Higher Education in Italy

Brief Overview of Italy

From ancient ruins to modern fashion capitals: Italy draws attention with its diverse cultural and natural attractions, making it a desirable destination for exploration and tourism. Population: 58.9 million. Capital: Rome. Currency: Euro (EUR).

Italy is famous not only for its rich cultural heritage, centuries-old history, and delicious cuisine. It is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for higher education. It is home to some of the oldest educational institutions, many of which are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings.

According to the Ministry of University and Research, a total of 109,682 foreign students are studying in Italy in 2024.

For decades, this country has attracted students from different countries due to its high-quality education. Italy has around 60 public universities offering a variety of courses in English. Italy is also known for its applied education system, which allows students to start applying their knowledge in practice during their studies.

Education System in Italy

The education system in Italy is divided into several levels: preschool education, school education, secondary education, and higher education. The table below provides a brief overview of each level.

Let’s take a closer look at each level of higher education in Italy.

• First Degree — Bachelor (Laurea triennale).

To enroll in a bachelor's program, a high school diploma is required. The curriculum includes both general and specific professional subjects. An important part of the bachelor's program is practical training.

Duration of study: 3 years.

• Second Degree — Master (Laurea magistrale).

A bachelor's degree allows students to continue their studies at the master's level. At this stage, students gain high qualifications in specialized fields.

Duration of study: 2 to 6 years.

• Third Degree — Doctorate (Dottorato di Ricerca) or PhD 

This academic degree helps develop the professional skills necessary for conducting high-quality research in private companies, government institutions, and universities. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a doctorate degree (Dottorato di ricerca).

Duration of study: 3-4 years. 

• Long Degree Programs (Ciclo unico).

Some programs combine the first and second levels (bachelor's and master's degrees), similar to a specialist program. The duration of these programs is 5 years. These programs apply to disciplines regulated by special European protocols (medicine, veterinary medicine, law, architecture, etc.).

Duration of study: 5 years.

• Short Specialization Programs — First-Level Master (Laurea Magistrale di Primo Livello) and Second-Level Master (Laurea Magistrale di Secondo Livello).

The main advantage of these programs is their shorter duration. These programs allow students to deepen their knowledge in a specific area or acquire new skills in a shorter time compared to traditional master's programs.

Duration of study: 1-2 years.

How to Choose a University in Italy?

When choosing an educational institution in Italy, several factors should be considered: course specialization, language of instruction, location, and the university's reputation. International academic rankings can also be useful when making a decision. The table below lists the QS and Times Higher Education global rankings of the ten best Italian universities for 2024. QS ranks over 1,300 universities worldwide.

Features of Education in Italy

According to official data from the Ministry of Education of Italy, there are 99 higher education institutions operating in the country:

• 61 public universities;
• 20 private universities;
• 7 specialized institutions;
• 11 accredited online universities. 

Both public and private universities in Italy offer high-quality education accredited and recognized by national and international standards. The main differences between public and private universities in Italy lie in funding and admission processes. 
 

• All universities receive annual transfers from the University Funding Fund (Fondo di Finanaziamento Universitario), but the amount of funding for private universities is significantly lower. As a result, tuition fees at private universities in Italy are higher.
• Public universities are obliged to accept all students regardless of their abilities, while private universities depend on tuition fees and can set their own admission criteria.
• Both categories of universities provide various forms of financial assistance to low-income students. These tools are managed by the Regional Administration for the Right to Study (Enti Regionali per il diritto allo studio) in cooperation with the universities themselves.

The most popular programs for international students:

• Arts and Humanities. Italian institutions, such as the University of Bologna (Università di Bologna) and the University of Siena (Università di Siena), offer a wide range of programs for international students in literature, history, philosophy, and art.
• Fashion and Design. Italy is a leader in the fashion industry. Here, students can learn from top industry experts and gain practical experience. For example, the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence (L'Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze) and the Polytechnic University of Milan (Politecnico di Milano) are leaders in this field. 
• Architecture. Many Italian universities, such as the Polytechnic University of Turin (Politecnico di Torino) and the IUAV University of Venice (Iuav University of Venice), are open to those wishing to obtain a degree in architecture, urban planning, and interior design. 
• Culinary Arts. Italy's cuisine is world-renowned, making it an ideal place to receive education in the culinary field. Several schools in Italy offer world-class courses in food science and hospitality management, such as the International School of Italian Culinary Arts ALMA (La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana ALMA) or the University of Gastronomic Sciences (Università degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche). 
• Business Administration and Economics. Studying business and economics in Italy opens up unlimited career growth opportunities in finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Quality courses in this direction are offered by Bocconi University (L'Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi) in Milan, ranked among the top business schools globally, or the University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze).
• Tourism and Hospitality. Every year, Italy attracts millions of tourists, making studying tourism programs in this country a great opportunity for students to gain real practical experience. Suitable programs are offered by Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Università Ca' Foscari Venezia) or LUMSA University in Rome (Libera Università degli Studi Maria Ss. Assunta di Roma).

