Higher Education in Italy

Italy is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious education systems in Europe. In fact, the Bologna Process, which standardized higher education across Europe, was named after the University of Bologna – the world’s oldest university.

Italy is particularly famous for design, fashion, architecture, and art, but it also offers high-quality education in engineering, medicine, economics, and technology.

Structure of Higher Education in Italy

Italian universities follow a three-tier system, similar to other European countries:

1️⃣ Laurea (Bachelor’s Degree) – 3 years
2️⃣ Laurea Magistrale (Master’s Degree) – 2 years

  • Alternatively, a Diploma di Master Universitario di 1° livello is a 1-year professional master’s degree.
    3️⃣ Dottorato di Ricerca (PhD/Doctorate) – Additional 3-5 years

⚠ Exceptions:

  • Engineering, architecture, and medical programs require 1-2 extra years of study.

Language Requirements & Admission

📌 Most degree programs are taught in Italian, so students need at least B2-level proficiency.
📌 Many universities offer free preparatory Italian language courses for international students.
📌 Entrance exams:

  • For medical and engineering programs, applicants must pass subject-specific tests.

  • For creative fields (design, music, arts, etc.), a portfolio is required.
    📌 Azerbaijani students need at least 12 years of education before applying for a bachelor’s program. If a student has only completed secondary school (11 years), they must complete one additional year at a university or college before applying.

Public vs. Private Universities in Italy

🏛 Public Universities – More affordable, with tuition ranging from €600 to €3,000 per year, depending on family income.
🏛 Private Universities – Tuition costs between €6,000 and €20,000 per year, depending on the institution and program.

📍 Italy has:

  • 58 public universities

  • 17 private universities

  • 6 higher schools for postgraduate education

  • Specialized institutions for music, arts, and military education

Studying in Italy for Free!

Although tuition fees in Italy can be high, many students can study for free or at minimal cost through scholarships and financial aid.

Who can study for free or receive financial assistance?

🎓 Low-income students – Tuition fees are based on family income, and those with financial difficulties may pay little to nothing.
🎓 Students with outstanding academic achievements – Merit-based scholarships are available from universities and the government.
🎓 Students with disabilities – Special grants and tuition waivers are provided.

Scholarship & Financial Aid Options

✔ University Scholarships – Based on academic performance and financial need, covering tuition, housing, and living expenses.
✔ State Scholarships – Government support of up to €14,000 per year.
✔ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarships – Specifically for students from the CIS region, covering tuition and living expenses.
✔ Regional Scholarships – Some universities offer additional grants.

💡 Important: To qualify for most scholarships, applicants must demonstrate at least basic Italian language skills (even for English-taught programs).

Italian Education System: What to Expect?

📌 No mandatory class attendance – Students have a lot of flexibility in managing their studies.
📌 Oral & written exams – Professors can ask any questions from the syllabus, requiring extensive self-study.
📌 High dropout rate – Only 30% of students complete their degrees due to the demanding academic system.

How to Apply to an Italian University?

✅ Choose a university and program (Italian or English-taught).
✅ Ensure you meet the education and language requirements.
✅ Prepare necessary documents:

  • High school diploma + 1 year of higher education (for Azerbaijani students)

  • Proof of Italian/English language proficiency

  • Portfolio (for creative fields)

  • Entrance test scores (if required for medicine, engineering, etc.)

    ✅ Apply through the university’s online portal or Universitaly.it.

When to Start the Application process?

Applying to an Italian university requires careful preparation, so it’s best to start at least 6-7 months in advance. This ensures you have enough time for document legalization, embassy applications, and visa processing.

Step-by-Step Application Timeline

1️⃣ Document Apostille (2 months) 🏛

  • Your diploma or certificate must be apostilled by the Ministry of Education in Italy.

  • An apostille is a special certification stamp verifying the authenticity of documents.

  • Processing time: Up to 2 months.

2️⃣ Embassy Application & University Submission 🏫

  • Submit your application and supporting documents to the Italian Embassy in Azerbaijan.

  • The embassy forwards your application to the university for final admission approval.

3️⃣ Enrollment Confirmation & Visa Application 🎟

  • Once the university accepts your application, you can apply for a student visa.

📌 Start early! Delays in any of these steps can affect your ability to enroll on time.

Studying Design & Fashion in Italy

Italy is the top destination in the world for students pursuing fashion and design. The country is home to world-renowned design schools and academies, offering bachelor’s, master’s, short-term professional courses, summer programs, and internships in various creative fields:

✔ Interior Design
✔ Graphic Design
✔ Fashion Design
✔ Fashion Management
✔ Accessories Design
✔ Advertising Design
✔ Image Consulting
✔ Brand Management
✔ Landscape Design
✔ Architecture
✔ Car Design
✔ Interactive & Media Design
✔ Stage Design and more!

Top Design & Fashion Schools in Italy

🎓 Istituto Marangoni – World-famous for fashion and design programs.
🎓 Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) – A leading network of fashion and design schools across Italy.
🎓 Domus Academy – A prestigious academy for architecture and design.
🎓 Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) – Specializing in fine arts and creative disciplines.

💡 Program Duration: From 2 weeks (short-term courses) to 4 years (degree programs).

Need Help Choosing the Right Program?

🌍 NEXA Group will assist you in:
✔ Selecting the best university & program
✔ Preparing and submitting documents
✔ Assistance in obtaining a student visa for Italy

✨ Start your journey in Italy’s fashion and design world today! Contact us for expert guidance!