Italian Universities Teaching in English

Good news for Turkish students who do not speak Italian: the number of English-taught programmes in Italy is rising each year. In this post we look at the English-taught education options, which fields they concentrate in and the application conditions.

Why is the number of English-taught programmes rising?

To attract international students and widen its academic network, Italy has rapidly increased the number of English-taught programmes in recent years. Today, at master’s level in particular, there are English options in many fields, from engineering to economics and from medicine to design. This trend has opened the door for students who do not speak Italian but want a quality and economical education in Italy. English-taught programmes are found at both state and private universities. This expansion is making Italy an increasingly competitive destination for students seeking an English-taught education.

Which fields do they concentrate in?

English-taught programmes concentrate most in engineering, computer science, economics and business, international relations, architecture-design and some medicine/health programmes. While English options are far more numerous at master’s level, at bachelor’s level there are English programmes especially in medicine (with the IMAT) and engineering. You can check whether there is an English programme in your field from the target universities’ programme catalogues. The right field-language match forms the basis of your application strategy. The variety of programmes continues to rise year on year.

The language condition: IELTS/TOEFL

When applying to English-taught programmes, an English-proficiency certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL is usually wanted; the minimum score wanted varies by programme. Some programmes may grant an exemption if you took your previous education in English. Watch the validity period of your language certificate and the exam types the programme accepts. Meeting the language condition before applying is one of the critical steps of the process. Taking the exam early also gives you the chance to resit if needed. The language certificate proves you are ready for an English-taught education.

Is Italian not needed at all?

Even if you are accepted onto an English-taught programme, learning basic Italian is a great advantage for daily life, official procedures (residence, bank, health) and social integration. Also, Italian often makes a difference in internship and job opportunities. That is, an English-taught programme removes the language barrier, but Italian is not entirely unnecessary. If you plan to stay long-term in Italy, learning Italian alongside studying in English is the smartest approach. This enriches both your academic and social life.

The application documents

Applications to English-taught programmes also need the diploma, transcript, degree recognition (CIMEA/DoV) and a language certificate. The academic documents must be apostilled and sworn-translated; while some English-taught programmes accept an English translation, an Italian translation may be needed for official procedures too. Confirm from the programme which language of translation is needed. For the translation of your documents, see our university application translation page. Correct document preparation is the basis of an English-taught programme application too.

Scholarship options

English-taught programmes are rich in scholarships too: the DSU grants are valid independent of nationality and language, MAECI covers English-taught master’s, and Invest Your Talent offers a grant and internship especially in English-taught programmes. That is, studying in English does not limit scholarship opportunities. Erasmus Mundus joint master’s are also usually run in English and provide a full scholarship. To see which scholarships suit you, see our scholarships section. A scholarship strategy makes the English-taught programme choice even more appealing.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of English-taught programmes is that they remove the Italian barrier, offer an international classroom and let you start faster. The disadvantage is that options may be limited in some fields, competition can be high, and there is the risk of neglecting to learn Italian. Weigh this balance by your own goals. If there are strong English programmes in your field and you want to start fast, an English-taught programme is an excellent option. The decision should be personalised by your academic and career plans.

How to start

Start the search for an English-taught programme by determining your target field and listing the universities offering an English programme in that field. Note each programme’s language condition, application calendar and scholarship options. Then start document preparation (apostille, translation, recognition) early. This planned approach makes your English-taught programme application smooth. For your document translations you can take a free quote, and for the whole of the processes see our guide library.

Frequently asked questions