Foundation — Preparation for Higher Education Programs in Italy

Foundation in Italy is a preparatory course that helps bridge the gap between secondary education in a student's home country and higher education in Italy. 
 
Many universities offer Foundation programs for international students. These programs help meet both academic and language requirements for admission to bachelor's programs.
 
Foundation programs in Italy include:
 

• intensive Italian language courses, and in some programs, English;
• academic writing skills;
• subject-specific preparatory courses;
• cultural adaptation. 

The duration of preparatory courses in Italy can vary, but they usually last from six months to one year. 
Upon successful completion of the Foundation year in Italy, students receive a certificate or diploma confirming their qualification for admission to bachelor's programs at Italian universities.
 
The average cost of Foundation in Italy is around 5,000 euros per year. 
 
Can you apply to an Italian university without a Foundation certificate?
 
International students can apply to Italian universities without completing a Foundation program if they meet the admission requirements:

• A high school diploma obtained after at least 12 years of education, equivalent to the Italian secondary school diploma (Diploma di Maturitа).
• Proficiency in Italian or English, depending on the chosen course. Language proficiency is confirmed by standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS for English or CILS or CELI for Italian.
• Passing entrance exams that confirm specific knowledge in the chosen field of study (for some universities and programs).

By meeting these requirements, international students can apply directly to Italian universities for bachelor's programs without the need to complete a Foundation year in Italy. However, it is important to carefully review the admission requirements for each selected university.

Documents Required for Admission

"How to enroll in the Foundation program?" is one of the most frequently asked questions by applicants who want to study in Italy.
 
To apply, you need to prepare a list of required documents, which usually include:
 

• Application form including personal details, previous education, and chosen program;
• A copy of the high school diploma or certificate equivalent to the Italian secondary school diploma (Diploma di Maturitа);
• A document with information about subjects, grades, and academic achievements during the study period;
• Documents confirming language proficiency in the language of instruction. For English, this is usually IELTS or TOEFL, and for Italian, CILS or CELI;
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or experts in the chosen field;
• A motivation letter where the student explains their goals, ambitions, and reasons for choosing a specific preparatory program.

 
It is important to check the document requirements for each institution or program, as they may vary.

College – Vocational Education in Italy

Vocational education in Italy is provided by colleges known as "Istituti Tecnici" and "Istituti Professionali." Colleges in Italy are suitable for students who prefer a practical approach to learning with a focus on specific trades and professions.
 

• Professional institutes (Istituti Professionali) typically offer students training in sectors such as mechanics, electronics, tourism, fashion, and catering. These institutions combine theoretical knowledge with practical training, often including internships to gain real experience in the chosen field.

 
Duration of study: 5 years.
 

• Technical institutes (Istituti Tecnici) are a type of college in Italy. These institutions specialize in engineering, information technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Technical institutes combine traditional theoretical learning with laboratory work and real project development. 

 
Duration of study: 5 years.

• In addition to public vocational institutes, there are also regional vocational education programs (IeFP) in Italy. They usually last three years, after which students receive a professional qualification. In some cases, students can continue their studies for another year to receive a diploma in vocational education. 

 
If desired, students can transition to the fifth year of the vocational institute through the IeFP program and, upon completion, receive a state vocational education diploma, which provides access to Italian universities.
 

Student Visa to Italy

To enroll in an Italian university, you need to obtain a student visa to Italy type D.

