Italy
Basic Information about Italy
Italy is situated in southern Europe, in the centre of the Mediterranean . Due to its geographical location, it became a bridge between different cultures and civilisations. The territory of the country includes the mainland and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia , as well as some other smaller islands. Italy has a population of 60 million. The official language is Italian. Rome , the capital of the country, is also the location of the Vatican City State .
Italy is a country with many facets, where art and culture play an important role, where beauty, design, good taste and fashion are an everyday imperative. Italian hospitality, lifestyle and the high quality of education have made Italy a great place for living and studying.
The Higher Education System
Italy has a very long tradition in higher education. It is the country where the first and among the most important European Universities were founded during the Middle-ages. Moreover, it has played an important role in European higher education reform as it was engaged to create the so-called "European Area of Higher Education", which is being implemented all over Europe. At present, the university sector is made up of 89 university institutions classified as public, private, distance learning and specialised universities. In addition, there are 4 other types of educational institutions, namely higher schools of design, fine arts, drama art and music, higher schools of "mediazione linguistica" (language and cultural studies), higher technical education & training (FIS) and a few specific fields (e.g. archiving, diplomacy, restoration, military studies, etc.). The latter ones fall under the supervision of Ministries other than that of Education.
Undergraduate studies consist of Corsi di Laurea (CL=First Degree Courses) aimed at guaranteeing students adequate command of general scientific methods and contents, as well as specific professional skills. First degree courses last three years.
Graduate studies include Corsi di Laurea Specialistica (CLS=Specialised Degree Courses), Corsi di Specializzazione di 1° livello (CS1=First Level Specialised Degree Courses) and Corsi di Master Universitario di 1° livello (CMU1=First Level University Masters' Degree Courses). The duration of the courses varies from two to three years.
Postgraduate studies include Corsi di Dottorato di Ricerca (CDR=Research Doctorate Programmes), Corsi di Specializzazione di 2° livello (CS2=Second Level Specialisation Courses) and Corsi di Master Universitario di 2° livello (CMU2=Second Level University Masters' Degree Courses).
Classes are mainly held in Italian, although there is an increasing number in English. For the course held in Italian, students are asked to be competent in Italian, and will be tested prior to admission. For Italian Language study, students can attend language courses either at the State Universities, such as the University for Foreigners of Perugia ( www.unistrapg.it ) or of Siena ( www.unistrasi.it ), or at other private institutions authorised to issue the required certification.
To be eligible for admission students are required to hold a school qualification conferred on completion of minimum of 12 years previous schooling. Candidates may contact their local diplomatic mission for further information and for official submission of pre-enrolment documents at least six months before departure. Please note that the academic year starts in October.
Scholarships
Tuition Fees are usually very low as most Universities obtain public financial support. All international students are entitled to the same student assistance services as Italian students including scholarships, dining hall services and housing. However, the total number of foreign students is restricted. Every University has a Tutor Office that may be contacted for inquiries on scholarships and student assistance services.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also offers scholarships for foreign nationals wishing to pursue their studies in Italy . They are intended for Universities, Academies of Fine Arts, Art Restoration Institutes, Music Conservatories, the National School of Cinematography, Research centres and other legally recognised public institutions.
Interested candidates may contact their local Italian diplomatic mission for application deadlines and procedures or visit the following web pages:
Where can I find more information?
Embassy of Italy
12 Grey Street - Deakin 2600
Canberra
tel. 0061 2 6273 3333
fax 6273 4223
www.ambcanberra.esteri.it
email: ambasciata.canberra@esteri.it
Italian higher Education: www.study-in-italy.it
Ministry of Universities and Research (Ministero dell'Universit à e della Ricerca): www.miur.it
Ministry of Education (Ministero dell'Istruzione): www.istruzione.it
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministero degli Affari Esteri): www.esteri.it
