Known for its style, culinary delights, antiquities and architecture, Italy is fast becoming the destination of choice for international graduate students seeking high quality academic programs in one of the most attractive countries in Europe.

With more Masters and PhD programs being offered in English than many other European countries, 40,000 international students a year head for Italy to enjoy one of the most unique experiences international graduate education has to offer.Since 2004 the number of universities in Italy has greatly increased, due in part to a change in legislation but also as a response to the increase in demand for university-level studies. With 94 universities currently offering programs across the entire range of academic disciplines, Italy provides an enormous range of choice for prospective domestic and international graduate students alike.

However, unlike many other countries, Italy offers some of the oldest and most established institutions in the world: the University of Salerno was founded in the ninth century, the University of Bologna soon after in 1088 and the University of Padova in 1222. While such a long history imbues Italian universities with a distinct tradition and, in some cases, a unique way of doing things, they are also innovative and quick to adapt to contemporary developments. All Italian institutions now offer graduate degrees in line with the requirements of the Bologna Declaration, making their programs more accessible to students from all over the world. Many also offer their leading masters programs in English as well as Italian.

Moreover, institutions like Politecnico di Milano have recognised the essential link between masters degrees and the labour market, developing close links with businesses and industrial companies. Michelangelo Balicco, International Marketing Coordinator at Politecnico di Milano, sees this kind of link as being one of the most attractive features for international students considering choosing a program in Italy: "Like other universities, we are working in conjunction with the Italian Institute of Foreign Trade, the Chambers of Commerce and in association with many more private companies to offer both working opportunities and scholarships for foreign students wanting to come and study with us.

We also have agreements with Italian and foreign multinationals that allow us to offer students long term internships in their premises, aimed at ultimately offering them employment after completing their studies." Whilst academic considerations are undoubtedly foremost in the minds of many international students considering Italy as their destination of choice, life outside the classroom is also a factor. Famed for the quality of food and social opportunities, Italy offers a more relaxed approach to life distinct from many of its European neighbours.

Hanah Shidrawy, a masters student at Politecnico di Milano, was drawn to the Italian way of life when she made her study decision: "Coming from Lebanon I was fortunate to benefit from a European structured education but to study further was impossible at home. Since arriving in Milan I have been thrilled by the pace of life and the easy way I have been able to make friends with Italians and other international students. I had a particular desire to pursue design studies at the graduate level and I took the chance. I applied and was accepted and now I'm here, I cana't believe my good luck."



Federico Giovannelli, an Italian student pursuing his second masters degree at Universit di Roma "Tor Vergata" in Rome, an institution known for the quality of academic programs in economic studies and the sciences, is one of many students pursuing their graduate education in English. Only five years ago the number of programs offered in English was limited, but the demand from international students, and indeed those Italians seeking an education in English, has seen many more universities convert their taught and research degrees to the world's lingua franca.

Federico believes his degree in Development Economics and International Co-operation will help support him in his search for an international position in a development organization: "The masters degree lasts only one year and is attended by Italian and foreign students. It is a well-regarded program but can be demanding - some of the presentations by different lecturers overlap and there is a strong emphasis on many examinations and student reports. However, I believe that this masters could give me the right tools in order to have a better understanding of the developing world and the opportunity to find a good job in this field. Certainly a strength of the masters degree is the opportunity to get in touch with foreign students and professors, many of whom come from different countries."

One of the most prestigious of all Italian universities, Bocconi University has been attracting some of the best international graduate students for many years with their distinctive blend of masters degree directly related to the world of work, high profile and research-active academic members of staff and their support of international students. With a well-developed infrastructure specifically designed for new international students that includes help with finding accommodation, visa issues and financial aid, Bocconi is one of the most popular choices for graduate studies.

Christiane Roth, Director of International Recruitment Services at the University believes that Bocconi offers an unparalleled experience for international students: "We are fortunate with the facilities that we offer and the quality of our academic programs. Bocconi is looking for high-profile students, where ever they come from and our partners, companies with international networks and operations, demand graduates with a high-level academic preparation combined with the cultural and international backgrounds that allows them to be working with countries around the world. The Bocconi experience is unique - students who have been in the same classroom with 40 different nationalities develop important cross-cultural competencies which are highly interesting for top-tier companies."

With so much change being undertaken in the Italian system, universities tend to offer dynamic and exciting atmospheres in which to study. With innovation in teaching methodologies and international partnerships now becoming common, Italy offers a different type of study destination from many of the more popular choices, but one that is just as rewarding and, in some cases, just a little bit surprising. With Masters degrees routinely offered in English and an internationally recognized system of qualification, Italy might well be your best choice for a world class graduate education.