Study in Italy: Universities, Courses, Fees, Admission
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Study in Italy is a dream for many international students willing to pursue their higher education abroad. More than 1 lakh international students worldwide visit Italy for an excellent education. This leads to the best career opportunities. Moreover, there are many study options available at the top-ranked universities in Italy. Italy is known for its strong emphasis on practical learning and high-quality education, which promise academic excellence. In Italy, you will find world-renowned professors who will guide you in your journey. Also, the rich cultural experience you will gain will add to your student life. The cost of education is also relatively low in Italy compared to many other European countries. Hence, foreign students can get the best educational experience without spending much money. After completing your higher education degree in Italy, you will see many opportunities opening up. Hence, studying in this country is definitely worth it for students across the world. Want to know more? Read on!
The education system in Italy is known to be among the strongest in the world. With a focus on imparting knowledge to students and shaping their future for the better, Italy has emerged as the world leader in education. The best part about the education system in Italy is that free education is accessible to all students, irrespective of their nationalities.
Pre-school education is where your academic journey will begin. Students of 3 to 6 years get this education (total = 3 years).
Between the ages of 6 and 16, education is compulsory in Italy. This is divided into the following 5 stages:
Kindergarten
Primary school (5 years - 6 to 11 years)
Lower secondary school (3 years - 11 to 14 years)
Upper secondary school (5 years - 14 to 19 years)
University
The university or higher education or tertiary level education in Italy comprises different kinds of institutions, namely:
Public universities
Private universities
Super graduate schools
The higher education is divided into multiple levels like:
Bachelors degree (3 years)
Masters degree (2 years)
Integrated bachelors and masters degree (5 years)
PhD (3, 4 or 5 years)
There are many reasons why students from across different countries are eager to study in Italy. Want to know what these are? Here, we are discussing the top 6 reasons:
Excellent Higher Education System: The education system in Italy is known to be the most evolved. This is evident in the expansive curriculum followed for teaching. Of course, the top-rated universities have a significant role to play in making this a successful venture. Hence, you can experience education of the finest quality in this country.
Low Cost of Living: The cost of living in Italian cities is very low when compared to other cities. But that does not mean that there is any compromise on the quality of infrastructure that the country offers. Thus, your student life in Italy will be a memorable journey, but, without draining your finances.
Affordable Tuition Fees: The tuition fee charged for most courses at the prestigious universities in Italy is also very affordable. Added to this, there are many scholarships and grants available for international students. These are an excellent way to study in a foreign country without spending much.
Work While Studying: The Italian authorities also allow you to earn while you learn in the country. In addition to the low cost of living and the reasonable educational expenses, this is another financial benefit. This is because what you earn from the part-time job roles will help you cover any additional expenses that you may encounter in Italy.
Excellent Job Opportunities: The job opportunities available in Italy are also very lucrative. There are many industrial giants in Italian cities who are keen on hiring the most skilled freshers. And the pay scales are very impressive. Hence, if you have the right skills, you will be able to get excellent opportunities in Italy and across the globe.
Experienced Faculty Members: The faculty members at Italian universities are experienced individuals who have in-depth knowledge in their respective fields. Moreover, they know how to address the queries of their students patiently. Hence, if you are looking for a country with the best universities featuring a qualified and compassionate team of faculty, Italy should be your top choice.
