5 popular universities in Italy for applicants from Russia

Education in Italy attracts applicants from all corners of the world - people come here to study, improve their skills, study not only the country, but also the crafts for which it is famous.

Panoramic view of Venice Lake in Italy

Italy is a country of high culture and skilled craftsmen. Architecture and fashion, art and painting, music and creativity - Italians have filled almost all cultural spheres. And if you remember how revered this country’s cuisine, wines and desserts are, it becomes clear that talent manifests itself in absolutely everything.

That is why talented people flock here from almost all corners of the globe in order to get a good education in Italy and professional skills. However, local authorities are only too happy about this - foreign students are honored here.

It should also be noted that the level of Italian education in 2021 is no lower than any other European one. You can also study for free in many Italian universities (or the cost of training can be purely symbolic for Europe - 500-800 euros per semester).

University of Milan building

Education system

The education system in Italy is structured as follows. Children begin education at the age of six. School years go according to this scenario:

• five years entry level;
• three years high school;
• five years higher secondary school.

Secondary education in Italy lasts for 13 years, of which five years are devoted to primary vocational education.

That is, the student spends these years in a lyceum, or an art school, college or school.

Naturally, all these educational institutions are divided into areas - this is necessary in order to focus the student’s attention on the main academic disciplines, as well as in order to be able to improve the educational process.

Higher education in Italy is somewhat different from what is usual for Russians. The fact is that each student creates his own schedule; it includes those subjects that are interesting to the student himself.

Campus of the University of Turin in Italy

However, there are also necessary subjects to obtain a particular specialty. The exam schedule is also built individually. This allows you to have some freedom of choice and prepare much better for certain knowledge tests.

The main emphasis in the learning process in Italy is that each student has the opportunity to communicate with the curator and professors - provided they are involved in the process and independently study the educational materials, this gives tremendous results.

What should we learn from the Italians? Which specialties/universities are the “strongest”?

It is worth learning from the Italians, first of all, about style and attitude to life. Italians are very stylish people - it's in their blood. And also a light attitude towards life will not hurt us. I adore my Kyiv, my country, but Milan heals my nerves quite well. Italians do everything playfully, they are relaxed, it can be annoying, but it can teach you to enjoy life. Hedonism is the main feature of this people.

Strong specialties are a controversial issue. The education system here is very different from ours. You need to look for strong specialists, not specialties. Specific professors who have distinguished themselves in their field.

They teach architecture, painting and sculpture well, but many of our students are not ready for the Italians' passion for modern art. There are strong economic universities. I talked to our students a lot, everyone has their own opinion, but I like it. You just need to look for it yourself, i.e. no one will force you to teach you anything. You have to do a lot of things yourself. This education system is suitable for more mature students who already have a domestic diploma and, preferably, work experience.

What documents are required?

Education in Italy requires applicants to have at least 13 years of secondary education; if you are going to study for a master's degree, the period increases to 15 years. That is, it won’t be possible to enroll after graduating from Russian school - first you will have to study at a lyceum or institute, but you can study in public universities in Italy and receive a higher European education for free.

Example of an Italian higher education diploma in two languages

Some private universities in Italy accept Russian students after school, but it is necessary that the student be at least 18 years old.

The paperwork takes several months to complete. What is included in the paperwork:

1. Apostille. This is a special stamp with which the Ministry of Education certifies the authenticity of both a school certificate and certificates from other educational institutions (vocational schools, universities and others).
2. Translation. After the apostille is affixed, it is necessary to translate all documentation into Italian. In order to avoid problems with this, you can get contacts of accredited translators from the embassy. After this, the documents are submitted to the Italian consulate to confirm the diploma.
3. Request form.

   Sample of filling out an Italian visa application form

   The embassy issues a special form that needs to be filled out - it indicates the applicant’s details and the city of the selected university. It is important for Russian and foreign students to know that it will not be possible to submit documents to several educational institutions at the same time.

Then a day is set when you need to visit the embassy - a request and translated documents are provided, the embassy forwards them to the educational institution that issues the invitation.

You can carry out these procedures yourself, but usually future students use the help of the Institute of Italian Culture - this institution has branches in St. Petersburg and Moscow, you can get any information about the necessary documents, deadlines, translations and other nuances.

After the embassy has sent an invitation from the university, you need to submit documents to obtain a visa to Italy.

Requirements and procedure for admission to universities in Italy

Anyone can enter a university in Italy if they meet all admission conditions. It is definitely worth applying to universities in Italy in advance.

