20/03/2022
Higher education in Italy changed in 1999 when its universities switched to a new system of study. Universities in Italy now divide what was originally a 5-year education program into 3 years devoted to university (Bachelor’s degree) and 2 years following in education toward a Master’s degree. In addition, a new Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) was established around this time, replacing the two previous organizations and making the management of study in Italy more efficient.
Studying in Italy provides students a choice between institutions including:
State Universities - public institutions endowed with their own management of scientific, teaching, managerial, financial and book-keeping matters
Private Universities, which are recognised by the State of Italy
Technical Universities
Within university, students can choose between 4 main courses:
University diploma
Bachelor of Arts/ Science
Research doctorate
Diploma of Specialization
The Bologna System
Italy has played an important role in higher education in Europe as one of the first four countries to engage in creating the "European Area of Higher Education". This led to the education reform known as the "Bologna Process", which was signed in 1999 by 29 European countries in the Italian city of Bologna to create educational standards and high quality education throughout the continent. Today, this education system is being implemented all over Europe. This positionate Italy as a leading country in high education making your experience of study in Italy more complete and rewarding.
Language in Italy
The official language in Italy is Italian. While study in Italy you can enroll in education courses to study the Italian language. This is highly beneficial to international students, improving communication and allowing for a more complete involvement in society. Nevertheless, there're many programs taught in English that you can choose form.
Contacts at International Offices and many students speak English fluently, but when you decide to study in Italy be aware that English is not always widely spoken in Italy, especially among older people. Therefore, if you travel away from the busier areas, it is best to have some knowledge of the Italian language in order to communicate and make the most of your time there.
Exchange Programs
Many European students that decide to study in Italy on exchange agreements, do so under the European Community Socrates Erasmus program. In all universities there is a European Officer dedicated to the management of this education program. Other exchange students from outside Europe can attend through bilateral agreements between their university and the host institution in Italy.
Education & Teaching in Italy
Italian universities are among the oldest universities in the world. As part of the education system in Italy, most teaching takes place in large lecture halls, depending on the specific education course. Students are also expected to complete a considerable amount of self-study outside the classroom to prepare for examinations.
Examinations are held after the teaching period and are mainly oral exams. Some education courses will have written tests taking place during the semester or before the oral exam. Generally, each exam will be offered on several dates during the exam period and students can choose which date they wish to take the exam. Study in Italy also gives you the opportunity to take the exam again if they are not satisfied with the result.
No doubt that study in Italy is an excellent chance to experience a new culture and learn a new language in a beautiful country.
Student Accommodations
It's common that students that chose to study in Italy rent a room rather than the whole apartment. Student housing in Italy is more expensive in bigger cities and can range from €300 to €600 a month, depending on the size and location. The minimum rental period for most accommodation in Italy is one year, but student accommodation in furnished rooms is usually available for shorter periods.
Regarding living costs, before starting to study in Italy it's important to make budget where you include all your expenses. Besides accommodation cost also take in account transportation, food, school supplies and recreational activities. Prices in cities like Milan and Rome are considerably higher than those in the rural areas.
About Italy
The Alps mountain chain forms Italy’s northern border with France, Switzerland, and Austria, while the rest of Italy makes up the infamous boot-shaped peninsula of the Apennine Mountains jutting into the Mediterranean Sea.
Italy's deep-rooted history began some 200,000 years ago in the Paleolithic period, but is best known for the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations that reigned over Italy for over a millennium. Evidence of these powerful empires can be seen throughout Italy, and is ingrained in the lives of Italians today. With its long, dramatic history. This makes study in Italy ideal to get immerse in a country that has been part of important moments in history.
As one of the 8 most industrialized countries in the world, Italy plays an important role on an international level, and influences both continental and global economies. Art in Italy is prevalent in all aspects of society – the architecture, the fashion, the music, even the food.
Study in Italy comes with an ideal climate mostly temperate, with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. Visitors, residents, and students in Italy can all enjoy majestic mountains, idyllic islands, placid lakes, splendid cities, and much more – the ideal destination for an education like no other.