Here are some of the most fascinating facts and figures about education in Italy:
|
Name of the Country |
Italy |
|
|
Number of International Students |
32,000 |
|
|
Percentage of International Students |
9.4% |
|
|
Countries With Most International Students in Italy |
Greece |
30% students |
|
Albania |
12% students |
|
|
Croatia |
||
|
Germany |
||
|
France |
||
|
Most In-Demand Subjects in Italy |
Architecture |
|
|
Engineering |
||
|
Humanities |
||
|
Business Administration |
||
|
Fashion |
||
|
Computer Science |
||
|
International Students Pursuing Ph.D. in Italy |
106,611 |
|
|
Famous Ph.D. Specializations in Italy |
Hospitality |
|
|
Humanities |
||
|
Fashion |
||
|
Social Studies |
||
|
Health |
||
|
Management |
||
|
Science and Technology |
||
|
Best Cities to Study |
- Milan - Pisa - Rome - Bologna - Padua - Florence - Turin |
|
|
Best Universities |
- The University of Milan - The Sapienza University of Rome - The University of Padua - The University of Bologna - The University of Naples Federico II - The University of Trento - The University of Turin |
|
|
Number of Universities |
92 |
|
|
Weather |
Hot, dry summers and cold, rainy winters |
|
|
National Language |
Italian |
|
|
Other Languages |
- Sardinian - French - Ladin - Croatian - Slovenian - Greek - Albanian |
|
|
Academic Year |
From October to September |
|
There are many excellent study programs available in colleges of Italy. Moreover, you will also get a wide range of specializations in this country, no matter what subject or domain interests you. The common thing among all these courses and programs is that they follow a well-structured approach toward education. But what exactly are these courses? Let us have a closer look:
Italy offers two different intakes for international students who are willing to study at its universities. Let us have a look at these intakes and their deadlines:
| Intake | Classes commence in the month of | The deadline before which you must apply |
| Fall Intake | September | May |
| Winter Intake | February | November |
You must keep the above-stated deadlines in mind to ensure that you are prepared and are applying on time. Moreover, these vary from one university to another. Hence, you must check with your chosen university’s admission cell and get the specific details.
In Italy both the private and the public Universities operate under the guidance of the ministry of education which maintenance educational quality among the universities. Public University offers courses at reasonable fees while private universities might offer high tuition fees. Getting admitted to a public University Mike be very difficult as you have to clear entrance exams and also the cutoff percentages are high.
There are many excellent universities for studying in Italy. No matter whether you wish to study architecture, humanities, or fashion, there is sure to be a top-ranked university in Italy for you. These universities boast the most impressive infrastructure and have a staff that is very supportive of their students.
Best Universities for Studying Architecture in Italy
Listed below are the most important details about the top universities in Italy for studying Architecture:
| University | Category | City | Ranking | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sapienza University of Rome | Public | Rome | 1 | 39% |
| The University of Bologna | Public | Bologna | 4 | 55 - 60% |
| The Iuav University of Venice | Public | Venice | 59 | 77% |
Best Universities for Studying Engineering in Italy
Listed below are the most important details about the top universities in Italy for studying Engineering:
| University | Category | City | Ranking | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Polytechnic University of Milan | Public | Milan | 11 | 28% |
| The Sapienza University of Rome | Public | Rome | 1 | 39% |
| The Polytechnic University of Turin | Public | Turin | 29 | 28% |
Best Universities for Studying Humanities in Italy
Listed below are the most important details about the top universities in Italy for studying Humanities:
| University | Category | City | Ranking | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Bologna | Public | Bologna | 4 | 55 - 60% |
| The University of Florence | Public | Florence | 7 | 73% |
| The University of Padua | Public | Padua | 2 | 40% |
Best Universities for Studying Business Administration in Italy
Listed below are the most important details about the top universities in Italy for studying Business Administration:
| University | Category | City | Ranking | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bocconi University | Private | Milan | 8 | 33% |
| SDA Bocconi School of Management | Private | Milan | 10 | 38% |
| Rome Business School | Private | Rome | 30 | 80% |
Best Universities for Studying Fashion in Italy
Listed below are the most important details about the top universities in Italy for studying Fashion:
| University | Category | City | Ranking | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istituto Marangoni | Private | Milan | 9 | 80% |
| Domus Academy | Private | Milan | 5 | 99% |
| The Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti or New Academy of Fine Arts (NABA) | Private | Milan | 51 | 77% |
Best Universities for Studying Computer Science in Italy
Listed below are the most important details about the top universities in Italy for studying Computer Science:
| University | Category | City | Ranking | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Polytechnic University of Turin | Public | Turin | 29 | 28% |
| The Sapienza University of Rome | Public | Rome | 1 | 39% |
| The University of Pisa | Public | Pisa | 8 | 39% |
Yes, international students will get the opportunity to study for free in Italy. Few universities offer free education to international students by providing 100% scholarships. If you have got good grades in the previous exam that you have taken then you will get an opportunity to be eligible for the scholarship. This is particularly for the students with an unstable financial background but will also be provided to the other students.
