Higher Education in Italy is mainly provided by a large network of universities which conform to the framework of the Bologna Process: a series of ministerial agreements between European countries designed to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher education qualifications.

Italy has a European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which facilitates student mobility. Credits are units that are used to measure the total amount of coursework required from a student in terms of hours of study and tuition. One credit corresponds to 25 hours of work. An academic year requires a total of 60 credits, which are acquired by passing examinations or through other forms of assessment established by each university. Credits do not measure student performance in exams, which is expressed by an evaluation in thirtieths.

Italy has adopted the “3+2 system”, offering a first level degree after three years and a second level degree after two additional years. These roughly correspond to a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree, respectively. The third level of higher education is a postgraduate programme called Dottorato di ricerca, which corresponds to a PhD.

Laurea (triennale) = Bachelor’s degree

This first level degree is equivalent to a bachelor's degree. It takes 3 years and you must accumulate 180 ECTS-credits (60 per year). You must have a secondary school diploma or a suitable equivalent foreign qualification to be admitted to a laurea triennale course. 

Laurea (magistrale) = Master’s degree

This second level degree is equivalent to a master’s degree. It can be earned in a 2-year programme after a laurea triennale and with an additional 120 ECTS-credits (60 per year). It provides you with advanced education and training for professions in specific fields that require a high level of qualification. To be admitted to a laurea magistrale course, you must have a 1st level degree or a suitable equivalent foreign qualification.

Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico = Single-cycle Master’s degree

If you choose to study Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, you have to enrol on a Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico. This is a five- or six-year second cycle master's degree (300 or 360 ECTS) which does not require a previous first cycle degree for admission (similar to an Integrated Master's degree in the UK).

«Master universitario»

The so-called “Master” of the Italian Education System should not be confused with the Master's degree of the English-speaking countries. It is an advanced degree programme (similar to a Postgraduate diploma in UK), whose aim is to reinforce, broaden and hone the skills and expertise of graduates and postgraduates to meet the demands of the professional world.

To be admitted to a 1st level “Master” course (Master di 1° livello), you must have a 1st level degree (laurea triennale). It generally lasts from 6 months to 1 year, and you have to accumulate 60 credits to obtain the qualification.

To be admitted to a 2nd level “Master” course you must have a 2nd level degree (laurea magistrale or laurea magistrale a ciclo unico).  This “Master” course generally lasts from 6 months to 1 year, and you have to accumulate 60 credits. Normally you have to pass an admission test to enrol on these programmes.

Dottorato di ricerca (PhD)

This corresponds to a PhD and is the highest academic title awarded by Italian universities at the end of a course lasting no less than three years. It provides you with the expertise necessary to carry out high-level research activity in universities, public institutions and private companies. Admission is subject to an entrance examination. Doctorate courses are open, without age or citizenship limits, to all those who already hold a laurea magistrale or similar equivalent degree awarded abroad. The number of places is set out in the selection competition announcement.

Scuola di specializzazione

This is what is known as a postgraduate school in English-speaking countries. It provides you with the knowledge and skills required in specific professional fields (mainly medical studies). To be admitted to a "scuola di specializzazione" you must hold a 2nd level degree. The length of the course and number of credits vary from school to school.

Corso di perfezionamento

This is an advanced course, mainly a refresher or an update training course that allows you to further develop your expertise and pursue your professional career. Unlike a “Master’s” programme, a "corso di perfezionamento" does not confer an academic qualification, but only a certificate which details the skills that you have acquired in the course. To be admitted to this programme, you must hold a 1st or 2nd level degree. The length of the course may vary.