Fashion and more in Italy

Italy ranks as one of the eight most industrialised countries in the world.  It promises to give much more than internationally recognised education, Italy is home to some of the oldest universities with alumni who were pioneers in the fields of medicine and architecture. 

Besides being leaders in the fields of technology and science, Italy's Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world. A number of fashion graduates aspire to study fashion in Italy. The University of Milan and Istituto Marangoni offer scholarships covering tuition fees to fashion designing students. Istituto Marangoni is in fact already at the Indo-Italian Chamber looking to recruit students for their university.

The country offers specialised courses in arts, music, choreography, language mediation at polytechnics, academies, higher institutes, recognised music institutes and national academies. There are higher technical education institutions and institutions teaching few specific fields like  archiving, diplomatics, restoration, military studies, etc.

What you should know
Students should know that in Italy, the academic year is divided into two semesters. The duration of each semester is around 20 weeks which is divided into 14 weeks of lectures and 6 weeks of exams. The first semester begins in September-October and ends in January-February. The second semester begins in February and ends in July. 

The average fee amounts to somewhere between 850 to 1,000euros (Rs56,546 to Rs66,525) per year. The fee amount varies from one university to another and also depends on the chosen course of study. Private universities are clearly much more expensive. Those doctoral students who have received a grant from the university do not have to pay fees, but non-grant holders are required to pay the fees, which will vary again according to the university chosen.

At present, there are 89 university institutions which are classified as-58 State universities, 17 non-State universities (legally recognised by the State), 2 universities for foreigners, 6 higher schools specialised in postgraduate university studies, 6 telematic universities.

Life in Italy for a student
Every foreign student who intends to study in Italy must obtain an Italian student visa before entering into Italy. Students must remember that getting a visa is a long drawn process and the whole procedure can take up to 60 days. To be sure that the visa is issued timely, students need to calculate the time required to obtain a visa and being at the university on the day of admission.

Students can apply at least three month's prior to the programme's initiation. Make sure the Italian institutions provide the necessary letter of acceptance, Letter of enrollment, insurance letter and course schedule to complete your visa application documents. A student visa is issued only for the time the program is valid.

Living costs
The living costs can amount up to 1,000 euros (Rs66,525) a month, inclusive of housing, which is not much, but will vary depending on one's lifestyle. Renting an apartment in cities and large towns will be more expensive and can range from 300 euros to 1000 euros a month, however students can opt for renting student apartments, which are generally cheaper.

Considering accommodation, food, telephone, local travel and leisure costs, students can look at a monthly budget of 1000-1500 euros depending on the location. Prices of groceries etc can vary considerably depending on where you live.

Working in Italy
Students do have the opportunity to work part-time, within as well as outside the university campus. Many Italian students have some form of part time employment to help support themselves while studying.

If you are a citizen of a EU member state you are eligible to work in Italy without a work permit. All other students from outside the EU will require a work permit which is quite difficult to obtain.
The employment opportunities for Indians who have completed their higher studies in Italy are many, however there is a lack of records as the country has just begun promoting itself education hub.