Italy approves 30,241 teacher‑training places for special‑needs support

The Italian Ministry of University and Research, headed by Minister Anna Maria Bernini, signed a decree authorising 30 241 positions for the eleventh cycle of the TFA special‑needs teaching specialization (TFA sostegno) for the 2025/26 academic year. The slots are allocated among Italian universities according to the Ministry of Education’s expressed needs and form part of a three‑year plan that will ultimately provide 90 000 places.

Candidates must pass a preselection test and subsequent written and oral exams scheduled for 14–17 July 2026, with the primary‑school track receiving 21 202 places. Courses are to begin in September 2026 and must conclude by 30 June 2027. The decree also outlines eligibility criteria for teachers from early childhood through secondary education, ensuring a qualified workforce to support students with disabilities.