Italy : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Higher education in Italy is divided into two different areas: university and non-university.

State universities are public entities which are concerned with higher education and scientific research. There are currently 58 state universities in Italy. 

The non-university sector is further divided into four types of institution. They include higher schools of design, schools of higher education in language mediation, higher integrated education institutions which offer programmes of higher technological education and training, and some other specific institutions that provide courses in areas such as archiving, diplomatics and military studies. These institutions fall under the supervision of the relevant ministries.

What courses are available?

Italy joined the Bologna Process, which aimed to standardise higher education across Europe, in 1999. This means that Italian institutions offer qualifications that are comparable to those in the UK and which in general follow the structure of Bachelors degree, Masters degree and PhD.

The Laurea Specialistica is the Italian equivalent to a Masters and typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. The Dottorato di Ricerca is the equivalent of a research Doctorate and takes a minimum of three years to complete, but the overall length is determined by the subject matter.

Most courses are taught in Italian and a range of topics are available in the main areas of health, humanities, sciences, social studies and technology.

Where can I study?

Italy has 89 university institutions which include:

• 58 state universities;
• 17 non-state universities;
• two universities for foreigners;
• six higher schools that specialise in postgraduate studies;
• six telematic universities.

Universities Worldwide  has a list of institutions in Italy. Also see Study in Italy  for further information.

Applying for postgraduate study

In general, in order to get a place on a Masters level course in Italy, you must hold a degree-level qualification or equivalent. You must also be competent in Italian and will usually need to sit an exam or show documentary evidence that you have reached a certain level of competency in the language. Individual institutions should be contacted to find out specific requirements.

Application forms can be found online and must be submitted with the necessary supporting documents, e.g. copies of transcripts and degree certificates. The institution of your choice should be contacted to find out specific deadlines for applications. 

Fees and scholarships

Individual institutions are able to set their own fees but on average the amount paid by a student is between €850 and €1,000 per year. However this varies depending on the subject of study and private universities will also charge more.

Masters and post-Doctoral courses will also demand higher fees and institutions should be contacted to find out specific details.

All university students, including foreign students are able to apply for financial support. This includes scholarships, student loans and housing assistance. These are all managed by the DSU Office (Diritto allo studio universitario) and you should contact the office in the university you are applying to find out more information.

Are there any exchange programmes?

UK students on undergraduate degree programmes or postgraduate Masters and some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in Italy through the Erasmus programme. This programme is open to all subject areas, but check with your institution’s Erasmus coordinator first (usually based in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Italy is a member of ENIC-NARIC, a network of national centres that aims to improve academic recognition of diplomas and periods of study in European Union (EU) member states, EEA countries and associated countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Visit the UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  for information on your qualifications being recognised back in the UK.