As from 1 September 2026, and in accordance with Article 4 of the Law of 20 July 2023 on compulsory schooling , compulsory schooling applies from the age of 4 to the age of 18.
By way of exception, compulsory schooling may end before age of 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.
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.
However, Article 5 of the same Law provides that a pupil who has attained the age of 15 and who is eligible to enter into an apprenticeship fulfils the compulsory schooling requirement by attending the concomitant vocational courses.
Accordingly, an apprentice may be employed under an apprenticeship contract from the age of 15.
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.