Study in Italy

Every year, investors, young professionals, as well as students are attracted to Italy for various reasons. Find, in this article, conditions related to studying in the country.

Being a member of the European Union, Italy enjoys a rich and antique culture. It is also ranked 8th among the world's economic powers for its numerous resources and its robust economy. This is what attracts foreign students to enroll in Italian universities. So if you are moving to Italy for further studies, you are likely to learn Italian along with learning more on art, architecture, science, etc.

Procedures
First of all, you have to determine in which university you prefer to enroll and in which courses you would like to register. You are also advised to inquire on existing student exchange programs between your home country and Italy. This will allow you to determine whether you will start enrollment procedures directly with your university of with your current university's dean.

But in all cases, contacting the university directly may be helpful since each university has its own conditions and procedures regarding enrollment of foreign students. You can also refer to the Italian universities' websites.

Note that you can choose among general universities, polytechnic schools, higher private schools which are recognized by the Education authorities and specialized high schools. To date, the country hosts 68 public universities, and some 20 private higher education institutes.

Registration
You will be eligible to higher studies in Italy if you have successfully completed your high school years. In fact, you must have completed at least 12 years of schooling, including elementary school. Mastering the Italian language is also required.

If you are a European Union citizen, you must first contact the Italian consulate in your home country, as well as the university where you wish to enroll. You will then be informed on the application deadline.

Documents to be produced are:

certified and genuine transcripts, master or license of your secondary educational credentials (originals or photocopies). Note that this can be done at the nearest municipality to your place on producing your identity documents and a proof of address.
A translated version of each degree by a recognized translator.
An equivalence for your diploma, known as the dichiarazione di valore. This document is issued by the Italian Consulate's education department.
Visas
Students from European countries must have a valid identity card or passport or any other applicable identification document. They will have to register with the nearest police station to their place of residence once they are in Italy.

As for non-European citizens, they have to apply for a specific visa before entering Italy. You are advised to contact the Italian Consulate or Embassy in your home country for all queries. In general, the study visa is issued within 90 days following the request. They are also required to apply for a permesso di soggiorno, that is a residency permit, within 80 days.

Fees
University fees in Italy are quite similar to those in force in other European countries. However, registration fees in some public universities can amount to some 1,500 euros. This amount varies according to the courses chosen, as well as on the university's prestige. As for Catholic universities, fee schedules vary according to family income. Student's coming from a rather wealthy family may pay slightly higher registration fees than those coming from middle-income families.

Scholarships
Scholarships may be granted by the Italian Government, foreign companies, Italian universities or other institutions. Physics, astronomy, engineering or information and communication technology students can benefit of Instituto Nazionale di Fisica nucleare grants. Research students may request the Instituto Nazionale di Fisica della matiera grants. Moreover, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also sponsors foreign students having studied in the country for at least four years in any field.

Student accommodation
Religious and non-profit organizations often offer accommodations for students. Students will be informed of these via student associations.

University campuses are primarily reserved for scholarship students while ''universitari collegi'' are open to students with excellent grades. Family income is also considered. Students can also benefit of various services such as conference rooms, library, sports centers, etc.

Hostels, on the other hand, are a rather temporary solution. Students who prefer to stay temporarily in a hostel have to produce their International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and the HI-Hostelling International card. They will then be entitled to many benefits, such as discounts.

Room sharing is also widespread in Italy. In general, rent prices are lower in small towns. But students staying in Rome will need some 600 euros per month. Cheap accommodations also include the 'posto letto' which is a shared dormitory room.