Unhurried Italians take a long time to look at documents, but they still have time to prepare documents and get a visa.

Applications for admission are submitted through the Italian Embassy in your country, and you must send your documents and application forms there by the end of February.

Step-by-step instructions for admission to a citizen of Belarus

1. For admission to a university in Italy, general rules apply for Belarusians (12 years of education). The school system in the Republic of Belarus implies 11 years of schooling; therefore, it is necessary to complete at least 1 year of college, technical school, university or other educational institution.
2. We take a certificate and academic certificate from the university (or other educational institution). There’s just a catch: an academic certificate is given only in case of expulsion. But some Universities provide a so-called “extract from the grade book,” which is equal to the same academic certificate. THE DOCUMENT MUST BE ON THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY Letterhead WITH THE STATE STAMP (or a copy of this official letterhead) AND WITH THE SIGNATURE OF THE RECTOR or any of the Vice-Rectors. Otherwise, an apostille will not be placed on the document!
3. We take these 2 documents to the Ministry of Education in Minsk for an apostille. The cost of one apostille: 35,000 Belarusian rubles (2010). We serve from 9 to 11 am on Sovetskaya St., 9. Apostille production time: 24 hours. When submitting, you will be given a piece of paper; be sure to keep it to receive your documents.
4. We take all these documents to accredited translators (Alekseeva Nina Kirillovna Tel. 204-72-46, mob. 8-029-708-06-77 Minsk, Skryganova str., 7/2 - 24 metro station Molodezhnaya; Gavrilovich Larisa Nikolaevna Tel. 233-63-55, mobile 8-029-773-63-55
5. Minsk, st. Kakhovskaya, 27-16 metro station Yakub Kolas Square; Golovko Svetlana Grigorievna Tel. 284-85-06, mob.8-029-684-85-06 Minsk, Nezavisimosti Ave., 53-102 metro station. Yakub Kolas Square; Kizenkov Sergey Pavlovich Tel./fax 247-68-86, mob.8-029-337-07-07 Minsk, Rokossovsky Ave., 76-178 Office: Komsomolskaya st., 34-1 metro station Oktyabrskaya) ATTENTION! We have the right to submit translations only to them and no other translation agencies!!! Translation cost: 30,000 rubles for 2000 characters. Production time is 1-3 days. On average, a certificate costs 30 thousand rubles. Certificate for 1 year - 30 thousand rubles.
6. We submit documents for legalization to the embassy. Legalization takes 1 day. Reception Mon, Wed, Fri from 9 to 11.30 (through the main entrance, in a special window). I remind you that the embassy is located at the address: Minsk, Rakovskaya street 16b. You can find out more detailed information about the embassy from the article “VISA TO ITALY FOR BELARUSIANS. HOW TO OPEN YOURSELF IN MINSK?” or on the embassy website: www.ambminsk.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Minsk
7. We are waiting for the MIUR calendar. We arrive at the embassy on time and fill out the modello (the consul helps and dictates).
8. We are waiting for an invitation from the university, which usually arrives in July - early August. An invitation to register for a visa will be sent to your e-mail.
9. We apply for a visa in August (until August 15).
10. Upon arrival in Italy, you must appear at the police station to register and obtain a residence permit (you must have a document with you about your financial capabilities).

Where to study

Universities in Italy are divided into public and private. State ones are more budget-friendly, the cost of training fluctuates around eight hundred euros for one year. Also, students from low-income families can apply for scholarships.

Private educational institutions cost significantly more - starting from 12,000 euros for one year.

But at the same time, private universities maintain incredibly high standards of education; the number of students in them is very limited, which means that the conditions for obtaining higher education are the most comfortable.

The cost of textbooks is quite high - about 22-75 euros. It is unlikely that you will be able to get basic literature on each discipline from the library, but at the same time you can order a photocopy of the textbook.

The University of Bologna is rightfully considered the best educational institution in Italy and the oldest university in Europe.

University of Bologna building

The fact is that the university in Bologna has been open since 1088. Bologna is a student city. However, there are good universities in Italy in almost all major cities - Rome and Pisa, Milan and Florence, Naples and Genoa, Turin and Trento. Educational institutions in Siena and Perugia can boast of teaching a huge number of foreigners the Italian language. By the way, many students come here precisely to improve their language - there are short-term courses.

Istituto Europeo di Design Italy

IED is an institute of design , which includes undergraduate, graduate and advanced training courses in the training of students.

