FAQ

Not all courses at public universities in Italy require an entry exam. The requirement for an entry exam depends on the type of degree program and the specific field of study.

1. Bachelor’s Degrees (Laurea Triennale):

• Limited Enrollment Programs: Some programs have limited enrollment and require an entry exam. This is common in fields like medicine, dentistry, architecture, and engineering.
• Open Enrollment Programs: Many bachelor’s degree programs do not require an entry exam and have open enrollment. Admission is based on meeting the basic requirements, such as having a valid secondary school diploma.

2. Master’s Degrees (Laurea Magistrale):

• Selective Programs: Some master’s degree programs, especially those in competitive fields or with a limited number of spots, may require an entry exam or an interview.
• Non-Selective Programs: Other programs may admit students based on their bachelor’s degree and academic record without requiring an additional exam.

3. Medicine and Surgery:

• National Entry Exam: Admission to medical programs is highly competitive and requires passing a national entry exam known as the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) for English-taught programs or the Italian equivalent for Italian-taught programs.

Yes. Non-European students can certainly attend public universities in Italy, provided they meet the necessary academic and legal requirements (e.g. minimum 12 years of education or certain language requirements). The process involves steps like:

• Pre-enrollment: non-European students must pre-enroll through the Italian consulate or embassy in their home country, typically in the spring or early summer before the academic year begins;
• Obtaining a student visa: non-European students need a student visa (type D) to study in Italy. This visa is obtained through the Italian embassy or consulate in the student’s home country. The visa application requires proof of admission to an Italian university, financial means, and health insurance;
• Applying for a residence permit once in Italy: non-European students must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days of arrival in Italy. This permit allows them to legally reside in Italy for the duration of their studies.

Holding an Italian residence permit can allow you to apply to public universities in Italy under conditions similar to those of EU students, but it’s important to verify this with the specific university and understand the details based on the type of permit you have. The type of residence permit you hold (e.g., for study, work, family reunification) might influence your status. Permits for long-term residents (Permesso di Soggiorno UE per Soggiornanti di Lungo Periodo) often grant more rights and may make you eligible for EU-equivalent treatment. Since policies can vary by university, it’s essential to confirm with the admissions office of the university you’re applying to.

The minimum score required to enter a university in Italy varies depending on the program and university. There isn’t a universal minimum score that applies to all universities or programs, as admission criteria can differ significantly. For example:

• IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test): For programs like medicine and surgery, the IMAT is used for admission. While there’s no fixed “minimum” score, the score required to gain admission depends on the number of applicants, their performance, and the specific university’s ranking. Typically, competitive programs may require scores above 40-50 out of 90.
• TOLC (Test Online Cisia): For some programs, particularly in engineering, economics, and other scientific fields, the TOLC test is required. Each university sets its own minimum passing score for admission, which can vary significantly.

Yes. Our director of studies will help you navigate the complex world of Universities and support you in your path to enroll in an Italian university.

The prerequisites for enrolling in an Italian university depend on the level of study and the specific program. Generally, you’ll need relevant academic qualifications, language proficiency, and legal documentation. For competitive programs, additional entrance exams or interviews may be required. Always check the specific requirements for the university and program you are interested in.

For more detailed information, you can check the General requirements section.

Many universities and educational institutions offer these preparatory programs – make sure to confirm whether the Foundation year is recognized by the university where you plan to continue your studies afterward.

Here are some institutions that offer Foundation programs in Italy:

• LUISS Guido Carli (Rome)
• University of Pavia (Pavia)
• University of Parma (Parma)
• Accademia del Lusso (Milan)
• University of Pisa(Pisa)
• Università per stranieri di Siena (Siena)
• La Sapienza University (Rome)

Choosing the “best” city to study in Italy depends on your personal preferences, academic interests, lifestyle, and budget. Italy offers a variety of cities, each with its own unique charm, academic strengths, and cultural experiences.

An important factor to take into account is that each Italian city has its own characteristics, and there is a huge difference between northern and southern Italy: the north is more industrialised and the infrastructure is better developed, while the south is more authentic and the lifestyle is more relaxed.

It is also important to emphasise the difference between small and big cities: the atmosphere in a big city will be more vibrant and international, while smaller towns are obviously more tranquil.

