Italy captivates visitors not only with its Mediterranean lifestyle à la “La Dolce Vita,” historic cities, and world-famous cuisine, but also with a long academic tradition. When studying in Italy, you can expect renowned, long-established universities, international study programs, and a vibrant student life in Milan, Rome, or Bologna. At the same time, students benefit from a rich cultural diversity and plenty of sunshine. Curious? Then find out everything you need to know about “Studying in Italy” here. Visit the land of pasta and pizza with us!
Italy’s higher education system is clearly structured yet highly diverse. At its core are universities, which are organized as both public and private institutions and cover a wide range of academic disciplines. This offering is complemented by specialized institutions such as polytechnics (Politecnici) or elite graduate schools, which focus primarily on research and advanced academic training. In addition, the AFAM system provides a separate track for artistic disciplines such as art, music, design, and theater, with degrees from these programs being equivalent to university degrees.
So-called CFUs (Crediti Formativi Universitari) play a central role in the degree program. These credit units correspond to the European ECTS system and serve as a measure of the total workload of a degree program. One CFU represents approximately 25 hours of work; students typically earn 60 CFUs per academic year. The calculation includes not only lectures but also seminars, internships, and self-study, which ensures that the program is clearly structured and comparable across Europe.
With approximately 1.8 million students, Italy is one of Europe’s established study destinations. At the same time, the country is gaining increasing international prominence: the number of English-language degree programs is growing steadily, and many universities are specifically tailoring their programs to international students. Tradition and innovation go hand in hand—not least thanks to institutions such as the University of Bologna, which, as the world’s oldest university, continues to shape the country’s academic profile to this day.
Are you already excited about the idea of planning your semester abroad in Venice or fulfilling your dream of studying in Rome? Or do you still have doubts about leaving your familiar surroundings? That’s completely understandable—after all, studying abroad in Italy is a big step. Still, we can assure you: it’s worth it! If you take a closer look, you’ll quickly see that the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks. That’s why we’ve put together five good reasons why studying in Italy is definitely worth it—convincing, right?
Since the Bologna Process, degrees within the European Higher Education Area are no longer distinct from one another. The higher education system is divided into three cycles. The first cycle consists of a bachelor’s degree, also known as the Laurea di Primo Livello, and typically lasts three years. Upon completion, students receive a bachelor’s degree called Dottore. This is followed by the Laurea Magistrale (Master’s) in the second cycle, which focuses on specialization and lasts an additional two years. The degree here is called Dottore Magistrale. In certain fields, such as medicine, law, or architecture, both levels are combined into a single, continuous program called the Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico. These programs typically last 5 to 6 years and also lead to the degree of Dottore Magistrale. The third cycle consists of the doctoral program (Dottorato di Ricerca), which focuses on independent research and usually lasts 3 to 5 years.
The advantage of the Bologna Process is that these degrees are recognized by all higher education institutions, both in Germany and abroad. This promotes international mobility and opens up a wide range of career and continuing education opportunities for you.
The academic year in Italy, also known as the Anno accademico, is divided into two semesters. The winter semester begins in September, although classes typically start in October and run through January. The summer semester is structured similarly and therefore usually begins as early as February, although lectures typically start in March and run through June/July. Final exams take place at the end of each semester, i.e., in January/February or June/July. Oral exams are the most common format, though written exams are also used. Sometimes a combination of both is required.
Your daily university life while studying in Italy is structured and planned. Every degree program has a curriculum that lists the courses to be taken in each semester. Classes may include both mandatory and optional sessions. Large lectures are the most common form of instruction, though seminars and courses are also often large in size. This can, of course, vary depending on the size of the university; at smaller universities, the relationship with the instructor tends to be closer, and oral participation is valued more highly.
In Italy, a point-based grading scale is used, with 18 points being the minimum, which is roughly equivalent to a 4 in the U.S. The maximum score is 30 points, which is comparable to a 1. An exception to this is "30 con lode" (cum laude), which is awarded in exceptional cases and recognizes outstanding academic achievement. With fewer than 18 points, the exam is considered failed and must be retaken at the next exam date.
Studying in Italy generally involves tuition fees. However, compared to other popular study destinations, the costs are often moderate, particularly at public universities. The actual amount of the fees depends on various factors—such as the university, the field of study, the degree level, or the student’s financial situation. There are therefore no standard fees, as each university sets its own fee structure.
At public universities, tuition fees typically range from 600 to 4,000 euros per year, though they are often in the range of about 750 to 3,000 euros annually. In addition, a general enrollment fee is charged, which is standardized nationwide. Some universities also take family income into account. At the University of Rome Tor Vergata, for example, tuition fees are based on the student’s financial situation and can vary between approximately 150 and 5,000 euros per year.
