A majority of the universities in Italy are among the oldest in the world. In addition, Italy's high educational level and economical tuition fees have drawn many international students over the years. Still, unlike the United States and Northern Europe, where discussion-based education is essential, the structure of the Italian higher education system is more formal, and students are also expected to complete a significant portion of self-study outside the classroom.

The country's university sector has over 89 institutions classified into 58 state universities, 17 non-state universities, two universities for foreigners, six higher education schools, six distance-learning universities and four polytechnic schools, each offering different educational courses at different levels. In addition, there are also Higher Technical Institutes (ITSs) and Higher Technical Training and Education (IFTS) offering vocational training and education to students.

Types of Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree: There are two types of programs:

• Limited: Enrolment into limited programs is based on entrance exams except for International Communication and Health Management programs, which are based on an average mark in school certificate.
• Unlimited (Open): These are also based on entrance exams but are mainly evaluated on the student's level of training.
• A Bachelors degree is awarded to students after completing a course of 6 semesters.
• Master's Degree: Awarded after four semesters of students attending introductory courses, electives, lectures, and workshops, performing individual and group work.
• Doctoral Degree: Awarded after the completion of a research-based course that lasts for up to five years.

Fee range in local currency (AUD)

In Italy, tuition fees are significantly lower compared to other European countries, although admission to Masters degree and other specialised degree courses may have a much higher fee structure. There is a legal minimum enrolment fee and a cap on student contributions for university education, which cannot exceed twenty per cent of government funding. 

Tuition fees in Italy can vary depending on the student's nationality; for example, EU students may be subject to a different fee structure than non-EU students. It also depends on the student's level of study, the institution's place and the type of institution.

The average tuition fee for a public higher education ranges from 900 to 4,000 € per year and 6,000 to 20,000 € annually for private institutions.

Employment opportunities after completion of a degree

Students can find employment within the country by registering with various recruitment agencies and regularly checking advertisement pages.

While in Italy, you can check for job vacancies in:

• Glassdoor
• The Local It
• Reed
• Total Jobs
• TrovoLavoro.it

Internships and placements for summer jobs are also available at different organisations, agencies, and websites like AIESEC UK, IAESTE, Internship Italy, and GoAbroad.com.