A 2025 Guide to Studying Abroad in Rome

Studying abroad in Rome is a dream for students around the world. Whether you're still in the decision-making process or are already partway there, our guide was created to give you essential information you need to make your dreams a reality.

Rome is a popular choice for international students with its ancient roots, incredible architecture, and world-class educational programs. Students looking for an enriching experience without compromising their academic prowess can find it all in Italy's capital city.

In this guide, we will share details you need to know to prepare for your studies in Rome - from practical information like visa preparation to general tips for your journey. For general tips about studying abroad in Italy, we've also created a guide just for that.

Andiamo! (Let's go! in Italian)

🇺🇸 Please note: the specific advice in this guide is for US citizens looking to study abroad in Rome.

How to study abroad in Rome

Studying abroad in Rome is very popular and if you meet the eligibility requirements, you too can immerse yourself into Italian culture during the academic year (or however long your program is!).

There are a few steps to get you from point A to point B.

To study abroad in Rome, you'll need to:

• Ensure you're eligible to apply for an Italian study visa.
• Make sure there is an educational program in Rome that meets your needs - and that you meet the requirements for University admission.
• Find your program and apply for admission.
• Once accepted, apply for your visa.
• Prepare to move to Rome!

This is the order you'll need to follow to study abroad in Rome, and each of these can have multiple processes within them that include some research and preparation.

Let's take a look at some of these sections in a little more detail.

Italy study visa eligibility

Italy has many different types of visas, and there are several requirements you need to meet to be eligible to apply. Some requirements are easier to fulfill than others.

First, you need to make sure that you have a valid passport that was issued within the past 10 years and won't expire soon. It needs to have 3 months of remaining validity beyond your trip. So, if you plan to be in Rome for a year, it needs to still be valid for an additional 3 months after your year in Italy, when you get back home.

All of the visa requirements are important, but one more difficult eligibility requirement for some can be the financial part. For your visa application to meet all of the requirements, you will need to show proof of financial means.

There are many ways that you can prove that you have the funds to support yourself during your year in Rome. It can be parental support, money you already have, a scholarship, etc. When you begin the application process, you'll receive an official list of all of the requirements and how you can meet them. It will tell you exactly how to prove your financial sustenance based on your situation.

There are several other requirements you'll need to meet to qualify. You can see them here in our general Italy Study Abroad Guide.

Finding a university or program in Rome

There are a few options for finding the program that best suits you. The most popular option is to use your current university as a resource. This is great if you're a current university student, but what if you're not?

It is possible to apply for universities in Rome, so long as they accept international applicants, have a program for your field, and you meet the admission requirements.

Another option is to use a third-party agency to help you find the right program for you. There are companies that offer study abroad experiences and programs in Rome.

Regardless of which approach makes more sense for you, there will be admission requirements that you need to meet in order to get that prized acceptance letter.

In fact, you cannot apply for a study visa in Italy without one!

If you've already completed your undergraduate degree and are hoping to attend Graduate School in Rome, there may be qualifications based on your Undergraduate degree. This could include any relevant information, such as transcripts, credits, and coursework.

The program/University that you apply to should have a list of what their minimum requirements are for admission.

Apply for admission

Before applying for your visa, you'll need to apply for admission at the university/or the program of your choice.

If you're doing an exchange program through your current place of study, they may be able to help you with this process or even facilitate parts of it for you. If you haven't already, it's helpful to set up a meeting so you can learn about exactly what your alma mater offers.

Once you have received an acceptance letter, and you are sure you meet the visa requirements, it'll be time to apply for your visa to move to Rome!

Tips for studying abroad in Rome

There are a lot of things to do to prepare for studying in Rome, like finding housing, learning the layout of the city, figuring out what to pack, and more. There's also knowing some Rome-specific (and Italy specific) tips and advice to adjust to Italian culture more easily.

There will be an adjustment period, but don't feel bad or stressed. This is entirely normal, and every single person goes through it to varying extents. Exploring the city from day one and getting familiar with your surroundings will be a big help. Going to social events where you can meet other students is your best friend! While it can be tempting to stay home, try to go out and meet others. It will help you settle in much more quickly and give you the confidence to break out of your comfort zone.

Embrace the Italian apartment. Whether you're in an apartment, quad, or dorm, you will quickly learn that European apartments are quite different than American ones. For example, your apartment likely won't have air conditioning, which can be uncomfortable on a hot day. Additionally, Italian buildings are typically much older than American ones - and much smaller. You may not have a clothing dryer, and appliances in general are much smaller.

Accept cultural differences. You're going to start seeing a lot of cultural differences. What is considered polite in Italy might be considered rude in the States and vice versa. Pay attention to these differences so you can assimilate more easily.

Take advantage of the metro. The metro is one of the easiest, fastest, and least expensive ways to get around the city. While it can seem intimidating at first, getting familiar with the metro system will help you spread your wings.

Practice your Italian. If you don't speak Italian, there's no better time than now to begin! Whether you know a few words and phrases or have taken a few courses already, get out and speak Italian with the locals. It may feel awkward and intimidating, but it's the best way to learn!

Don't order a latte. In Italian, latte means milk, so unless you want a glass of milk, you should order a caffè latte.

Eat dinner later. In Italy, dinner is much later than it is in the States, with Italians usually finally sitting down to eat at 8:30 or later. Most restaurants outside of tourist areas will close their kitchens between lunchtime and dinner.

Adjust your schedule. The Italian pace of life is different than the American one. Things move at a slower, less rushed cadence - even in a big city such as Rome. It will take servers at restaurants longer to get to you, for example. Store workers may stay with one customer for a very long time without a sense of urgency. Try to adapt to this new rhythm - and have the adventure of a lifetime 😊