Italian education: what’s behind the big name in 2026
Italian education attracts not only with its history — from the University of Bologna to Nobel laureates — but also with its real accessibility. In 2026, the system remains open to foreigners, but its features are often overlooked. This is not a copy of the British or German model: not only grades are important here, but also an understanding of local rules, the deadline for submission, and the format of interaction with teachers.
Below are no myths or general phrases, just working facts.
How Italian education works: three levels, three approaches
– Scuola primaria e secondaria — basic and secondary education, compulsory up to the age of 16.
– Università e Alta Formazione — universities, as well as specialized institutions like Accademia di Belle Arti or Conservatori.
– Formazione professionale — professional courses with employment, especially popular in technical and craft fields.
Important: public universities do not issue “guaranteed enrollment” — even if they have all the documents.
The deadline for submission and compliance with the formal requirements of the Ministero dell’Università are crucial.
→ Italiatut — Assistance service for admission to an Italian university.
The benefits of Italian education that are rarely talked about
– The cost of tuition is scaled by income: with a low ISEE, it starts from 500 €/year even in Milan.
– Many programs include mandatory internships in companies ranging from Ferrari to small design studios.
– Diplomas are nostrified in the CIS countries without exams at the undergraduate level.
– Studying gives you the right to a student residence permit, which can be converted into a working one after 3 years.
Italian education is especially appreciated in the fields of:
– restoration and preservation of cultural heritage,
– industrial design and fashion,
– Agriculture and ecology,
– architecture and urban studies.
What programs are really available to foreigners in 2026
– Bachelor’s degree in Italian is possible after completing a one—year language course at the university.
– Master’s degree in English — more than 500 programs, especially in engineering, economics, international relations.
– Alta Formazione courses are short—term (6-18 months) programs with a focus on practice and employment.
– Corsi di Fondamenti preparatory courses are for those who do not meet the requirements directly.
Please note: since 2025, a number of universities have introduced mandatory Skype interviews, even for English-language programs.
This is not a language proficiency test, but a test of motivation and understanding of the specifics of the program.
→ Language courses in Italy for students from Italiatut — preparation for enrollment and life outside the classroom.
How to avoid the most common admission mistakes
1. Do not confuse Dichiarazione di Valore and Nulla Osta — the consulate does the first, the university does the second.
2. Don’t apply to several universities at the same time — this causes a conflict when applying for Nulla Osta.
3. Do not ignore the internal deadlines of universities: they are often earlier than the official deadlines of the Ministry.
4. Do not skimp on the transfer — it requires a traduttore giurato accredited by the consulate.
In 2026, control over the authenticity of bank statements was tightened: only documents with a QR code or a bank’s wet seal are accepted.
→ Support when submitting documents — Italiatut
What does Italian education provide after graduation?
– The right to apply for permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato within 12 months of the defense.
– Access to Garanzia Giovani programs — government support for young professionals.
– The opportunity to participate in competitions for public service in the EU through EPSO.
– Strong ties to the industry: more than 70% of graduates of Politecnico di Milano are employed before graduation.
For those who consider studying as the first step towards moving, it is important to remember that education is not only a diploma, but also social integration. Participation in student clubs, volunteer projects, and university initiatives significantly accelerates adaptation.
For those who want to learn more about Italy, the GIDtut team offers authoring programs.
If you consider Italian education as a way to Europe, but don’t know where to start, write to us on Telegram.
We will prepare a personal plan for you: from choosing a program to submitting documents and obtaining a residence permit.
Education in Italy is not a dream. This is a clear, proven path. And we know how to get through it — the first time.