The cost of education is one of the primary factors that students consider when they dream of studying at a foreign university. With Italy, you can remain relaxed when it comes to expenses. This is because the scholarships provide a welcome relief from the expenses. The fees for studying at Italian universities are very low. The top Universities that offer the best courses in Italy and the tuition fees are:
Bocconi University: EUR 12,700
University of Bologna: EUR 11,000
University of Padova: EUR 8000
Few universities also offer free courses with 100% scholarship. The international students who have got very good marks but due to an unstable financial background cannot study in a foreign country are eligible for a 100% scholarship.
Not just the cost of education, but the cost of living is also low as compared to other European countries in Italy. Whether you wish to rent a shared or private apartment, you will get many inexpensive options close to your university. This way, you will also be able to save on commute expenses, which are anyways low here. The details of the expenses are:
| Basis | Expenses |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | EUR 1800 to EUR 6000 |
| Accommodation | EUR 200 to EUR 300 Per Month |
| Food | EUR 150 Per Month |
| Transport | EUR 25 to EUR 35 Per Month |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | EUR 120 to EUR 160 |
Before you apply for any degree program at an Italian university, it is also important for you to thoroughly understand the eligibility criteria. While the general prerequisites for a specific degree level are the same across the country, certain universities may want you to tick a longer list of criteria. Do you wish to study bachelors or masters degree in Italy? Then, below are the standard lists of the eligibility requirements for the respective degrees:
Eligibility Criteria for Pursuing Bachelors Degrees in Italy
Listed below are the requirements you must fulfill in order to apply for a bachelors degree program in Italy:
Candidates must have completed a 10+2 level education from a recognized school and board.
Candidates must have scored at least 75% in the qualifying examinations.
Candidates must be fluent in English and Italian.
Candidates may be expected to appear for entrance examinations if a specific university wants them to.
Candidates must have a valid passport from their home country.
Eligibility Criteria for Pursuing Masters Degrees in Italy
Listed below are the requirements you must fulfill in order to apply for a masters degree program in Italy:
You should have accomplished your 10+2 education from a recognized school and board.
You should have completed your bachelors, diploma, or any other equivalent degree from a reputed university.
You should have scored at least 75% in the qualifying examination.
You must also be fluent in the English language. A fluency in Italian is also a good addition.
Some interviews may also conduct separate entrance examinations and interviews of masters applicants.
You must be a passport holder.
Documents are an integral part of your admission process to an Italian university. Hence, you must ensure that you put effort into compiling all the necessary ones. In this section, let us have a look at all the documents required for both bachelors and masters degrees in Italy.
Documents Required for Pursuing Bachelors Degrees in Italy
Given below is an essential checklist of the documents you need to compile if you wish to apply for a bachelors degree program from a university in Italy:
Birth Certificate
Financial or Bank Statements
Medical Certificate documents
Colored Pictures Passport Size Recently Taken (8) (signed)
Application Form of the University
Marksheets or Passing Certificates of 10 + 2 examinations (should be issued by a recognized board or school)
Migration Certificate
Passport and Visa (Compulsory for All International Students)
Language proficiency certificate (if applicable, depending on the course and university)
Documents Required for Pursuing Masters Degrees in Italy
Given below is an essential checklist of the documents you need to compile if you wish to apply for a masters degree program from a university in Italy:
Application Form of the University
Migration Certificate
Language proficiency certificate (if applicable, depending on the course and university)
Medical Certificate documents
Financial or Bank Statements
Birth Certificate
Marksheets or Passing Certificates of 10 + 2 examinations (should be issued by a recognized board or school)
Marksheets or Passing Certificates of bachelors or equivalent degree (should be issued by a recognized university)
Colored Pictures Passport Size Recently Taken (8) (signed)
Passport and Visa (Compulsory for All International Students)
Are you interested in understanding the admission process for studying at a university in Italy? We understand that it might sometimes be overwhelming to understand this. Hence, we have made it easier for you by listing the steps involved in the procedure in an easy-to-understand manner. Not just that, if you are facing any issues down the line, the experts at Anigdha Overseas Education Consultancy are here to help you! Here are the steps:
Consultation with the Experts: The very first, and probably the most important step in the admission procedure is the consultation. Students are very confused about the options available to them when it comes to higher education. Such students can approach the expert consultants at Anigdha. We will understand your likes, goals, and preferences thoroughly. Then, with the help of our knowledge and experience, we will guide you in the right direction about the course and program you must pursue.
