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LUMSA University

LUMSA University

LUMSA University

Introduction

LUMSA (Libera Università degli Studi Maria Ss. Assunta di Roma) is a public non-state Italian university formed on Catholic principles. It is the second oldest university in Rome after Sapienza and was founded by Luigia Tincani in 1939. LUMSA is accountable to the state university system and awards qualifications equivalent to those issued by state universities. Professionalism, growth, and development are the University’s fundamental principles, along with teaching, employment, research, and the student experience.

Our History

The University was established on 26 October 1939, the date it received both its canonical erection and civil recognition by the Italian State. Unusually for that time, it was established by a woman, Luigia Tincani, together with Cardinal Giuseppe Pizzardo, and has enjoyed the protection and support of the Holy See from the very start.

It was initially granted the status and title of Istituto Superiore Pareggiato di Magistero Maria Ss. Assunta was a state-recognized higher education institute and was essentially a university with a single faculty - education - offering a selection of degree programs.

It was established for two principal reasons, the first being the more immediate and practical need to provide easy access to higher education for nuns called to teach in Catholic schools; the second, more profound, reason was to contribute to an intellectual and humanistic education free from the ideological pressures of the time, which sought to monopolize education and instruction.

The student body grew and developed in the 1960s and 70s, enrolling lay female students and offering a broader range of programs.

As part of a four-year university development plan in Italy, it became a "free university" in 1989 and grew into a multi-faculty institution that also offered degree programs, and was one of the first Italian Universities to offer programs in Communication Science and Journalism within the Faculty of Arts. Law, politics, economics, and psychology were also added gradually to the portfolio. Particular focus was maintained on education and pedagogical study, which also incorporated extracurricular education and the entire social services sector.

The late nineties also saw the opening of campuses in Taranto (Puglia) and Palermo (Sicily) with unanticipated success. At the same time, the complement of teaching staff was enlarged in terms of number and duties, taking on research commitments in their various specialist fields and developing international relations. Particular attention was devoted to the Erasmus project, and LUMSA was recognized by the European Union as being one of the best universities in Italy for developing European programs.

LUMSA is a private Italian university open to the public, which awards recognized qualifications; it has been supported and encouraged by each successive pope. It reflects the principles of Catholicism in the training it offers and in the education of the young people who study here, both in the direction that the teaching takes and the higher values attached to its research, such as fraternity, solidarity, equality, and peace.

Campus Features

A calm, orderly study environment that encourages interaction and enhances concentration, for a truly unique university experience. University life in a wonderful historic city like Rome or Palermo is amazing and inspiring.

Student residences on the LUMSA campus provide accommodation for over 300 young people close to the university for a total university experience, including studying in the University libraries and taking a break at LUMSA Café.

    Admissions

    On their arrival, students from European Union countries and from universities with which LUMSA has bilateral agreements within the ERASMUS + program must present themselves at the LUMSA International Relations office to complete their enrolment and fill in the course admission application form (students participating in the Erasmus + program are exempt from enrolment fees). The registration deadlines for Erasmus students are the end of June (I semester) and the end of November (II semester).

    The following documents must be presented at the International Relations office:

    • Declaration by the university to which the student belongs that the student in question is an Erasmus student;
    • Certificate from the student's university stating that the student in question is enrolled at that university and his/her Transcript of Records.
    • Original Application form (a completed and signed application for registration)
    • Learning agreement signed by the exchange coordinator of the student’s university.
    • European health coverage or private health insurance.
    • Passport or identity card (photocopy).
    • Two passport-sized photographs.

    Non-EU candidates

    Non-EU applicants resident abroad are also required to complete pre-enrolment through the Italian authorities (usually the Italian Consulate) in the country in which they obtained their academic qualifications (or are in the process of obtaining them), and their academic qualification(s).

    Non-EU citizens with valid residence permit

    Candidates who are non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit for Italy (according to the dispositions of the Italian Law no. 286/98, art. 39, 5) must follow the same procedure as Italian and EU citizens and present an application for pre-enrolment by the deadline set down by the LUMSA University of Rome. Candidates holding a foreign qualification will also have to present a declaration of value which can be obtained from the Italian embassy or consulate in the candidate’s home country.

    The certificate, which is issued by the Consulate’s academic office, confirms that the qualifications obtained at the secondary school level (for admission to undergraduate degree courses) or the university degree (for admission to postgraduate courses) by the candidate would allow him/her to be admitted to higher education in the country in which the qualifications were achieved. If the candidate’s certificate/s is/are not written in Italian, an official translation into Italian must be attached. If the duration of studies in the country in which the candidate received the qualification, is less than 12 years, they must present a certificate stating that have passed all the exams required: for the first year of university (in the event the local school system lasts 11 years) and for the first two years of university (in the event the local school system lasts 10 years).

