How to choose a university in Italy?
If you want to study the Chinese language, choose Ca’ Foscari di Venezia; for design, opt for Politecnico di Milano or Torino; for Economics, select Milano, and so on. If you want to study with a sea view, consider Ancona, Napoli, Genova…
Choosing a university in Italy is like stepping onto the set of a classic Italian film…
Full of charm, passion, and unforgettable moments, just like the legendary Federico Fellini brought stories to life with his creativity. Picking the right university means finding the place where your own story can begin, surrounded by culture, friendship, and exciting opportunities. Curious about how to make the best choice for your future? Keep reading the full post, and let’s explore together how to create your own masterpiece in the beautiful world of Italian education!
You can choose a university based on several criteria, such as university prestige, national ranking (La Classifica Censis delle Università italiane 2024/2025), region, city, your dream, personal circumstances, cost of living, and educational offer.
Triennale (Bachelor’s degree):
It lasts three years and provides basic training in a specific field of study. Examples include courses in Economics, Psychology, Engineering, Health Professions, Humanities, Languages, Biotechnology, and Chemistry. A bachelor’s degree is ideal for those seeking to quickly enter the workforce. It is also a necessary prerequisite for earning a master’s degree. Its objectives are to provide basic knowledge and develop practical skills that are immediately applicable to the workforce. After completing a bachelor’s degree, students may find employment that requires technical or practical training.
Magistrale (Master’s degree):
The master’s degree lasts two years and requires completion of a bachelor’s degree. Designed for those seeking to specialize in a specific field, it provides advanced skills and deep knowledge. Ideal for individuals aiming at higher responsibility roles or pursuing a PhD, this program, unlike the bachelor’s, unlocks more specialized, better-paid positions, along with access to numerous public competitions and management opportunities.
Magistrale (Master’s degree):
According to the Italian education system, to enter university, one needs 12 years of formal education. Yes, in Italy, school lasts 12 years. Therefore, if you don’t have that, you can’t directly enroll in a bachelor’s degree program. But there’s a solution – the Foundation Year program.
What is it?
It’s a special preparatory course offered by Italian universities for international students who have completed 11 years of education. The program lasts one academic year and includes specialized subjects, language training, and adaptation to the Italian academic system.
Once you finish the Foundation Year, you can apply to any bachelor’s program in Italy, regardless of which university offered your Foundation course.
Which universities offer this program?
Not every university has it, but you can find Foundation Year programs at:
- University of Pavia
- Ca’ Foscari University (Venice)
- University of Pisa
- La Sapienza (Rome)
- University of Parma
- Cattolica University (Milan)
- University of Siena
- University of Torino
- University of Brescia
…and others.
Key Points:
- Language: English or Italian (your choice) – B2 level required, certificate needed (requirements vary by university)
- Cost: from €3,000 to €8,000 per year
- Subjects: humanities, technical and medical, depending on the program
- Duration: 1 academic year
Important:
After completing the Foundation Year and enrolling in a bachelor’s degree, you don’t need a new student visa. You extend your existing student residence permit.
What you need to apply:
- Sometimes, a recommendation letter or TOLC test
- School diploma with translation and legalization (or recent school certificates if you are still studying)
- Language certificate
- Motivation letter and CV
Opting for a foundation year in Italy is the ideal choice for foreign students who wish to attend Italian universities without language or academic barriers. This one-year program fills preparatory gaps in key subjects such as Italian language, mathematics, and science, guaranteeing a recognized diploma that opens the door to three-year bachelor’s degrees. By immersing themselves in a unique cultural context, students not only acquire solid skills but also enjoy a transformative experience. This program offers internship opportunities in dynamic sectors such as design, food and wine, and engineering. Choosing Italy means investing in a competitive future, with a post-foundation placement rate of over 90%, combining academic excellence with an enviable lifestyle.
