UZB
Studying in Italy: A Complete Guide for Students from Uzbekistan
Embark on an educational journey that blends world-class academics with rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive guide will navigate Uzbek students through every aspect of studying in Italy—from applications and visas to daily living and career opportunities.
Why Choose Italy for Your Studies?
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Academic Excellence
Italy hosts some of the world's oldest universities with centuries of academic tradition. Italian degrees are internationally recognized and highly respected in global job markets.
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Cultural Immersion
Experience living in a country with 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites, birthplace of the Renaissance, and home to influential art, architecture, and design movements.
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Strategic Location
Italy's central position in Europe makes it perfect for exploring neighboring countries, offering Uzbek students unparalleled exposure to diverse European cultures.
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Growing Bilateral Relations
Strengthening ties between Italy and Uzbekistan create unique opportunities for students to build international careers and foster cultural exchange.
Italian Higher Education System Overview
First Cycle (Laurea)
Bachelor's degree equivalent lasting 3 years and awarding 180 ECTS credits. Provides fundamental education in specific fields.
Second Cycle (Laurea Magistrale)
Master's degree equivalent requiring 2 additional years and 120 ECTS credits. Focuses on specialized knowledge and research skills.
Third Cycle (Dottorato di Ricerca)
Doctoral programs lasting 3-4 years, emphasizing independent research and culminating in a dissertation defense.
Specialized Programs
Professional courses like medicine (6 years) and architecture (5 years) follow different structures with integrated cycles.
Top Universities in Italy for International Students
These prestigious institutions offer diverse programs in English and Italian, with Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi especially known for engineering and business, while Bologna, Sapienza, and Padua excel across humanities, sciences, and medicine.
Popular Fields of Study in Italy

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Arts & Design
Study in the birthplace of Renaissance art, fashion, and industrial design. Programs at academies in Milan, Florence, and Rome attract creative students worldwide.

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Engineering & Architecture
Italian technical universities excel in automotive, mechanical engineering, and sustainable architecture, balancing innovation with historical preservation.

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Business & Economics
Learn business administration and economics with focus on luxury brands, tourism management, and international trade relations.

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Humanities & Cultural Heritage
Italy offers unparalleled opportunities to study archaeology, art history, and classical civilization surrounded by the actual artifacts and sites.

