Study in Italy

Italy is a popular destination for international students. It offer quality higher education with more affordable tuition fees than other Western European countries. Around 32,000 international students in Italy, including independent students and those on exchange programmes. With a rich history and tradition of higher education, Italy always an attractive option for students.

The combination of cutting-edge education and rich historical traditions make studying in Italy an amazing intellectual experience. First off, a thorough education guarantee by the wide range of programs offer by Italy’s respected institutions in several subjects. It is further enhanced by the breathtaking scenery and dynamic culture of the nation. Italian colleges well known for their cutting-edge teaching strategies and chances for research. 

As thus, learners acquire both conceptual understanding and applied competencies. Further broadening horizons is travel to neighbouring nations made possible by Italy’s advantageous location in Europe. For foreign students looking for an unforgettable and fulfilling educational experience, studying in Italy ultimately blends academic brilliance with cultural immersion, making it a tempting choice.

Why study in Italy

Some of the first universities in Europe found in Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The University of Bologna, found in 1088, recognise as the oldest university to still operate. Today, Italy is the home of many prestigious institutions of higher education. Many of Italy’s institutions perform well in the QS World University Rankings, appearing in the top 200 each year.

Italy has play an important role in recent reform of higher education. This reform is known as the “Bologna Process”. The country one of the four countries that created the European Area of Higher Education. Form by signing the Sorbonne Declaration in 1998, which was to be the first step in the higher education reform. Today the Bologna Process implemented throughout Europe.

Italy around 97 universities, which are divided into several categories:

  • State universities: These state funded public institutions and make up the majority in Italy.
  • Other publicly funded universities: Fund by Province rather than state.
  • Private universities: Non state funded.
  • Superior Graduate Schools (Scuola Superiore Universitaria): These independent institutions that offering advanced training and research courses specialising in postgraduate studies.

You will also find 137 other higher education institutions throughout Italy. These academies that specialise in certain sectors. They range from art, music and dance colleges, to research based and technical institutions.

The Italian higher education system has several levels of higher education. Completing undergraduate studies (bachelor’s degree – ‘laurea’) can lead to master’s studies and earning a master’s degree (‘laurea magistrale’). Bachelor’s studies typically take 3 years to complete and master’s studies take 1 year. Following the completion of your masters studies you can do a PhD which usually lasts 3 academic years.

Language Requirements

The national language of Italy is Italian, so it is a great chance to learn another language. Having multiple languages is a fantastic skill, and look great on your CV!

If your course in Italian, you need will need to provide evidence of your language proficiency. If you can’t provide this evidence, need to improve your skills, many institutions offer language courses.

As well as courses taught in Italian, an increasing amount being taught in English. You need to provide evidence that your English skills meet the required standard for your specific course. If you do not meet these standards, most institutions offer courses that allow you to improve your language skills.

If you choose to study in English, it is still encourage that you make the most of being in a new country. You immerse yourself in the culture and traditions. Try your best to pick up the Italian language and interact with the locals to help you improve. This make your time more enjoyable, and has the potential to make you more employable!