University of Bologna, Amministrazione Generale

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence

The University of Bologna was probably the first University in the western world, since it began to take shape at the end of the eleventh century. In June 1999 the ministries of higher education from 29 European countries met in Bologna to underwrite an important agreement, known as the Declaration of Bologna, which has put in motion a series of reforms needed to make European Higher Education more compatible and comparable, more competitive and more attractive for European students and the ones from other continents. That meeting initiated an important and presently irreversible process to harmonize the various European systems of higher education, called the Bologna Process. Nowadays the University of Bologna is the most popular sending and receiving institution for Erasmus students in Italy, and the first sending Institution in Europe.
The university has a total of 3.300 researchers and teachers, 450 of whom joined during the past 3 years, over 1,000 research grant or scholarship winners working on their projects, and 1,800 postgraduate students; it has registered around 80 patents and 14 spin-offs, and has overall research investments amounting to roughly € 60 million.
The University of Bologna (UNIBO) successfully participated in FP6 with a total of 103 projects funded by the European Commission in the different specific programmes. The University acted as coordinator in 14 of these projects. As far as FP7 is concerned, up to now a total of 87 projects were selected for funding.
From academic year 2007/2008 onwards the University of Bologna offers its students the opportunity to attend joint and double/multiple courses, organized within the cooperation of foreign partners Universities and regulated by specific conventions.
More precisely, a joint degree is an integrated course established, developed and organized by two or more foreign universities and regulated by specific conventions.
Thence, at the end of the course, it grants one academic degree (namely a joint degree); a double / multiple degree is an integrated study programme established by two or more universities, regulated by specific conventions where different courses of the partner universities are recognised equivalent to those of the University of Bologna.
Students are allowed to attend a part of their university career at the University of Bologna and another part at a partner university. After obtaining the ECTS credits required, they will get an Italian and a foreign degree at the same time and both the degree of University of Bologna and the one of the partner Institution have a legal value in the country where they are obtained.
Furthermore, in the field of postgraduate courses the University of Bologna also organizes courses taught entirely or partially in a foreign language.
Summer and Winter Schools are a recent but important addition to the University of Bologna's educational spectrum. They are usually structured as intensive courses on many different subjects designed to match new educational and professional needs. They provide a wide range of intensive courses, designed to meet the need to broaden cultural and interdisciplinary studies. The courses are addressed to undergraduates, young graduates and, in some cases, to highly skilled professionals. This educational activity is conceived as an academic meeting point for scholars from all over the world. Here, students can enrich their knowledge by attending courses held by lecturers of international repute and, at the same time, share a unique cultural experience simply by meeting peers from all over the world. In some courses university credits can be earned and grants are available.
Other opportunities to study or train abroad include mobility programmes with universities in the Middle-East, agreements with Swiss universities based on the Erasmus model, and exchange agreements with US universities for postgraduate students and graduates. Moreover, all Faculties offer grants for students wishing to spend short periods of time abroad to prepare their degree thesis. Here’s a list of these opportunities:
- Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window: it is a cooperation and mobility scheme in the area of higher education, launched in 2006 by the European Commission. The scheme aims to promote exchanges among university students, researchers and professors between Universities in both EU and non-EU countries.
- "Vulcanus in Japan": it is a job-oriented student exchange programme that allows EU students to take internships in Japanese companies.
- Agreements with Swiss universities: the University of Bologna has signed a certain number of agreements to promote student exchanges between Italy and Switzerland. Swiss universities run and finance grants similar to LLP Erasmus.
- Fulbright Programme: Fulbright scholarships are for graduate students to attend a Ph.D. course or do research in a US University.
- Faculty grants for thesis research abroad: each faculty annually decides the allocation of funds for students who wish to do their thesis research abroad.
Main structures of Bologna University:
- a Multicampus structure (campuses of Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini) which aims at fostering the broadening of educational offering in the area near Bologna and also the activation of a larger stabile research activity
- academic structures: 23 Faculties, 70 Departments, 21 interdepartmental research centres, the Institute of Advanced Studies, 14 Doctorate Schools which constitute, as a whole, the cultural teaching, researching and administrative axis of the University of Bologna
