Luxembourg’s 2026 final secondary-school exams begin on 18 May with 3,957 candidates

Luxembourg’s final secondary-school exam season begins on Monday, 18 May 2026, when written tests start for pupils in classical secondary education and general secondary education. The exams mark the last formal step before the diploma that opens access to higher education or working life.

A total of 3,957 candidates are registered for the summer session, according to figures reported by the Ministry of Education and RTL. The group includes 2,224 young women, or 56.2%, and 1,733 young men, or 43.8%.

The split between school tracks is almost even but still weighted toward general secondary education: 1,750 candidates are sitting the final exam in classical secondary education, while 2,207 are registered in general secondary education. Ten candidates, four women and six men, followed evening courses.

The logistical operation is substantial. The ministry says 1,674 members across 272 examination commissions will evaluate written, oral or practical tests. Education Minister Claude Meisch wished candidates success in exams that conclude their lycée studies and open the path to university or employment.

The ministry’s exam rules explain why the results matter beyond a single test period. In both classical and general secondary education, the final mark in each examination subject combines one third of the annual mark and two thirds of the exam mark. Oral tests count for one quarter of the exam mark in the subject concerned.

The diploma is also accompanied by supporting documents, including a certificate of marks and a description of the school curriculum. That documentation is designed to help graduates apply to universities, higher education institutions or jobs inside and outside Luxembourg.