Higher education in Rome 2025

Compared to other European educational systems, higher education in Rome has the character of a seminar or extended research project, requiring extremely active student participation and independent learning. Class attendance may be optional; course assessments as well as the final assessment for a course may sometimes take the form of an oral exam. From the very beginning, students are expected to manage their programs in an almost autonomous manner, which is typical throughout Italy.

Rome's education system is based on the European Bologna model and consists of three levels:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Typically a three-year program.
2. Master's Program: Lasting between one to two years.
3. Doctoral Studies: Typically lasts three years. Additionally, there are specialized master's degrees and postgraduate courses that are unique to the Italian higher education landscape.

Higher Education Institutions in Rome

The city boasts 11 higher education institutions: four state-funded and seven private. Both categories welcome students from across the globe who wish to continue their education in Rome. These institutions include some of the most esteemed universities in Italy.

• La Sapienza University, founded in 1303, is the oldest in Rome and the largest in Europe. Its purpose is to broaden social understanding through investigation, innovative learning, high-quality education, and global cooperation.
• Tor Vergata University encompasses six faculties: economics, engineering, humanities and philosophy, law, medicine and surgery, and mathematics, physics, and natural sciences. Its extensive 600-hectare campus offer diverse facilities, such as libraries, lecture halls, research facilities, study zones, laboratories, dining halls, and parks.

Benefits of Studying in Rome

Studying in Rome offers a multitude of benefits. The lively city draws countless international scholars. The rich and varied community formed around the university campuses promotes a nurturing environment. Several excellent universities provide a broad range of courses and participate in expansive exchange programs, granting students numerous opportunities for studying abroad.

Where public universities may charge low fees, private universities' tuition is usually more expensive. Meanwhile, students can spend weekends in Rome visiting the Sistine Chapel, lounging in front of the Trevi Fountain, or in art galleries. The holidays are perfect for quick trips to nearby European countries like Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, or Greece.

Specifics of Higher Education in Rome

Instruction in Rome's institutions may be in English or Italian. Foreign students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through standard tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or sometimes Duolingo. For Italian proficiency, students may need to pass a CEFR test. Housing options for foreign students are available but limited, and application processes vary by university, with most accepting online applications for convenience.

The most competitive fields of study included:

• Medicine
• Architecture
• Engineering
• Fashion Design
• Fine Arts
• Art History
• Business Economics
• International Relations
• Law
• Linguistics
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Nanotechnology
• Physics

Choosing to study in Rome not only means immersing yourself in a city of unparalleled historical richness but also joining an academic community known for its dedication to fostering comprehensive, globally-minded scholars.