- 17 Administration Areas: each area may be divided internally into various organizational units (sectors, services, offices) dealing with particular tasks. These divisions within the area are often ordered hierarchically in order to manage a large number of complex tasks efficiently
- the Equal Opportunities Committee, which aims at collecting data on indicators of the individual and organisational wellbeing of the University, promoting activities to raise awareness, and studies related to education
- 7 Advanced Schools which combine high-level scientific research with qualified and specialised teaching training
- the Alma Mater Foundation, which is a not-for-profit institution and encourages relations between the University and private and public research centres; supports the development and transfer of expertise between the scientific and the business worlds; promotes research activity and innovation aimed at the local business network; manages complex and transnational projects offering consultation services, assistance, tutoring and assessments
- The Collegio Superiore which is an institution of excellence created with the aim of selecting particularly motivated students and of promoting advanced and interdisciplinary educative programmes. The Collegio promotes the image of the Bologna University in Italy and abroad and establishes permanent or temporary exchange programmes with similar foreign institutions in order to facilitate abroad training periods.
- Buenos Aires Campus, which is the first campus abroad of the oldest university in the world. It was established with the objective of training a managerial class capable of recognising, foreseeing, interpreting and taking the right decisions in companies, organisations and institutions that operate at an international level and, in particular, in the sector concerning relations between the European Union and Latin America
- University Residential Centre in Bertinoro (half way between the campuses of Forlì and Cesena), founded in 1994 to host a number of summer courses which welcomes more than 20,000 people every year. The Centre can be used to organise residential training courses, seminars, work meetings and conventions, study and research initiatives
- The Residenza di Studi Superiori which lodges the students and the didactic and cultural activities of the Collegio Superiore of the University of Bologna, and the visiting professors of the Institute of Advanced Studies
- Alma Graduate School is the Business School of the University of Bologna. It was founded in 2000 as a consortium between Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, the Cassa di Risparmio Foundation in Bologna, the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation and Profingest, which involves many of the most important economic actors of the Emilia-Romagna region, such as Lamborghini, Ducati and Max Mara. The school adopts an innovative interdisciplinary approach to build up its programs, thanks also to the involvement of several Departments of the University of Bologna and of many relevant Italian companies. Alma Graduate School community is made up of students from different countries, professors of various academic backgrounds and managers from Business Network. Alma Graduate School provides on-campus facilities for students, faculty and staff: the reading rooms, the computer labs, the Aula Magna, the multimedia and conference rooms, not to mention the restaurant and gym. Alma Graduate School's state of the art computer labs and technological equipments are always available to students, as well as Alma's protected wireless network.
- The China Association College, which aims at informing and orienting the Chinese students who choose to study at the University of Bologna by means of the presence of a native-speaking Chinese tutor and it also gives the chance to rent lodgings at the China College Residence (a new University College with 50 beds) and in private lodgings
- the Collegium Musicum, Choir and Orchestra of the University of Bologna: the various ensembles are open to students of the University of Bologna, as well as to students from Bologna's foreign universities and those taking part in Erasmus and Overseas projects
- 3 language centres, one in Bologna (CILTA) and two in Romagna (CLIRO and Alfa-Cert) which offer different ways to improve and develop students’ knowledge of foreign languages
- The Tutorial Centre for International Students, which carries out different support activities connected with the various and wide-ranging problems foreign students could face with during their training paths in graduation courses and post-graduated courses. Such activities include: providing information and assistance via e-mail and on the phone including advice for students who are spending a period abroad; welcoming incoming students and providing support in looking for accommodation, assisting in obtaining the documentation for residence permit and various administrative issues; mediating with police authorities and foreign Diplomatic Representatives; managing the relationship with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in obtaining the documentation for the grants awarded by the Italian government to students of graduation courses and post-graduated courses; managing the grants awarded to non-EU students in collaboration with the Grant Office; supporting foreign citizens who are eligible to stay in Italy in converting the qualifications attained abroad
- 126 Libraries
- 16 Museums
- various associations for cultural and sport activities
- 15 service structures at the disposal of students, teaching personnel, and the general public
- a public relations office helpdesk
- 23 student registry offices

