How does the Italian education system work?
Higher Education (Istruzione Superiore)
Italy is renowned for its universities, which offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The higher education system follows the Bologna Process, which standardizes degree structures across Europe:
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First Cycle (Laurea Triennale) – Bachelor's degree (3 years)
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Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in many countries.
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Covers foundational knowledge and skills in various fields.
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Graduates can enter the job market or continue to a master’s program.
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Second Cycle (Laurea Magistrale) – Master's degree (2 years)
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More specialized and research-oriented.
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Provides deeper knowledge in the chosen discipline.
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Some fields, like medicine and law, have integrated programs that last longer.
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Third Cycle (Dottorato di Ricerca) – Doctorate (3+ years)
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Focuses on advanced research and academic contributions.
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Requires a dissertation and original research.
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Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, or specialized industries.
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There are also higher technical institutes (Istituti Tecnici Superiori - ITS) that provide specialized training for specific industries.
Grading System in Italy
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University Education: Graded on a scale from 0 to 30, with 18 as the passing mark.
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Final Degree Classification: Given out of 110, with 66 as the minimum passing grade.
Tuition Fees and Financial Aid
Public university tuition fees are relatively affordable, ranging from €900 to €4,000 per year, depending on the program and university. Various scholarships and grants are available for both Italian and international students.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
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Graduates can find employment in diverse industries such as fashion, design, engineering, and business.
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Italy allows international students to stay and work after graduation through post-study work permits.
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The country has numerous research opportunities, especially for doctoral graduates.
Understanding the structure of graduation and post-graduation in Italy can help students plan their academic and professional futures effectively.
