University preparation in Rome 2024

Currently, around 11,000 international students study in Rome's universities and colleges, making up 5.4% of the city's total student population. Rome offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels across various disciplines. The city boasts 11 universities, including four public and seven private institutions.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

For international students, the journey to studying in Rome begins with meticulous planning. The process of researching educational institutions, filling out forms, and arranging documentation can be time-consuming. Admission to many universities in Rome requires entrance exams and tests, especially for specialized programs like medicine, dentistry, and architecture, or courses with nationality-based quotas. Other faculties, such as engineering, mathematics, statistics, chemistry, biology, law, economics, business education, psychology, languages, literature, and philosophy, also require entrance tests to assess students' initial knowledge and identify gaps early on for personalized improvement.

Before heading to Rome for your studies, it's crucial to thoroughly research the academic program you're interested in. Familiarize yourself with the available courses, academic requirements, and even cultural activities or excursions included in the program.

• Language Proficiency: Ensure your program is offered in the language you prefer. While you can study in Italian or English in Rome, consider taking an introductory Italian language course to learn common greetings and essential vocabulary. This not only aids communication but also shows respect for the local culture.

• Travel Documents: Obtain all necessary travel documents well in advance. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. Make copies of important documents like your passport and ID and store them separately from the originals.

• Accommodation: Whether your program includes accommodation or not, secure your housing before arrival. Start your search early to find the best options and ensure a smooth start to your journey abroad.

• Budgeting: Life in Rome can be expensive, so create a budget plan that covers your expected expenses. Consider the cost of living, including housing, transportation, food, and leisure, as well as additional costs like visa fees or travel insurance.

Rome offers language courses focused on enhancing Italian or English skills for test preparation necessary for university admission. There are also courses specifically designed to prepare students for general or subject-specific entrance exams. Some courses combine both formats and consist of two parts:

1. General Language Training: This part aims to equip students with the language skills needed for successful participation in the second part of the course. Skills developed include listening and speaking comprehension, reading analysis, writing, and vocabulary expansion, with a special emphasis on the types of texts encountered in entrance exams.

2. Subject-Specific Preparation: This part focuses on the subjects included in university entrance exams, following guidelines set by the Italian Ministry of Education. Students will delve into their chosen field of study to ensure they are well-prepared for admission.

Examples of University Prep Courses in Rome

• Dilit School

• Scuola Leonardo da Vinci

• Preparatory Course for Italian Universities

To participate in a university preparation course in Rome, students should have a good command of Italian or English (minimum B1 or B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). If you do not meet the language requirement, it is recommended to complete language courses before enrolling in prep courses for entrance exams.

Most institutions offering university prep courses for international students in Rome have a straightforward application process:

1. Fill out the enrollment application.

2. Confirm your high school diploma.

3. Obtain a student visa for entry into the country.

4. Pay a non-refundable enrollment fee.

Cost of Preparing for University in Rome

The cost of preparing for university in Rome varies depending on the institution and the courses offered. It's essential to review the fee structures, which often include tuition, accommodation, materials, and other related expenses.