What It's Like to Study in Italy, the Art Paradise

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy continues to attract large numbers of international students thanks to its rich cultural heritage and relatively affordable tuition.

Today, we introduce what it is like to study in a country as artistic as Italy.

First, Italy has abundant educational resources: not only 56 state universities, but also 14 non-state universities. Among the best known are the University of Rome and the University of Milan. Each school offers a wide range of majors. Whether you choose popular fields like business and management, career-friendly disciplines such as journalism, education, and sociology, or subjects closely associated with Italy’s character such as art and fashion design, you will find plenty of strong options.

That is why, when you first arrive in Italy, you can immediately feel the country’s artistic atmosphere and cultural depth through its cities and architecture, as if you have stepped back into the romantic Renaissance era. Complementing that culture is the warmth and hospitality of Italians. Whether you are there to study or live, you can expect plenty of help from the people around you.

Beyond that, Italians are also avid sports fans, especially football. With the celebrated Juventus Football Club and its impressive record, Italy has become a pilgrimage site for many football fans.

Although life in Italy sounds highly artistic, the cost of living is surprisingly down to earth. For example, most public universities in Italy waive tuition fees. When a student’s family financial situation can be documented through certain criteria, an even larger share of the cost may be waived. In some cases, annual tuition can be less than 200 euros. If your academic performance is strong enough, you may also receive additional scholarships and living stipends. For students far from home, that makes Italy a very cost-effective choice.

As for classes, beyond the majors mentioned above, Italy’s teaching style is also worth noting. The education system places great importance on instructors’ classroom time and encourages teachers to deliver substantial content in class. If students have questions, it is best to ask the teacher privately after class.

Exams in Italy are relatively frequent, with a series of tests happening roughly every two months. If you do not pass an exam, you can usually retake it. That said, you should pay attention to the timing of exams and graduation so that all the pressure does not pile up at the end.

Finally, there is the language of instruction. In addition to Italian, English-taught programs are also available. Students who are interested should keep an eye on the relevant information.