Italian Universities: What Expat Families Need to Know

The University System

Italian universities follow the Bologna Process, the same framework used across the EU. If you're familiar with UK or European higher education, the structure will feel recognisable. If you're coming from the US, it's quite different.

The academic culture differs significantly from the US and UK. Lectures are often large and attendance isn't always tracked. Much of the learning happens independently. Exams are frequently oral: a student sits before one or more professors and answers questions for 20-40 minutes. This can be a shock for students accustomed to written exams.

Grading

Italian universities use a 18-30 scale. 18 is the minimum pass, 30 is the highest mark, and "30 e lode" (30 with honours) is reserved for exceptional work. There's no equivalent of a UK 2:1 or US GPA during the degree. The final degree mark is calculated on a 110 scale, with "110 e lode" being the top honour.

Admission Process

How your child enters an Italian university depends on where they completed secondary school.

From an Italian High School (Maturita)

Students who complete the Italian Esame di Stato (Maturita) can apply directly to most university programmes. The Maturita score (out of 100) determines eligibility for competitive programmes. The type of liceo or istituto attended also shapes options, a student from a liceo classico can apply to any programme, while vocational diploma holders may have restrictions.

From a Foreign Secondary School

Students with foreign qualifications (A-Levels, US diploma, IB) need a Dichiarazione di Valore, a document issued by the Italian consulate in the country where the qualification was obtained. This verifies the qualification and confirms it allows university access in the country of origin. The process can take weeks, so start early.

Additionally, students must have completed at least 12 years of schooling. If the home country's system is only 11 years, an additional year of education may be required.

Numero Chiuso (Restricted Access)

Some programmes have nationally limited places and require an entrance exam. These include medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, architecture, and nursing. The entrance exams are competitive and conducted in Italian (with some exceptions for English-taught medicine programmes). IMAT is the specific entrance test for English-taught medical programmes.

Other programmes may have local restrictions (numero programmato locale), where individual universities limit places and set their own admission criteria, or be open access (accesso libero), where any qualified student can enroll.

Costs & Fees

This is where Italian universities become genuinely attractive compared to UK and US alternatives.

Italian university fees are calculated based on family income through the ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente). EU residents can apply for the ISEE assessment. Non-EU families may pay a flat rate or a higher band depending on the university's policy. Even at the higher end, Italian fees are a fraction of UK or US tuition.

Living Costs

Student accommodation in Abruzzo is significantly cheaper than in Rome, Milan, or Bologna. A shared room in Chieti, Pescara, Teramo, or L'Aquila might cost EUR 150-300 per month. In larger cities, expect EUR 400-700+. Many Abruzzo-based students live at home and commute, which is culturally normal in Italy.

Study Options

Universities in Abruzzo

Abruzzo has three public universities, each with distinct strengths.

English-Taught Programmes

English-taught degree programmes are expanding across Italy, but availability in Abruzzo remains limited compared to Milan, Bologna, or Rome. Most undergraduate programmes in Abruzzo are taught in Italian. At the Master's level, you'll find more English-taught options, particularly in engineering, sciences, and economics.

If your child needs an English-taught undergraduate degree, they may need to look beyond Abruzzo. Milan's Politecnico and Bocconi, Bologna, and several Rome universities offer extensive English-taught catalogues.

Planning Ahead

If university is on the horizon for your child, here's what to think about now.

If Your Child Is in Italian High School

• The type of liceo/istituto matters. A liceo classico or scientifico opens the widest range of university doors
• Maturita scores directly affect competitive programme access. Strong grades throughout high school contribute to the final score
• If your child wants to study medicine, preparation for the entrance exam should start in the fourth year of high school
• Orientation events (orientamento) happen in the final year. Attend them, even if your child thinks they know what they want

If Your Child Has Foreign Qualifications

• Start the Dichiarazione di Valore process at least 3-4 months before the application deadline
• Check whether the Italian university requires specific subjects or minimum grades in your child's A-Levels, IB, or AP exams
• For numero chiuso programmes, your child must take the same entrance exam as Italian students
• Some universities offer pre-enrollment advisory services for international students. Use them

Keeping Options Open

Some families want their child to have the option of attending university in the UK, US, or elsewhere. If this is important, maintain English academic skills throughout their Italian schooling. The IB diploma (if accessible) is the most universally recognised qualification. A-Levels and the Italian Maturita are also accepted by most international universities, but check specific requirements early.

For US universities, SAT or ACT scores may still be required alongside the Italian diploma. Some US universities are now test-optional, but competitive programmes still expect them.