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Culinary Arts & Agriculture
Explore gastronomy, oenology, and sustainable farming practices in the home of the Slow Food movement and Mediterranean cuisine.
Language Requirements: Italian and English Programs
Italian-Taught Programs
  • Require B2 level Italian proficiency (CILS, CELI, PLIDA, or IT)
  • Preparatory Italian language courses available (6-12 months)
  • Some universities offer Marco Polo program for intensive language preparation
English-Taught Programs
  • Growing number of English-taught degrees, especially at Master's level
  • Require IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (80+ iBT) scores
  • No Italian required before arrival, but basic skills recommended
Language Learning Support
  • Universities offer free/subsidized language courses for enrolled students
  • Tandem language exchange programs with Italian students
  • Cultural integration activities to practice language skills
Admission Requirements for Uzbek Students
Academic Qualifications
Uzbek high school diploma (Attestat) with 12 years of education or Academic Lyceum diploma recognized through the "dichiarazione di valore" from the Italian Embassy in Tashkent.
Entrance Exams
Some competitive programs require passing entrance tests like IMAT for medicine or admission exams for design schools. Public universities use the TOLC standardized test system.
Document Authentication
All certificates must be legalized with Apostille and translated into Italian by certified translators approved by the Italian Embassy in Uzbekistan.
Pre-enrollment Process
Apply through Universitaly portal between February-July for the following academic year. Some programs have earlier deadlines for non-EU students.
Student Visa Application Process for Uzbek Nationals
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University Acceptance (3-6 months before departure)
Receive official acceptance letter from Italian institution with course details, duration, and tuition fees.
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Pre-enrollment at Italian Embassy (3-4 months before)
Register on Universitaly portal and schedule appointment at Italian Embassy in Tashkent for pre-enrollment validation.
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Prepare Financial Documentation (2-3 months before)
Gather proof of sufficient funds (€6,000+ per year) through bank statements, scholarships, or sponsor letters.
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Health Insurance Arrangement (2 months before)
Purchase valid health insurance coverage for entire stay in Italy (minimum €30,000 coverage).
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Visa Application Submission (1-2 months before)
Submit complete Type D student visa application with accommodation proof, travel tickets, and passport valid 3+ months beyond visa.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
Government Scholarships
The Italian government offers scholarships through "Invest Your Talent in Italy" and MAE grants specifically targeting Central Asian students. The Uzbek government's "El-Yurt Umidi" foundation funds study abroad.
University Scholarships
Italian universities provide merit-based reductions and need-based assistance. Regional scholarships through "Diritto allo Studio Universitario" (DSU) cover tuition, housing, and meal plans.
International Organizations
Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility, EU-funded TEMPUS program, and World Bank scholarships support Uzbek-Italian educational cooperation. The Abdus Salam International Centre offers physics scholarships.
Private Foundations
UniCredit Foundation, Fondazione CRT, and Cariplo Foundation offer targeted funding for Central Asian students, especially for economics, sustainable development, and cultural heritage studies.
Cost of Living and Studying in Italy
Public university tuition ranges from €900-3,500 annually based on family income, with international students typically paying higher rates. Private universities cost €6,000-15,000 per year. Regional differences significantly impact overall expenses, with Milan and Rome being most expensive.
Finding Accommodation: Student Housing Options
University Residences
On-campus options managed by DSU agencies. Affordable (€200-350 monthly) but limited availability. Apply early through university international office.
Shared Apartments
Most popular choice. "Stanza singola" (private room) or "stanza doppia" (shared room) in "appartamento condiviso" costs €250-450 monthly plus utilities.
Private Residences
Professionally managed student housing with amenities. More expensive (€450-700) but convenient with utilities included and English-speaking staff.
Temporary options like hostels (€25-40/night) or B&Bs (€50-80/night) are recommended for initial arrival while searching for permanent housing through websites like Housing Anywhere, Uniplaces, or Facebook groups.
Healthcare and Insurance for International Students
Required Health Insurance Coverage
Uzbek students must have insurance valid throughout their stay. Options include purchasing private international student insurance before departure (€120-200 annually) or registering with Italy's National Health Service (SSN) after arrival (€150 annual fee).
Public Healthcare Access (SSN)
Voluntary enrollment gives access to general practitioners, specialists, emergency care, and discounted medications. Registration requires residency permit, tax code (codice fiscale), and proof of enrollment at university.
Private Healthcare Options
Private insurance plans offering wider coverage with English-speaking doctors and shorter wait times. Companies like Generali, UniSalute, and international providers SWICA and Cigna offer special packages for students.
Emergency Services
Emergency number 118 for ambulance. Emergency room (Pronto Soccorso) available 24/7 at hospitals. University medical centers offer free/discounted services for enrolled students, including psychological support.
Working While Studying: Regulations and Opportunities

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Full-Time Positions
Post-graduation opportunities with Italian companies
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Internships & Traineeships
Curricular internships (tirocini) for credit
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Part-Time Work
Up to 20 hours weekly during studies
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Work Permit Integration
Automatic with student visa
Non-EU students from Uzbekistan can legally work part-time (maximum 20 hours weekly) with their study permit. No separate work authorization needed. Popular student jobs include hospitality (€8-10/hour), tutoring (€15-25/hour), and retail (€7-9/hour).
Language skills significantly impact job opportunities. Italian fluency opens more possibilities, though tourism hubs and multinational companies offer English-speaking positions. University career centers provide valuable job-search assistance.
Italian Culture and Customs: What to Expect

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Social Etiquette
Greetings with cheek kisses, respect for elders, and relationship-based business

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Dining Customs
Long meals as social events, specific dining hours, and course structures

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Communication Style
Expressive gestures, animated conversations, and importance of bella figura

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Daily Rhythm
Midday riposo (break), late dinners, and evening passeggiata (stroll)

