Enrolling in a University in Italy
It comes as no surprise that numerous international students find an immediate sense of belonging in Italy. The University of Bologna has been welcoming students since 1088, making it the world's oldest university, and its establishment bestowed upon the city one of its nicknames: la dotta, meaning "the learned one." Bologna continues to be at the forefront of academic innovation in the 21st century, having initiated the Bologna Process, which set standards for excellence in higher education across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Italian universities take pride in their rich heritage and academic standings. For instance, the University of Rome Tor Vergata offers over a dozen international degree courses conducted in English. Established in 1982, Tor Vergata has rapidly become one of the top young universities in Europe, renowned for high student satisfaction and well-above-average employment rates for its graduates.
Italy boasts some of the finest business schools in Europe, with the prestigious SDA Bocconi in Milan, the country's financial hub. Its MBA programs consistently rank at the forefront of global and European standings, with numerous influential business leaders among its alumni.
Various universities in Italy are actively enhancing their internationalization efforts and developing degree programs tailored for international students. Presently, there are over 500 English-taught study programs offered in the country, and each year, the options for studying in Italy in English continue to expand.
Education System in Italy
The education system in Italy is divided into four broad categories, the last category being tertiary education. Tertiary education in Italy includes university-level education and vocational education. Only those who qualify for their secondary education at school are permitted to pursue vocational or university-level courses in Italy. International students applying to study in Italy would be required to submit their class XII scores for undergraduate admissions at Italy universities.
Top Universities in Italy
The following are the top-ranking universities in Italy as per QS and THE World Rankings for the year 2023:
| Universities in Italy | QS World Ranking 2024 | THE World Ranking 2023 |
| Politecnico di Milano | #123 | 301-350 |
| University of Bologna | #154 | #161 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | #134 | 201-250 |
| Università di Padova | #219 | 201-250 |
| University of Milan | #276 | 301-350 |
| Politecnico di Torino | #252 | - |
| University of Pisa | #349 | 401-500 |
| University of Naples - Federico II | #335 | - |
| Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele | #595 | - |
| University of Trento | #429 | 401-450 |
Italy Intakes
There are six intakes in Italy universities for international students, as per the University of Bologna, these intakes are as follows:
| Intakes at Italy Universities | Deadlines to Apply for Admission |
| First Intake | November last week - January last week |
| Second Intake | January second last week - March week |
| Third Intake | March last week - June end |
| Fourth Intake | July first week - September first week |
| Fifth Intake | September first week - October starting of second-week |
| Sixth Intake | October starting of the second week - November first week |
Top Cities Preferred by Students in Italy
Milan and Rome are the top cities preferred by students in Italy. As per QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023, Milan ranks at #48 and Rome ranks at #74. Other cities preferable for studying in Italy are - Venice, Florence, Bologna, etc.
Varieties of Educational Programs
Italy offers diverse education programs, including:
1. Medicine Studies:
- Available in English at four top universities:
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Pavia University
- University of Padova
- Tor Vergata University
2. PG Specialization:
- Offers enriching experiences with ample research opportunities.
3. Bachelor of Engineering:
- Provides comprehensive engineering knowledge from renowned faculties.
4. Master of Engineering:
- Deepens understanding through advanced studies following a bachelor's degree.
5. MBA Programs:
- Italy is a top-ten global destination for MBA studies, offering cost advantages compared to other European universities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 1st Cycle Degree Programs (Undergraduate): Foreign school leaving or higher secondary qualification with a minimum of 12 years of schooling.
- 2nd Cycle Degree Programs (Graduate): 1st cycle higher education qualification (bachelor’s level) from an Italian or equivalent foreign university.
- 3rd Cycle Degree Programs (Doctoral): 2nd cycle higher education qualification (master’s level) from an Italian or equivalent foreign university.
- Proficiency in Italian language (reading, writing, speaking, listening) is essential for international students, with English as the medium of instruction.
Admission Requirements:
- Identity document
- Academic transcript of previous studies
- University application form
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal statement
- English or Italian language proficiency as per the program
Financials:
Various funding options, including education loans, parental support, home country loans, scholarships, and local loan facilities in Italy.
Italian Higher Education System:
- Universities:
- Public and private, with around 90 universities.
- Non-Universities:
- Arts academies (AFAM), technical institutions, language mediation schools, and higher integrated education schools.
Popular Universities:
1. Sapienza University of Rome:
- One of Europe's largest universities, offering modernity, renowned faculty, and an intellectually conducive environment.
2. SDA Bocconi:
- Distinguished management school, providing job security and entrepreneurial opportunities.
3. University of Milan:
- Public research university with a large student body, scientific productivity, and cultural influence.
4. University of Bologna:
- The world's oldest operational university, delivering top-notch education with renowned faculty.
5. University of Turin:
- Internationally recognized university offering over 140 undergraduate and postgraduate programs in English.
6. University of Verona:
- A sought-after university focusing on evolution, investing in resources, and offering a wide range of programs.
QS World University Rankings 2023:
41 Italian universities listed, with top 300 featuring:
- Politecnico di Milano (139th)
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna (167th)
- Sapienza University of Rome (171st)
- Università di Padova (243rd).
Top 10 Universities in Italy (QS World Universities 2022):
- Politecnico di Milano
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Università di Padova
- University of Milan
- Politecnico di Torino
- University of Pisa
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele
- University of Naples - Federico II
- University of Trento.
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