Italian Education System

In Italy the University System is divided into three cycles:

• FIRST CYCLE

Bachelor – Bachelor’s Degree

Duration: 3 years

It aims to ensure students an adequate mastery of general scientific methods and contents, as well as the acquisition of specific professional knowledge. The Degree Programmes have a duration of three years and to obtain the degree, the student must have acquired 180 credits (University Credits). Minimum admission requirement is the upper secondary school diploma, or a comparable foreign qualification, but admission may be subject to verification of further conditions. The degree corresponds to the Bachelor of Science of the European university system.

Requirements: Upper Secondary School Diploma or Professional Qualification/ Technical Professional Diploma + 2 years (State Examination)

Single cycle Master’s degree

Duration: 5 years

In some places and for some disciplines (Medicine, Pharmacy, Law…) there are single cycle Master’s Degree courses which are accessed directly with the upper secondary school diploma or other equivalent foreign qualification. To obtain the degree the student must have acquired a total number of 300 or 360 credits.

Requirements: Upper Secondary School Diploma or Professional Qualification/ Technical Professional Diploma + 2 years (State Examination)

• SECOND CYCLE

Master’s degree

Duration: 2 years

It aims to provide the student with advanced training for the exercise of highly qualified activities in specific fields. The Master’s degree courses have a two-year duration and to obtain the Master’s degree the student must have acquired 120 credits. It is accessed with the degree or other qualification obtained abroad recognized as eligible. The Master’s Degree is the Master of Science of the European University System.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Master I level

Duration: minimum 1 year

In some places, it is also offered a level of specialization of the degree aimed at increasing vocational training: the university Master of 1 level. This qualification is not part of the European university system and it does not allow access to third-cycle courses such as PhD.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree

• THIRD CYCLE (Higher education)

PhD

Duration: minimum 3 years

It aims to provide the necessary skills to carry out highly qualified research. The PhD course has a minimum duration of three years and to access the student must be in possession of the Italian or foreign Master’s Degree Diploma. Admission is subject to passing a competition. In the end, the title of Doctor of Research is awarded.

Requirements: Master’s degree (2 cycle)

Postgraduate degree

Duration: 2 to 6 years

It aims to provide knowledge and skills for functions required in the exercise of particular professional activities. It allows to obtain the qualification to practice these professions and it is aimed at training specialists in certain professional sectors. The duration of a specialization course shall be at least 2 years.

Requirements: Master’s degree (or a comparable foreign qualification) + passing a competition

Master II level

Duration: minimum 1-2 years

It provides for an improvement of university education which is accessed upon completion of the second cycle of the university. It has a duration of one or two years and provides for the acquisition of at least 60 credits.

Requirements: Master’s degree (2 cycle)

First cycle

Duration: 3 years

Requirements: Upper Secondary School diploma

Second cycle

Duration: 2 years

Requirements: First level academic diploma (1 year cycle)
or
University degree suitable

Third cycle (Doctorate)

Duration: 3 years

Requirements: Level II Academic Diploma (2 cycles)

Higher Technical diploma

Duration: 3 years

Requirements: Upper Secondary School Diploma or Technical Professional Diploma