University of Bologna

About: 

The University of Bologna (Alma mater studiorum - Universitá di Bologna in Italian) is the oldest university in the world as it was founded in 1088 by a guild of students. It is known as one of the most prestigious Italian universities and is established as an international hub for learning. The university has a total of five campuses, 32 departments  and 11 research and training centres. 

Highlights: 

The Orto Botanico dell'Universitá  di Bologna is a botanical garden that is a noteworthy highlight of the university.  It is one of Europe's oldest gardens and was established in 1568. Another garden of note is the Agricultural Garden which is located at the Plexus of Agriculture in Bologna.

Location: 

Bologna, Italy

Courses / Modules: 

To find out which courses can be taken in Bologna, check out their course unit catalogue.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.  The University of Bologna uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values.  30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods: 

Semester 1: September - December

Semester 2: February - May 

Language: 

A2 Italian required

Accommodation: 

The University of Bologna recommends that students look for accommodation well in advance of their arrival and provides further advice and guidance on their accommodation pages.

Exchange students can apply for accommodation in university halls of residence, managed by the Regional Authority for the Right to Higher Education (ER-GO). Check out the ER.GO website for more information.

The Student Accommodation and Information Service (SAIS) supports international exchange students and enrolling students in finding accommodation. They can offer assistance with university halls of residence, colleges, short-stay accommodation and private rented accommodation. 

The University of Bologna and ER.GO also make the Vetrina Alloggi (Accommodation Showcase) available to students - this is a virtual bulletin board listing private sector accommodation for rent.

Orientation / Welcome week:  

Check out the International Students Online Welcome Programme for more information on orientation.

Support Services: 

The University of Bologna provides a range of support services to help with issues around around studying, access to digital resources, guidance and tutoring, sports and culture, health, wellbeing and other general administrative matters.   

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in Italy.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for Italy and its Living in Italy  guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate.   If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

You should also consult the pre-enrolment and visa webpage on the University of Bologna website.

Travel insurance:  

If you are approved by the University of York to participate in this program, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange

Health insurance: 

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

The University of Bologna also provides guidance on healthcare issues on their medical assistance for international students webpage.

Rebecca,  Year abroad in Italy, 2017/2018

'This experience has made me grow up and changed me into a more outgoing person, as it has forced me out of my comfort zone and forced me to make new friends. I definitely advise students to go on a year abroad, to make friends around the world while all living together in a new country, learning about and living in a new culture. I would definitely encourage going to university for a semester as there is lots of free time to explore the area and make friends, without the pressure of a job environment. I strongly recommend to those going to a university to get involved with the nearest ESN group via Facebook and joining in the events they offer, as there are many events organised to help you to settle in to the town, make new friends and go on trips together. I personally have not had to overcome many difficulties that I would have otherwise not experienced.'

Eloise, Year Abroad in Italy, 2019/20

"My experience abroad has made me more confident in my own abilities. Speaking the language was one of the biggest challenges and I am proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone, speaking in Italian despite being afraid and succeeding in overcoming my fears. I was able to make friends with Italian speakers and passed speaking exams in Italian. These experiences have helped me to realise that I can do more than I think I can."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

• University of Bologna Website

• University of Bologna Incoming Exchange Students

• University of Bologna Factsheet 2026/27

• Foreign Travel Advice for Italy

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Global Opportunities - Drop in and see us at Derwent College D/A/023, Tuesdays-Thursdays 11-1pm

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Book a virtual appointment with one of our advisors here, or email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk for further support.