Study In Italy

STUDY IN ITALY

WHY CHOOSE ITALY ?
REQUIREMENTS
LIVING
COURSES
INSTITUTES
WHY CHOOSE ITALY ?

WHY STUDY IN ITALY?

Have you ever thought about studying in a country where you can have almost everything just around the corner such as skiing, beaches, and maybe the most amazing historical sites and art creations in Europe?

Did you often think you’d like to go further with your language skills and not just talk in English with everyone? Just going to a place where you would have to learn to speak the local language? Well then, you should look for a study option in Italy!

Here are some of the best 10 reasons to choose Italy as your international study location:

1. Plenty of top universities with an impressive international environment

Italy is a popular international study location not just due to its high multicultural ambience, but the country also has several top public and private universities.

The University of Bologna is a prestigious institution that marks the origin of the current Western higher education system as the oldest university in Europe. In addition, Bologna is on the list of top European cities that welcome the largest number of Erasmus students.

There are many other quality public universities available in Italy, such as:

Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Torino
University of Siena
University of Pavia
University of Padua
Check out the top-ranked universities in Italy.

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2. Italy is an affordable destination for international students

Italy is one of the most affordable countries in Europe where you can study abroad and that goes for tuition fees and living costs as well.

Average tuition for all degree types: 850 to 1,000 EUR/year
Average living expenses: 700 to 1,000 EUR/month for housing, food, transportation and fun
Most expensive cities: Rome, Milan and Bologna
Cheaper cities: Pisa, Padua, or Turin
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies in Italy.

Find out more details about living costs in Italy.

3. Easy ways to travel the country

Italy allows you to ‘jump’ a bus or train for just a few Euros to escape from the cold and foggy Milano, or from the chaotic Bologna, to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Almost every big city is also perfectly connected to European and non-European countries with 87 airports. You can easily travel by train, all the bigger Italian cities are interconnected with 77 (main-) railway stations. That makes life easier for many students that do not like travelling by car or by plane.

4. A country full of wonders

While you’re enjoying the international student status in Italy, it would really be a shame not to take advantage of the privilege of living close to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yes, Italy beats any country at this, counting 51 heritage sites that speak about the cultural and historical past of Italy.

Imagine first-hand how the gladiators fought in the Colosseum, take a picture holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa, get lost on the streets and canals of Venice, and explore the centre of the Catholic faith in Vatican City. Learn a little Italian history and geography and visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

Check out what these students thought about their study experience in Italy:

Purna studied in Bolzano
Veronika studied in Bologna
Sebastian studied in Rome
Ida studied in Milan
Esteban studied in Naples

5. No pineapple on your pizza!

Italians are famous for their pizza; sure, you can eat pizza anywhere in this world but you can only find “the real pizza” in Italy. I’m not sure anyone discovered the secret ingredient but the truth is you’ll have to taste it to convince yourself that it is unique. Pizza in Italy is also more refined so don’t expect to see tons of toppings over it and don’t even think you’ll find pineapple on it, either!

As for pasta, you can enjoy them in all sizes and forms, cavatelli, ravioli, orecchiette, tagliatelle and most restaurants will serve homemade pasta.

Italians take great pride in their coffee and as for beer, leave it to the truck drivers. Start enjoying good Italian wines instead. A good bottle can start for as little as three Euros.

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6. Late nights are a given in Italy

Compared to other countries in the southern part of Europe, life in Italy starts and ends late in the evening. At 8 p.m. the streets are full of life, and sometimes this is the time when life just begins. In many other European cities, at 6 p.m., the city looks like it switched off all of a sudden. There are no people around anymore and the ambient was really driving us to depression. This is definitely not going to happen in Italy!

In an Italian university city, going for a walk at 9 or 10 p.m., especially in spring-summer-fall, makes you feel ‘in good company’, always surrounded by people. In the southern part, most shops have the closing time at 8:30 p.m. and that makes life easier for students who always forget to get food before closing time.

7. So many English-taught degrees you won’t know what to choose

In Italy, you can find a suitable study programme in any field you can imagine, from Arts to Computer Science, many of which are English-taught. See which are the most popular study programmes taught in English. Here are a few options you can consider, depending on your chosen university:

International Relations in Italy
MBAs in Italy
Electrical Engineering in Italy
Computer Science in Italy
Architecture in Italy
Fashion Design in Italy
You would have to pass around 20 exams to successfully complete a degree (around eight exams in each academic year) and most of them are oral exams. In some specialised fields, such as medicine or engineering, you will be required to pass 40 or 50 exams.