Private universities and specialized institutions typically charge significantly higher tuition fees. These can easily range from 6,000 to 20,000 euros per academic year. In return, these institutions often offer smaller class sizes, specialized degree programs, or a stronger international focus.
On the positive side, many Italian universities offer discounts and financial aid to students from low-income families. Overall, therefore, despite the existence of tuition fees, Italy is still considered a relatively affordable destination for studying abroad—especially when compared to countries such as the United Kingdom or the United States.
The cost of living while studying in Italy is generally quite reasonable. Depending on the city and region, students should budget approximately €700 to €1,200 per month for rent, food, and transportation. While major cities like Milan or Rome are relatively expensive, the cost of living is significantly lower in smaller towns or in southern Italy. Many universities also assist with finding housing or arrange placements in student dormitories.
Another way to study in Italy more affordably is to skip a full bachelor’s or master’s degree program and instead plan a semester abroad in Italy. Because the stay is shorter, both living expenses and tuition fees are generally lower. If you choose an Erasmus partner university of your home institution, tuition fees are even waived entirely. You can find more information on the various external funding options for international students in the next section. High costs shouldn’t stand in the way of your desire to study abroad in Italy. It’s best to contact the International Office or International Student Office at your university directly to learn about your options for a semester abroad in Italy.
Even though tuition fees for studying in Italy are relatively low, you’ll still need to be able to finance your time abroad. Generally speaking, studying abroad involves higher expenses than studying in your home country, if only because of travel costs. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can cover the costs of studying in Italy. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
If you’re planning to study in Italy, you should find out about the relevant admission requirements and application procedures well in advance. While the application process at many universities is relatively straightforward and handled directly through the institution, deadlines, requirements, and selection procedures can vary significantly. To help you stay on top of things, we’ve compiled a list of the most important requirements:
You want to study abroad—that much is clear. But where should you go? It feels like the whole world is at your feet, and you’re spoiled for choice. North or south? A prestigious university that will give your career a real boost, or a semester abroad that feels more like a vacation than work? Ideally, you’d have it all. How on earth are you supposed to decide?
Our information pages will help you find the right destination and university for your study abroad adventure—whether in Europe, the U.S., or overseas:
Studying in Italy is a goal for many young people—and for good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in Italy is a major step that requires careful planning and financial preparation. To help you plan as effectively as possible, this FAQ section provides answers to common questions about studying in Italy.
As a German citizen, you can study in Italy without any problems. Since both countries are part of the EU, you do not need a visa or a work permit. With a German high school diploma (Abitur), you can apply directly to Italian universities. For some degree programs—such as medicine or architecture—entrance exams are required, however. Additionally, many universities require proficiency in Italian or English, depending on the language of instruction. Italy is particularly attractive due to its universities steeped in tradition, its comparatively moderate tuition fees, and the international focus of many institutions.
Italy is one of the most popular Erasmus+ destinations in Europe. Many German universities have partnerships with Italian universities, making it relatively easy to spend a semester abroad. During your Erasmus+ stay, you generally do not have to pay additional tuition fees in Italy and receive a monthly stipend. Thanks to the similar educational systems, credits earned abroad are usually recognized without any issues. Many universities also offer language courses, orientation events, or assistance with finding housing. Cities such as Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Florence are particularly popular.
The German Abitur is generally recognized in Italy and qualifies you for university admission. For the application process, many universities also require a so-called “Dichiarazione di valore” (certificate of equivalence from the consulate), which officially confirms your qualification. Depending on the program, additional requirements may apply. In programs with limited enrollment, such as medicine, architecture, or health sciences, you usually have to pass an entrance exam. Additionally, Italian universities often require language certificates in Italian or English. With a standard German Abitur, your chances of securing a spot at a university in Italy are generally very good.
There are now several hundred English-language degree programs in Italy, particularly at the master’s level. Many universities have significantly expanded their international offerings in recent years. English-language programs in business, engineering, design, and international relations are particularly in demand. Renowned institutions such as SDA Bocconi and universities in Milan, Rome, and Bologna offer numerous programs in English. Proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, is usually required for admission. Knowledge of Italian is often not mandatory, but it will make your daily life much easier.
Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for studying abroad. The country offers a combination of historic universities, internationally oriented degree programs, and relatively moderate tuition fees. At the same time, students benefit from the culture, history, pleasant weather, and high quality of life. The many English-language programs and exchange opportunities through Erasmus+ are particularly attractive. The cost of living also often remains manageable outside of major cities like Milan or Rome. In addition, there is a diverse higher education system with strong programs in fields such as art, design, architecture, business, and engineering.
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