Italy is famous for its rich cultural and educational tradition. Some of the first universities in Europe were opened in the country, for example, the University of Bologna. What are the features of modern higher education in Italy?

Flexibility of deadlines
In Italian universities , there is no concept of "tails", students can take exams at the last moment. There is no rigid schedule for exam deadlines, and students often take advantage of this opportunity to plan their learning process. This is especially convenient for those who combine study with work.
Fuori corso
Not all students have time to pass all the subjects on time, so in Italy it is possible to extend their studies by paying for additional years. If a student is unable to close exam debts, they move to the category of fuori corso – meaning that the student is given an additional year to pay off debts.
Study at the University of Bologna
Those wishing to extend their student life may find the University of Bologna interesting. Here you can extend your studies up to five times! But if the student does not complete his studies during these additional years, he is still expelled. This opportunity allows students to master the curriculum more deeply, but also obliges them to additional financial expenses.
Number of subjects and exams
One of the significant advantages of the Italian higher education system is the limited number of subjects and credits. On average, a student takes three exams per semester, allowing them to focus on important disciplines and master them at a high level. Limiting the number of exams, of course, reduces stress and improves the quality of preparation for each specific subject.
Problems with classrooms and educational materials
One of the disadvantages of Italian universities is overcrowded classrooms. Sometimes students even have to study on the floor or look for a place in the library, so libraries are overcrowded and open until late at night. This, of course, complicates the educational process.
Educational literature in Italy is expensive, especially for specialized courses, where textbooks can be truly "golden". Students often choose to download materials electronically to save money. Sometimes it is difficult to find the necessary books, since they are issued for a limited time or they are simply not available in the library.
Accessibility and cost of education
Higher education in Italy is available to a wide range of people. The cost of education at public universities is lower than at private ones, but you will still have to spend a lot on education, and the costs will affect not only the expenses for books, but also accommodation and transport. It is worth exploring international programs and scholarships, which often help students ease financial burdens.