Italy
Located in the relaxing Mediterranean and rich in history and culture, Italy could be a great location for you to continue your studies
There are currently 32,000 international students in Italy, across 89 universities, which fall into the following categories:
In addition, higher education institutions exist in the non-university sector. These include:
One of the key differences between studying in Italy and elsewhere is that most examinations are oral.
Italy is one of the four countries to first implement the Bologna Process , a higher education reform that is now being adopted and implemented throughout all of Europe.
This process increases mobility and access to study in different countries. The Università di Bologna, from where the project took its name, is generally considered to be the oldest university in the world.
For more information, visit Study in Italy .
To gain a place on a postgraduate course in Italy, you will need to have achieved a relevant undergraduate degree, which can be referred to as 'completing the first cycle' in the Bologna Process.
A level of competency in Italian language is necessary and you will have to display this by completing a test or showing evidence of your ability.
After you have received an offer of a place at a university, you can then apply for a student visa at your country's Italian embassy. European Union (EU) nationals can enter the country without visas, but will need to show:
Fees to study in Italy will change depending on the university and course, so it's important to check with institutions individually to find out costs. On average, undergraduate courses cost €850 - €1,000 per year, while fees for postgraduate courses are considerably higher.
The rules apply to international students as native Italian students when it comes to scholarships and grants. All students can apply for them, and they are distributed depending on financial situation and academic merit.
There are different types of funding you can apply for and the international office at your chosen university can help you decide your options.
To find out more about funding in Italy, visit Study in Italy - Scholarships and Financial Aid .
Students attending a university in the UK can take part in the EU's flagship educational exchange programme, Erasmus . This scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.
Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in another EU country. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.
It isn’t always necessary to speak the language of your host country and you can arrange intensive language courses before you go. Speak to the Erasmus coordinator at your university about available opportunities.
EU citizens are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as they:
Some countries require you to register with the local authority after three months. Find out how to register at Europa - Rights, Conditions and Formalities and get more information on student visas at, Study in Italy - Study Visa .
Italy offers an array of industries in which to work, with the North and South specialising in widely different sectors. Find out how to navigate the job market
Networking through friends and family is generally considered the best way to find a job.
Speaking Italian will also improve your job chances, and locals are known to be friendly and helpful in assisting with language learning.
In Italy industry prospers in the North, where an abundance of private companies have an international presence. Fashion, car manufacturing, tourism and the food and drink industry are the prominent sectors.
The South is more concerned with agriculture and farming, which has declined in recent years.
There are plenty of seasonal jobs in the summer, such as fruit picking and outdoor work, with more opportunities usually available in the North.
English teachers are in high demand in Italy and this type of work is readily available. Qualifications are preferable but it is possible to find work without. For more information, go to TEFL.com
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Unless a company helps to arrange visas and accommodation before you arrive, finding work when you are in Italy will be easier as you can begin networking and making contacts directly with people, wherever you decide to look for work.
Search for jobs in Italy at:
The Leonardo da Vinci Programme works with organisations in other countries to deliver vocational training. Contact your university's international office for more information.
Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by:
Voluntary work is a great way to build your skill-set and learn a new language. It will help to have some money saved before you set off as the vast majority of voluntary positions are unpaid.
Volunteering looks great on your CV and gives you the chance to network and build contacts.
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) , funded by the European Commission (EC), is a scheme aimed at people aged 18 to 30 wishing to volunteer abroad. It offers young people the chance to volunteer for up to 12 months in a number of European and non-European countries.
Opportunities vary from placements concerned with sport and culture to others focused on social care and the environment.
For successful applicants, accommodation, travel, food and insurance are all covered by a European grant and you even receive a personal allowance each month.
Make sure you thoroughly research all volunteering opportunities and always check the terms and conditions before committing yourself to a scheme.
Large sections of the population don't speak English, despite young Italians starting to speak the language more widely and fluently. Nearly all jobs will require you to speak Italian to a high level.
Locals working in tourism and in major towns and cities will speak English but less so in rural areas. There are Italian language courses in the UK and many good websites exist to help you learn a language or improve your skills. To get the ball rolling and learn the basics visit BBC Languages - Italian .
According to the EC, European Union (EU) citizens have the right to:
For more information and to check what conditions and restrictions apply see:
Official governmental information on visas can be found at British Embassy in Italy .