A bachelor's degree can be obtained in 3 years, upon completion a diploma is issued with accreditation by the Italian Ministry of Education (Diploma Accademia di I Livelo).

The main programs offered by the institute are fashion trends in Italy, Spain, Brazil and a number of other countries.

Training is conducted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Branches of the institute are located in Turin and Naples.

Short-term reading courses at the institute

1. design and graphics;
2. graphic design portfolio design;
3. interior design;
4. design in tailoring;
5. fashion trade relations;
6. fashion innovation, PR;
7. stylist training.

The basic requirements for admission are as follows:

• certificate or diploma of previous education at a university;
• certificates of completed courses;
• CVs with portfolio are provided upon request and individually.

Duration: 5 weeks Cost: from 142,000 rubles.

What to study

On the one hand, Italy is the birthplace of creativity. On the other hand, here you can get a completely decent profession outside the creative field. Italians prefer the following areas:

• economic sector;
• jurisprudence;
• international relations and diplomacy;
• medicine.

The choice of foreigners (including Russians) is more elevated.

Foreigners study:

• design in all its manifestations;
• arts and crafts;
• architecture;

  Architecture of the Trevi Fountain in Rome

• art criticism;
• music.

If you are planning or even dreaming about studying abroad, you need to know some facts about education in order to prepare yourself in advance for the adaptation period in a new country. So, let's understand what kind of education system is currently operating in the homeland of great artists, talented scientists, famous musicians, poets and thinkers.

The Italian education system, just like in other EU countries, includes several stages: preschool, primary, secondary and higher education. Its characteristic features are the following: the obligation to go to school until the age of 14, a guarantee of education for foreign citizens who have a residence permit, as well as the right to basic education for children who live in Italy illegally.

About preschool education:

Education for preschoolers includes 2 stages: a nursery for children from six months to 3 years old and a kindergarten for little “bambinos” 3-6 years old. Kindergartens in Italy are private, public and corporate. Preschool education in Italy is not compulsory, but is extremely popular. This can be explained by the fact that kindergartens work with the goal of educating and comprehensive development of the child, high-quality preparation of children for primary school. As a result, there are not enough public kindergartens and nurseries in the country, and private preschools are being developed, but their costs are too high for most Italians. For example, in public kindergartens parents pay only for food, while in private kindergartens, in addition to food and other services, the price includes a standard tariff.

About primary education:

Primary education is considered the first stage of compulsory education and is designed for 5 years (mainly for children 6-11 years old). Primary schools in Italy, as in most developed countries, are private and public. In the first 2 years of primary school, students undergo preparatory education (no core disciplines) and master writing, reading, arithmetic, music, drawing and, if desired, religion. After 5 years of study, the children take an oral and written exam, and if they pass successfully, they receive a certificate of primary education and move on to secondary school.

About secondary education:

Italian high school is divided into two levels: junior and senior. Junior school is compulsory and covers the age category of children

11–14 years old. After graduation, students can apply to the senior school, which in turn has two types: a vocational college and a preparatory lyceum. Colleges, like general secondary education, provide an opportunity to receive high-quality vocational training, which will allow you to start working after receiving a certificate. And preparatory lyceums provide specialized education in selected areas. After graduating from the lyceum, graduates also take an exam called “esame di maturita”. The main goal of lyceums is to prepare children for entrance examinations to universities. As a rule, lyceums provide specialized education: having chosen it, the student decides in advance on the choice of his future specialty. It is the lyceum diploma that gives the right to enter an Italian higher education institution.

Residents of other countries can also receive an Italian secondary education. But they can only do this in specialized international schools or private boarding schools. Private schools make up only 5% of the total number of educational institutions. In addition, they do not have the right to issue certificates, and their graduates take state exams. So be sure to take this into account.

Surprisingly, Italy does not have a digital rating system. To characterize students, a “verbal” assessment of knowledge is used: “good”, “excellent”, etc.

About higher education:

Unlike other countries, where higher education is most often available only at universities, in Italy this opportunity is also offered by colleges and academies. Education in Italian universities is carried out in Italian and English. In addition, students have “academic freedom” - each student decides for himself when to take the exam. Moreover, sessions may not be taken every semester. However, you may find it unusual that theses at Italian universities are taken at the end of each academic year, and not once at the end of your studies. In addition, students themselves decide which exams they will take, except for 2-3 mandatory ones, since the Italian higher education system implies an individual plan for each student. Also surprising is the lack of exam papers: in order to successfully pass the exam, a student must either attend all lectures and listen to teachers, or partially miss, for example, due to part-time work, but independently study the course of disciplines using a textbook at home. Undoubtedly, the Italian loyalty system will please you very much. Students are generally not limited by deadlines, and if you fail to pass something, you can prepare as much as your heart desires (within reason, of course).

