Studying in Bologna – A Guide for Postgraduate Students

As the student city of Italy, Bologna is a popular destination among postgraduates across the world. One of the largest cities in Italy, and Europe more broadly, Bologna has plenty on offer, whether you’re interested in Engineering, the Arts or International Relations.

From living costs to the top universities, this guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Bologna as a postgraduate student.

Why study your postgraduate degree in Bologna?

Famously home to the oldest university in the western world, Bologna has a rich history of education and research. Combine this with delicious food and a vibrant student culture, the city is an exciting place to consider for postgraduate study.

• Large student population: As mentioned, Bologna is the student capital of Italy. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet people, explore the city and take advantage of student discounts.
• Cultural hub: Made up of historical architecture from almost all periods of history, Bologna is a visually stunning and inspiring place to study. You should also take advantage of the famous food and local markets on the weekends.
• Specialist education: Although a major student city, many of Bologna’s universities are specialist institutions, providing high quality education in a few key areas.

What are the top universities in Bologna for postgrad study?

#1 Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna

Living costs for students in Bologna

Although the cost of living in Bologna is higher than Italy’s national average, the city can be an affordable place to study. With a large student population, the city has lots of residential areas offering cheaper housing alongside local businesses and amenities to keep you occupied.

The table above covers prices for renting a private apartment alone. Many postgraduate students chose to live in halls or with other Masters and PhD students to help keep the costs down.

Working during your degree in Bologna

Many postgraduate students decide to take on part-time work to help support themselves throughout their degree. Universities in Italy have strict hour caps in place to make sure you prioritise your degree. All students are limited to 20 hours per week of work, not exceeding a total of 1040 hours across the year. If your degree includes completing an internship, this will not count towards your work hour allowance.

Things to see in Bologna

Bologna is an old and beautiful city offering many sights for you to explore on the weekends. It’s hard to miss the city’s famous porticoes which run throughout the city. These are an UNESCO world heritage site and show the growth of the city throughout its long history. Each portico has its own design, style and structure, ranging from wooden builds originating in the thirteenth century to titles and stone in the twentieth. University students also use them as advertising boards for the latest events!

If you’re looking for a bird’s eye view of the city, there’s no better place than the Asinelli tower. One half of two towers built in the eleventh century, you’ll get 360-degree views of the city. Make sure to also head down to Piazza Maggoire, one of the largest and oldest squares in Italy. Surrounded by grand architecture, the Piazza is home to the famous Fountain of Neptune and is next door to the unfinished Basilica of San Petronio.

Graduate careers in Bologna

Bologna could be an excellent place to begin a career after graduation. The city has had the highest economic growth rate of any in Italy. Its economy is heavily reliant on industry and manufacturing. Some of the key trades include car manufacturing, chemical engineering, textile production, fashion, ceramics and food processing. Bologna is also a prominent financial centre in Italy, housing many insurance companies.

If you are an EU/EEA student, you will not need a separate work permit or visa to work in the city. But you will need to continue renewing your resident permit. Other international graduates will need to convert their student permit to a work permit.

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