Study in Italy
Location and Geography
Italy, with a total area of 301,230 square kilometres, is a long, boot-shaped peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, plus the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. (San Marino and Vatican City are small autonomous states embedded in Italy). France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia adjoin to the north, the Adriatic and Ionian Seas are to the east, and the Tyrrhenian Sea is to the west. Most of Italy is rugged, mountainous terrain with the Alps in the north and the Apennines running the entire length of the peninsula to Sicily. Rome is the capital city.
Five Quick Points About Italy
Highly developed, industrialised economy
One of the most appreciated cultures in the world (and beautiful language)
Incredible food and wine traditions
More UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country
Sophisticated tourism infrastructure makes studying in Italy very pleasant
Climate
The predominant climate is Mediterranean (cold, wet winters and warm, dry summers). Significant variations occur in the mountainous areas (Alps and Apennines) with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The south has mild winters and long, hot, dry summers.
Economy
Italy has a diversified industrial economy comprising a developed industrial north and a less-developed agricultural south with high unemployment. High-quality consumer goods are produced by small- and medium-sized enterprises. Export highlights include fashion, automobiles, appliances, and industrial goods. Tourism now contributes more to the economy than agriculture. Italy also has a sizable underground economy (as much as 15% of GDP).
Italy faces some significant challenges to its economy, including the national debt level, high taxation, rigid labour laws, an expensive pension system, and an ageing population. At the same time, the country boasts a high quality of life (8th highest in the world according to The Economist).
Italy ranks as the seventh largest economy in the world according to the International Monetary Fund. It is a member of the G8 industrialized nations, the EU, and the OECD. The currency is the Euro.
Living Conditions and Cost of Living
Living costs can be high in Italy, especially in big cities like Rome. Italy ranks among the highest taxed countries in the world and among the most expensive EU countries for living costs. Actual costs are difficult to determine as inflation has been increasing steadily for several years. A very rough estimate figure is around €1,000–€1,500 per month for accommodation, food, and other living expenses in a city like Milan, and a bit less in smaller cities. This doesn’t include tuition fees. To obtain costs of tuition, students must contact the actual institution they are planning to attend.
Education System
Following a review of the system, control and management of education is being decentralised. Previously, all education was controlled by the Ministry of Education. Greater administrative and educational responsibility and autonomy are being transferred to the institutions themselves. In 2008, further reforms were proposed, mainly for primary school education. International students wishing to study in Italy should keep informed about any further changes to education that may occur.
In 2000, Italy changed to a two-tiered school system: primary for five years, secondary 1st Grade (medie) for three years, and secondary 2nd Grade (scuola superiore) divided into two years (bienno) and three years (trienno) of specialised learning (e.g., classical, scientific, technical and artistic studies). Education is free until the end of primary education. School is compulsory till the age of 16.
More information about each specialisation can be found at:
After matriculation (Diploma di Maturità), students can enter higher education (universities or polytechnic institutes). There are approximately 89 universities and a range of non-university institutions (e.g., higher schools of design/polytechnics, higher integrated technical education, and training institutions).
Immigration and Visas
International students from EU countries do not require a visa to study in Italy. All other nationalities must apply for a student visa at least three months prior to expected date of arrival. For up-to-date information on student visa requirements, prospective international students should contact the embassy or consulates in their home country. Important visa requirements are evidence of financial capacity, affidavit of parental permission and a responsible person in Italy if under 18, and evidence of acceptance at an approved institution.
Students with visas must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the local Central Police Station (Questura) within eight working days of arrival. Proof of health insurance coverage is required. Students apply for Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN) coverage through the local ASL office (Azienda Sanitaria Locale). Cost of health coverage is around €160 a year.
More Information
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- The portal site of the European Union (EU)
- EU Business site: Information on Italian economy
- International Monetary Fund: IMF reports on Italian economy
- Economy Watch website: Information on Italian economy
- Ministero dell’ Instruzione dell’ Università e della Ricerca (Ministry of Public Instruction)
- Study in Italy: information for international students
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministero degli Affari Esteri)
- Consulate General of Italy in New York: student visa requirements
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Information on Italy
- Just Landed – Living Abroad website: Useful information, services, and links
- Il Portale dell’Italia Culturale: Cultural activities and regional culture
- Commercial site with range of information on living in/visiting Italy
Study in Italy Today
Discover Italy’s top universities and rich culture. Apply now to start your education journey in a beautiful and historic country!
