Diplom+ Marks Five Years, Boosting Skills and Confidence for Luxembourg’s Youth
The Diplom+ program, launched by Luxembourg’s Ministry of National Education, Children, and Youth in 2020, celebrated its fifth anniversary last week by awarding certificates to 33 young participants of the 2024/2025 cohort. The ceremony, held at the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM), underscored the program’s growing role in helping young people transition into higher education or the workforce.
Minister Claude Meisch praised the initiative’s impact, highlighting how it provides a meaningful pathway for graduates to explore their interests, develop essential skills, and build confidence. Since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, Diplom+ has supported 485 participants, quickly establishing itself as a core part of Luxembourg’s education offering.
Targeted at young people holding a secondary school diploma or technical qualification—and even those who have stepped away from higher education—Diplom+ allows them to maintain student status while gaining new competencies. In the 2024/2025 cycle, 79 students enrolled. By the end, 66 will receive certificates, marking a success rate that reflects the program’s tailored approach to individual growth.
Over three semesters, students engaged in a wide-ranging curriculum. The first term focused on personal and professional development, with topics like time and stress management, project planning, and first aid. In the second term, participants chose from modules in crafts, IT design, or computer science, acquiring hands-on experience in fields such as carpentry, web development, and coding. The program concluded with internships that placed students in companies or organizations, giving them a chance to apply their skills and explore potential careers.
The program also revealed the ambitions of its participants. Around 60% aimed to continue to higher education, while nearly 20% planned to enter the job market directly. This dual focus on academic and practical outcomes has made Diplom+ a strong bridge for young people at a critical stage of decision-making.
Looking ahead, Diplom+ will evolve. From the 2025/2026 academic year, it will run over a single semester, expanding the core curriculum to include artificial intelligence fundamentals and advanced learning strategies. Participants will choose from four specialized “packs”—management, digital, art, and social studies—before moving into internships and career exploration.
Enrollment for the fall semester is open until September 8, with two sessions planned through mid-2026. More details, including information session dates and registration forms, are available at diplomplus.lu.
Through initiatives like Diplom+, Luxembourg is strengthening its commitment to empowering its youth, offering them more than just a safety net, but a springboard to a promising future.
Photo – Claude MEISCH, Minister of National Education, Children and Youth and the group