Selection of Universities: Once you have a clearer idea of the study program you wish to pursue, it is time to start looking for the best universities offering that course in Italy. The specialists at Anigdha will be able to guide you in this step as well. We understand the importance of choosing the right university for your education, and hence, we put maximum effort into helping you.
Analysis of the Eligibility Requirements: After the shortlisting of universities comes the analysis of the eligibility criteria. It is important to remember that the eligibility prerequisites of one university will vary from another. Hence, you must ensure that you check them thoroughly before applying for admission to the university. Public Universities might require you to clear an exam for your course. If you are confused, you can seek the valuable guidance of the experts at Anigdha.
Filling out the Application Form: The next step involves filling out the application form for your chosen university. This is one of the most crucial steps in the admission process. Why? Because an incorrectly filled form may lead to the rejection of the application by the university. This will mean that your dream of studying at the university will be shattered. Moreover, submitting the application form before the deadline is also important. That is why the specialists at Anigdha are here to help you!
Compilation of Necessary Documents: You also need to submit a long list of documents along with your application form to the university. Anigdha’s overseas education experts will provide you with a special checklist of documents required depending on the university you have applied to. With the help of this list, you will be better equipped to compile all the necessary documents without any hassles.
Payment of Fee: Once your application is accepted by the university, you will receive a confirmation mail about the same. In the same mail, you will also get the fee details. Using one of the given modes on the portal, you need to pay the fee for the first semester to confirm your admission to the university. Most universities will also mention the deadline for fee payment along with the fee details.
Applying for a Visa: A visa application can be a cumbersome process. But when done with the help of expert guidance, it is an easy task. At Anigdha, we understand this very well. Hence, we help you in the visa application process, right from the requirements you need to fulfill to the documents you need to have.
Additional Arrangements: Once everything is set and you have your Visa and college acceptance letter in hand, you will have to start making several necessary arrangements. This includes choosing among the many rental options available and the food arrangements as well. This step will involve excessive research and comparison, so remember to do it thoroughly!
The degree courses in Italy are taught in English, which makes it a top choice for foreign students. You need knowledge and basic spoken proficiency in English to ensure a comfortable experience in a foreign country. Students need to clear English language proficiency tests such as:
IELTS: 5 to 6
TOEFL: 507 to 557
PTE: 58
Students do not need to understand the Italian language in order to take courses in Italy. Your educational program will not require you to understand the language at any point. If you know the Italian language then it will help you have a comfortable living in Italy. You can easily interact with the local people. It will make your living in Italy much easier.
There are many courses available for students in Italy. It is important to be mindful when choosing the ideal one for you. Here are some valuable tips you can follow for this:
You must select the Universities that are perfect for international students and will be the best in Italy.
You have to take the courses that are available in English language for all international students making it perfect for you to study your program in Italy.
You also have to select the courses that are available in the biggest cities of Italy like Rome, Milan, and Florence. You should look forward to selecting the courses that the universities in these cities offer.
You should select the courses affordable for you and they are not very expensive helping you to study in a foreign country.
If you are applying for a masters degree then you should select the course that you had in your Bachelors Degree that will help you in your eligibility and career.
For international students willing to pursue higher education in the universities in Italy, having a long-term D visa is necessary. This will allow you to stay in the country for a duration longer than 3 months. The processing fee is usually around EUR 60.
The process for visa application is very simple. Let us outline it for you:
Pay the fees for the Italian university after being accepted to study there.
Visit the consulate or embassy near you and get to know the visa application procedure.
Submit the necessary documents.
