Study in Italy: study in English, costs, opinions

Do you know where the oldest (still open) university in the world is located – the University of Bologna? Right! It’s in Italy. This country is increasingly popular among international students. Students are attracted not only by great universities that offer numerous courses in English, but also by breathtaking architecture and delicious cuisine.

Before considering studying in Italy, you should get to know the division of Italian higher education into two sectors:

• university sector (state and private universities),
• non-university sector (higher art schools – AFAM, language, technical, military and diplomatic schools).

The academic year runs from September or October to June and is divided into two terms. Each of them ends with an exam session (it lasts about 6 weeks).

Studies in Italy, as in other countries, are divided into three stages, i.e.:

1. Bachelor studies (laurea di 1° livello) usually last three years,
2. Master’s studies (laurea di 2° livello/laurea magistrale) usually last two years,
3. Doctoral studies (dottore di ricerca).

An exception to this rule are medical studies, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy, which are uniform studies – they combine first and second cycle studies and last 5-6 years.

If you plan to study at an art school (the so-called AFAM system – Sistema dell’Alta Formazione Artistica e Musicale), the title you will receive after completing your first-cycle studies is diploma accademico di 1° livello, while the second degree is diploma accademico di 2°.

Many people are hesitant to choose Italy as the country of their future studies for fear of the leading language. Yet, studying in Italy in English is offered at most universities, especially the best ones. You can choose from almost 200 undergraduate courses taught in English.

Universities in Italy offer numerous courses for international students. Before applying, however, make sure that the entire course will be conducted in English. Studying in Italy in English includes:

• Architecture
• AI (Artificial Intelligence)
• Physiotherapy
• Economy
• Pharmacy
• Law
• Psychology
• Data Science
• Nursing
• Philosophy
• Medicine
• Finances

Every year, universities open more and more courses in English, which increases the interest of international students in the universities offer.

At the moment, most of the courses in English are available at the master’s level, but there are also those at the bachelor’s level, e.g. at the University of Milan, University of Bologna, University of Florence, University of Roma.

One of the alternatives to state universities is one of the best business schools in the world – Bocconi University. It is a private university offering courses at the highest level. Classes are conducted in English.

Medicine and dentistry in Italy is chosen by more and more candidates dreaming of treating people in the future. No wonder – universities in Italy are known for their modern approach to science, as well as the excellent level of education of future doctors.

What do you need to do to get into medical studies in Italy?

There are several conditions that you need to meet:

1. Pass the IMAT (International Medical Admission Test). It is a test that examins your knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and logic. The test usually takes place in early September, just before the start of studies. The cost of the exam is €120.
2. Pass the language exam at the level required by the university. Usually, universities require knowledge of English at the B2 level (intermediate)

Studying medicine in Italy in English, you won’t avoid learning Italian. Remember – internships in hospitals are mandatory and then you will need to know Italian to be able to communicate with local patients without any problems. Universities help students by organizing Italian language courses in the first year of study, so that they reach the B1 level.

Medicine in Italy lasts 6 years. During the first years of the studies, the lecturers pay the most attention to the basics, i.e. teaching anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology and other subjects, so that students are prepared to learn clinical subjects and then start practicing and working with real cases.

To be able to apply to study in Italy, you must have completed 12 years of education and hold a high school diploma. Being a graduate of a Polish high school, you meet this condition.

The application deadline for public universities in Italy is usually July – September. However, the entire process of choosing studies should be undertaken much earlier to ensure that we meet the requirements of the university, as well as to have enough time to prepare for possible entrance exams. And most importantly, make sure that the course and university you choose are right for you in terms of the program they offer.

If you are thinking about the application, your first step, together with the certified translations of documents, should be visiting the Italian embassy and asking for a dichiarazione di valore document, which you attach to the application. This is an Italian certificate of acceptance of your diplomas.

Private universities set their own regulations and application deadlines, and it is worth checking the requirements and deadlines for each of them separately. Contact us and we will certainly be able to help you with the application.

Find out more about applying to study in Italy in the How to get in page.

Italy is one of the cheaper countries in terms of tuition fees compared to the UK or the Netherlands. Tuition fees at public universities vary, but usually do not exceed €2,800 (of course there are exceptions!).

Universities offer many scholarships to students whose economic situation is difficult and they cannot afford to pay all tuition fees. Students who maintain excellent academic results can also gain a lot – they can apply for a scholarship.

The cost of studying must always include the cost of accommodation and living costs. The latter, of course, are strongly related to your lifestyle, but you know – a student will handle it!

More information on the cost of studying in Italy can be found in the Costs page.

Italy is a country of people with a very fiery temper, great cuisine (who doesn’t like pizza and real Italian spaghetti) and beautiful landscapes. Students who go there to study are usually incredibly happy with their choice. They praise the very practical approach of lecturers to classes. At the same time, they emphasize that studying in Italy is not a holiday. Universities require a lot of learning and commitment from students, which is reflected in graduates very well prepared for the labor market at a later stage.

Have you read the article and want to apply to study abroad? 

Do you have any questions about the application?

EduCat will help you with the application process to study abroad. Our Mentors support students at various stages of preparing for the application – whether you need help with the application system, issues before going to university or the entire process from start to finish. You can use all the support in one place – on the EduCat platform.

In the meantime, write to us and we will try to answer all your questions and help you prepare for your studies abroad.