Uni-Italia is the national body for the promotion of Study in Italy worldwide. It is a private non-profit organisation founded in 2010 jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), the Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM), the Ministry of the Interior (MI), ITA-Italian Trade Agency and CRUI - Conference of Italian University Rectors.
Uni-Italia's objective is to promote the internationalisation of Italian academic institutions through initiatives aimed at attracting international students and researchers to Italy and strengthening university cooperation between Italy and foreign countries.
In particular, Uni-Italia's activities focus on the following three pillars:
1. Promoting Study in Italy to attract international students to Italian higher education institutions;
2. Providing guidance and assistance to international students abroad;
3. Supporting Italian higher education institutions in international academic cooperation.
To achieve these goals, Uni-Italia implements government initiatives and programs such as Invest Your Talent in Italy and Alumni Farnesina, signs agreements with institutional entities (e.g., in June 2023 with Indire, the Italian National Agency for Erasmus+), and organises national and international conferences to create a space for a fruitful exchange of experiences regarding policies on student international mobility and academic cooperation.
The Uni-Italia General Directorate is located at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and operates in close collaboration with the ministry and its representations abroad.
Uni-Italia also has a widespread presence in Third Countries through Centers located at diplomatic structures and Italian Cultural Institutes.
Through its Centres abroad, Uni-Italia organises several activities to promote the Italian education system and participates in promotional events organised by local and/or international entities (e.g., EU delegations). Furthermore, Uni-Italia Centres abroad offer "Study Guidance" designed to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their academic journeys. This includes selecting appropriate courses, majors, and universities that align with their academic background, goals and expectations. Additionally, the centres provide support with pre-enrollment procedures and aid Italian academic institutions in international cooperation activities. Collaborating with Italian Cultural Institutes and Embassies, they also actively promote the Italian language, culture, and the various strengths of Italy.
Uni-Italia Centres abroad are located in the following countries: China (Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou); India (Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru); Indonesia (Jakarta), Iran (Tehran); Morocco (Rabat, Casablanca), and Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City). The latter centre serves as a regional hub for other countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. Additional Centres will be opened in other strategic countries, such as Central Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Finally, Uni-Italia also has a Liaison Office with the EU in Brussels, aimed at facilitating fundraising and advocacy activities to increase and strengthen Italian participation in European networks.