Go for the visa interview.
Be patient as you wait for the results of your visa application.
Apply for a residence permit within one week of entering the country.
This permit will take around 60 days to be approved.
Now, you must be wondering what are the documents you will have to submit, right? Here is a checklist that will help you:
Recent color passport-sized photo
Valid passport
Educational transcripts
Accommodation proof in Italy
Proof of finances
Health insurance
Scholarships are a favorite among students because of the financial relief they offer. Hence, it is important to research the different scholarships and grants available in Italy before applying for a higher education degree in this country.
Here are some important details about the scholarship options available:
|
Name of Scholarships |
Category |
Features of the Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
|
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students |
Italian Government |
- For masters and Ph.D. degrees, - For students from foreign countries. - Covers tuition fees - Monthly allowance of EUR 900. |
|
Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program |
The University of Padua |
- For bachelors and masters degrees. - For degrees with English as the medium of instruction. - Allowance of EUR 8,000. |
|
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships |
Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario |
- For full-time bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. degrees. - Based on merit and financial requirements. - Variable scholarship mount, sometimes also covers accommodation services. |
|
Tuition Fee Waivers at the University of Pavia for International Students |
The University of Pavia |
- 120 tuition fee waivers offered. - Effective only for the first year of degree education. - Also compatible with student exchange programs. |
|
Politecnico de Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students |
The Polytechnic Univerisity of Milan |
- Merit-based scholarships. - Only for students enrolled in the masters of science programs at the university. - Scholarship amount ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 10,000 per year. |
|
Bocconi Merit and International Awards |
Bocconi University |
- Merit-based scholarships - Only for students of the bachelors of science and masters of science courses. - For Bachelors: Half or full tuition fee waiver (Maximum allowance = EUR 13,000) - For Masters: Up to EUR 14,000 per year |
The student life in Italy is extremely affordable and engaging. The students get a lot of opportunities to live and study in a country like Italy. It is a friendly destination for all international students. It is a perfect place for international students in terms of successful educational facilities as well as very recreational facilities.
Scholarships and grants can save you from educational expenses. But you also have other hobbies and leisures that need to be fulfilled. Hence, many students opt for part-time work opportunities so that they can make a little earning while they are gaining knowledge and preparing for a better future ahead. The students are permitted to take part-time career opportunities in Italy. The students get permission to work 20 hours per week during the regular days. During the vacation period, the students get an opportunity to work for 40 hours per week. Students from International countries require a valid residence permit to work in Italy. The minimum hourly pay has to be at least EUR 7 per hour.
Part-Time Job Opportunities Available for Students in Italy
Listed below are the different job roles you can take up for part-time employment in Italy:
Tour guides
Sales assistant
Administrative assistant
Social media manager
Content writer
Translator
Babysitters
Customer manager
Product manager
Quality engineer trainee
Here are some popular cities for international students in Italy:
Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome
Roma Tre University
Tor Vergata University of Rome
Florence
The University of Florence
The European University Institute
The European School of Economics
Milan
The University of Milan
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
The Polytechnic University of Milan
Bologna
The University of Bologna
Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna
Conservatorio Giovanni Battista Martini
Padua
The University of Padua
Anigdha is one of the most popular and trusted overseas education consultancy which is devoted to helping students find the right direction when it comes to studying abroad. At Anigdha, we understand the importance of higher education in shaping your career and defining the life that you will lead in the coming years. Hence, we hire the most trained experts to offer you the best guidance possible. With our help, you will be able to steer your career in the right direction.
Consulting Students: Students who are unsure about what course they wish to study and the best universities available doing so can approach the experts at Anigdha. With our valuable guidance, we have helped thousands of students enlighten the path to the career of their dreams. We have been able to do this because of our years of experience in this industry and a thorough understanding of the fact that each student is unique, and so are their needs and preferences.
Guidance regarding Documents: We also know that when applying to multiple universities, students face difficulties with the compilation of documentation. And this blunder costs them their admission to the best colleges. Hence, we provide you with a definitive list of all the documents (originals as well as copies specified). This way, you will be able to increase your chances of getting selected at your choice of Italian university.