Despite all this, we are not saying that studying in Italy will be easy. As a rule, out of 10 applicants, only 3 people reach the end. Studying in another country will a priori have its own nuances and difficulties.

What conclusions can we draw about Italian higher education?

• Compared to other European countries, studying in Italy is relatively inexpensive - about 500 euros annually and more. However, in private universities the cost is much higher;
• Creative Italian education in the field of architecture, design and fashion is one of the best in the world;
• The loyalty system and training in two languages ​​are a definite plus.

Italy has a large number of ancient, centuries-old universities. The oldest European university, Bologna University, is located on its territory. In addition, there are many other ancient universities here: in Parma, Perugia, Padua, Naples, Rome, Florence and other cities.

The article was prepared by: International Department Manager Diana Sapotko.

For any questions, please contact us by email or by phone +375 44 507 9000

You can find out more detailed information about education in Italy and other countries on our website in the Knowledge Base section.

Exams

The admission procedure for almost all educational institutions for foreigners will be similar. Exams take place at the beginning of September. First of all, knowledge of the Italian language is tested.

In the event that you do not have even minimal knowledge of the Italian language, training will begin with language courses, and only then you can take entrance exams. What level of Italian proficiency is required for admission? To put it quite simply, the student and the examiner must understand each other.

No one expects an applicant to have any incredible knowledge of the language, but it is necessary to have a wealth of knowledge that will help the student understand what is being discussed in lectures.

By the way, if the language minimum is sufficient, but still weak, the student will be offered to attend language courses - free of charge; every university that accepts Russians as its students will take care of the preparation.

Some faculties require entrance examinations in specialized disciplines. These are industries such as:

• dentistry, medicine and pharmaceuticals;
• architecture, painting and fine arts;
• engineering specialties;
• architectural faculties.

After the entrance exams are passed, each student receives a certificate stating that he has been accepted into the institute. Then you need to apply for a student visa to Italy to be able to legally stay and study in this country.

Education in Italy for Russians - Education and study in Italy

Opportunities, Features and Advantages of Higher State Education in Italy.
Today we want to answer questions about higher education in Italy. 1.What are the basic conditions for admission to a university in Italy?

There are 2 main conditions. Firstly, having a 12th grade education in your home country. And it doesn't matter where you got it. This could be 9 years of school and 3 years of technical school, or 11 years of school and 1 year of university. The most important thing is that there is a total of 12 years of study. This is one of the features and advantages of entering universities in Italy, since many public universities in Europe require a school certificate of complete secondary education.

Secondly, this is a basic knowledge of the Italian language, since all international students must pass an Italian language test on September 1st. Students who have certificates of language proficiency at level B2 are exempt from this test.

Depending on his level of proficiency, it is possible to choose the most suitable university for studying.

2. How do school certificate grades (or college or university diploma) affect admission?

No way. In Italy, grades play absolutely no role when enrolling in a university.

3. Are there entrance tests when enrolling in a university?

Most faculties do not have entrance tests. These are the so-called open faculties, where it is quite easy to enroll. Then there are closed courses (article “What are closed courses in Italy?”), where the number of applicants is planned in advance, so a selection test has been introduced. An entrance exam must be taken for the Faculty of Medicine, Health Professions, Architecture and Engineering.

4. What to do if you don’t pass the entrance selection test? Go back home?

The Italian university registration system for foreign students is designed in such a way that only a few of all applicants return home. This is only possible if the student fails the Italian language test on September 1st.

If a student does not pass the entrance exam or does not have enough space as a foreigner, then he has the right to apply to the same university for another faculty or another university in Italy. The most important thing is to pass the Italian language test on September 1st.

5. Is it possible to study in English at universities in Italy?

Yes, Italian universities have prepared many programs where teaching is conducted exclusively in English. Most of these programs are related to economics and engineering, taught at the graduate level. But it is also possible to study the following specialties at the master’s level: physics, biology, geology, agricultural sciences, political sciences, sociology, design.

At the same time, the choice of specialties for bachelors is very limited and at the moment there are only 3 such programs: economics, biology and biotechnology, engineering.

