The University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze) is a leading public research university located in Florence, Italy. Founded in 1321, it is one of the oldest universities in Italy and is highly ranked among the top universities worldwide. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs across its 12 schools covering diverse academic disciplines.
With over 1,60,000 students, including over 7,000 international students, the University of Florence provides excellent education and a vibrant student experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for admission and scholarships at the University of Florence, including:
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Master’s Degree Programs
- PhD Programs
- Language Requirements
- Application Process & Deadlines
Scholarship Opportunities
- University Scholarships
- External Scholarships
- Tips for Scholarship Applications
Student Life at University of Florence
- Campus & Location
- Accommodation
- Estimated Living Costs
So let’s get started!
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements at the University of Florence vary depending on the program level you are applying for. Here are the key requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
To be eligible you must:
- Have an Italian high school diploma or equivalent foreign qualification with a minimum grade point average of 7/10.
- Meet the Italian language requirements (minimum B1 level of CEFR).
Master’s Degree Programs
To be eligible you must:
- Have an undergraduate degree comparable to an Italian Laurea degree.
- Have obtained a grade point average of 24/30 or equivalent in your undergraduate studies.
- Meet the Italian language requirements (minimum B1 level of CEFR)
Some master’s programs may have additional requirements, so please check the program page carefully before applying.
PhD Programs
To be eligible you must:
- Have a graduate degree comparable to an Italian Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica degree.
- Have an excellent academic record in your previous studies.
- Meet the Italian language requirements.
- Get a supervisor’s agreement to act as your advisor.
Language Requirements
For programs taught in Italian, you will need to demonstrate Italian language proficiency at B1 level or higher according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
For English-taught programs, you must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT – Minimum score of 72
- IELTS – Minimum score of 6
- C1 Advanced (CAE) – Minimum score of 162
- C2 Proficiency (CPE) – Minimum score of 162
Please note that some master’s programs may have higher English proficiency requirements, so verify before applying.
Application Process & Deadlines
The University of Florence accepts online applications for admission to bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs. Here are the key steps:
1. Verify Eligibility
First verify that you meet the admission requirements for your chosen program.
2. Review Entry Requirements
Carefully go through the entry criteria and application process for your program on the university website.
3. Prepare Required Documents
This includes copies of transcripts, diplomas/degrees, English/Italian proficiency scores, passport, etc.
4. Submit Online Application
Create an account and submit the application form along with required documents before the deadlines.
Application Deadlines
Here are the application deadlines to keep in mind:
- Bachelor’s programs – February/March
- Master’s programs – Varies by program between March to July
- PhD programs – Ongoing applications
It is highly recommended to apply well in advance before the deadlines as competition is high for admission.
Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Florence offers a number of scholarship schemes to support outstanding international students. You can also apply for external scholarships offered by organizations, foundations and government bodies.
University Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships
The University of Florence offers partial to full tuition fee waivers based on academic excellence to deserving international students. These are extremely competitive.
Sports Scholarships
Offered to student athletes with outstanding achievements in sports. Covers tuition fees and accommodation costs.
Research Grant Positions
Available for PhD candidates to cover tuition fees and living expenses while working on research projects at the university.
External Scholarships
Italian Government Scholarships
Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these scholarships are awarded to international students for undergraduate, graduate and PhD programs at Italian universities. Covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly stipend.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
Fully-funded scholarships including tuition fees, travel and accommodation costs offered for select EMJMD programs at the university under Erasmus+Fulbright Student Awards
Prestigious awards offered to US citizens to pursue master’s and PhD programs in Italy covering tuition, accommodation, health insurance and monthly stipend.
Tips for Scholarship Applications
- Apply early – scholarships are limited and deadlines range from December to April generally for programs starting next academic year.
- Demonstrate academic excellence through grades, publications, awards etc.
- Show how your study aligns with the program and scholarship objectives.
- Get strong letters of recommendation to support your application.
- Contact the university international office for application assistance.
So in summary, allow at least 6 months for scholarship applications – prepare in advance!
Student Life at University of Florence
With over 1,60,000 students, the University of Florence offers a vibrant, welcoming environment supporting students academically and socially.
Location
The university is located in Florence, the capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region and the heart of Italian Renaissance. The city is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting millions of tourists every year. But there is more to Florence than just history and art – the cafes, trattorias, shops and parks make it very livable!
The university is spread across the city with faculties located in close proximity to the historical center. So you can walk around the city between your classes easily!
Accommodation
- On-campus: Limited accommodation is available in the university’s guest houses and dormitories. Shared rooms cost about 200-300 EUR per month.
- Off-campus: Private apartments are available for rent throughout the city typically costing 500-800 EUR per month.
- Apply well in advance for university accommodation once you receive the admission letter.
Estimated Living Expenses
Your monthly living costs in Florence would be around 800 – 1,000 EUR excluding tuition fees. This covers accommodation, food, transport, utilities, books and other miscellaneous expenses.
Part-time work opportunities are available on-campus.
Florence offers an exceptional blend of history, culture, cuisine and community making it a fantastic place to pursue your higher education in Italy!
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