As per Indian government data, nearly 6,000 Indian students are studying in Italy. So what makes it a trending destination in Europe?
Why is Italy becoming a trending study abroad destination in Europe?
By India Today Web Desk: Italy, known for its Renaissance artists, incredible sceneries, architecture, fashion, and food, is the hottest new study abroad destination in Europe, especially for students from India.
The universities in Italy are some of the oldest and most renowned educational institutions in the world, offering a range of subjects to study – from architecture to applied sciences, medicine, economics, and the arts.
Here’s some trivia: the University of Bologna in Italy is considered the oldest university in the Western world. Currently, it is home to an impressive 35 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
As per Indian government data, nearly 6,000 Indian students are studying in Italy. So what makes it a trending destination in Europe?
HIGH QUALITY OF EDUCATION
The country’s higher education system includes universities, the Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music and Dance sector, or AFAM, and the Higher Technical Institutes. The universities are privately and publicly funded institutions, and the quality of education is generally considered of very high standards.
They offer many theoretical and academically-oriented undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs covering various disciplines.
Some top QS-ranked universities are the Polytechnic University of Milan, the University of Bologna, the University of Rome – La Sapienza, the University of Padua, and the University of Milan.
The AFAM institutions offer degrees in artistic fields, whereas the Higher Technical Institutes are practice-oriented and prepare students for real-world requirements. Internships and practical semesters are an integral part of the courses.
OPPORTUNITIES GALORE FOR INDIAN STUDENTS IN ITALY
The wide availability of courses taught in English is also one of the crucial reasons for Italy’s growing popularity with Indian students. Several programmes are also in place to facilitate Indian students’ mobility to Italy. The foreign ministry of Italy offers yearly grants to foreign citizens to study, train, and/or research at higher education institutes in the country.
Indian students can also apply for the Invest Your Talent in Italy program to pursue postgraduate studies in engineering, advanced technologies, architecture, design, economics, or management in some of the best universities. Along with scholarships, the programme offers a period of on-the-job training while studying through internships at leading Italian companies.
Additionally, many regional scholarships are open to Indian students enrolled in a regular degree or postgraduate programmes in Italy. Some popular scholarships are Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships, Bocconi Merit International Awards, Politecnico International Scholarships, Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programmes, Regione Veneto Scholarships, University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students, and Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students.
AFFORDABLE COSTS, EASE OF LIVING
Some of the world’s most famous cities are in Italy, connected by an efficient system of trams, metros, trains, buses, and airports across the country. Tuition fees are comparatively lower in Italian universities than in other popular European study destinations. Monthly living costs range from 700-1,000 euros (without rent). However, prominent cities like Rome and Milan are likely to be more expensive than others.
International students are allowed to work 20 hours per week, and they get to stay back in Italy after completing their degrees.
The one-year (12 months) student visa extension works as a work permit for those who wish to take up jobs in Italy after completing a postgraduation degree or a PhD.
The region is known for delicious cuisines and gastronomical delights, which international students enjoy. The Mediterranean weather ensures that the country is much warmer than some of its northern neighbours, which is also a factor for many international students.
Several other factors have contributed to Italy’s rise as a premiere study abroad centre. It is Europe’s third-largest economy and an international corporate hub.
With the presence of large domestic as well as multinational companies ranging from automobiles (Ferrari, Fiat) to fashion (Versace, Prada, Armani) and finance (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit), Italy is one of the largest economic nerve centres in the continent.
Recently, to attract talent, the country has also increased the annual quota of work permits granted to 5,000 and plans to invite 75,000 foreign workers in 2022.
Through innovation and research, Italian universities have been involved in critical work on climate change, medicine, and astronomy. Academic prowess and international opportunities have propelled Italy to become a key player in the overseas education market.
Written by Vaibhav Singh, Co-Founder of LeapScholar. Views expressed by the author are personal.
