Definitions
The following are to be regarded as pupils or students:
- those who of 15 to 27 years of age;
- registered with a Luxembourg or foreign educational institution; and
- who regularly attend a full-time teaching course.
However, Article 4 of the of the law of July 20, 2023 on compulsory schooling provides that compulsory schooling extends, from 1 September 2026, from the age of 4 completed before 1 September until the age of 18, meaning from age 4 to 18.
Exception: Compulsory schooling may end before age 18 upon obtaining:
- A diploma or certificate certifying the completion of secondary education and vocational training, issued by a Luxembourg public institution or by a private institution accredited by the Luxembourg State; or
- Another diploma or certificate recognized as equivalent to one of the diplomas or certificates mentioned by law or by a decision of the Minister of National Education.
It should be noted that, pursuant to Article 16 of the aforementioned Law, the extension of compulsory schooling until the age of 18 applies to pupils who have not yet attained the age of 17 by 1 September 2026. Accordingly, pupils who have already attained the age of 17 before that date remain subject to the previous provisions, under which compulsory schooling applies until 1 September following their 16th birthday.
Note: A minor aged at least 16 who has entered into an employment contract may be granted an exemption from compulsory schooling for the duration of that employment contract. For this purpose, the persons holding parental authority may submit a written application to the Minister for Education, Children and Youth, accompanied by a copy of the employment contract, no later than eight days before the beginning of the requested exemption.
The former Minister of National Education and Vocational Training and the Minister of Labour stated in their response to Parliamentary Question No. 3107 that the minimum age to enter into a student contract remains fixed at at least 15 years old.