Study in Italy

Table of Contents

Italy is home to more than 62 million individuals as of 2017 and is ranked 23rd in population size when compared with other countries throughout the world. Italian culture is steeped in the arts, family, architecture, music and food. Home of the Roman Empire and a major center of the Renaissance. about 96 percent of the population of Italy is Italian, though there are many other ethnicities that live in this country.Bordering countries of France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north have influenced Italian culture. The official language of the country is Italian. About 93 percent of the Italian population speaks Italian as native language, according to the BBC.

Studying In Italy

Italy is a popular destination for international students. It offers quality higher education with more affordable tuition fees than other Western European countries.

There are around 32,000 international students in Italy, including independent students and those on exchange programmes. The country has a rich history and tradition of higher education. This makes it an attractive option for students.

Reasons To Study In Italy

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.

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.

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.

4. It’s 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.

General Requirements To Study In Italy

1- Holding an international passport

2- Academic transcript of your previous studies.

3-University application form.

4- Letter of recommendation.

5- Personal Statement .

6- Language proficiency (English or Italian, depending on the program).

General Requirements To Apply For The Italian Student Visa

Depending on your nationality, you may need to get a visa to study in Italy. If you are from an EU or EFTA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) you will not need a visa. If you are from any other country, you will need a visa. All students will need to present details of accommodation, proof of financial stability and a comprehensive health insurance policy. If you are a non-EU or EFTA student, you will need to apply for a residence permit once you have a visa. This needs to be done within 8 days of your arrival in the country. You can apply for this at the post office in your new city of residence. If you need any advice or information about this process, your institution will be able to assist.

Requirements

1- You must have a valid passport with at least two blank visa pages

2- A letter of acceptance from school or University in Italy indicating place, duration of the course and dates of attendance

3- You must not have a criminal record

4-The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.

5- The application fee payment receipt.

6- Flight reservations (round trip).

7- Bank account.

Accommodation

Italian universities will provide students with long-term and short-term accommodation solutions, either directly or through arrangements with public or private organisations. They often have a housing office which will advise students on accommodation alternatives. They will offer you a legal advice service if you choose to live in privately-owned apartments and need help in negotiating, understanding and fulfilling tenancy contracts.

University residences

Not all universities offer these but when universities have their own residences, they tend to be close to the campus and provide all the facilities, social and academic, that students need. In general, to be eligible for this type of accommodation, you will have to meet certain criteria of academic merit and to demonstrate financial need. Prices for university-owned accommodation range from €5,000 per academic year for a single room in a hall of residence or in a shared student flat to €7,000 per academic year for a studio flat.

Student residences (not managed by universities)

These organisations can be public and private but tend to have dedicated arrangements with universities which reserve rooms for their students. ESU is a regional agency for the right to study. It manages the university halls of residences for “commuting” students who have enrolled at “local universities” and have been awarded a regional grant (which international students can apply for but which are means-tested). There are two tariffs, one full-price and one reduced (taking into account regional housing bursaries).

Private flats/apartments

Rent for private accommodation will vary widely, depending on location and size. If you are going through a letting agent, an admin fee will be charged. In addition to rent, tenants must have compulsory insurance and pay service charges (spese). You are strongly recommended to check exactly what is included in the rent. As a general rule, you will be responsible for utilities such as gas, electricity and water. On signing a lease, you should ask to see proof that the utility bills have been paid by previous tenants to avoid being liable.

Private Housing


It is always an option to look for independent housing, but this is often the most expensive choice. Housing in Italy can range anywhere from €300 to over €1000 per month, but it is up to you to find a place that fits your needs.

Transportation

The national Italian railway, the Ferrovie dello Stato, can conveniently take you from one city to the other. It offers an efficient alternative to driving and gives you good value for your money.


Another alternative to driving is taking the bus, and there are many private bus companies in Italy. One bus company that is highly recommended (and comparatively cheap) is the iBus. Unfortunately, long-distance coaches and most trains usually do not stop at small towns across Italy.


In order to reach a less popular destination, it is useful to check the local bus listings. There are many regional bus lines within Italy that connect smaller cities, towns and villages, catering mainly to the working population. This results in hours of high traffic in the early morning and in the evening, so plan your trip accordingly and allow plenty of time.Renting A Car


If you prefer to get around by car, but do not have one already or were unable to bring your own vehicle from home, you should be pleasantly surprised to hear that renting a car in most Italian cities is not that expensive. All short-term visitors in Italy can use a valid European driver’s license or an International Driving Permit. Nationals of EU countries can keep using their license until it expires, even if they are staying in Italy for more than three months. However, drivers with an international permit then need to acquire an Italian one within one year after
arrival.

Working During Studying In Italy

International students from outside the EU/EEA will need to obtain a work permit to access the job market, which is not an easy process. Strict rules are set whereby positions are only offered to you if you can prove that it could not be performed by an EU or Italian citizen.


There are also more limitations on the hours that you can work. Though the weekly amount you are permitted to work is 20 hours, in most cases you cannot take up extra hours during vacation periods.


If you do manage to find a job, your employer must present a letter of employment to the Italian Police Station (Questura).

Life after graduation


As an international student during studying you’re allowed to work up to 1,040 hours per year. And after your graduation at Master’s level or above, you’ll be able to remain in Italy for up to 12 months to look for a job. If you’ve completed your Bachelor degree in Italy and want to stay on to work, you’ll need to switch your student permit for an Italian work permit, provided you can find an employer in the country that will sponsor you. It’s worth noting that this visa process can take a few months, so try and get organized as early as you can.

if you have completed a PhD or level 2 Masters Program in Italy. The stay back in italy after masters is known as “Permesso di Soggiorno” , literally translated Residence Permit. Based on the course and university, the stay back is allowed for up to 6 to 12 months. If a student is not able to find a job in that period, he or she has to head back to their country of origin. So it is only possible to stay back in Italy after Masters and PhD.

For EU students, there will be a requirement of the residence permit, and specific work permit after study in Italy will not be required. They can extend the residential permit as long as they are working in Italy.