In Italy, schools are mainly State schools. Non-state schools may either have a status equal to State schools (paritarie) or be merely private schools. Paritarie schools are run by either private subjects or public subjects (e.g. local authorities such as Municipalities and Provinces) and have obtained the equal status after meeting some specific requirements (law no. 62/2000). Paritarie schools are public entities and can release all official certifications foreseen by the Italian education system. Merely private schools are not part of the Italian education system and cannot release official certifications.

The State directly finances State schools through funds included in the budget of the Ministry of education and merit (Ministero dell'istruzione e del merito, MIM - from now on referred to also as Ministry or MIM).

Paritarie schools, as they are part of the national education system, receive State funds according to specific criteria established by regulations. Regulations also establish that priority must be given to those schools run by no-profit entities (Ministerial Decree of 21 May 2007).

Funding of regional vocational education and training (Istruzione e formazione professionale, IeFP) involves several subjects according to the different types of courses: the Regions, the Provinces, the Ministry of labour and/or the Ministry. Courses can be financed also through EU funds.

The Higher Technical education and training system (IFTS) is financed by the State and co-financed by the Regions.

The State directly finances higher education institutions (universities and Afam institutions) through funds included in the budget of the Ministry of university and research.