Praising Italy might be the most complicated thing in the world: where do you even start?. Do you mention a bunch of famous Italians, like da Vinci, Borgia, Versace, and Vivaldi? Or just mention the fields they revolutionized, like Architecture, Music, Engineering, and Fashion?
I could just focus on the brilliant landscapes and the UNESCO World Heritage sites, or how awesome Italian people are, with their pastas, wines, and signature hand gesture, but it would be redundant.
Bottom line is simply: Italy is awesome!
Why Study in Italy?
- Italian universities are affordable
When compared to their Western counterparts, Italian public universities are incredibly affordable. If you come from an EU/EEA country, you won’t pay more than 4,000 EUR per year, and you can easily find much cheaper study programmes.
Non-EU/EEA citizens enjoy the same tuition rates in some cases, but in others they do pay more — which is why you should always check what tuition applies to students from your country.
- Impressive higher education experience
The University of Bologna is the oldest university in Europe, having been established in 1088. That means it is almost 1,000 years old and still alive and kicking today!
Bologna is also the name of the process used by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to create a more coherent, uniform, and attractive education system.
Many European countries follow this system. If you study at one university implementing it, your diploma will be recognised in any other country that’s part of the programme.
All in all, we’d say that Italy knows a thing or two about higher education and has a long and rich experience in this field.
- Italy is at the forefront of fashion and architecture
One visit to Italy is enough to understand why it is considered a leader in terms of fashion, arts, and architecture. Milan is the stand out city, as one of the 4 fashion capitals of the world.
As for architecture, going through the charming Italian cities will reveal to you the beauty and unique style of buildings, which seem to have been lost in the process of developing the modern architecture.
- Enjoy the Mediterranean climate
The warm sun, the sea breeze, the tasty fruits and vegetables — all are essential elements of the Mediterranean lifestyle, which is highly regarded for its health and wellness benefits.
Sardinia, for example, is one of the few “Blue Zones” in the world, where people often reach over 90 years of age.
- Visit amazing and time defying historic sites
When you’re not in classes, take the time to visit some of the oldest and most impressive historic sites in Europe. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, from the Valley of the Temples to Ostia Antica — all these places still carry their aura of former glory, an aura that can still be felt and explored nowadays.
Which universities to attend in Italy?
If you’re the type of student who wants to go only to the best universities, disregarding the city you’re going to or the province best suited for you, you can always check out these highly-recommended universities:
Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Istituto Europeo Di Design (IED)
Politecnico di Milano
SDA Bocconi School of Management
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
What is it like to study in Italy?
Everybody who gets to study in Italy says the same thing about the universities here: the professors and fellow students are friendly and helpful, the cultural landscape is very diverse, and the architecture of the universities is exquisite.
However, it might help if you study a bit of Italian before coming here: although they are warm and kind, it may be difficult to talk to them, because not everyone is fluent in English.
Also, although the tuition fees are rather low, you should check out scholarships in Italy: there are a lot of chances of discovering one that suits you and your study option.
What to study in Italy?
Italy can be easily compared to that annoying colleague from high school who excelled at everything he or she did. Considering how many pioneers Italy has produced, there’s no wonder the list of “most sought-after” fields is so vast and comprehensive. Still, the most popular study options in Italy are:
Masters in Economics in Italy
Masters in Area & Cultural Studies in Italy
Masters in Architecture in Italy
Masters in International Relations in Italy
Masters in Fashion Design in Italy
Masters in Business Administration in Italy
Where to study in Italy?
The greatest universities in Italy are usually located in the bigger cities. If you’re not sure which are those, or you’re simply searching for details about living costs and geography, you can always check out these cities in Italy:
Study in Milan
Study in Rome
Study in Bolzano – Bozen
Study in Bologna
Study in Florence
How to apply
The application process in Italy can be complicated, but we’re here to help and trace the major lines.
First of all, you should contact the university you’re interested in and check if your qualifications are eligible. This is represented by a prior assessment, after which the university will give you feedback and tell you if you meet all the standards.
After, you will have to submit a pre-application request at your Italian embassy or consulate, and let them manage your application afterwards.
By the end of August, students will find a list of admitted candidates on the embassy’s or consulate’s page.
Some of the documents you will need to deliver with your application are:
Your ID
A passport-type photograph
Your academic transcripts
Your university application form
A detailed study programme or course description, which must contain the number of hours of the courses or training activities that you have completed, according to your academic curriculum
Your CV
A letter of recommendation
A letter of motivation
Language proficiency certificate (English or Italian)
Your portfolio, if you’re applying to Architecture, Urban Planning, or Design programmes
Official SAT or ACT scores
How to qualify for an Italian university?
Take Preparation Courses
These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in Italy, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require strong English or Italian skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
Italian universities have programmes that are taught either in English or in Italian. That’s why, in order to be accepted at one of their programmes, you will need to provide proof of either English or Italian proficiency.
The language tests accepted by Italian universities for English are:
PTE Academic
TOEFL
IELTS
C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency