- Population: 60,000,000
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- University Students: 1,600,000
- International Students: 32,000
- English-taught Programs: 330
Italy is not only a world class tourist destination but has long also been one of the top study destinations for many international students. Every year, the country attracts and welcomes tens of thousands of international students. Which is no surprise, considering the pleasing charm, world famous food, immense cultural and historical legacy.
The beautiful nation also offers world-class study facilities with affordable tuition fees and easily accessible funding opportunities. In addition to that, it is home to Europe’s oldest and most respected study facilities, a good example being the University of Bologna which was established in 1088.
Situated in Southern Europe and strategically located at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy continues to top the list of prime study locations thanks to mild temperate climate as well as its beautiful natural landscapes.
The most recent figures reveal that approximately 1.6 million students enrolled for higher education studies in Italy. Among them, 30,000 were international students mainly from Greece, Africa and the Middle East. The trend suggest that the number of international students is on the increase.
Universities in Italy
Italy boasts an array of world-class colleges and Universities. Today it has more than 137 higher education institutions throughout the country, 61 of them being state universities under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and 30 non-state universities. The oldest university which is also credited to paving way for the current university system in the country is the University of Bologna which as mentioned earlier dates back to 1088. The most prominent public institutions of higher education include:
- University of Milano-Bicocca
- SDA Bocconi
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Universita Degli Studi di Milano
Business Schools in Italy
If you are obsessed with the idea of becoming the next Sir Alan Sugar, then Italy makes a prime destination for you to pursue your MBA as there is a long string of excellent public and private business schools to turn your idea into reality. The list toppers include:
- SDA Bocconi School of Management
- Bologna Business School
- LUSS Business School
- MIB Trieste School Of Management
- Universita di Pisa
- Sapienza University
Study in Italy in English
The national language of Italy is Italian, so most facilities offer their programs in Italian. In addition, English is not widely spoken outside the academic setting. For those who only know English, this might act as an obstacle. Fortunately, most institutions offer lessons that will help you improve your skills.
What’s even better is that many institutions are now trying to step up their game by offering English-taught programs in a bid to attract more international students and there are now over 300 English taught programs at university level.
Tuition Fees in Italy
Tuition fees in Italy are normally lower in comparison to other countries in Europe. The majority of the institutions of higher learning establish their own tuition fee but when it comes to University education, the government places a legal minimum cost for enrollment and a maximum cost for student contributions, which usually doesn’t exceed 20% of state funding.
Average tuition fee for public universities is normally between 850 – 1,000 Euros annually depending on the institution as well as the course. On the other hand, private universities are a little on the expensive side as they range between 1,800 – 4,000 Euros per year.
Scholarships to Study in Italy
There are many scholarships and funding opportunities that students can take advantage of in Italy. Some scholarship programs often cover both the tuition fee and the living costs while some institutions offer flexible tuition fee options making it possible for students funding their education to do so without straining. Most scholarship programs, however, are offered to a student based on an evaluation of their previous grades or on merit.
Costs of Living in Italy
Financing your lifestyle as a student in Italy is relatively easy. However, the cost of living varies depending on the city you are situated in. Usually, smaller cities like Bologna are quite affordable and you can comfortably live on a 900 Euros budget a month.
Nevertheless, larger cities like Milano are quite pricey and will require you to have at least 1,200 Euros a month for a comfortable lifestyle.
Internships and Company Placements in Italy
So you have just completed your studies or are about to embark upon a study abroad program in Italy and you are seeking for an internship in Italy? Well, congratulations and you will be glad to know that there are many internship opportunities in Italy. Rome to be precise is quite a popular destination for most interns as it is the country’s largest and most populous city hence boasts an array of companies in all industries. There are both paid and unpaid internships in Rome and other cities such as Naples, Venice, Milan, and Turin. Therefore, before you sign up for any placement do your research, so you end up getting the best.
Working in Italy
If you are thinking of looking for a part-time job maybe to fund your education as an EU student, then you will be glad to know you do not need a working permit. Nevertheless, the working hours should not be more than 20 hours a week during the semester. However, you are free to work fulltime during school breaks.
On the other hand, job opportunities are quite limited to non-EU students due to the restriction stamp placed by the immigration department on their passport. Some of the jobs that international students can explore include jobs in the IT, media or hospitality sectors. They can also seek jobs as call centre agents and library assistants.
To make your job hunt easier as a non-EU student, it is advisable that you have basic knowledge of the Italian language.
Applying for a Student Visa to Study in Italy
If you are an EU student, then studying in Italy is incredibly easy as you do not need a visa. You will nevertheless need to put in an application for a residence permit which again is easy as all you need to do is register with the local police, within three months of arrival in Italy.
On the other hand, non-EU students will need to apply for a visa. If you are a non-EU student, you can apply for your visa via the Italian consulate or local embassy while in your home country. You will also need a residence permit once your visa is approved and you need to apply for it within 8 days of your arrival in Italy.
To make your process smooth sailing, contact your university of choice in advance for more information as an acceptance letter from an Italian Institution is one of the requirements for student visa application. F
or you to apply for a residence permit you will also need health insurance which you can either purchase from a private health insurance firm in your home country or you can also purchase a policy with a private health insurer in Italy. Alternatively, you can register with the Italian Health Service through your nearest local health authority for a cover.