Basic Information about Italy

Italian culture is deeply rooted in ancient civilizations which flourished on the peninsula for over a millennium and left their imprint all over the country in arts, legal system and traditions. Thanks to its traditions and innovations, Italy became the cradle of visual arts, music, poetry, literature and played and continues to play an influential role in Europe’s culture and society as a whole.

Today, Italy ranks among the 8 most industrialized countries in the world. Alongside big companies, state-owned and private, it has developed a sound network of small and medium-sized enterprises, promoted scientific parks, and fostered basic and applied research in a wide variety of fields such as biology, ICT, medicine, physics and space science.

The 20 Nobel Prize laureates since 1906 prove the world recognition of the achievements of Italian scientists, physicians, chemists, literature men and economists who excelled in different spheres, including medicine, chemistry, literature and economics.

Italian hospitality, lifestyle and the high quality of education have made Italy a great place for living and studying.

The Higher Education System

Italy has a very long tradition in higher education. It is the country where the first and among the most important European Universities were founded during the Middle-ages. Moreover, it has played an important role in European higher education reform as it was engaged to create the so-called “European Area of Higher Education”, which is being implemented all over Europe. Italy has become one of the country in which there has been a significant growth in number of international students in the last 10 years.

At present, the university sector is made up of 89 university institutions classified as state universities, non state universities, universities for foreigners, university institutions specialized in postgraduate studies, telematic universities. In addition, there are other types of educational institutions, the non-university sector, that covered traditionally art but it has since expanded into other areas such as the interpreting and translating professions or language mediation, as well as psychotherapy at postgraduate institutes/schools, courses at military academies, higher technical education and training as well as vocational post-secondary professional education and training by the Regions.

Undergraduate studies consist of Corsi di Laurea (CL=First Degree Courses) aimed at guaranteeing students adequate command of general scientific methods and contents, as well as specific professional skills. First degree courses last three years.

Graduate studies include Corsi di Laurea Magistrale (LM = Second Degree Courses) and Corsi di Master Universitario di 1° Livello (CMU1 = First Level University Master’s Degree Courses). The duration of the courses varies from two to three years.

Postgraduate studies include Corsi di Dottorato di Ricerca (CDR = Research Doctorate Programmes), Corsi di Specializzazione (CS = Specialization Courses) and Corsi di Master Universitario di 2° Livello (CMU2 = Second Level University Mastrer’s Degree Courses).

Classes are mainly held in Italian, although there is an increasing number in English. For the course held in Italian, students are asked to be competent in Italian Language, and will be tested prior to admission. For Italian Language study, students can attend language courses either at the State Universities, such as the University for Foreigners of Perugia (www.unistrapg.it) or of Siena (www.unistrasi.it), or at other private institutions authorized to issue the required certification.

To be eligible for admission students are required to hold a school qualification conferred on completion of minimum 12 years of previous schooling. Candidates may contact their local diplomatic mission for further information and for official submission of pre-enrolment documents at least six months before departure. Please note that the academic year starts in September/October.

Tuition fees and living costs

Tuition fees in public universities are between Euro 400/2000 per year, while private universities are more expensive and the tuition fees are around Euro 10000. About the living costs, considering accommodation, food, telephone, local travel and leisure costs, students should consider a monthly budget of Euro 1000/1200 depending on the location. Prices can vary considerably depending on where you live. All the tourist areas and the main cities, especially in the North of Italy, are more expensive than smaller towns.

Scholarships

Tuition Fees are usually very low as most Universities obtain public financial support. All international students are entitled to the same student assistance services as Italian students, including scholarships, dining hall services and housing. However, the total number of foreign students is restricted. Every University has a Tutor Office  for inquiries on scholarships and student assistance services. All international students are entitled to the same student assistance services as Italian students, on basis of the same requisites of financial means and/or merit. This applies to scholarships, student loans, housing assistance, refectory meal tickets and fee waivers.

These services are managed by the DSU office (Diritto allo studio universitario).

Alongside scholarship and financial aid information, DSU offices will also provide other services such as counselling and information on extra curricular activities, sport, transport and other practical matters.

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also offers scholarships for foreign students wishing to pursue their studies in Italy. They are intended for Universities, Academies of Fine Arts, Art Restoration Institutes, Music Conservatories, the National School of Cinematography and Research Centres.

Interested candidates , please contact us for application deadlines and procedures