Range of Fees

1800 - 2900 € for "Lauree Magistrali"
3680 € for Dentistry
1480 - 1800 € for "Lauree a Ciclo Unico"

Basic TOEFL/IELTS requirements

The University of Bologna does not set this kind of requirement.

Accommodation

SAIS - Student Accommodation and Information Service helps all international exchange students (Erasmus and other institutional exchanges) in finding accommodation in Bologna and gives them practical information concerning their stay in Bologna (i.e. registration, residence permit, how to open a bank account, etc.). The website (http://www.sais.ceur.it/) thoroughly describes the accommodation services offered by SAIS (both in private market and student residences) as well as how to easily search an accommodation.

Accommodation Range

€ 250,00 bed in shared room
€ 350,00 single room

Finance and Scholarships

The University and the Emilia Romagna Local Government (by means of the regional agency in charge of students aids “ER-GO”) provide financial support which is both need and merit based.
ER-GO has granted to the University students 4,645 scholarships for the academic year 2008-09 (students who receive a scholarship do not pay any tuition or fee), 3.075 accomodation opportunities in residence halls (for free or at special prices – the rent range is minimum 157,00 € maximum 210,00 € per month).
The University has given its own students other financial aids such as reductions of tuitions and fees and the chance to do a part time work (150 hours) in the university’s libraries, laboratories, offices etc The part time work is paid for a rate of 7.50 € per hour (for the academic year 2008/2009 2.527 collaborations were available). In addition there are benefits for disabled students (tutors).
The University’s students can also get a bank loan, guaranteed by the University, reimbursable within a maximum of 17 years starting from the date of graduation. Students loans are merit based, access to the loan is subject to an assessment of the student’s academic progress.

Entry Requirements

Admission to One-Long cycle 2nd level Degree Courses (Corsi di Laurea Specialistica / Magistrale a ciclo unico – CLSu / CLMu) requires a five-year secondary-school diploma or equivalent foreign qualification. In most cases it is subject to entrance exams.
Admission rules are based on different policies, depending on the specific course, but all courses involve the verification of the competences and prerequisites needed for entrance. In particular, students must prove a minimum level of knowledge in specific areas. Some courses have a restricted access for a limited number of students, as specified each year in the call, with mandatory entrance test. Each faculty decides how to test students' preparation level for its courses. Students who are admitted on the condition that they make up for their lack of preparation ("obblighi formativi aggiuntivi" - OFA) must complete their preparation within the end of the first year.
Admission to 2nd level Degree Courses (Laurea Specialistica / Laurea Magistrale – CLS/CLM) requires the possession of a three-year first degree (Italian Laurea or University Degree), or equivalent foreign qualification. Moreover, it requires the assessment of the curricula requirements and personal adequate competences verified by Faculties. Some courses have a limited number admission. Students who do not meet requirements cannot be admitted to courses.
Admission to a research doctorate programme (Doctoral degree / Dottorato di ricerca - CDR) requires the possession of a 2nd cycle Degree (Italian Laurea specialistica / magistrale or Italian Laurea specialistica / magistrale a ciclo unico) or equivalent foreign qualification, and an entrance examination.
Admission to Specialisation Schools (Corsi di Specializzazione - CS2 2nd level specialisation courses) requires specific Italian Laurea specialistica / magistrale or Italian Laurea specialistica / magistrale a ciclo unico or equivalent foreign qualification, and the passing of a competitive examination. In accordance with the norms, ministerial decrees shall establish the specific admission requirements for a specialisation programme, including any additional university educational credits with respect to the academic qualification already held.

Language Support

The University of Bologna provides language services through three different centres: CILTA, for the faculties and departments in Bologna, CLIRO and Alfa-Cert for the four centres in Romagna: Forlì, Cesena, Rimini and Ravenna. Together, they serve about 30.000 students every year.
These Language Centres are members of AICLU, Associazione Italiana dei Centri Linguistici Universitari, which is in its turn a member of Cercles, Confédération européenne des Centres de Langue de L’Enseignement supérieur.
The Language Centres run courses in European and non-European languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Portuguese, and Russian) for students and staff of the University of Bologna, and courses in Italian as a Foreign Language, for foreign students involved in exchange programs or enrolled at the University of Bologna.
They also provide a computerised language testing service as required by the current University regulations. To help students prepare for these tests, the centres offer a number of free short modules, which complement class-based lessons with on-line self study.
CILTA and CLIRO are the official examination centres for various language certifications such as CELI, DELE, TOEFL, and TORFL.
Constant reflection and experimentation by the teaching staff with innovative linguistic tools and appropriate methodologies form the basis for their long tradition of producing interactive tests, exercises, and on-line courses for different languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Japanese.