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Cultural Values
Family centrality, artistic appreciation, and regional pride
Uzbek students may notice similarities in hospitality traditions and family values, while finding differences in personal space (Italians stand closer), punctuality (more flexible), and direct communication styles. Adapting to these cultural nuances enhances the study abroad experience.
Transportation in Italy: Getting Around as a Student
National Rail Network
Extensive Trenitalia and Italo services connect major cities. Frecciarossa high-speed trains reach 300 km/h. Student discounts with Carta Giovani and Carta FRECCIA Young (under 30) offer 30% savings.
Urban Public Transport
Bus, tram, and metro systems in cities require validated tickets. Monthly student passes (abbonamento) cost €30-40 and provide unlimited travel. Most cities offer bike sharing and electric scooters.
Air Travel
Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air connect Italian cities and European destinations from 24 airports. Book 1-2 months ahead for best prices, typically €30-80 one-way.
Bicycles and Walking
Historic centers are pedestrian-friendly with limited car access. University towns like Bologna, Padua, and Ferrara have excellent cycling infrastructure with student bike rental programs.
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
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Student Associations
Join university groups like ESN (Erasmus Student Network) offering orientation, excursions, and language exchanges specifically for international students. Subject-specific associations enhance academic connections.
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Sports & Recreation
University CUS (Centro Universitario Sportivo) provides affordable access to facilities and team sports. Hiking clubs explore nearby mountains and countryside with weekend excursions.
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Cultural Activities
Student discounts for museums, theaters, and opera houses (often 50-70% off). Many cultural sites offer free entry on first Sundays. University orchestras and choirs welcome international participants.
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Social Events
Weekly aperitivo gatherings, seasonal festivals (sagre), and student parties foster integration. Summer brings outdoor cinema, concerts, and beach activities along coastal cities.
Internship and Career Opportunities for Graduates

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Alumni Success
Leadership and innovation in global industries
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Career Advancement
Progression within Italian and European companies
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Post-Graduation Opportunities
Conversion of student permits to work permits
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Internship Placements
Training positions in leading organizations
Graduates can remain in Italy for 12 months after completing studies to seek employment. The "permesso di soggiorno per attesa occupazione" (job-seeking permit) allows transition to work visas when employment is secured.
Italy's strongest industries for international graduates include fashion, automotive engineering, tourism, cultural heritage management, food technology, and design. Italian companies with Uzbekistan connections like Danieli, CNH Industrial, and Eni actively recruit bilingual talent.
Staying Connected: Uzbek Communities in Italy
Community Organizations
Formal Uzbek cultural associations operate in Milan, Rome, and Turin, hosting Navruz celebrations, Independence Day events, and cultural performances. They provide newcomers with practical assistance and networking opportunities.
Religious Connections
Muslim community centers welcome Uzbek students for Friday prayers, Ramadan iftars, and Eid celebrations. Cities like Milan, Rome, and Bologna have established mosques and halal restaurants.
Digital Networks
Facebook groups like "Uzbeks in Italy" and Telegram channels connect compatriots across different cities, sharing housing opportunities, job openings, and cultural events. Regional WhatsApp groups provide city-specific support.
Embassy Services
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Rome offers consular assistance, document authentication, and cultural initiatives. Regular community meetings facilitate connections between students, professionals, and diplomatic representatives.
Practical Tips for Adapting to Life in Italy
Bureaucratic Essentials
  • Obtain codice fiscale (tax ID) immediately after arrival
  • Register at local police within 8 days (dichiarazione di presenza)
  • Open Italian bank account with student-friendly features
Communication Solutions
  • Get Italian SIM card from providers like TIM, Vodafone, or Iliad
  • Download essential apps: Google Translate, Moovit, Too Good To Go
  • Learn basic Italian phrases for daily interactions
Cultural Adaptation
  • Adjust to the Mediterranean pace (slower bureaucracy, relaxed timelines)
  • Embrace the social nature of mealtimes
  • Observe local customs for greetings and public behavior
Money Management
  • Use student discounts with university ID card
  • Shop at local markets for affordable fresh produce
  • Consider shared expenses in accommodation arrangements
Resources and Support for Uzbek Students in Italy
Online resources like Study in Italy (www.studyinitaly.it), Universitaly portal, and the European University Association provide comprehensive information about programs, admission procedures, and student life in multiple languages including English and Russian.