Oral examinations make life easier for a lot of students, but if you’re shy you might feel a bit uncomfortable with this kind of examination. But adjusting to this type of exams is a good exercise for developing your communication abilities.

8. The ridiculous graduation ritual

In Italy, graduate students have to go through a ridiculously funny ritual. After the official ceremony, students dress up in goofy costumes (usually a giant diaper, a hula skirt, or a funny hat), sit on a bench and wait for their peers and family to clutter them with either ketchup, eggs or other food substances. Students also hang around posters representing caricatures with an embarrassing anecdote of their colleagues.

9. Surrounded by arts, architecture and fashion

Particularly students who chose Italy to study a degree in fields like art, architecture or fashion will never regret their decision. Even if you came to Italy to study anything else, you will surely appreciate these emblematic features of the Italian culture.

Italy is the birthplace of Renaissance art, everywhere you go in Italy, you’ll see nothing but architectural wonders that stood the test of time and as for fashion, what else is there to say? It’s a well-known fact that Italians are elegant and sharp dressers and they owe it to several famous fashion brands and houses.

10. Great place to meet your soulmate

Italy is one of the most romantic places on earth. After all, Shakespeare’s most famous work ‘Romeo and Juliet’ talks about a love story that happened in Verona, Italy. Leaving the tragic part aside, finding your true ‘amore’ in Italy is quite possible. Italian guys chase after girls easier than in other countries, using their charms to complement them.

The specialists can be found in the biggest cities frequented by tourists. And let’s not forget how romantic the Italian language sounds! There are plenty of language courses to help you master the language of Latin romance.

Apart from that, Italy is filled with wonderful and charming attractions that will make you dream with your eyes open and even if you won’t find your soul mate, you’ll certainly fall in love with Italy.

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY IN ITALY

Italy is one of the most sought after countries in the world not only for students looking to study abroad, but also for many researchers who come to Italy to research, as well as for many who come to find jobs. Besides, a huge number of tourists also visit Italy to enjoy its scenic beauty and rich history. Italy is therefore a bustling country which has so much to offer that it is not possible to list all that here. Suffice to say, Italy is an enchanting place.

Italy is also a place where the culture is multi-ethnic and the people are welcoming and warm. A large number of students therefore come to study in Italy, including from India. This is because a study in Italy for Indian students can open windows of opportunity for the students and give them a chance to prove their mettle in any field they choose.

Before you set out to apply for studies in Italy, here are some of the requirements that you need to take care of-

Get your Documents in Order

The most important document that you need is of course your passport. Keep it ready and handy. Besides, most foreign universities have their own systems of verifying qualifying marks and your academic records. Most universities in Italy require you to produce marks transcripts of your qualifying exams or an equivalency certificate from the qualifying institute. You should therefore contact your potential university to be sure about the documents that you need and keep them ready in advance.

Clear a Language Test

Most universities in Italy teach in the English language to foreign students. For such courses and universities, you must produce a good test score in an English language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL etc. You should check which test are considered valid in the university you are applying in, and appear in that test accordingly. Some courses and universities in Italy also require you to have a basic functioning knowledge of Italian. While some universities teach Italian to you through add on courses in your first semester, some also require you to learn the language beforehand. Check with your potential university for details.

Be Prepared to List your Plans and Objectives
Admission to some courses in Italian universities require you to write certain specific letters like cover letters or statements of purpose. These are documents written by the candidates themselves, outlining their aims and objectives for studying a particular course in Italy. Some courses also require you to produce a research outline. You should be ready with all these.

Contact your Referees

Some courses in Italian universities like the ones for which admissions are held all year round like doctorate courses require you to furnish reference letters. These are letters to be written by a teacher or a professor or a senior that you studied or worked under, and these are demanded by the university to have a sort of guarantee of your capabilities. You should therefore stay in touch with some of your previous teachers because you might have to ask them to write a reference letter for you.

Check the Visa Formalities

An Italy student visa is of different types depending on the country you belong to and the duration of your course. As an Indian student, the most commonly required student visa is the Visa type D, which is a Long-stay visa valid for more than 90 days. You should be in contact with the university you have applied to for formalities regarding your visa status.

Keep Some Cash Handy

There are some additional costs involved with studying in a foreign country besides the cost of study. These include your travel expenses, visa processing fees, and miscellaneous charges. You should therefore keep some cash handy to meet all these expenses.

LIVING

LIVING IN ITALY

Things You Should Know

Cost of Living in Italy

Living in Italy isn’t cheap at all! That’s the hard fact. In fact, in 2020, Italy was reported to be among the most expensive countries to live in Europe. While life here is beautiful and alluring, it can also charm money from your pockets!

However, this doesn’t mean you should shelf your dream of living in Italy. The cost of living will vary significantly based on the city you settle in.

The cost of living in expensive cities in north Italy is substantially higher than in southern rural areas. This is due to a significant north/ south divide in the country, and the fact that annual income is a lot higher in the north whereas economic downturn has impacted the income per capita in the south in the last few years.

While there are expensive cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome, American or British citizens will find other cities to be a lot cheaper. You may even have disposable income after you have paid for all your necessities!

Some of the costs you should consider here include:

Housing costs: One bedroom apartment in a major city centre costs around $1,500, while the same in the small southern towns will cost roughly $600.
Transportation costs: One gallon of gas costs about $6.64, while public transport pass goes for $40 per month, on average.
Cost of food: A meal in a simple restaurant goes for around $15 (maybe more in touristy or expensive cities), while dinner for two in a fancy hotel will cost you about $80. The good news is, Italy has such amazing food, that even a simple meal will be delicious!
Entertainment: A pint of beer here costs between $5 and $6 (maybe more in a city centre or in a tourist area), while enjoying a movie will cost you around $20.

Italian Lifestyle and Culture
There are so many quotes about Italy‘s lifestyle and culture – so you bet that it plays a huge part of living here!

In Italy, culture is immersed in arts, architecture, religion, music, family, and unique food. Italy was once home to some of the most influential leaders who ever lived, with history and culture spanning over 3000 years. The European country is full of friendly locals and dynamic history.

Population

Italy’s population is about 61 million people. Approximately 96% of these people are Italians. The rest of the population comprises Germans, North Africans, Albanians, Italo-Albanians, Australians, and other European ethnic groups.

Italian culture has also been influenced by the neighboring countries, including France, Australia, and Switzerland.

Therefore, learning to speak Italian is paramount before settling in Italy.

Language

The official language in this beautiful country is Italian, and around 96% of people speak it as their first langauge.

The Italian language is also considered one of the most famous Romance languages – stemming from Venice, “the home of romance.” Other dialects found in Italy include Albanian, Corsican, Croatian, Catalan, French, Greek, German, etc.

English is spoken by younger people, but you might find that there is a language barrier with older people or outside of the larger cities – English speakers are less common in the countryside. That’s why it is a great idea to have at least a basic understanding of Italian!

Religion

An overwhelming majority (80-90%) of people living in Italy are Roman Catholics.

That goes without saying!

Vatican City, located in Rome, is the centre of Roman Catholic and the Pope’s residence. In fact, the Vatican is the smallest country in the world, and it’s headed by the Pope. You’ll notice religion has a strong presence in daily life in Italy compared to other European countries.

The rest of Italy’s population comprises Protestant, Muslim, and Jewish religions and Atheists.

Art, Music, and Literature

These are three crucial aspects engraved in Italian culture. In almost every corner of every street in every Italian city, you can be sure to be met by fantastic art.

Here, art, music, and literature are not confined to the museums. They go beyond the famous Venice, Florence, and Rome Museums. In fact, Italy’s atmosphere itself resonates with art, music, and literature.

For instance, Italy’s most famous piece of art is painted on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling in the Vatican. The painting was done around 1508 to 1512 by Michelangelo. And Italy is also home to other world-famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Leon Battista Alberti.

Italian culture is also known for its incredible operas, with some of the world’s greatest composers like Luciano Pavarotti and Ruggero Leoncavallo.

Italian Cuisine

This is one thing that will make living in Italy quite revitalizing – and it’s something that British and American citizens in particular love about the country!

If you enjoy classic yet amazing food, Italian cuisine is considered one of the world’s best.

It’s one cuisine that has significantly influenced the world’s food culture over the years. What’s more, every meal is a masterpiece in Italy – you’ll get to enjoy mouthwatering dishes as part of your daily life!

As part of Italian meals, cheese, pasta, and wine will never miss. There are numerous forms of pasta, including spaghetti, penne, fusilli, linguine, and lasagna. And, these are integral parts of almost every meal, especially in central Italy.

Here, every meal is an art. And, every bite is simply mouth-watering.In the northern region of Italy, the main dishes include rice, potatoes, fish, pork, sausages, risotto, and pasta. In the southern region, tomatoes are the staple.

Every meal will contain tomatoes, either fresh or cooked. Other popular ingredients in the south include pepper, capers, garlic, eggplant, ricotta cheese, olives, etc.

Food is believed to give Italians a higher quality of life and is part of what makes families stronger. This way, every gathering comprises of mouth-watering meals that you’ll find quite difficult to resist.

