Italian universities provide top-notch higher education; master's degree included. Explore this article to get all the relevant information regarding pursuing masters in Italy.

Masters Degree in Italy

Students who dream of studying in popular international study destinations like the United Kingdom and United States but can’t afford the expensive fee structure of the higher education courses therein have another option to consider, and a good one. Italy! Italy is one of the most developed countries in the world where taking up higher education will only prove to be a boon. Not only because the cost of education is lower, but also because of the high standard of living, which is equivalent to the very best in the world. About taking up higher education; there are about 89 universities in Italy, both private and state funded that offer a whole array of master’s degree courses in almost all disciplines. Most of them are of two years of duration as some universities also offer combined bachelors and masters of five to six years duration. But with one thing remaining constant: the quality of education is maintained right on top with expertise available from the staff of dedicated and thoroughly qualified professionals. Keep on reading to know more about the course structure, admission requirements, application procedure, and other relevant information about doing masters in Italy.
 
Degree Recognition
The postgraduate or 2nd cycle degrees offered in Italy follow a thorough approach in providing the students with best of skills and training in the chosen field and opening up number of door in the international job circle.
 
Degree Structure
The master’s degree programs lie at the second level of higher education offered in Italy and are generally of 2 years duration. Known as 2nd cycle degree programs (Laurea Magistrale) in Italy, these are specialized courses that provide in depth knowledge and broaden the horizon of the students by providing advanced education and training in specific fields. After completion of these 2nd cycle degree programs, students can either choose to continue further higher education by taking up 3rd cycle degree programs or doctoral programs or can seek a job in the related industry. Some universities in Italy also offer single cycle degree programs that start with 3 years of bachelor’s program followed by 2 years of master’s program, after completion of which a master’s degree is awarded to the students. For 2 years master’s degree, it is necessary to accumulate around 120 credits to gain the qualification, while for 5 years of unicycle master’s degree program it is necessary to accumulate around 360 or more credits to gain the qualification. These 2nd cycle degree programs can only be taken up by the students if they hold a 1st cycle bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from an overseas country.
 
Subjects of Master’s Degree
Agriculture; Food Science & Technology; Exercise & Sports Sciences; Ancient Philosophy &Literature, Archaeology; Cognitive Sciences; Communications; History; History of Art; Arts & Humanities; Musicology; Philosophy; Chemistry; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics; Pharmacy; Medicine & Surgery; Economics; Political Science; Veterinary Medicine; Education & Teaching; Law; Business; Finance & Management; Fashion Designing; Aviation; Information Technology & Computer Science; and many more subjects in various disciplines.
 
Academic Calendar
The academic year in Italy starts with end of September or beginning of October and goes on till July. Generally, a semester system is followed by universities; first of which starts in September/October and ends in January/February, and the second one starts in February and ends in July.
 
Admission Requirements
  • Students seeking admission in masters/postgraduate courses in Italian universities must submit all their transcripts/mark sheets/certificates acquired from successful completion of bachelors degree/1st cycle degree in Italy or an equivalent qualification from overseas.
  • Students should submit these documents only after converting the marks or grades obtained in their home country in accordance with the grading system that is followed in Italy.
  • These documents along with any other that may be asked by the authorities should be submitted only after they’ve been translated in Italian language by recognized translator or authorities. Certified copies of the originals also need to be provided and they should be certified by a person or agency recognized by the law or government of student’s home country.
  • To gain university access for master’s degree, students need to be proficient in Italian language and need to present a document in support of that. If that is not the case, they are required to appear and clear an Italian language proficiency exam organized and administered by individual institutions in the first days of September every year.
  • In case of limited seat availability, some universities demand that student should clear up a competitive admission examination organized by individual universities or central authorities. The medium of language of these exams is Italian and it is only after a student has first scored well in Italian language proficiency exam that he/she is allowed to appear in the competitive admission examination.
  • A mandatory health insurance is also to be taken up by the students to cover up for probable medical expenses that may occur during their stay in Italy. Students can choose one of the provisions listed under the health insurance criteria fulfillment for the non-EU students.
 
Application Procedure
  • It should at least before a year of the closing dates of application that the students should select and shortlist the universities and courses they want to apply in. The closing dates for submitting the applications can be found at the university’s website.
  • After the searching process is done with, they are to contact the Italian consulate or embassy located in the student’s country/city and fill up the application for the course in the chosen university. All the necessary documents are to be provided to the consulate (translated in Italian and legalized by competent authorities of the student’s home country).
  • After the consulate is done with scanning the application and supported documents; the student will be provided with a statement necessary to enroll him/her in the course, a student number and an account to register for the competitive admission examination which will be held in Italy.
  • Only after the student has passed the competitive examination can he/she proceed further with the application procedure by going to the Foreign Student Office with all the supported documents along with the statement issued by the consulate.
  • For admission in some universities, official study plan complete with university logo also needs to be provided along with the translated copy in Italian.


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