Study in Italy

Located in the relaxing Mediterranean and rich in history and culture, Italy could be a great location for you to continue your studies

The Italian education system

There are currently 32,000 international students in Italy, across 89 universities, which fall into the following categories:

• state universities
• technical universities
• non-state universities
• telematic universities
• universities for foreigners
• universities specialising in postgraduate studies

In addition, higher education institutions exist in the non-university sector. These include:

• higher schools of design;
• schools of higher education in language mediation;
• schools of higher integrated education.

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 .

Entry requirements 

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:

• details of accommodation;
• satisfactory financial stability;
• some form of health cover.

Course fees

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.

Funding to study in Italy

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 .

Italian exchanges and placements

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.

Student visas

EU citizens are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as they:

• are studying for more than three months;
• are enrolled at an approved university/ other educational institution;
• have sufficient income (from any source) to live without needing income support;
• have comprehensive health insurance cover.

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 .