• Requirements for obtaining a student visa to Italy:
• Completed and signed type D application form;
• Copy of the pre-registration application, available for download from the UNIVERSITALY website with university validation;
• Proof of financial means to live during the academic year, estimated at 468 euros per month, which equals 6,080 euros per year. This can be confirmed by personal or parental guarantees, as well as funds provided by Italian or foreign organizations or citizens residing in Italy;
• Proof of means for a return ticket to the country of origin;
• Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy;
• Proof of health insurance covering medical expenses. This can be confirmed by a consular declaration of the right to medical care under an agreement between Italy and the country of origin, a foreign insurance policy, or a policy from Italian or national companies with no limits on rates for urgent hospitalization;
• DDV – Dichiarazione di valore (original + copy).

  How much does a student visa to Italy cost? 

  When applying for a student visa to Italy, the prospective student must pay a consular fee of 50 euros + a service fee of 3,850 rubles.
  How long does it take to get a student visa to Italy?
  Typically, the process of obtaining a student visa to Italy takes 30 - 120 days, so it's best to prepare and submit the required documents in advance.

Scholarships in Italy for International Students

Italy offers numerous grants and scholarships for international students ranging from 5,000 to 12,000 euros per year.
For both local and international students, Italy offers a government program called DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario), which translates to “Right to University Education.” The DSU scholarship is intended for applicants from low-income families and provides financial support that covers tuition expenses. 
 
How to get a scholarship in Italy?
 
There are no special requirements for applying for a scholarship in Italy. Scholarship programs are usually offered based on financial need or past academic achievements. Each fund has its own criteria. Here are some general requirements that you will need to fulfill when applying for a scholarship in Italy:

• Completed scholarship application form;
• Copy of passport or identification document;
• Copies of transcripts or diploma;
• Language test results;
• Motivation letter;
• Recommendation letter;
• Resume or biography;
• SAT/ACT/GRE/GPA and other test results;
• Parents' financial information, including tax returns;
• Family composition document (for DSU);
• Real estate certificate of family members (for DSU). 

In different funds and scholarship programs, requirements may vary.
In addition to the DSU scholarship in Italy, some universities also offer special conditions for international students. To receive such a scholarship, you need to contact the financial aid office of the selected university and request information about scholarships for international students in Italy and the selection criteria.

Job Search in Italy

When choosing a university, many applicants wonder if international students can work in Italy. Students in Italy have three employment options:

1. Working while studying

International students studying in Italy are allowed to work up to 1,040 hours per year, equivalent to 20 hours per week. The hours spent on internships are not counted towards this quota.

For employment during studies, students from non-EU countries need to obtain a work permit. For this, a job offer for students in Italy from an employer is required. The processing time for the application varies depending on the region but usually takes about two months.  
 
2. Academic career
 
International students in Italy can build an academic career in various ways. For example, they can work on research projects, receive scholarships, and participate in student exchanges. Bachelor's students also have the opportunity to continue their studies at the master’s or doctoral level, opening doors to academic and research career opportunities in Italy and abroad.
 
3. Employment in Italy and Europe
 
If foreign nationals wish to continue working in Italy after completing their studies, they need to change their visa status: from student to work visa. The type of work permit that can be applied for depends on whether the graduate has a job offer or is still in the process of searching.

In the first case, they can apply directly for a work residence permit (Permesso di Lavoro).

If the job search after completing the master's program for full-time work is still ongoing, they can apply for an extension of the current residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno). Such an extension can be granted for a period of 6 to 12 months, depending on the chosen program. The graduate must find a job during this period and update their residence permit to Permesso di Lavoro to stay in Italy.
After completing university in Italy, graduates also have the opportunity to find employment in other European countries. Many European countries offer various programs and initiatives to attract talented graduates from other countries, such as simplified procedures for obtaining work residence permits and international exchange programs.
 

Recognition of Italian Diplomas

Italian university diplomas are recognized in many countries worldwide, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, under agreements on the mutual recognition of educational qualifications.

Immigration to Italy

Immigration to Italy through education is an opportunity not only to obtain a higher education diploma recognized in many countries but also to integrate into the country and immerse oneself in its rich centuries-old culture. This path opens doors for international students into Italian society and the labor market.
 
Students studying in Italy have the opportunity to participate in exciting projects, internships, and research programs. This enriches their professional experience and helps them build a successful career in the future. Employers worldwide recognize the quality of education provided by Italian universities. Thus, a diploma obtained in Italy increases the chances of successful employment.
 
Moreover, studying at an Italian university is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the language environment and quickly learn Italian. This greatly facilitates the adaptation process and communication in everyday life.