Compare International Schools in Trieste, Italy

Trieste, Italy, in the Opicina district. Located at Via di Conconello 16, 34151 Opicina (Trieste).

The school is organized into five age-based sections: Nursery (ages 2–3); Early Childhood (ages 3–6); Elementary School (ages 6–11); Middle School (ages 11–14); High School (ages 14–19). The High School opened in 2006.

Non-profit English-language international school. Diplomas are fully and legally recognized by Italian law and enable admission to Italian and foreign universities.

31 nationalities represented.

Italy.

Morning supervision is available from 7:30 am or 8:00 am; Afternoon supervision runs 3:00–3:45 pm. The Trieste bus shuttle operates daily between the city centre and IST (8:00 am from Piazza Oberdan; 4:00 pm from IST), with IST arrivals at 8:25 am and 4:25 pm; regional shuttles to Udine and Ronchi dei Legionari are available with stops along the route, subject to availability and health guidelines.

Trieste bus shuttle: daily service to and from the city centre; morning 8:00 am departure, IST arrival 8:25 am; afternoon 4:00 pm departure, IST arrival 4:25 pm; stops can be arranged; regional shuttles to Udine and Ronchi dei Legionari with stops in Monfalcone, Duino and Sistiana; subject to seat availability and health guidelines.

A physical education uniform is required: grey T-shirt and navy blue track suit or shorts.

Lunch is provided daily for all students; snacks for Early Childhood; meals are prepared on site by a kitchen team; vegan/vegetarian and allergy accommodations are available; Pedevilla is the catering company for 2025–2026.

Non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors; President is dott. Alberto Fonzar; the board includes a Vice President, an Honorary President, and other members. The school was founded in 1964 as a non-profit by the ICTP and the Italo-American Association.

The IST Curriculum uses a total-immersion English program across Early Childhood through High School, with Italian taught by native-speaker teachers and Italian as a core subject. Early Childhood (Kinder 2–5) covers Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, with Physical Education introduced in Kinder 4 and 5. Elementary (Grades 1–5) includes Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, with Italian taught by native speakers; Physical Education, Art and Music complete the program. Middle School (Grades 6–8) offers English Language and Literature, Italian Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, and World Languages (French, German or Spanish); Grade 8 may take the A2 CEFR examinations in French (DELF), Spanish (DELE) or German (ÖSD). High School (Grades 9–13) provides English Language and Literature, Italian Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and World Languages; World Language external exams at B1/B2 CEFR levels are available in Grades 12–13. Electives in Grades 9–11 include 2D Art, Mandarin Chinese I, Math Lab, Communication or Latin, with Latin introduced in Grade 7; Grades 12–13 electives include 3D Art, Mandarin Chinese II, Physics II, Study Hall, Communication or Latin. PE is taught in Grades 9–10. The final two years include Research Design to support the Senior Thesis (an 8000-word capstone). The Diploma is fully and legally recognized under Italian law designed for the school.

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IST graduates have been accepted to prestigious universities around the world. Since the first High School graduates in 2011, more than 120 students have gone on to study at universities in Italy and abroad. The majority pursue English-language programs. Recent acceptances include St Andrews (UK), Dartmouth College (USA), Bocconi University (Italy), Florida Tech (USA), Northeastern University (USA), University of Trieste (Italy), Sciences Po (France), University of Surrey (UK), UCL (UK), King's College London (UK), Cambridge (UK), Sorbonne University (France), The University of Hong Kong, Waseda University (Japan) and Yonsei University (South Korea).

Graduates enroll in universities in Italy and abroad, with many pursuing English-language programs. Since 2011 IST has produced High School graduates who attend universities worldwide; the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States and Italy are among the most popular destinations. Recent acceptances include St Andrews, Dartmouth, Bocconi, Florida Tech, Northeastern, Trieste, Sciences Po, Surrey, UCL, King's College London, Cambridge, Sorbonne, HKU, Waseda and Yonsei.

The International School of Trieste emphasizes social-emotional development and character education as part of a well-rounded program. In Early Childhood, the environment fosters caring behavior and the development of essential character traits, with students encouraged to be a “Caring Student.” The school describes its mission as providing a well-rounded education with a focus on character and preparing students as global citizens for diverse opportunities and studies. The school's culture centers on relationships, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding as core to learning. These elements support students' social-emotional growth across all grades.

Education is delivered in English through total immersion; all subjects are taught in English. For middle school, an assessment may determine the need for English or Italian language support (EAL or IAL).

The University Counseling Center offers guidance and support during the orientation and application process for Italian and foreign universities, and a detailed University Handbook is given to all Grade 11 students. Counseling programs are aligned with standards of the American School Counseling Association.

The school states that safeguarding students is taken very seriously; prospective staff are required to present background checks and follow related school procedures upon hiring.

1. Parents wishing to enroll their children should arrange an initial appointment through the Front Office via phone or email, which takes place between 8:35am and 3:45pm. A member of the Welcome Committee will greet the family, provide a tour of the school, and answer questions concerning the taught program and school life. The visit introduces families to the school environment and daily life to support the enrollment decision. The Front Office coordinates the appointment and guides families through the next steps.

2. For students seeking admission to the Middle School or High School sections, an admission test and/or an interview with the Director and/or teachers is required to determine the scholastic level of the candidate and placement for the class for which they have applied. This process also determines whether English as an Additional Language (EAL) support may be necessary. Applicants must provide their two most recent report cards upon application.