Here’s a look at some of the top cities to study in Italy, along with their distinct features:

• Rome, as the capital city of Italy, is rich in history, culture, and art. The city offers endless opportunities for exploration, with famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and countless museums.
• Milan offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a mix of historical and modern attractions, as well as a lively nightlife. It’s perfect for students interested in fashion, design, and the arts.
• Florence is perfect for art and humanities students who want to immerse themselves in Renaissance culture.
• Bologna is a great choice for those looking for a student-centered city with a rich academic tradition.
• Turin appeals to students interested in engineering, technology, and a more affordable lifestyle.
• Venice offers a unique and picturesque study environment, particularly for humanities and international studies.
• Naples offers an authentic Italian experience, with a strong local culture, famous cuisine, and lively street life.

Tutors will provide the students with their email address so students can easily contact them if they need extra support. Moreover, each group will have a dedicated online space (either on Google Drive or on another platform) where the teacher will upload the material used and the class notes, as well as any additional useful material.

The material used in class will consist of past paper exams so that students will be able to practice on real tests as well as material curated by the tutor him/herself: Power Point presentations, handouts, various exercises, book extracts etc. The material will be available in pdf or printed format.

According to our statistics, the course increases a candidate’s chances of passing the entrance exam by 50%.

The minimum age to attend our courses is 16 years old. However, we strongly recommend our preparation courses to students who are in their last year of high school, or who have already finished it. In fact, as the contents of our courses are based on high school curricula, they take for granted a lot of information and theory covered during the high school year.

Yes, as a student holding a study visa (type D), you are allowed to work part-time in Italy, up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. This is equivalent to about 1,040 hours per year. During academic holidays or breaks, you may be allowed to work full-time, but you still cannot exceed the total annual limit of 1,040 hours.

To work legally, you must have a valid residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) for study purposes.

The cost of living in Italy can vary significantly depending on the city, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here’s a comprehensive overview to help you understand what to expect:

1. Accommodation:

• Major Cities
  Renting in major cities tends to be more expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €700 to €1,200 per month, while outside the center, prices may drop to €500 to €800. Sharing an apartment can significantly reduce costs, with individual rooms typically costing between €300 to €600 per month.
• Smaller Cities and Towns
  Rent: Prices are generally lower, with one-bedroom apartments in the city center costing around €500 to €800 and €350 to €600 outside the center. Rooms in shared apartments usually range from €200 to €400 per month.

2. Utilities:

• Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, and Garbage: Approximately €100 to €200 per month.
• Internet: High-speed internet typically costs around €25 to €40 per month.

3. Food and Groceries:

• Groceries: On average, a single person might spend between €200 to €350 per month on groceries.
• Eating Out:
  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal: Around €10 to €20.
  • Three-Course Meal: Approximately €40 to €70.
  • Coffee: A cup of espresso costs about €1 to €2.
  • Cocktails: Approximately €7 to €17

4. Transportation:

• Public Transport Pass: Monthly passes for buses, trams, and metros range from €30 to €60, depending on the city.
• Taxis: Base fare starts around €3 to €5, with additional costs per kilometer.

7. Entertainment and Leisure:

• Cinema Ticket: Approximately €5 to €12.
• Gym Membership: Around €25 to €60 per month.
• Cultural Activities: Museum and gallery tickets range from €5 to €20.
• Personal Care: Monthly expenses for toiletries, haircuts, etc., can add up to €50 to €100.

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Italy depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay. Here’s a breakdown of the visa requirements:

1. European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) Citizens
   If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country (including Switzerland), you do not need a visa to enter Italy. You only need a valid passport or national ID card.
2. Non-EU Citizens
   If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you need a visa to enter Italy.

• Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa):
  • Visa Required for Short Stays: If you are from a non-EU country, you may need a short-stay Schengen visa to enter Italy for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is typically for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term studies.
  • Visa-Free Travel: Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others, can enter Italy without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days).
• Long-Stay Visa (National Visa or D-Visa):
  • Visa Required for Long Stays: If you plan to stay in Italy for more than 90 days (for study, work, family reunification, or other purposes), you must apply for a long-stay visa (D-Visa). This visa allows you to enter Italy and then apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) once you arrive.
  • Study Visa: For students who plan to study in Italy for more than 90 days, a student visa (D-Visa) is required.

3. Other Specific Cases

• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): Starting in 2025, citizens of visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS authorization before traveling to Italy or any other Schengen Area country. This is not a visa, but a pre-travel authorization for security purposes.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a family member who is an Italian citizen or legal resident, you may need a specific visa for family reunification.
• Work Visa: If you plan to work in Italy, you will need a work visa, which requires a job offer and authorization from the Italian authorities before you can apply.

Always verify the latest visa requirements with the Italian consulate or embassy in your country before planning your trip.

A useful tool to quickly check if you need to apply for the visa is the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home.aspx#BMQuestionario