STUDYING IN ITALY

Studying in Italy offers great opportunities for growth and success, both in terms of academic life and the world of work, as well as the chance to immerse yourself in a historical and cultural reality closely connected to globally recognized artistic and musical production.

Throughout the centuries, Italian universities, which are of modern conception, have been pioneers and the oldest in the Western world. Established in the 11th century, they have had a key impact on higher education institutions across Europe.

Today, Italy is at the forefront in every field of higher education, with notable excellence in design, architecture, applied sciences, and arts. The strategic value given to research enables the maintenance of high standards in technological development, allowing Italian activities to be recognized and appreciated worldwide, particularly in the areas of energy, environment, and transportation.

Furthermore, the current university system allows for a more seamless transition into the world of work, tailoring student education to meet real market needs. This is achieved through mandatory internships during the academic journey for certain degree programs.

The Italian Higher Education System

Diverse and varied, the Italian higher education system is structured as follows:

• Universities, both public and private
• National research centers
• AFAM Institutes: institutes specializing in visual arts, music, dance, and drama
• Higher Schools for Linguistic Mediators (SSML): award qualifications equivalent to university degrees in Linguistic Mediation Sciences
• Specialization Institutes in Psychotherapy: award third-cycle qualifications equivalent to Specialization Diplomas issued by universities
• Higher Technical Institutes (ITS): non-university tertiary education institutes, established with the aim of creating a stronger link between the world of education and the industrial sector
• Other institutes, such as the, Advanced Training School of the Higher Institute for Conservation and Restoration, la Scuola di alta formazione dell’Opificio delle pietre dure, la Scuola di alta formazione dell’Istituto centrale per la patologia del libro Alfonso Gallo (the Advanced Training School of the Alfonso Gallo Central Institute for Book Pathology) These institutes are not under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.

Italian Qualifications Framework

The Italian higher education offerings are structured into three cycles in line with the QF for the EHEA - Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area. Access to these cycles is granted after a minimum of 12 years of pre-university education (the Italian standard is 13 years).