3. With some exceptions, enrollment is possible at any time during the school year provided there is space in the appropriate class. Early applications are encouraged to check space in the preferred grade. The admissions process considers test results and interviews to determine placement and EAL needs. Registration and placement decisions are managed through the Front Office and the Director.

4. For inquiries about the school or to apply now, contact the Front Office via email or telephone. The online application form is accessible through the admissions link to begin the process. The Front Office provides guidance on next steps and required documents for admission.

UWC Adriatic is located in the seaside village of Duino, Italy, at the crossroads of Germanic, Latin, and Slavic cultures, just north of Trieste. The campus is in Duino Aurisina (TS). The address is Frazione Duino 29, 34011 Duino Aurisina (TS), Italy.

Ages 16 to 19; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curriculum for assessment, over a two-year cycle.

Private international boarding college

184 students; 78 nationalities represented.

Academic and learning support; language support for English Language Learners; peer study support; university guidance counselling; mental health and wellbeing support.

Italy

Residential life is provided. Students live in residences within the village of Duino. Residence Tutors oversee the operation of their assigned residences and foster a strong sense of community; Residence Assistants support the Tutors in maintaining safety and wellbeing. A Medical Centre is on-site with a College Nurse on weekdays and another nurse on weekends; the College Doctor attends three afternoons a week; emergencies can be addressed via the National Health Service (112).

There is no formal school uniform. Packing guidance specifies 1-2 semi-dressy outfits for special events; for major events a dress code may apply: Black Tie Optional or National Costume.

Dining is provided in the Mensa (cafeteria) during term times, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. The Mensa is located on the ground floor of the Foresteria residence. Non-pork and vegetarian options are always available, and there are two vegetarian days each week. Students sign into Mensa with a printing code; if eating out or getting take-aways, they must inform the Student Contact Officer at least 24 hours in advance. Cultural group meals can be organised via the student group meal request form.

UWC Adriatic is a not-for-profit organization. The governance structure includes a President (the legal representative beyond Rettore), Rettore (Rector), Deputy President, a Management Board, a Steering Committee, and a Board of Statutory Auditors. The President leads governance, chairs meetings, and handles relations with United World Colleges International, other Colleges, National Committees, and governments; the Steering Committee and Management Board oversee budget, regulations, and strategic decisions; the Board of Statutory Auditors provides financial oversight.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curriculum is followed. The IBDP was developed in collaboration with the UWC movement to provide a rigorous, internationally-minded curriculum.

A full-time University Counsellor assists students with university applications and life after UWC.

Social and emotional learning is supported as part of UWC Adriatic's commitment to students' wellbeing and learning. The Wellbeing Team coordinates mental health support and wellbeing across the community, including the Deputy Head-Pastoral, the College Psychologist, the Medical Staff, Residential Staff, and Tutors. The college delivers universal and targeted approaches to promote positive mental health and to identify and respond to mental health concerns. Confidentiality is upheld in wellbeing matters, with a structured approach to information sharing and safeguarding. When needed, students may access external psychiatric or psychological assessment with parental consent for those under 18, and support is planned to continue on campus as appropriate. The Wellbeing Team and related policies are monitored and reviewed through ongoing professional development and annual reporting.

The English Language Learners Orientation Programme provides students from diverse backgrounds with more equitable learning opportunities. It eases the transition by helping students adjust linguistically and culturally before the academic year begins. The programme offers English language lessons, basic Italian instruction, and social and cultural activities such as exploring Trieste, mask making, theatre, cooking together. The aim is to help students settle into their new environment with confidence and form connections that support them throughout their time at UWC Adriatic. It is led by alumnae and a team of second-year volunteers who guide new students during activities. English is the language of instruction at all UWC colleges, with initial language support available if necessary.

Building a Healthy Ecosystem initiative promotes mental and physical well-being among the UWC Adriatic community, aligning with WHO guidance. The project is inspired by the World Mental Health Report and the Health-Promoting Schools concept, and aims to develop an integrated health ecosystem on campus. It focuses on preventative health measures and peer-led health awareness, with workshops on nutrition, exercise, stress management and mental well-being. Activities include community engagement days and campaigns, with the goal of fostering a lasting health-conscious culture on campus. The Wellbeing Team coordinates mental health support on campus, including staff and student participation. The initiative is supported as part of the college's broader wellbeing strategy and seeks to extend benefits into the local community.

UWC Adriatic safeguards students to protect them from abuse and minimise risk, with a structure to protect victims and maintain professional, supportive relationships between staff and students. All teaching staff are provided with an Educational Staff Manual outlining safeguarding expectations and professional boundaries. The college designates a Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Assistant DSLs (Eva Paglia and Aparna Ramchandran) who manage safeguarding concerns. There is an allegation-management process with steps to report, assess credibility, and involve authorities if necessary. Safeguarding measures require staff to adhere to professional behaviour, report concerns, and involve a trusted third party in conversations with students. The Rettore acts as guardian for minors and must report criminal offences to authorities as appropriate.

1. UWC Adriatic does not accept direct applications. You must apply through your National Committee. The costs and scholarships section indicates that scholarships are awarded based on individual needs to ensure access to a UWC education. The vast majority of students attend UWC Adriatic thanks to full scholarships that cover all costs, and the value of a scholarship for attending United World College of the Adriatic is €52,000 for the entire two-year diploma study programme.

Full scholarships cover all costs for the two-year IB Diploma Programme. The value of a scholarship for attending UWC Adriatic is currently €52,000 for the entire two-year diploma study programme.