GlobalMindED

Higher education

Universities in Italy

From Bologna to Milan's design academies — degrees in English or Italian with a strong creative and academic heritage.

A long tradition

The history of Italian higher education is inseparable from the University of Bologna, one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1088 — from its first years students from across Europe came to study Roman law. Today Italy has dozens of major universities, mostly public, plus non-state institutions whose degrees are officially recognised.

Degree levels

  • Laurea (bachelor's): usually three years
  • Laurea magistrale (master's): usually two years
  • Single-cycle degrees (laurea magistrale a ciclo unico): five to six years — including medicine
  • Dottorato di ricerca (PhD) and postgraduate specialisation programmes

Design and fashion

Italy's arts and design sector is world-famous: fashion design and management, interior, graphic and accessory design, brand management, image consulting, advertising, landscape and car design, architecture, interaction and media design, stage design and more. Domus Academy and NABA in Milan are among the leading schools. Programmes last from two weeks to four years and lead to a certificate, diploma, bachelor's or master's — in English or Italian.

Admission

  • A school certificate equivalent to at least 12 years of study — applicants with 11 years of schooling need an extra year at university or a foundation programme
  • Italian at B1–B2 for Italian-taught programmes, or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught ones; many universities run their own language tests
  • Entrance tests for some programmes, especially medicine and other competitive subjects
  • A portfolio for design and fashion schools

Medicine in English

Several Italian universities teach medicine in English — for example, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Entry is competitive, but it is more accessible and far less expensive than US medical school.

Schools and programmes we work with

Options in this selection: 2. We shortlist the ones that truly fit your child — and confirm current dates, fees and availability.

Not sure where to start?

Tell us about your child and your plans. We will suggest the right country, school or programme and explain the next steps.

Free consultation

Information is for guidance only. Entry requirements, fees and dates change every year — we confirm the details for each family.

Let's get in touch!

Tell us about your child and your goals — we will reply within 24 hours with our thoughts and possible next steps.

  • Where does your child study now?
  • What are your goals?
  • Which countries are you considering?
  • Any previous experience of studying abroad?
  • Current level of English?
Kate Grineva, founder of GlobalMindED

Kate will reply to you personally within 24 hours.

What is your goal?

Free and with no obligation. We reply within 24 hours.