For all citizens of Italy, education is free. Like in many European countries, education is divided into several stages: preschool level, primary stage, secondary level, and higher education.
Planning to move to Italy with children, it is necessary to carefully study this issue, as the procedure for enrolling in Italian kindergartens and schools may vary depending on the region and the level of the educational institution.
Preschool level
This is an optional stage. Children can be enrolled in nurseries from 6 months old, and kindergartens accept children aged 3-6 years. Many kindergartens are private and have a fairly high attendance fee.
Primary education
Education in schools starts at the age of 6 and lasts for 5 years. The first 2 classes are preparatory, where there are no specific subjects. From the third year, individual disciplines are added to the schedule. Education can be obtained in a state institution or private.
Secondary level
The middle stage is divided into two parts: the junior stage is mandatory for all children up to 14 years old. After completing it, students choose where to continue their education: in a preparatory lyceum or a vocational college. The lyceum prepares students for further education in universities. Students need to choose a specific profile: classical, technical, humanitarian, natural sciences, and arts. Studying at the lyceum, students lay the first foundation for their future profession.
Upon completion of this stage, children take exams and receive a diploma, based on which an applicant can enter a university. In college, a student can receive a full higher education and professional training. Upon completion of college, graduates receive documents on secondary education and a diploma of professional education.
Higher education
Italians start receiving higher education at the age of 19. This stage is divided into 3 levels:
- Level 1 - C. D. U. A program similar to a bachelor's degree. Education takes 3-6 years. Different specialties have different durations. For example, journalists need to study for 4 years to get a bachelor's degree, while doctors need 6. Upon completion of education, an exam is taken and a diploma is issued.
Level 2 - C. L. Continuing higher education to obtain a master's degree. Education takes 2-6 years. In addition to theoretical knowledge, a lot of time is devoted to research.
Level 3. Another 3 years of education are required for those who want to get a Ph.D. To enter the doctoral program, you need to pass an entrance exam. After completing the training, you need to write and defend a dissertation.
Education and further relocation to Italy
Enrollment in a university is the basis for obtaining a national student visa, which in turn allows you to obtain a residence permit for the duration of the study. The residence permit is valid for 1 year, but it can be regularly extended until the end of the study. If within 5 years the student has not violated the law and has always complied with the residence permit requirements, he has the right to apply for permanent residence. Permanent residence status almost equals the holder's rights with citizens of Italy. The exception is the right to vote - with permanent residence status, you cannot vote or nominate yourself in elections.
After another 5 years, you can apply for Italian citizenship, which allows the applicant to move, work, and live in any EU country. Immigration to Italy through obtaining higher education is an excellent opportunity for foreign residents to obtain not only a prestigious university diploma but also a new status.
Italian student visa
The student visa is the first step towards obtaining a residence permit. The permit can be issued at the Italian consulate in the applicant's place of residence. The basis for registration is a document confirming the applicant's admission to the university. Additionally, the following documents must be provided:
- Internal passport.
Photos for documents.
Application form.
Certificate of absence of convictions and the presence of dangerous infectious diseases.
Health insurance policy with coverage of at least €30,000.
Documents confirming the presence of housing in Italy - purchased or rented for a long period. Documents confirming the financial stability of the applicant and the ability to provide for themselves for the entire period of study in Italy - bank statements. By law, a student must show a minimum of €6,000 per year of study.
To minimize the complexities of obtaining a visa, residence permit, permanent residence, and citizenship, sign up for a consultation with lawyers from the licensed agency GARANT.IN. We will help not only with a new status, but also with solving other issues - obtaining a driver's license, finding housing, arranging insurance, and more.