    Non-EU citizens resident abroad

    To access a degree course at the LUMSA University of Rome non-EU citizens resident abroad must hold qualifications awarded at the end of secondary education lasting at least 12 years, as is the case in Italy. If secondary school education lasted less than 12 years, then candidates must also present the academic certificates stating that they have passed all the exams required for:

    • the first year of university (if the local school system lasts only 11 years)
    • the first two years of university (if the local school system lasts only 10 years)

    To pre-enroll at the LUMSA University, it is necessary to:

    • Pre-enroll online through the LUMSAs’ website following the deadlines and requirements of the Department. Once the online pre-enrolment form has been completed, it must be printed, signed, and sent through ordinary mail to the Student Administration Office together with all the documents that are listed in the LUMSA Study Manifesto.
    • Present the pre-enrolment application to the Italian Authorities (embassy or consulate) in the candidate’s home country, for the one-degree course only (it is not possible to pre-enroll at any other Italian university).

    Scholarships and Funding

    Participation costs have been set at 3.500 euros per year. These costs cover tuition fees, examination, and administrative services provided by each academic institution. LUMSA offers a series of grants and scholarships to assist students with high potential and those experiencing financial difficulties; the University operates a system of meritocracy as part of the universal right to higher education.

    Enrolled students who fulfill the merit and financial requirements can apply for education grants. The amount goes from a minimum of €1.989 to a maximum of €5.052,56 and varies according to the economic conditions of the family unit and the place where the student is resident. Students can ask for a part of the education grant to be converted into credit for the catering service.

    Financial support through grants, exemption from tuition fees and various bands with reduced tuition fees, Accommodation through its special Housing service point, Meal facilities, Part-time jobs, and allowances for disabled students.

    Alumni Statistics

    Why study at LUMSA University

    The LUMSA teaching staff are highly trained and always open to discussion with students, to assist them along the path to greater understanding and offer advice on organizing their studies or making career choices. The results are clear to see from student satisfaction figures, with LUMSA achieving levels above the national average (96,5% compared to 88,9%).

    Why LUMSA

    • Ever since it was established, LUMSA's main focus has been on the individual. The training courses are built around the students, to respond to their study requirements and prepare them for the world of work, not neglecting the importance of human aspects. The relationships the students have with teachers and other University staff are based on listening and mutual exchange. The services provided by the University are designed to help students focus on learning, personal development, and making the right career choices.
    • The LUMSA teaching staff are highly trained and always open to discussion with students, to assist them along the path to greater understanding and offer advice on organizing their studies or making career choices. The results are clear to see from student satisfaction figures, with LUMSA achieving levels above the national average (95,9 compared to 90,5%).
    • An environment that offers students advice and a friendly welcome, even before they enroll. Guidance and Tutoring Office and the teaching staff explain the structure and content of our degree programs and talk about life in the LUMSA community. Students are later mentored by the same tutors during their studies, emphasizing the direct ongoing relationship that is fundamental to our teaching.
    • LUMSA offers a series of grants and scholarships to assist students with high potential and those experiencing financial difficulties; the University operates a system of meritocracy as part of the universal right to higher education.
    • A calm, orderly study environment that encourages interaction and enhances concentration, for a truly unique university experience. University life in a wonderful historic city like Rome or Palermo is amazing and inspiring.
    • The teaching and services we provide help students to complete their studies in the projected timescale; the University's overall results on this point remain above the national average (76,8% compared to 60,9%) which gives students a head start in preparing for employment.
    • LUMSA offers specialist work placements through the LUMSA Talent Academy, following the Job Guidance strategy, along with opportunities to obtain major international qualifications, internships, and apprenticeships (over 2.050 per year).
    • LUMSA students have the chance to study abroad with our international exchanges and agreements with 324 European and 35 non-European universities, as well as studying in a stimulating, multicultural environment that includes over 300 international students from 55 different countries. LUMSA is one of only three Italian universities awarded the ECTS Label for our Erasmus+ program.
    • With the Diploma supplement, international programs, and joint degrees, LUMSA graduates can use their qualifications across Europe and all over the world.
    • Student residences on the LUMSA campus provide accommodation for over 300 young people close to the university for a total university experience, including studying in the University libraries and taking a break at LUMSA Café.

    Campus Life & Facilities

    LUMSA offers specialist work placements through the LUMSA Talent Academy, following the Job Guidance strategy, along with opportunities to obtain major international qualifications, internships, and apprenticeships (over 1250 per year).

    LUMSA students have the chance to study abroad with our international exchanges and agreements with 213 European and 29 non-European universities, as well as studying in a stimulating, multicultural environment that includes over 300 international students from 55 different countries. LUMSA is one of only three Italian universities awarded the ECTS Label for our Erasmus+ program.

    LUMSA’s Rome and Palermo campuses are both accredited test centers for major international qualifications in business, IT, languages, and the professions. These qualifications include the TOEFL Test Of English as a Foreign Language, and CELI Certificazione Ufficiale della conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (recognized certificate of competence in the Italian language).

    The LUMSA ALUMNI Association is a network of graduates, professionals, and entrepreneurs in Italy and abroad, formed to enable ongoing contact with colleagues and enhance the resources and experiences of this highly qualified institution, on both a professional and personal level.

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    Locations

    • Rome

      Borgo S. Angelo, 13 Rome Via di Porta Castello 44, Rome Piazza delle Vaschette 101, Rome Via Pompeo Magno 28, Rome, 00193, Rome

    Questions