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Italy is not only home to world famous pasta and fashion, but also to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Italian higher education provides unique opportunities and advantages for students from all over the world.

Italy is a relatively budget-friendly destination for studying in Europe. While accommodation and living costs can be high in big cities like Rome or Milan, they are much lower in smaller cities. Larger universities usually offer support in finding accommodation.

Compared to other countries in Europe, public universities in Italy are relatively affordable. Tuition fees vary by institution. An undergraduate program can cost from €900 to €4,000 per year at a public institution. Fees at a private institution usually start from €6,000 to €20,000 per year. As EU members, you will not pay more than Italian citizens.

Education system

There are several different higher education institutions in Italy. Most universities, including the most famous ones, are public. There are also universities that are financed and managed directly by the province in which they are located, such as the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. There are also private universities that are officially recognized by the Ministry of Education.

There is also a more special type of university - Superior Graduate School, which are autonomous educational institutions and focus more on top master's and doctoral degrees. Three of these universities - Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Scuola Superiore IUSS - have the status of separate institutions, and the remaining nine are operated by one of the state universities.

Why choose to study in Italy?

Pioneers in a number of fields such as automotive and industrial design, architecture, fashion design and other art-related specialties. Many opportunities for internships and realization in this field.

Prestigious universities with an excellent academic reputation - the cradle of science in the Middle Ages. It is a well-known fact that the oldest university in the world is the University of Bologna (University of Bologna), which was founded in the distant year 1088, which is also one of the highest rated in university rankings. Columbus, Galileo, Marco Polo are just some of the most famous Italian scientists who have made their country famous all over the world. The 3rd most developed economy in the EU, with large-scale developed sectors such as agriculture and food industry, textile industry, equipment and engines, pharmaceuticals, tourism and others. This means higher chances for realization and professional development, drawing on unique knowledge and competences that shape Italy as one of the most developed economies in the world.

High quality of life in a beautiful and welcoming country. Everyone likes Italy for its delicious food, friendly people, beautiful scenery and architecture, and the famous Italian way of life – la dolce vita.

Frequently asked questions

Oh yes! A number of universities offer majors in English, both undergraduate and graduate programs. The most common majors are business sciences, economics, and IT. Italy's pearls of higher education – design and architecture – can also be found in English or with mixed teaching in both languages.

Ways to apply

There is no centralized system for student applicants in Italy. It is imperative that you check the requirements of each individual university to avoid any surprises. Usually you need to prepare: - application form - high school diploma or academic certificate (translated into Italian and legalized) Learn more about Study Buddy's Italian application services.

Application deadlines

The lack of a centralized application system implies large differences in the deadlines for submitting documents. These differences are particularly visible in private higher education institutions. So the best thing you can do is to start preparing your papers from the beginning of 12th class ie. the sooner the better.

Health insurance in Italy

The European Health Insurance Card is valid in Italy. As a Bulgarian student in an EU member state, you have the opportunity to benefit from free health insurance. Using the services of Study Buddy, you will get more information about this.

Currency

In Italy, the currency is the euro. The exchange rate of the euro is 0.51 EUR = 1 BGN.

Sample costs of living in Italy are:

CostPrice
Rent a student room€200-600
Dining in an inexpensive restaurant€15
Bread in a supermarket€1.62
Milk 1l in a supermarket€1.20
Package of eggs 12 pcs. in a supermarket€2.90
Public transport ticket€1.50

It is possible to travel to Italy only with a Bulgarian identity card. You need to register with the local municipality in the city where you live, for which Study Buddy will give you more information and help you on the spot.

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