We often see that our students are both excited and nervous about studying at an Italian university. They are enthusiastic to start their journey at their universities but also often feel anxious because they don’t fully understand the university system here. Do not worry—Go! Go! Italia is here to help!
This article aims to make things clearer by explaining the key aspects of the Italian university system.
Exam sessions
Italian universities have a unique structure for their academic year and examination sessions. Typically, the academic year is divided into two semesters:
- First semester: Begins in late September or early October and ends in January or early February.
- Second semester: Begins in late February or early March and ends in June.
Each semester is followed by an examination session, which usually lasts about a month. There are typically three main exam periods:
- Winter session: January-February
- Summer session: June-July
- Autumn session: September
Students have the flexibility to repeat an exam multiple times, though this can vary by university and specific course regulations. If an exam is particularly challenging, students can choose to take it at a later time. For instance, a first-year exam can be postponed to a later year if needed.
Exam prerequisites
Some exams are prerequisites for others, meaning you must pass certain courses before you can enroll in more advanced ones. This ensures that students have the necessary foundational knowledge before progressing to more complex subjects.
Scoring system
In terms of scoring, Italian university exams are typically graded on a scale from 0 to 30, with 18 being the minimum passing grade and 30 being the highest. Students also have the option to refuse a score if they are not satisfied with the result. This allows them to retake the exam in hopes of achieving a better grade in the next session.
A student may receive 30 e lode (honors) if they achieve a perfect score and demonstrate exceptional work.
Your final grade for a course is usually determined by the average of all your exam scores, which might include written exams, oral exams, and any practical work or projects required by the course. Some universities might also include mid-term assessments in the final grade calculation.
Graduation requirements
Graduation in Italy requires reaching the CFU required (more on this below) and the completion of a thesis, which is a significant research project on a topic related to your field of study. After writing your thesis, you must sit for a discussion, where you present your research and answer questions from a panel of professors. The thesis discussion is graded and can significantly influence your final graduation score.
The final score is generally a combination of your coursework grades and the thesis discussion grade. The grading scale for graduation typically ranges from 66 to 110, with 110 being the highest. The highest possible score is 110 e lode (honors).
Compulsory and Non-Compulsory Courses (Corsi Frequenza Obbligatoria e Non)
Courses in Italian universities can be classified into two categories:
- Corsi frequenza obbligatoria (Compulsory attendance courses): Attendance is mandatory, and students must attend a certain percentage of classes to qualify for the final examination. These courses often include practical components, such as laboratory work or fieldwork, that require physical presence.
- Corsi frequenza non obbligatoria (Non-Compulsory attendance courses): Attendance is not mandatory. Students have the flexibility to study independently and are only required to take the final examination. These courses are typically more theoretical.
How does credits work in Italian universities?
CFU: Crediti Formativi Universitari
The Italian university system uses CFU (Crediti Formativi Universitari), which are equivalent to ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. One CFU corresponds to 25 hours of student workload, including lectures, study, and exams. The number of CFUs required for different degrees are as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree (Laurea triennale): 180 CFU, typically completed over three years.
- Master’s degree (Laurea magistrale): 120 CFU, typically completed over two years.
- Single-cycle Master’s degree (Laurea magistrale a ciclo unico): 300-360 CFU, typically completed over five or six years.
Are credits transferable?
CFU are transferable within the European Union through the ECTS system, making it easier for students to study abroad and have their credits recognized by other European universities. Outside the EU, the transferability of CFU depends on bilateral agreements between institutions. Generally, universities outside the EU may evaluate CFUs on a case-by-case basis to determine their equivalency.
The Bologna Process
The Bologna Process is a European higher education reform initiative aimed at creating a more cohesive and compatible European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Key objectives of the Bologna Process include:
- Standardization of degree structures: Implementation of a three-cycle degree system (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate) across participating countries.
- ECTS credit system: Adoption of the ECTS credit system to ensure comparability and transferability of credits between institutions and countries.
- Quality assurance: Establishing standardized quality assurance systems to maintain high educational standards across the EHEA.
- Mobility and recognition: Facilitating student and staff mobility and ensuring the mutual recognition of qualifications and periods of study.
The Bologna Process has significantly influenced the structure of higher education in Italy, aligning it with broader European standards and making Italian degrees more recognizable and valued across Europe and beyond.
In summary, the Italian university system is characterized by structured exam sessions, flexible course attendance options, a credit-based degree structure, and alignment with European standards through the Bologna Process. This system ensures a cohesive educational experience with opportunities for international mobility and recognition.
If you’re considering studying in Italy and feel anxious about navigating the university system, Contact Go! Go! Italia to learn about our University preparatory courses in Italy.
