The university education system is structured into three cycles, each comprising courses of varying lengths. Enrollment in these courses is subject to specific prerequisites. Successfully finishing a course of study entails earning a designated number of ECTS credits, which represent the measurement of required study dedication.

First Cycle
It consists exclusively of Laurea courses. These have the objective of guaranteeing to students a sufficient command of general methods and scientific content and the acquisition of specific professional knowledge. The minimum requirement to accede is the “State Exam Diploma upon the conclusion of the upper secondary school courses”, commonly known as “Diploma di Maturità” – or an equivalent foreign qualification. Laurea courses last 3 years.

Classification: Bologna process first cycle qualification/EQF level 6
Access: by the upper secondary school leaving qualification, or a comparable foreign one
Workload: 180 ECTS
Duration: 3 years
Academic title: Dottore
Further studies: admission to “Laurea Magistrale” and to “Master universitario di primo livello”

Second Cycle
It includes the Laura magistrale and the Master (1° level).

The courses for a Laurea magistrale with the aim of offering an advanced level of education for the practice of highly qualified tasks in specific areas. Access to these courses is dependent on a Laurea or a comparable foreign qualification. Laurea magistrale courses last two years.

Classification: Bologna process second cycle qualification/EQF level 7
Access: by a Laurea, or a comparable foreign degree
Workload: 120 ECTS
Duration: 2 years
Academic title: Dottore Magistrale
Further studies: admission to Dottorato di ricerca, Diploma di Specializzazione and Master universitario di secondo livello

Certain courses (Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary medicine, Odontoiatry and dental prosthetics, Pharmaceutical studies, Architecture, Law) are defined as “single cycle” Laurea magistrale courses. They do not envision the award of the intermediary Laurea qualification and the requirement to accede is the “State Exam Diploma upon the conclusion of the upper secondary school courses”, commonly known as “Diploma di Maturità”, or an equivalent foreign qualification. “Single cycle” Master’s Degree courses last five or six years.

Classification: Bologna process second cycle qualification/EQF level 7
Access: by the upper secondary school leaving qualification, or a comparable foreign one
Workload: 300 to 360 ECTS
Duration: 5 or 6 years
Academic title: Dottore Magistrale
Further studies: admission to Dottorato di ricerca, Diploma di Specializzazione and Master universitario di secondo livello

The “Master universitario di primo livello courses” are courses of scientific refinement or of permanent and continuing higher education that can be accessed with a Laurea or comparable foreign qualification. Master universitario di primo livello courses last a minimum of one year and do not allow access to further courses of the third cycle.

Classification: Bologna process second cycle qualification/EQF level 7
Access: by a Laurea, or a comparable foreign degree
Workload: minimum 60 ECTS
Duration: minimum 1 year
Further studies: the qualification does not allow access to PhD and to 3rd cycle programs, since this type of course does not belong to the general requirements established at national level, but it is offered under the autonomous responsibility of each university

Third Cycle
It includes the Dottorato di ricerca, the Diploma di specializzazione and the Master (2° level).

The Dottorato di ricerca courses aim to impart the correct methodology for advanced scientific research, adopting innovative methodologies and new technologies, with the expectation of internships abroad and activity in research laboratories. A Laurea magistrale (or comparable foreign qualification) and passing a public competition are necessary for admission.

Classification: Bologna process third cycle qualification/EQF level 8
Access: by Laurea magistrale, or a comparable foreign qualification; admission is dependent upon passing a public competition
Workload: n.a.
Duration: minimum 3 years
Academic title: Dottore di ricerca; PhD

The Diploma di specializzazione courses aim to provide skills and knowledge for the practice of highly-qualified professional tasks, particularly in the sector of medical, clinical and surgical specialities. A Laurea magistrale (or comparable foreign qualification) and passing a public competition are necessary for admission. Other requirements and professional licenses can be necessary according to the field of study.

Classification: Bologna process third cycle qualification/EQF level 8
Access: by Laurea magistrale, or a comparable foreign qualification; admission is dependent upon passing an entrance exam
Workload: from 120 to 360 ECTS
Duration: from 2 to 6 years
Academic title: Specialista

The Master universitario di secondo livello courses are courses of scientific refinement or of permanent and continuing higher education that can be accessed with a Laurea magistrale or comparable foreign qualification.

Classification: Bologna process third cycle qualification/EQF level 8
Access: by Laurea magistrale, or a comparable foreign qualification
Workload: minimum 60 ECTS
Duration: minimum 1 year