Study in Italy

Over the past few years, Italy has become a popular destination for studies, as the universities there offer an excellent quality-to-cost ratio, with immediate professional placement. At Koutsodontis Prep Center, with experience since 1981, we provide successful preparation for the IELTS and TOEFL tests (language proficiency tests), as well as for the GMAT, GRE, IMAT, SAT aptitude tests, which are required for admission to Italian universities. Additionally, we offer support for your admissions process through various services. Every year, our students are accepted into top Italian universities in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs!

Why Study in Italy

1. Personal Benefits Outweigh Academic ones

Many overlook the fact that studying abroad plays an important role in the personal development of students, in addition to the professional one. The opportunity to be outside their comfort zone leads to exposure to something different and meeting new people and cultures. In other words, it’s a life experience that broadens students’ horizons and shapes their character and mindsets.

2. Multicultural environment

Italy ranks 5th in Europe in terms of the international student population it hosts, following the UK, Germany, France and Spain. This is because Italian universities offer English-taught programs in a wide range of subjects, making them particularly popular. Therefore, students find themselves in a welcoming and diverse environment without needing to know Italian. Nevertheless, learning Italian is recommended for easier day-to-day life and especially for working there.

3. Affordable Tuition Fees

Italian universities are classified into public and private, with the latter having significantly higher tuition fees. This does not mean that public universities do not enjoy the same reputation and recognition as private ones! In fact, state universities scale tuition fees based on the parental income of the student. Annual tuition for students from EU countries is lower than that for students from non-EU countries, while funding through scholarships is also possible. Lastly, candidates are advised to check the tuition fees on the website of the respective program they are interested in.

4. High-Quality Education

Lower tuition fees compared to other Western European countries or the USA does not mean lower quality of education. Distinguished Italian universities hold significant positions in international rankings (QS, Times Higher Education, Financial Times). It should also be noted that students have many options in subjects of study, such as arts, design, and fashion. It’s no coincidence that some of the most famous fashion brands are Italian (Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Armani, Gucci). Additionally, innovation and research are intertwined with Italian universities. Generally, from STEM studies to environmental studies, whichever field candidates choose, Italy is an excellent destination.

5. Excellent career prospects

Italy’s economy is among the strongest in Europe and provides excellent employment opportunities for graduates. Graduates can expect significant job positions in their field of study, even shortly after graduation. Renowned universities are closely linked to the job market, offering students the necessary knowledge and skills that make them competitive and desirable to employers. Some of the largest Italian companies include Enel, Ferrari, Generali Group, Campari Group, Prada, and Nexi.

University Admissions & Requirements

Undergraduate programs in Italy usually last 3-4 years, while studies in Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture, and Law can take up to 6 years. Conversely, master’s programs last 1-2 years, with PhD requiring at least 3 years.

Each university sets its own admission requirements and deadlines. Initially, applicants create an account at each university they are interested in and submit their application and necessary documents through that account. Typically, they receive a response within 15-30 days. Generally, it is recommended to start preparing for applications as early as possible. Finally, most programs start in September and some in February, while the start of the application period depends on the university.

Basic requirements for English-taught undergraduate programs are:

Original High School Diploma certified with the Hague (Apostille)
Original certificate of participation in national exams, certified (if required)
Certificate from the High School
Entrance exams depending on the field of study (SAT / IMAT)
English language certification
Personal Statement
Letter of Recommendation from a teacher
Dichiarazione di Valore, a necessary document for studying in Italy from the Italian embassy. It takes about 2 months to issue for Greeks.

Basic requirements for English-taught postgraduate programs are:

Bachelor’s degree and Transcript (original and certified translations)
English language certification (IELTS or TOEFL)
Personal Statement
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
One of the aptitude tests GMAT or GRE (depending on the program, most Business Schools require the GMAT)
Letters of Recommendation from employers or professors
Dichiarazione di Valore, a necessary document for studying in Italy from the Italian embassy. It takes about 2 months to issue for Greeks.

