Why You Should (or Shouldn’t) Study in Italy: A Guide for the Curious and Cautious
Taken by me! Unibo department building
My favorite conversation among fellow students here: Would you recommend studying in Italy? In my circle, opinions are divided—half recommend it, while the other half suggest reconsidering. As for me, my experience has been mostly positive: I attended a top Italian university without accumulating debt, made wonderful friendships, and learned countless recipes. That said, it does come with its caveats. In sum, studying in Italy may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly a great fit for some! Here’s my honest evaluation of why you should and a few challenges to consider
How Studying in Italy Can Be a Great Opportunity for You
1. You Want Affordable Tuition (or Even No Tuition)
Perhaps this point is for my fellow American grads: to graduate without the shackles of loan payments is a liberating feeling, tangible to only a few. My yearly tuition cost just as much as the average U.S. meal plan for a college student—around €4,000 per year—and that was on the high end! If you attend a public Italian university, you might pay even less or receive a scholarship, which is the case for many international students I’ve met. While the job market is a slippery slope right now, the fact remains that I was able to study without incurring loan payments from a graduate program. Affordable tuition isn’t unique to Italy—many European countries offer similar opportunities, which brings me to my next point.
2. You Have a Significant Interest in the Italian Language and Culture
This might sound obvious, but hear me out: there are some countries where English and/or internationality are the main selling points for education and the workforce. For instance, many countries in Northern Europe are often seen as attractive options for various reasons, even for my Italian peers. This is not the case in Italy. The people I’ve seen who have made the most out of their experiences here had family connections, relationships, or a deep interest in the language and culture (like me!). Even for the little things—like cooking, one of my hobbies—learning Italian made a significant difference in my daily life, jobs, friendships, and overall interactions. If you are genuinely interested in Italy and its culture, I’d say studying here might be worth trying!
3. You Like Theory
Italian education is heavily theory-based. I wrote more about my experience here: 5 Key Insights from an International Student's Perspective. This was a lot for me to get used to. I come from a system that values practicality—sometimes a little too much. As long as you get the right answer, the "how" is often considered just extra credit. So, if you are a theory lover, Italy could be the country for you.
4. Italy Is a Stepping Stone for You
Generally speaking, depending on your situation, if you stay long-term, you can eventually qualify for Permanent Residency (after five years) and, if you stay even longer, Italian citizenship. Both have immense benefits within Italy and the EU. And even if you decide to leave Italy to study or work in another country, your credentials—such as a Laurea Triennale (Bachelor's Degree), Laurea Magistrale (Master's Degree), or Dottorato di Ricerca (Doctorate/PhD)—are generally accepted more easily in many EU countries through the Bologna Process.
For instance, in my case, because the University of Bologna is a top 200 university, I qualify for a Netherlands Orientation Year Visa for Recent Graduates. This could be an option for my future. Whether you stay or leave after studying, doors can open.
The Caveats
1. Life in Italy
Living in Italy comes with its share of daily inconveniences, from navigating immigration procedures to something as simple as mailing a letter at Poste Italiane. Surely, the problems of bureaucracy and inefficiency are part of life for Italians too, but as a non-EU foreigner still learning Italian, additional challenges arise. These go beyond dealing with the questura, such as opening a bank account or securing housing when you’re trying to integrate.
That said, all is not hopeless. Where you live and the support system around you can make a significant difference. For instance, in my area, I have access to an immigration help desk that assists with residence card paperwork—an invaluable resource. I also can’t thank my friends enough for their help in navigating the complexities of Italian life
2. A Mostly Unattractive Job Market
If not for the lack of jobs, then for the quality of jobs. Salaries in Italy are among the lowest in Europe, but depending on the sector, location, and your lifestyle, this may affect you differently. I’ve met people who found work and settled here. I’ve also met Italians who live with their parents or inherited generational property—an option not available to everyone.
Living in Northern Italy, I’ve secured interviews, as opportunities tend to be more concentrated here—particularly in the fields of marketing and communications in my case. However, the job conditions often give me pause when considering potential offers, especially in larger cities. While I love Italy, without the right opportunity, I wouldn’t be able to sustain the life I envision for myself. Under those circumstances, would I still enjoy living here? It’s a question worth pondering.
Studying in Italy opens doors for young people—not just across borders, but sometimes within the country in places you wouldn’t expect. I remember jokingly telling my friend how he lives in a small village, only for him to explain how his town is actually nicknamed the Biomedical valley (Mirandola). And that is just one example.
In sum, if you’d like to try your hand at studying in Italy, it’s worth giving it a go and seeing for yourself! Italy has its challenges, but it also offers unique rewards.