6. Is there a difference in the cost of training in English and Italian?

Education in English at universities in Italy is budget-friendly, just like in Italian, that is, on average 500-700 euros per year. But there are some exceptions when a faculty imposes an additional tax. In any case, this point is always discussed in advance with the student.

7. And what level of English is required for admission? Is a certificate required?

It all depends on the training program. Some universities require a certificate, others do not. For example, certificates that are recognized at the State University of Milan (exact points vary depending on the program and university):

TOEFL CBT: 213 TOEFL IBT: 82 TOEFL PBT: 550 TOEIC: 690 IELTS: 6 Cambridge Proficiency: C Cambridge Advanced: C Cambridge First Certificate: C MELAB: 74

8. What is the difference between a Bachelor and a Master in Italy?

Bachelor's and Master's degrees correspond to first and second level courses at universities in Italy. The Italian Bachelor lasts 3 years. Those who enroll in an Italian bachelor's degree can choose any specialty, regardless of what they studied at home.

Everything is completely different for those who apply for a master's degree. In this case, the training lasts 2 years and you can only enter a specialty that you studied in your home country! In the article “Master’s and Bachelor’s programs in Italy: what to choose?” You will find complete information on this issue.

9. Is education paid at public universities in Italy? Education in public educational institutions in Italy for foreigners, as a rule, has a budgetary basis; there are no tuition fees as such, but there are taxes. The amount of this tax varies greatly depending on the university and the region of Italy. The main parameter for calculating your tuition tax is your family's financial situation. On average, international students pay between 500 and 700 euros per year.

10. Is it possible to get a scholarship and dormitory (“borsa di studio”) from a university in Italy.

Yes, Italy is one of the few countries in Europe that allows foreign students to participate in competitions for scholarships and housing on the same basis as Italians, but, unfortunately, it is not so easy to get a “borsa di studio”. But, you shouldn’t count too much on a dorm room. This difficulty is explained by the fact that due to the large number of applications from Italian and foreign students, there simply are not enough places. Basic conditions for applying: low annual family income in the first year of enrollment in a university. From the second year of study, the number of exams taken during the academic year and the score obtained are also taken into account. We have an article “Borsa di studio - Italian scholarship”, which talks about getting a scholarship at one of the Italian universities.

Exams during training

Sessions at an Italian university take place three times a year, the management posts the dates of exams, and the student chooses when it is more convenient for him to take a particular subject.

There are no “automatic machines” here – neither for money nor for attendance. Another difference is the lack of tickets. Examiners can ask any questions, so you have to study the material in full. There is also a very interesting difference in the ability to refuse an assessment.

For example, during the first session, a student did not pass the exam very well - before assigning a grade, the professor will announce it, and if the student is not satisfied with it, he refuses it, and then in the next session he will need to take the same exam again. Failed exams may carry over from course to course.

Courses during study and employment prospects

During their studies, students can take elective courses at their university.

Most Italian students work. International students can also work, but not more than 20 hours per week. However, many employers require excellent knowledge of Italian from part-time applicants. Typically, labor is paid up to 10 € per hour.

Foreign students who have received higher education at Italian universities have a good chance of getting a job here. It is easier for applicants with in-demand specialties (physics, economics, engineering) to find employment. But finding a job is not so easy as the unemployment rate in the country is rising and is already around 6%.

Study in Italy: language courses for children and adults

Summer school in Italy will be a unique event: studying in a language camp will allow you to enjoy masterpieces of art by modern masters and artists of past eras, get acquainted with the country’s educational system and have a great vacation on the best beaches in Europe. The course includes a huge number of cultural events that will forever be etched in the memory of students - under the guidance of experienced teachers, students will plunge headlong into the world of art and culture, visit famous art galleries, listen to interesting lectures, and learn new things in practical classes in cooking, photography, and painting. TOP summer programs and schools in Italy:

1. New York University Florence
2. SPI High School Italian Language Immersion in Tuscany
3. Florence, Italy Summer Cultural Experience by World Class Experience
4. University of Padova – Summer Law School
5. IED Rome IED – Summer Design Courses
6. Summer school with art in Venice, cultural studies in Venice.

Language courses in Italy are an excellent chance to start learning Italian or English in quality programs at prestigious language schools. Students undergo exciting training using modern methods, get acquainted with the culture of the country at various events and travel. Upon completion of training, students receive prestigious certificates.

The best language schools in Italy:

1. Accademia Riaci Florence
2. Leonadro Da Vinci school
3. Language school LSI Rome
4. Sprachcaffe Calabria
5. L'ITALIANO CON NOI.