New classes for IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, and GRE start every month. We also offer preparation courses for the SAT, IMAT and Bocconi Test . Additionally, the Admissions Office provides individual services regarding Bachelor’s or Master’s programs, starting immediately after your registration.

Medicine & Dentistry in Italy

Italy is an excellent choice for undergraduate studies in Medicine and Dentistry. This is due to the large number of English-taught programs available at high-ranking Medical schools and the low tuition fees compared to other European countries. As previously mentioned, the duration of these programs is 6 years. Generally, the tuition for European students depends on the family income of the applicant. Specifically for Greeks, it is estimated to be around €800 – 4,000 per year.

Admission to English-language Medical and Dental schools in Italy requires the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test).

In recent years, there has been an increased demand for these programs from Greek students. That is because admission to Medical schools in Greece is challenging, while the level of education and tuition fees differ significantly from those in Medical schools in Bulgaria or Romania.

Tuition Fees & Funding in Italy

The cost of studies for EU students is quite affordable, but the type of university (public or private) and the level of studies (undergraduate or postgraduate) play a crucial role. Tuition fees at public universities range from €850 to €2,000 annually, while those at private universities start at €6,000 and can reach up to €20,000 per year. Additionally, public universities adjust tuition fees based on the student’s parental income.

Moreover, funding through scholarships is possible. Information on various funding sources, such as merit scholarships from universities, scholarships from foundations, or student loans, is provided on program websites. Additionally, there are many organizations in Greece that offer scholarships for studying abroad.

Living Costs in Italy

Students in Italy spend around €700-€1,100 per month, depending on the city of residence and lifestyle. Generally, expenses to consider include accommodation, food, clothing, transportation, health insurance, activities, and other costs.

Finding accommodation is a significant issue for international students in Italy. They usually opt for student residences or university-assisted housing, as this is more economical. Moreover, renting a room in a shared apartment with other students is an alternative option. Of course, the prices depend on whether the student is in a big city and on the distance from the city center.

In addition, residence permit and medical care are extremely important. Italy has a mixed private-public healthcare system, in which both Italians and foreigners are entitled to public healthcare (which is mostly free). To be eligible for this, one must first register with the country’s national health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale – SSN). Later, an Italian health insurance card is issued. Of course, private health insurance is also possible, ranging from €300 to €3,000 annually.

It should be noted that Italy has an extensive railway network, making travel an easy and economical option! The beautiful coastal cities and idyllic countryside allow for excursions throughout the country, offering everything from sunny beaches to snowy mountain ranges, catering to all tastes. Finally, outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, and those seeking recreation will find plenty to see and do in Italy, and the nightlife is quite vibrant.

Tip: The best student cities are Florence, Rome, Milan, Venice, Siena, Taormina, and Bologna.

Popular Italian Universities

Bocconi University

Bocconi University, located in Milan, was founded in 1902 and offers studies in the fields of Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Law, Political Science, Public Administration, and Computer Science. Its business school, SDA Bocconi, offers MBA and Executive MBA programs. Bocconi includes a wide range of programs and is considered one of the best universities not only in Italy but also in Europe. According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, it was ranked 6th worldwide for business and management studies and is among the top 10 in Europe for several fields of study. Notably, in 2021, it was ranked 10th worldwide for its Master’s in Finance.

Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano was founded in 1863 and offers programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Design. The QS Rankings placed it 13th among the best universities for Engineering & Technology worldwide and within the top 10 for specific subjects. Additionally, graduates from the university have received Nobel Prizes or have distinguished themselves in their fields.

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna was founded in 1088, making it the oldest university in the world. It provides studies in fields such as Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Humanities, Medicine, and Law, among others. Many of its graduates and doctorates have distinguished themselves in their fields or held significant positions. According to the QS World University Rankings, it is among the top 200 worldwide and the top in Italy, with high employment rates for its graduates.

Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University, located in Rome, was founded in 1303 and is one of the most prestigious universities in Italy and internationally. It offers studies in Humanities and Sciences, Medicine and Pharmacy, Architecture, and Economics, among others. For the past four years, it has been ranked 1st for studies in Classics & Ancient History. The QS Rankings placed it among the top 200 globally, and many of its graduates have been awarded Nobel Prizes.

University of Padova

The University of Padova was founded in 1222 and offers studies in Humanities, Sciences, Economics, and Medicine, among others. The QS Rankings placed it among the top 250 globally, while Best Global Universities ranked it as the 2nd best in Italy. It is distinguished for its research work both in Italy and Europe.

University of Milan

The University of Milan was founded in 1924 and offers programs in Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Health Sciences, Economics, and Computer Science, among others. It is the only Italian university that is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), a group of 21 European research-intensive universities, and is consistently ranked as the top in Italy, sharing the position with the University of Pisa and Sapienza University of Rome.

Politecnico di Torino

Politecnico di Torino was founded in 1859 and focuses on Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, and Industrial Design. The QS Rankings placed it 33rd among the best universities for Engineering & Technology, making it the 2nd Italian university on the list after Politecnico di Milano. It has received significant recognition for some of its fields over the years, both in Italy and Europe.

Vita – Salute San Raffaele University

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, founded in 1996 in Milan, is a private university offering studies in Medicine and Surgery, Psychology, and Philosophy. It has received national and international distinctions and is known for its research on cancer, HIV/AIDS, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cardiac surgery, among others.

University of Pisa

The University of Pisa was founded in 1343 and offers studies in Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, and Sciences, among others. It has received significant recognition and is among the top 10 Italian universities according to international ranking lists.

University of Naples Federico II

The University of Naples, founded in 1224, offers programs in Humanities, Social Studies, Sciences, Medicine, and Economics, among others. Its graduates have distinguished themselves in their fields or have held high political positions. It is internationally recognized for its research work, with the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities placing it 201st for 2022.

University of Trento

The University of Trento was founded in 1962 and offers programs in Humanities, Social Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Sciences, and Technology, among others. It has significant achievements in teaching, research, and international relations.

Koutsodontis Tips

TIP 1: Choosing a Study Program

Discovering the ideal program that aligns with your interests, qualifications, and budget can be a challenging task. Accurate information is essential for success.

Our Prep Center offers the Program Finder service for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, to identify the best programs based on your individual profile.

TIP 2: Connecting with our Alumni

Insights from accepted alumni have been invaluable for candidates. They offer perspectives on career prospects post-graduation and practical challenges students might face.

Our students have the opportunity to connect with alumni who have achieved their goals and are currently studying or have graduated from Italian universities. Our Admissions Connect service is available exclusively to our students for free.

TIP 3: Start your Preparation Early

After selecting a study program, it is crucial that candidates start their preparation as early as possible. Especially for Medical schools, preparation for the IMAT should begin promptly.

Our Center offers preparation programs organized to ensure that students achieve their desired scores!

TIP 4: High Scores on Aptitude Tests

Italian universities evaluate candidates from different countries and institutions, so aptitude tests like SAT (for Bachelor), IMAT (for Medicine & Dentistry) or GMAT and GRE (for Master, MBA, PhD) are often required for comparison on a common basis. Therefore, candidates should aim to perform as well as possible to achieve their goals, which means attaining the highest scores possible. For example, Bocconi requires quite competitive scores.

TIP 5: Make your Application Stand Out

Your applications are crucial. Special attention should be given to the CV, Personal Statements, Essays, or recommendation letters. Simple editing is not enough. The truth is that these elements require significant time and are very important in the university selection process.

Our Admissions Office provides full support for Bachelor’s and Master’s applications, achieving a 100% success rate every year in the application process!

Contact

Contact us at 2106996015 to learn about our GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, SAT or IMAT preparation courses and the Admissions services.