A renowned leader in fashion, food and the arts, Italy enjoys a deserved reputation as one of Europe's most culturally and historically abundant nations. With an endless list of motivations to study there: the delicious cuisine, iconic architecture, diverse landscapes and Mediterranean climate to name but a few, studying a bachelor's degree in Italy is guaranteed to go above and beyond the expectations of any undergraduate who studies there.

The majority of Italian universities and colleges offer a varied selection of courses in most subjects, and prospective international students can enjoy all of Italy's offerings while attaining a bachelor's degree at one of its esteemed higher education institutes. The education system, assessment methods and language requirements are all important things to bear in mind before studying abroad, so read below to find out more!

Bachelor's degree structure in Italy

Each academic year for bachelor's degrees in Italy is comprised of two semesters with the first commencing in September and ending in February. The second semester of the academic year runs from February to July. The duration of study depends on the course taken, with medicine taking at least six years and law five years.

Aside from these exceptions, the typical duration of a bachelor degree in Italy is three or four years. In addition to this, exchange programs and credit transfers are also available to bachelor's students. Qualifications for the various bachelor degrees in Italy vary depending on the cluster subjects necessary for pursuing the particular courses.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees in Italy will vary between institutions, but generally they tend to be quite low in comparison to other European countries. This is due to the Italian government providing higher education funding for most universities and colleges. Both international and EU/EAA students may also be eligible for government funded scholarships. It is best to get in touch with institutions before applying to find out specific details and eligibility criteria.

Assessment methods

Students undertaking bachelor's degrees in Italy are evaluated on the basis of the ECT system. According to this system, the available programs are worth between 180 and 240 credits or ECTs. Exams are held after each teaching period and are usually oral exams, though there are some courses with written tests. The grading system for these bachelor degrees is based on a scale that ranges from 0-30, with 18 as the pass mark.

The Bologna System

Institutions in Italy are among some of the oldest in the world, and it has played an important role in European education as one of the first four countries involved in the creation of the European Area of Higher Education. This led to an education reform known as the 'Bologna Process', which was signed in 1999 by 29 European countries in the Italian city of Bologna to consolidate educational standards and encourage high quality education throughout the continent.

Today, this system is implemented all over Europe. This positioning of Italy as a leading country in higher education will make your study experience there all the more rewarding.

Language in Italy

The official language in Italy is Italian. While studying in Italy you can enroll in courses to help get to grips with it, and this can prove to be highly beneficial to international students as it allows for improved communication and a more complete involvement in society. Nevertheless, there are also many programs available in English.

If either your Italian or English skills need some polishing, there are plenty of great language courses in Italy to help you reach the proficiency level you need. Alternatively, if you want more information about student life in Italy check out our study guide!