National Institute of Languages: Offers courses in Luxembourgish, French, German, English, and other languages; conducts exams required for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship. Courses are structured by language proficiency levels, from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1).

Private Language Schools:

Berlitz, Inlingua, Learn Luxembourgish, Prolingua, SpeakUp, and Etic Lëtzebuergesch offer individual and group classes, including online courses.

EducateMe provides online lessons with options for small group or individual learning.

Online Resources:

uTalk — an app for learning Luxembourgish, focused on practical use and developing conversational skills.

Professional Courses and Programs

University of Luxembourg: Offers advanced training and professional retraining programs in various fields, including business, information technology, and engineering sciences.

Luxembourg School of Business: Specializes in MBA programs and courses for professionals seeking to enhance their management skills.

Lifelong Learning Center: Provides a wide range of adult courses, including professional training sessions, seminars, and workshops in various areas.