The university system has changed in recent years from a 4 year degree to a 3 year degree called the Laurea. After the first 3 years the students have the opportunity to study for a further 2 years to obtain the Laurea Specialistica which is a specialised degree.

Many European students studying at Italian universities on exchange agreements do so under the EU's Socrates Erasmus program. There are European offices and officers in all universities dedicated to the management of the exchange program.

Other exchange students from outside Europe are able to attend through bilateral agreements between their university and the host institution in Italy, and are generally handled in the same way as European exchange students.