So, if you are planning to live in Italy, food shouldn’t bother you at all. The country has some of the most fantastic food in Europe. And, even if you have dietary requirements, the cuisine is so varied that you’ll be able to find some delicious dishes to suit you. Take a look at this guide to being vegan in Venice for more information!

Wine is also an integral part of Italian food culture. With some of the biggest vineyards in the world, wine has been part of the Italian culture for thousands of years.

Be ready to enjoy some of the best wines you’ll find nowhere else. These are the best wine regions to visit during your time in Italy.

Customs and Etiquette

If you are planning on living in Italy, here are some things you should bear in mind.

First, it’s prudent to learn at least something small about the local greetings. Whether friends or strangers, Italians are used to wishing a good day or good evening to each other (Buongiorno, Buona sera). But if you’ve heard of “ciao,” this one is for good friends, not strangers.

Also, the greetings are accompanied by a kiss on the left and the right cheek for great friends. Shaking hands will do for strangers or not-so-good friends.

When it comes to dressing codes, Italy is more conservative than the West or other European countries. This is because it’s more of a religious country. Therefore, you ought to be appropriately dressed. Remember, the churches contain many of the best attractions in Italy. This means that appropriate dressing is not negotiable, especially if you want to visit churches.

Some clothing, such as shorts, sleeveless garments, tank tops, etc., are strictly prohibited in churches. If it’s too hot, especially during summer, ensure to carry a scarf to cover your shoulders if you are wearing sleeveless tops.

Another thing to remember is always requesting an il conto (check) after dining in a restaurant. Italians will never bring the bill to your table unless you ask for it.

And, smoking is banned in all public establishments.

Italian Nightlife

Italy is full of rich, diverse, and vibrant nightlife. Numerous bars and clubs operate across the major cities, including Rome, Padua, Bologna, Naples, etc. Mostly these establishments are up and running from 9:00 pm, operating through almost the entire night.

Most clubs will operate within the city centres during winter and retreat to the beautiful beaches when summer warmth kicks in. Both tourists and locals are seen flocking the beaches for a piece of entertainment, creating scenes as seen in Grado and Rimini.

If you are used to partying, nothing has to change when you move to Italy. On the contrary, it might even become better!

One thing is for sure with Italian nightlife; the options are infinite. Whether you love classical music, jazz, indie, rock, techno, or folk, Italian cities offer numerous opportunities for the best night.

There are also frequent open-air concerts held in multiple big cities or tourist hubs. Generally, these open concerts are held in summer, making it one of the best times to visit Italy for tourists.

But if you are there to stay, any time is the best time for partying.

Best Shopping Opportunities
While living in Italy, shopping is also a crucial thing to consider. Where do you shop? How convenient is it? And, do shopping malls operate 24/7?

When it comes to fashion, Italy is known for its exquisite designs. Whether it is shoes, clothes, or classy bags, everyone wants to wear Italian.

Three main cities are known to offer the best shopping opportunities for fashion items. These include Rome, Milan, and Florence. This is because they are considered the centres of fashion in Italy.

One thing to note is that different regions in Italy are known for different products. For instance, Venice is famous for the Murano glass, Carrara for marble, and Cremona for handmade violins.

This means that you should have a clue of what region sells what?

Shopping hours are mainly from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday, with a 2hrs break from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. In large cities, the shops might remain open even during lunch hours.

On Sundays, most shops will be closed for the entire day. But, you can still find a few open ones. Supermarkets and malls in the big tourist hubs like Florence and Venice will be open.

Italy Attractions

Millions of tourists come to Italy each year for vacations, pilgrimage tours, business, or even relocation. And, it’s not without a valid reason.

Italy has more attractions than you can comprehend. Right from its rich history, attractive art and architecture, picturesque sights, and fun opportunities, Italy is an excellent travel destination. Of course, it’s also one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

Here, you are sure to see some of the most famous sights in the world and come face to face with the famed Roman culture.

Some of the best things to do and see in Italy include:

See some of the most beautiful cities in Europe – loads of them are in Italy!
Glide through Venice canals in one of the famed gondolas
Go hiking at Cinque Terre
Go bike riding at Tuscan hill Italian towns
Enjoy an Opera
Take a history tour through ancient Rome’s city centre. Here’s a 3 days in Rome itinerary.
Enjoy some beach time
Attend local festivals
Go on a road trip through north Italy or drive from Naples to Palermo in southern Italy.
Eat plenty of fantastic food!

There is never a shortage of activities to do or sites to visit while living in Italy.

COURSES