Italy

Higher Education in Italy

Article 34 of the Constitution of Italy guarantees an individual's right to pursue a higher education with a university or college.The Italian university system is highly specialized and very competitive.They have 42 state universities, six private universities, three technical schools, and twelve specialized universities.

Why Study in Italy?

A course of study in Italy would enrich someone with their unique atmosphere and access to many of the finer things of life, including art, music, wine-making and many others.With their highly specialized course areas geared toward a specific field, you are bound to get the educational background you need to carry your career goals a step further.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities in Italy are influenced heavily by the arts and humanities culture.There is the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, Cesare Pollini Conservatory of Music, and the Polytechnic University of Bari, which is focused more on technology and technical engineering skills.There are many more to choose from with a variety of course offerings in various fields.

Academic Year

The first semester typically starts in September/October and ends in Jan/Feb.The second term usually begins in February or January and goes through May or early June.

Tuition Fees and Length of Study

Tuition and fees vary depending upon the school you are attending.But you will find an affordable solution to meet your needs with so many schools to choose from.In general most courses cost €850 - €1,000 per year.

Bachelor degrees take around four years to complete, including the basic course requirements and extra curriculum requirements to complete the degree.The degrees are highly specialized and the courses prepare one well for their chosen field.

International Students

There are many opportunities for international students to study in Italy. Students from abroad are welcome to explore the possibilities and see what would be to their liking. There are also student exchange programs, whereby international students may study under an exchange agreement, under the authorization of the European Community Socrates Erasmus programme. Other students may attend under the authorization of a bilateral agreement between an Italian university and a host school.

One of the key differences between studying in Italy and other countries is that most exams are oral.

There are many career and research opportunities available, upon completion of a degree from an Italian university. Law students may go on to pursue a career in a legal institution or practice as a lawyer. People in the humanities and arts may use their talents in many areas, including many of the artistic productions so prevalent in Italy. Depending upon the specific area of study and the need, students who graduate from an Italian school will be ready to meet the demands of a changing society.

Student Visas

Students from abroad are welcome to come to Italy to study, but they are required to carry a student visa or passport and all the required documentation. In addition, the documentation may be required to be registered at the local police station. The most important thing about visas is to make sure you have the right type. Before entering your chosen school, check on the school's website for more information about which type you need. Registration can be made at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate.

Useful Tips

Italy is a beautiful country which holds many wonderful and unique artistic finds. Education in Italy is unique and very focused. Visas are required but are fairly easy to obtain. People in Italy are very family-oriented and artistic-minded. Getting an education in Italy goes beyond the walls of the classroom and into the artistic world of the arts and culture. Studying in Italy is an experience you will never forget.

Officially known as the Italian Republic, Italy lies in the southern most part of Europe and borders Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and France. Sardinia and Sicily are two Mediterranean Islands considered part of the Italian Republic. Italy is home to two sovereign states--the Vatican City and San Marino, which are politically known as "enclaves" within the country of Italy. One of the world's most economically developed countries, Italy is also a major tourist attraction among other European countries and enjoys the prosperity made possible by this type of industry. In addition to the fascinating city of Rome, Italy also attracts millions of visitors each year by providing access to such historically significant sites as the ruins of Pompeii, the Coliseum in Rome, the leaning Tower of Pisa and the Catacombs of San Callisto.