University Sector

Currently, 94 institutions belong to the university sector, which are divided into the following types:
•    60 state universities, including 3 Politecnici (Technical University)
•    2 universities for foreigners

The state universities are public bodies, which have scientific, educational, financial and administrative autonomy (within the Italian Constitution and the laws in Italy). Thanks to this autonomy, each university can adopt its own statutes to regulate the institutions of the university, the educational structures and the research. During the Bologna Process, all universities have reduced and adjusted their autonomous status. The higher education institutions pursue their own educational and research goals through specific structures: faculties, courses, departments, institutes, and counseling centers.

In order to realize joint educational and research projects, the universities can create together with another universities or other public and private organizations inter-university centers or consortia. Multidisciplinary institutes for research or service centers can be created just as well, the first do research in certain fields, the second guide and use scientific and technical equipment and services of particular complexity.

Subject to the principle of unity of the teaching function, the teaching staff of the universities is divided into two categories; both enjoy the freedom of teaching and research:

• Ordinary/Common professors (or first level professors)
• Associate professors (or second level professors)
The following job profiles are characteristic for the teaching staff:
• Researchers
• Assistant (an endangered species), and similar positions
• Professors with contracts
For these jobs one must pass proficiency tests, which may vary according to category.

In addition, research activities are exercised by holders of research or a post-doctoral schoolarships, scholarship holders of the doctoral programs and the specialized institutions are active in research while they attend seminars and courses.

Universities for foreigners are state universities, which are specialized to spread through research and teaching the Italian language, literature and culture.

17 private Universities

The private universities can be officially recognized by decree of the Ministry for Universities and Research. This recognition is based on an evaluation procedure of the statutes of the organization, balance sheets, the teaching, the research, etc., including the transfer of existing national higher education legislation by the private university.

The Degrees of the state-approved private universities have the same status as those of public universities, since the former incorporate the principles and criteria of the state universities.

The difference between state universities and state-recognized private universities lies primarily in the finance and administration.

Six schools or higher education institutions of special regime

These are academic institutions that have specialized in research. They offer mainly, if not exclusively, in the third cycle study programs a title equivalent to the Doctorate.

11 Correspondence Colleges (distance education)

These are non-state universities, where everyone can receive an education of high standard, regardless of location and time. Through various media (Internet, satellite television, digital and terrestrial TV) study material, depending on the needs of students, will be sent across any distance. The state-certified Correspondence Colleges offer study courses and degrees, accredited in the same way like those of state universities.

Extracurricular Sector

Even in non-university education there are different types of institutions. Here, we have listed the most common:

• Institutions for artistic, musical and dance education: public and private art schools, industrial design universities, the national drama school Silvio D'Amico, the national academy for dance, conservatories and state-recognized music universities;
• The National Film university Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia;
• Universities for translators and interpreters;
• Recognized Schools of Physiotherapy;
• Schools for archival technology, paleography and diplomacy;
• Military and police schools;
• Universities for restoration and preservation of cultural property;
• Universities for Occupational and Technical studies (Integrata Formazione Superiore) offering the so-called IFTS courses;
• Regional centers / schools / institutes for professional training.