Studying abroad is a dream for many Pakistani students. This is because foreign universities offer a much more competitive environment than their Pakistani counterparts and the quality of education is also very high. Choosing to go abroad for studies is a critical but potentially life-changing decision that can boost your career immensely.
Italy is a comparatively uncommon choice for Pakistani students because of unfamiliarity with the application procedure. This comes off as a surprise because Italy has an excellent higher education system and hosts some of the best universities in the world.
Times are changing though because the number of Pakistani students applying to study in Italy is increasing. This can be attributed to increased awareness and access to information about the procedure. If you want to study abroad then you should consider Italy because it is comparatively cheap and the quality of education is on par with any country in the world.Â
1. Why Italy?
Italy is a member of the European Union. It is one of the most developed and beautiful countries in Europe. There are many top-ranked universities in Italy including the University of Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome which have the honor of being the largest university in Europe.
Programs offered by these universities are among the most sought after programs in the world. You can choose any discipline for example medicine, technology, engineering, social sciences, linguistics, or any other field.
2. How To Apply
The application process for studying in Italy is a little different from most of the other countries. For citizens of countries outside of the European Union such as Pakistan, it is necessary to first apply before the Italian embassy in their home country and if the application is approved then you can apply to any Italian university you want.Â
3. Requirements
To study in Italy you must fulfill certain requirements first. For graduate programs twelve years of education is necessary and for masters, sixteen years of education is required. You must have valid documents including your high school/college diploma, passport, bank statement, IELTS score, etc.
After that, you have to get these documents translated into the Italian language from a translator approved by the Italian embassy or the university to which you have applied. You should also have a document called a declaration of value.
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Declaration of value is an affirmation by a firm approved by the Italian embassy that all of your documents are legal and valid. If you fulfill all these requirements then you can easily apply for admission to Italy.
4. Admission Process
There is one admission season every year. Italian universities offer a first come first serve rule. There are limited seats in Italian universities so you have to complete all your documents and apply them on time.
Universities open the admission process usually in March every year but you need to start working on completing your documents in January.
The admission process is completed by August approximately and if your admission is approved you can be in Italy by July/August.
5. Accommodation
Most Italian universities have on-campus accommodation for students. These include student hostels, rooms, dormitories, etc. You can easily get accommodation in any of these facilities which will be provided by the university in charge.
The accommodation fee is nominal and affordable for an average student. You can also work part-time to fund your expenses.Â
6. Scholarships
There are numerous scholarships offered by Italian universities but these scholarships are available once you have secured admission and started your first semester in Italy. That means that for the first semester you have to pay the full university fee.
7. Career Opportunities
As an undergraduate or master’s student, you can easily work part-time jobs to fund your expenses in Italy. You can work up to 20 hours a week. The minimum wage and working conditions are in line with European labor laws.
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After completing your degree you can overstay your visa looking for a job for one year if you are a master’s or Ph.D. student. Working in an Italian firm will boost your career credentials and enhance your CV.
8. Visa Ratio
Italy has a better visa ratio than most European countries. If you fulfill all the requirements and your documents are complete then there is no reason for your visa application to get rejected. In most cases, admission and entry into Italy is a fairly rapid and smooth process.
Every year a large number of international students including Pakistanis apply to study in Italy and most of them are successful in getting an Italian visa.
9. Method of Instruction
Some universities in Italy offer courses and degrees in the Italian language. But there are many universities which offer courses in English as well. Learning Italian before coming to Italy is a benefit but not a necessity.
Even if you do not know Italian you can easily get admission to Italy but proficiency in the language will make your stay very comfortable.
10. Italian Culture
Italy is the shining jewel of the European renaissance. It is home to world-renowned museums and art galleries. Cities like Rome, Naples, and Milan attract millions of tourists every year.
Studying in Italy will give you the rare chance of enjoying Italian culture firsthand. This experience will live with you your whole life.
11. Tourist Attractions
There are many Unesco world heritage sites in Italy including the leaning tower of Pisa and the ruins of Pompei. You can enjoy your stay in Italy by visiting these sites and learning about Italian culture.
12. Personal Liberties
Italy is a free democracy. The state celebrates personal liberties and freedom of expression. There is no concept of academic censorship. Racial discrimination is a crime punishable by law.
You can practice your religion and culture freely in Italy without any fear of repercussions.
living and study expenses in Italy
The cost of living and studying in Italy can vary depending on the city and region, as well as the lifestyle and spending habits of the individual student. Here is a general overview of the living and study expenses in Italy for Pakistani students:
- Tuition fees: The tuition fees in Italy vary depending on the university, program, and level of study. Public universities generally have lower tuition fees than private universities, and tuition fees for international students are usually higher than for domestic students.
- Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Italy can vary depending on the city and type of accommodation. Renting a shared apartment can cost between 300 to 500 EUR per month, while a single apartment can cost 500 to 1000 EUR per month.
- Food and groceries: The cost of food and groceries in Italy can also vary depending on the city and region. On average, a student can spend around 200 to 300 EUR per month on food and groceries.
- Transportation: The cost of transportation in Italy can vary depending on the city and the mode of transportation. Most cities have public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and metros. A monthly pass can cost between 30 to 50 EUR.
- Health insurance: All international students in Italy are required to have health insurance. The cost of health insurance can vary depending on the coverage and the insurance provider.
- Other expenses: Other expenses such as books, stationery, and leisure activities can also add up to the overall cost of living and studying in Italy. On average, a student can expect to spend around 500 to 800 EUR per month on these expenses.
Studying abroad in Italy can be an excellent opportunity for Pakistani students to gain valuable international experience, learn a new language, and expand their academic and cultural horizons. Italian universities offer a wide range of programs, from humanities and social sciences to engineering and business, and are known for their high academic standards and quality of education.
Despite the challenges, studying abroad in Italy can be a life-changing experience that can help Pakistani students develop important skills and competencies, build valuable international networks, and prepare them for successful careers in a globalized world.
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