Non-English Language Requirements

General requirements - Competence in Italian: before matriculation, non U.E. candidates have to prove their mastery of Italian. They are normally requested to sit for an exam, but may also meet the language requirement by submitting documentary evidence of being already competent in Italian.
Exemptions from the Italian exam by national decision:
Matriculations in Corsi di Laurea-CL (180 ECTS credits) and in Corsi di Laurea Specialistica / Magistrale a ciclo unico-CLSu / CLMu (long 1-block programmes in dentistry, medicine, etc. amounting to 300-360 ECTS credits). The candidates who hold one of the qualifications listed below are exempted by the Italian language exam and are matriculated out of the reserved quotas (for each specific case please consult http://www.study-in-italy.it):
a) students with a 4-/5-year upper secondary diploma awarded by Italian schools located outside Italy, or one of the school leaving qualifications listed under points 6-11 of the section "Specific Qualifications" (please see http://www.study-in-italy.it/studying/info-19.html);
b) students who hold the middle school qualification awarded by Argentina along with complementary certificates confirming that they have attended a secondary programme including the study of the Italian language for at least 5 years (see Law 210/1999 ratifying the bilateral agreement Italy-Argentina of 3.12.1997);
c) students who hold a diploma in the Italian language and culture (Diploma di lingua e cultura Italiana) awarded by the Universities for Foreigners of Perugia or Siena after attending a one-year programme;
d) students holding those diplomas of competence in Italian which, awarded by the Third University of Rome, or the Universities for Foreigners of Perugia or Siena, correspond to the levels C1 and C2 of the Council of Europe (such diplomas may be also awarded on the basis of agreements with Italian Cultural Institutes abroad or with other bodies);
e) students who hold statements of attendance (C1/C2 level) issued by other Italian universities which have established their own Italian courses, either autonomously or in cooperation with other educational institutions or with regional/local bodies.
Matriculations in Corsi di Laurea Specialistica/Magistrale-CLS/CLM (those not “a ciclo unico" amounting to 120 ECTS credits). The candidates who hold one of the qualifications quoted under letter c) and d) above listed are exempted by the Italian language exam and are matriculated out of the reserved quotas (please consult http://www.study-in-italy.it/studying/info-17.html)
Matriculations in Corsi di Laurea-CL, Corsi di Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico-CLMu, Corsi di Laurea Magistrale-CLM. The exemption from the Italian exam is also granted to the candidates holding one of the following qualifications but their matriculation takes place within the limits of the quotas reserved for non-Eu citizens living outside Italy:
- those diplomas of competence in Italian which, awarded by the Third University of Rome, or the Universities for Foreigners of Perugia and Siena, correspond to the levels B1 and B2 of the Council of Europe (such diplomas may be also awarded on the basis of agreements with Italian Cultural Institutes abroad or with other bodies); as well as students who hold statements of attendance (B1/B2 level) issued by other Italian universities which have established their own Italian courses, either autonomously or in cooperation with other educational institutions or with regional/local bodies.
- statements of adequate knowledge of Italian language issued by the Universities for Foreigners of Perugia and Siena or by the Third State University of Rome after attending their language courses organised in some foreign countries; in relation to specific local situations, the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs has given instructions to Italian diplomatic authorities in some countries to ask for the mentioned statements as a compulsory condition to issue the indispensable study visa for Italy (candidates are advised to contact the Italian Embassy / Consulate in their place of residence for further information).
Exemptions from the Italian exam by the University of Bologna:
- incoming Chinese students taking part in the Marco Polo programme
- students whose courses will be entirely taught in English
- Chinese students holding certificates of attendance of a triennial Italian language course
Exemptions from the Italian exam by autonomous decision of the institutions:
Matriculations in Corsi di Laurea-CL, Corsi di Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico-CLMu, Corsi di Laurea Magistrale-CLM,
The exemption from the Italian exam is also granted to the following candidates but their matriculation takes place within the limits of the quotas reserved for non-EU citizens living outside Italy:
- students who hold statements of attendance issued by other Italian universities which have established their own Italian courses, either autonomously or in cooperation with other educational institutions or with regional/local bodies;
- students holding statements on the passing of Italian language tests/exams issued by entities other than Italian universities.

Map: Amministrazione Generale