Study in Italy - A Stroll through University of Bologna
A summer holiday trip to Italy, with a stop-off in Bologna, gave me a great excuse to take a stroll through one of the oldest universities in the Western world, with origins dating back to 1088. Although the campus was very quiet and the corridors calm during my visit, it was lovely to step back in time and get a feel for the history of this remarkable university. It also got me thinking about something I have noticed increasingly in my work as a guidance counsellor: why are more Irish students looking beyond Ireland when choosing where to study? So, naturally, I did a little research!
University of Bologna at a glance
• One of the oldest universities in the Western world
• Over 90 programmes taught entirely in English
• Five campuses across Italy
• English-taught programmes including Medicine
• Tuition fees based partly on family financial circumstances
• A range of accommodation options
• Excellent transport links to other Italian cities
Why might Bologna appeal to Irish students?
The University of Bologna is now one of Europe's internationally focused universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and single-cycle programmes. According to the university website over 90 degree programmes are taught entirely in English, across its five campuses - Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini. For Irish students, there are a number of reasons why this could be an attractive option. Firstly, there is the opportunity to study for a degree entirely through English while living abroad. Students don't necessarily need to be fluent in Italian before they arrive, although learning some Italian while living there would certainly enhance the experience. There is also the international nature of the university. Students have the opportunity to meet people from many different countries while experiencing life in Bologna itself – a vibrant university city famous for its food, architecture, culture and historic centre. And then there is the opportunity to explore courses that can be difficult to access through the traditional Irish university route, including Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, as well as a wide range of programmes in Business and Economics, Politics and International Relations, STEM and Life Sciences.
What about tuition fees?
Cost is, of course, an important consideration for any student and their family. At the University of Bologna, tuition fees are made up of a fixed charge and a variable contribution which depends on the programme and the student's family financial circumstances. For 2026/27, the fixed charge is €157.04, with students potentially qualifying for reduced fees depending on their circumstances and the financial documentation they provide. This means that there isn't one simple tuition fee that applies to every student. It is important to check the fees for the individual course and understand what financial support or reductions may be available. For Irish families comparing the cost of studying abroad with the cost of university in Ireland, this is certainly worth investigating.
What are the entry requirements?
This is where studying abroad can become a little more complicated than applying through the CAO. Entry requirements vary according to the individual programme and can include:
• Leaving Certificate results and required subjects
• Specific grades or minimum academic requirements
• Course-specific entry requirements
• English-language requirements, where applicable
• Admissions tests for some highly competitive courses.
For Irish students, the fact that the Leaving Certificate is completed through English can be helpful when considering English-taught programmes, although students should always check the specific language requirements of their chosen course.
And what about Medicine?
Medicine is one of the areas that makes studying in Italy particularly interesting for Irish students. The University of Bologna offers a six-year Medicine and Surgery programme taught entirely in English. As with other highly competitive programmes, admission is subject to specific requirements and an admissions process which students need to research carefully. This is an important point for anyone considering Medicine abroad: don't assume that the admissions process is the same as applying for Medicine in Ireland through the CAO and HPAT. Highly competitive programmes such as Medicine usually require an admissions test called the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) in addition to Leaving Certificate results. The exam lasts 100 minutes and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, covering - Reading comprehension and logical reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Unlike the HPAT here in Ireland, it has a substantial science element which suits students who are studying those subjects. Registration for the IMAT exam for 2026 opens on August the 28th with the exam itself taking place on September 29th.
Admissions systems can change, so students should always check the most up-to-date information directly with the university and the relevant Italian admissions authorities before making plans. For a student who is strong academically, particularly in the sciences, and open to living abroad, however, it is certainly an option worth exploring.
What is student life like?
Of course, choosing a university isn't just about the course. Bologna is a lively university city with a strong student population, excellent cafés and restaurants, historic buildings and plenty to explore. It is also ideally located for students who want to travel. The city's public transport network makes getting around relatively straightforward, while Bologna's railway station provides excellent connections to other parts of Italy. Cities such as Florence, Milan and Venice can be reached relatively easily by train, making it possible to experience much more of Italy while studying. For accommodation, students can consider university residences, private student accommodation or shared apartments. Costs will vary considerably depending on the type and location of accommodation, so this is another area where students should research current prices carefully before making a decision.
Is studying in Bologna right for you?
Studying abroad sounds exciting – and it can be an incredible experience – but it isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone. It could suit a student who:
• enjoys independence and is excited by the idea of living in another country
• wants an international university experience
• is happy to study in English while developing another language
• is comfortable navigating a different admissions system
• wants to explore opportunities outside the traditional CAO route.
It is also important to consider the practical side. Students need to think about accommodation, travel, budgeting, homesickness, healthcare, administration and the requirements associated with living and studying abroad. And for students considering a professional course such as Medicine or Veterinary Medicine, checking professional recognition and registration requirements is essential before committing to a course. Don't forget to explore the funding options The headline tuition fee is only one part of the financial picture. Students should investigate the University's own fee reductions and scholarships, as well as regional support available. It is also worth checking whether an Irish student may qualify for any relevant financial support through the SUSI grant system. As always, the important thing is to research the specific course, university and year of entry, rather than relying on general information about studying in Italy.
My biggest takeaway?
Walking through the University of Bologna made me think about how many possibilities are out there for Irish students if we look beyond the traditional routes. The CAO is an excellent pathway into higher education, but it isn't the only pathway. For some students, studying abroad could provide an opportunity to combine a degree with independence, travel, cultural experiences and the chance to meet people from around the world. For others, the practicalities of moving abroad may make studying closer to home a better choice. As with any university decision, the key is to research early and consider the whole picture – the course, entry requirements, admissions process, cost, accommodation, lifestyle and what happens after graduation. Sometimes a summer stroll through a university can lead to some very interesting possibilities!
Find out more
For more information about studying at the University of Bologna, visit the university's official website: https://www.unibo.it/en For general information about studying in Italy, including universities and courses, https://www.universitaly.it/en is a useful starting point, and more specific information about the study of medicine in Italy can be found on https://medschool.it/ It is also well worth checking out https://eunicas.ie/ , an Irish based company which supports Irish students applying to universities in Europe, including Italy. And if you're considering studying abroad, I would also recommend following the social media accounts of international students who are already there. Before my visit to Bologna, I came across the Instagram account @escapewithduda, which I found particularly helpful for getting a feel for student life and what living in Italy might actually be like. Buona fortuna with all the research!