When we think of Italy, we often think of arts, fashion, design and culture, and with good reason. Italy lays claim to many of the world’s most famous fashion and design brands, with a history of leadership in art and architecture dating back centuries. Italy’s high quality higher education system is strong across the board with a rich history of innovation and research. There are nearly 100 universities throughout Italy, as well as many specialized institutions which fall under the auspices of its higher education sector. A total of 30 universities were included in 2019’s QS World University Rankings, including 12 in the top 500. Some of Italy’s most prestigious universities date back centuries, and have spent those years training the world’s greatest leaders and scholars.
The Italian Higher Education System includes:
Universities
The Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music and Dance sector (AFAM- acronym for Alta Formazione Artistica e Musicale)
Higher Technical Institutes (ITS – acronym for Istituti Tecnici Superiori)
Universities are also divided into private and publicly funded institutions. The quality of the education, however, is comparably high at all institutions of higher education.
International students can apply to Italian Universities only if they have an educational qualification that allows them to enroll. This qualification of secondary education has to be awarded after a study period of at least 12 years. If the educational qualification has been awarded in less than 12 years, it has to be accompanied by the academic certification of the examinations taken or a post-secondary title to compensate for any missing years of secondary education (check Recognition of Qualifications)
Tuition fees in public universities
Public universities in Italy set their tuition fees based on discipline and the degree type (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD). On average, tuition ranges between 0 – 5,000 EUR/academic year. If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, some study programmes can demand much higher tuition.
Tuition fees in private universities
Private universities in Italy usually charge higher tuition fees compared to public universities and most of them have the same fees for both EU and non-EU/EEA students. The average tuition fees in private universities range between 3,000 – 35,000 EUR/year.
Costs of living in Italy for international students
The overall living costs for international students in Italy range between 700 and 1,000 EUR/month. These costs include: accommodation, food, public transportation, local travel and/or entertainment.
Living in Italy is a great experience, but keep in mind that if you choose Rome or Milan, they are more expensive when compared to other Italian cities. Check the average monthly living expenses for students in these student cities in Italy:
Bologna: around 750 – 1,100 EUR/month
Florence: around 850 - 1,300 EUR/month
Milan and Rome: between 850 and 1,450 EUR/month
Intakes in Italian Universities
Students studying in Italian universities and colleges can get admission through two intakes per year.
Intake-1
The first one begins in September and lasts till January or February.
It is the most general pattern of intakes that the educational institutes in Italy generally follow. Some might differ by a few weeks or a month; hence it is better if the students are attentive to the important dates mentioned on the university websites and are up-to-date.
Intake-2
The second semester commences in February and ends in July.
It is the most general pattern of intakes that the educational institutes in Italy generally follow. Some might differ by a few weeks or a month; hence it is better if the students are attentive to the important dates mentioned on the university websites and are up-to-date.
Work Authorization :-
With a student visa for Italy, you are only allowed to work part time. Meaning, for a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year.
In addition, once your studies are finished, you can apply to convert your residence permit from a student one, to a work permit.
Checklist :-
Valid passport (whose validity exceeds that of the visa)
Passport-size photographs (recent)
Proof of accommodation in Italy
Health Insurance
University Offer Letter
Proof of Funds
Receipt of Application fee payment