Help with the Admission Procedure: Right from choosing the program and university to understanding the eligibility criteria and filling out the application form, there are many steps involved in the admission process. We have an in-depth understanding of each of these steps. That is why, we are to guide you every step of the way. The goal of our team members is to help you get selected to the college or university of your dreams so that you can avail yourself of the most excellent education.
Looking for the Ideal Scholarship: Your study-abroad experience can be enhanced when you break free from the stress of the expenses associated with it. And scholarships are a good way to achieve this. However, many students find it difficult to understand which is the best scholarship for them. Hence, they end up paying more than they should. If you want to avoid this hassle, you can join hands with the scholarship specialists at Anigdha who will guide you to the best of their capabilities.
Applying for a Student Visa: A visa application is one of the most delicate steps in your study abroad journey. The criteria may sometimes seem stringent. But with the help of expert guidance from Anigdha’s team members, you will be able to successfully get your student visa right in time.
Help with Resume: If the university chosen by you requires you to submit a CV or resume, we will help you with that as well. We will ensure that you have correctly filled in the qualifications, experience (if any), as well as important hard and soft skills in your resume.
Reviewing of LORs and SOPs: Lastly, our team will also evaluate the quality of your letters of recommendation and statements of purpose. We will suggest changes wherever needed so that you are able to impress the panel and outshine your competition to get your deserved spot at the university you want.
So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with the seasoned experts at Anigdha Overseas Education Consultancy today and learn more about how we can help you succeed!
Italy is the ideal destination for all international students to pursue higher education. International students in Italy get a range of facilities that help them in their careers. Students can look forward to doing both a bachelors and masters degree at a top university in Italy. There will be more opportunities for the students to study in an international country. Students get the opportunity of free education in Italy with a hundred percent scholarship which is one of the most essential benefits of studying in a foreign country. Apart from that, the living expenses in Italy are also very affordable. International students can live and study in Italy at a very affordable cost. Students can easily complete their education and get the best career opportunities in Italy. So, if you have decided to take your higher education from a foreign country then it will be a great choice for you. You will have the best facilities and excellent infrastructure at the universities in Italy. The tuition fees and living expenses in Italy are also very affordable helping you to complete your higher education at a very low expense. You will get to meet people of different diversities in Italy and people here are very comfortable in connecting with each other. Your educational experience in Italy will be of a very high level so apply for your degree now.
The table below shows some details about the country:
|
Name of Country |
Italy |
|
Capital City |
Rome |
|
Largest City |
Rome |
|
Population (approximate) |
58,853,482 |
|
Official Language |
Italian |
|
Other Popular Languages |
- Sardinian - Ladin - Greek - Albanian - French - Croatian - Slovenian |
|
Area |
301,340 km2 |
|
Currency |
Euros or EUR or € |
|
Religions |
- Christianity (84.4%) - No religion (11.6%) - Istam (1.0%) - Other (3.0%) |
|
Climate |
Diverse: humid subtropical to humid continental |
Is higher education affordable in Italy?
Higher education is very affordable in Italy. There are two primary reasons for this. Firstly, the tuition fees of even the best universities are relatively low. Secondly, there are many scholarships that provide financial aid to the students.
Can I study in Italy without IELTS?
Yes. In fact, many Italian universities do not put a mandate on the IELTS scorecard for English proficiency.
How do I know if I am eligible to study in Italy?
If you fulfill the necessary education qualifications, have a valid passport and visa, and have enough finances to fund your education, you are generally eligible to study at an Italian university.
Can I do part-time jobs while studying in Italy?
Yes. You can engage in part-time job opportunities while studying in Italy. There are many ways you can find suitable jobs for yourself. Also, these are a great way to cover a significant part of your expenses.
What are some of the most excellent degree specializations to pursue in Italy?
Some of the most popular specializations for a higher education degree in Italy are management, economics, computer science, humanities, architecture, healthcare, business, and economics, among many others.
Is Gap Accepted in Studies in Italy?
Yes, the study gap is accepted in Italy if you are able to explain a valid reason for your gap or work experience in that situation.
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