Overview
The University for Foreigners of Perugia is a different kind of institution from the others on this list. It is a state university whose primary mission is teaching Italian language and culture to people from abroad, and it has done this for over a century. Alongside intensive language courses that start throughout the year, it offers a small number of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas such as Italian language and culture, teaching Italian to foreigners, international communication, and international relations and cooperation.
For students from South Asia, the most common reason to come here is preparation: a semester or year of Italian before starting an Italian-taught degree at another university, or the teaching certification in Italian as a foreign language that leads to work in language schools. The language courses are graded by level, include cultural components and lead to internationally recognised certifications, which the university also administers.
Perugia is a historic hill town in the green centre of Italy, with a well-known chocolate festival, a jazz festival and a student population drawn from both this university and the much larger University of Perugia. The Palazzo Gallenga, the university’s main building, sits at the top of the city near the main square, and student life revolves around the central Corso Vannucci and the surrounding streets. Costs are moderate and the town is safe and easy to navigate.
Who it suits
This university suits students who need to reach a solid level of Italian before starting a degree elsewhere, those who want to become teachers of Italian as a foreign language, and applicants in communication or international relations who are happy to study in Italian in a small, specialist institution. It is not a general university and does not suit applicants looking for engineering, science or business degrees.
What to check before applying
- Decide whether you need a language course, a degree programme or both, since they have different applications and fees.
- Check the start dates of language courses and whether a visa can be obtained for your chosen length.
- Review the Italian level required for entry to degree programmes.
- Apply to ADiSU Umbria for housing and grants if you enrol in a degree.
- Confirm whether your target university elsewhere accepts the language certificate you will gain.