University of Florence

About: 

The University of Florence is an influential centre for higher education and research in Italy. It has one of the largest public research systems in Italy and has strong international links. The university devotes time to developing collaborative relationships with foreign universities, which is a prominent aspect of life at the university, in terms of research, teaching, study programmes and more.

Highlights: 

One of the main highlights of the university is that it is located in Florence, which is an important cultural centre and attracts many tourists from around the world. Florence is known for its artistic heritage and its history, with many exhibitions and art festivals taking place each year.

Location: 

Florence, Italy 

Courses / Modules: 

Check the course search webpage to research available modules.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. The University of Florence 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- June

Language: 

B2 Italian required

Accommodation: 

The  University of Florence does not offer their own accommodation, however, it can help students to search for accommodation.   Check the accommodation webpage for more information on different options including:

• Accommodation bookable through the welcome service .

• Facilities at reduced rates. There is a list of accommodation such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, residences and more, which offer discounted rates to university guests.

• House searching platforms such as Feel Florence and HousingAnywhere

• Other facilities such as Evergreen Residence and The Student Hotel Florence

Orientation / Welcome week:  

For information on orientation, check the Student Administration Offices webpages on the University of Florence website.

Support Services: 

For more information on support services and the contacts for students with disabilities, consult the Students with Disabilities: Front Office and Services webpage.

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in Italy.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the  Gov.uk 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.

Check also the University of Florence's visa formalities and residence permit webpage for more information on visas for EU and Non EU students.

Travel insurance:  

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, 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).

International students from within the EU and outside the EU that are enrolled at university can register for the National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale- SSN) for the duration of their studies.  Consult the Health and Medical Care webpage for information about the documents required and fees.

Kitty, Year Abroad in Italy, 2019/20

"I really enjoyed my time in Italy, both in Siena and at the university. I have had so many new experiences, met lots of new people and improved my knowledge of the Italian language. My confidence in talking to people in their native language has definitely increased and I feel like I can hold a conversation with someone well and deal with problems when they arise." 

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 Florence Website

• Erasmus and Exchange Students Webpages

• Italy Foreign Travel Advice

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

• 2025/2026 Fact sheet

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

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