The university education system in Italy is one of the oldest in the world. To give some brief information about Italy’s higher education system:
- Adult literacy in Italy is around 95%.
- About 32,000 international students study in Italy.
- Italy is one of the first four countries to begin higher education reform in Europe, called the “Bologna Process”.
- Italian women choose to pursue higher education by a large margin over Italian men, and since 2000 this gap has started to increase further.
For detailed information: You can check the topic ” Studying University in Italy “.
Types of Educational Institutions in Italy
- Universities
- Advanced art, music and dance education (Alta formazione artistica e musicale – AFAM)
- Higher technical institutions (Certificate course programs)
Universities in Italy offer a variety of bachelor’s, masters and doctoral degrees to enrollees. These institutions can be private or public institutions and require an application process before admitting students. Especially Italian universities offer different opportunities in many fields to prepare students for their future careers.
For detailed information: You can check the topic ” Education in Italy “.
AFAM
This category consists of schools specializing in music and the arts. These institutions are for students interested in dance, design, musical performance, theatre, cinema, visual arts and more. AFAM institutions usually offer courses, like universities, to students whose applications are completed within a few years and whose applications are accepted.
For detailed information: You can check the topic “Art Education in Italy”.
Higher Technical Institutes
These institutions offer private tuition to students trying to specialize in a particular job or career. These programs are usually shorter and offer classes for students trying to advance their careers. Courses, usually lasting six months or a year, are also available for those seeking a specialist degree. These specialist courses also vary depending on what you are studying and want to study.
Although the university education system in Italy is very similar to the university education system in Turkey, it can be basically divided into three categories.
- Undergraduate Level Education (High school graduate students can apply)
- Master’s Level Education (Bachelor’s degree students can apply)
- Doctorate Level Education (Master’s graduate candidates can apply)
Undergraduate Education
Laurea Triennale – Bachelor
According to the university education system in Italy, the purpose of the license is to enable students to acquire sufficient knowledge of the general method and scientific content. In general, undergraduate courses in the education system in Italy last 3 years and are equivalent to 180 CFU (ECTS). Students can be admitted to any department if they have high school diplomas or qualification documents from another country that is valid in Italy. This degree certificate to be obtained conforms to the Bachelor of Science in the European university system as stated in Bologna in 1999.
Master Program
Laurea Magistrale – MSc
In the education system in Italy, the aim of the master’s degree is to provide students with a high level of education so that they can work in specific environments that require high-level qualifications. These courses last 2 years (1 year without a thesis are also available) and are equivalent to 120 CFU (ECTS). Students are accepted if they have diplomas or qualification documents from another country that is valid in Italy.
In some universities and some departments (Medicine, Pharmacology, Law), there is a Single-Cycle Master Program in which students are considered equivalent to a high school diploma or other foreign qualifications. Such master’s programs take 5 or 6 years and require 300 or 360 CFUs (ECTS).
This master’s corresponds to the Master of Science in the European university system as stated in Bologna in 1999.
First level Master’s Specialization (Master Universitario di I Livello)
Such courses are available at some universities and are specialist courses aimed at increasing the vocational training of the student. Qualification earned does not provide access to a PhD. This qualification is not part of the European university system laid down in Bologna in 1999. Generally, those who want to work in the private sector prefer such departments.
PhD Program
PhD (Dottorato di Ricerca)
The aim of this program is to provide the skills necessary to conduct research at higher levels. In the university education system in Italy, this program lasts for 3 years. To be admitted, applicants must hold an Italian or foreign Postgraduate/Master’s Certificate and must take an admissions examination.
Postgraduate diploma course
This course aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the functions required by specific professional activities. The aim of this course is to equip people with expertise in specific professional sectors. Such courses last at least 2 years.
Second level Master’s Specialization (Master Universitario di II Livello)
In the university education system in Italy, the Postgraduate Master’s Specialization is a 2nd level postgraduate course that students can apply for when they want to concentrate on a particular field after completing the Postgraduate Master’s Degree. Students are required to complete at least 60 CFU (ECTS). Generally, those who want to work in the private sector prefer such departments.
The general summary of undergraduate, graduate and doctorate stages and their credits and years are given in the table below:
|
Italian qualifications |
|
Credit |
Year |
1st stage |
laurea |
Licence |
180 |
3 |
2nd stage |
Laurea magistrale |
Degree |
120 |
2 |
|
Master universitario di 1° livello |
First level Master’s Specialization |
≥60 |
|
|
Laurea magistrale ciclo unico |
Single-Cycle Master Program |
300-360 |
5-6 |
3rd stage |
Dotto di ricerca |
Doctorate |
|
3 |
|
Specializzazione di 2° livello |
Postgraduate diploma course |
|
2 |
|
Master universitario di 2° livello |
Second level Master’s Specialization |
≥60 |
|
If you want to study with a scholarship in one of these types of institutions in Italy, fill out our application form immediately; our expert consultants will contact you, and we will start your application. We would also be pleased to give you detailed information and available options for which course program you would like to apply for.