Studying in Italy is, for many, a dream come true. Not just because of all the pasta and pizza you will eat every day while in Italy, nor because you finally get to pronounce Italian words correctly. Getting a degree in Italy can be advantageous for a long list of reasons.
But why should one choose to go to university in Italy?
To answer this question, we have carefully looked at several different variables. Here’s our list of 5 reasons why enrolling with an Italian university is the best choice one can make.
University in Italy ranks high
Speaking of statistics and rankings, the reputation of QS Quacquarelli Symonds and their Top Universities website is authoritative and unquestioned.
Every year, QS evaluates the best world universities, based on several elements. For example, they look at the worldwide academic reputation of the university’s faculty. They take into account the employers’ evaluation on recently employed graduated students. They consider the scientific impact of the research and the overall quantity and quality of research that the university promotes. Moreover, they also take into account the international faculty and international students ratios.
Based on these elements, QS draws up the QS World University Ranking which is considered a cornerstone in the educational sector. The ranking is divided into macro areas and specific subjects.
The 2021 ranking, published on June 9th, 2020, involves 1186 universities from 93 countries. 36 Italian Universities made it to this prestigious world ranking, confirming and also exceeding the admirable results of 2020.
For instance, in 2020, La Sapienza University of Rome ranked #2 worldwide in the field of Classics & Ancient History, while the Politecnico di Milano ranked #6 for Art & Design and #7 for Architecture and Engineering.
The prestigious Bocconi University of Milan ranked #7 with its Business & Management degree, and #16 with the Economics degree.
When it comes to Medicine, three Italian universities made it to the top 100. Did you know they offered their degrees in Medicine in English, too?
University in Italy is not just the same old uni
In addition to the most famous universities mentioned above, Italy also has an extensive offer of Art, Music and Dance academies, which have not been examined for the purposes of the QS Ranking.
To find out more, look at the 5 things you need to know before applying with an Italian university.
Did you know that in Italy there are 95 universities and 44 academies of fine arts?
Among these, Istituto Marangoni and NABA in Milan are certainly the most famous ones (and, unfortunately, also the priciest).
In the meantime, further south in Sicily, MADE Program offers incredibly high-value-for-money degree courses in design and visual arts. With its warm-welcoming, informal setting and an excellent student-professor ratio, the international faculty and the staff welcome students in a beautiful 19th-century historic building facing the great harbour of Syracuse.
University in Italy is not only in Italian
Every year, the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) puts out a list of reserved places intended for candidates from non-EU countries residing abroad. This allows non-EU students to have higher possibilities to enrol even in the most selective courses. However, a good knowledge of the language is a requirement, as these courses are often taught in Italian. Often, but not always.
Did you know that approximately 10% of all degree courses at Italian universities are in English? This means accessing a variety of qualifying, highly instructional courses directly brought to you in English.
Since 2011, Cambridge Assessment has been working together with the Italian Ministry of Education to offer IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). IMAT is a 100-minute subject-specific admission test designed for students applying for English-taught medicine & surgery and dentistry courses in Italy. These courses are open to both home and international students.
Three of the 100 best medical schools of the world are in Italy, but they also run courses in English. These are La Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Bologna and the International Medical School of La Statale di Milano. With IMAT, international students get a real chance of joining one of the most prestigious medical schools in the world.
University in Italy is an option for everyone
By now, you might still be wondering whether you have what it takes to apply for an Italian university. The answer to this question can be easily found here: Tell me what studies you have completed, I’ll tell you how to enrol in an Italian University.
Similarly, anything else you might wonder about Italian universities will probably find an answer here: University in Italy: 5 things you need to know before applying.
All in all, the accessibility of Italian universities is a fact, not just a dream.
Over the last decade, many Italian institutions have thoroughly worked towards internationalizing and improving their course offer, with remarkable results.
While competing on an international level with several institutions, Italian universities still carry a notable advantage: their tuition fees. University in Italy is way more budget-friendly, especially when you compare it to similar institutions in the US or the UK. Not only is the cost of tuition fees lower, but the overall cost of life itself is more affordable in some Italian cities than elsewhere in the world.
Moreover, many institutions have designed specific courses aimed at preparing international students for their degree courses in Italy. Have you ever heard of a Foundation Year? For example, the Foundation Year in Art and Design by Syracuse Academy and MADE is the ideal combination of Italian classes and design courses to prepare you for a bright career in arts and design in Italy.
University in Italy is a life choice
Just think about it. Living in Italy, earning a universally recognized degree, learning a beautiful language, being part of a wonderful community and immersing yourself in the sweet life (la dolce vita). Studying in Italy will be all of it, and possibly more.
Clearly, the idea is tempting. However, you still haven’t really figured out what your career path should be. No worries, Italy can help you through this, too.
Have you ever thought about taking a gap year?
If Italy is your dream but you’re still not sure what you want to study, just take some time to broaden your horizons while building a powerful resumé.
The benefits of spending a gap year while preparing for university in Italy are endless.
First, you can learn the language and obtain an Italian language certification that will look gloriously on your university application. Then you can find a part-time job, to save some money and travel around Italy to discover its hidden gems. Most importantly, you will have time to evaluate your options and decide which path is best for you. As stated earlier, non-EU students are lucky enough to access a number of reserved spots in every university in Italy.
What are you waiting for? It takes only 7 steps to get ready to move to Italy!