Erasmus guide University of Bologna
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy.
Snapshot
One of Europe's classic Erasmus anchors: huge, historic, student-heavy, and ideal for students who want a real university-city rhythm.
Why students shortlist it
Historic public university with a broad Bologna campus and strong options in law, political science, economics, humanities, engineering and sciences. Good fit for students who want a classic Italian university city and are comfortable checking department-level course rules.
Teaching languages: Italian (primary); English-taught programmes growing, especially at master's level
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Exchange students normally need nomination through Erasmus+, Overseas or another agreement, online registration, learning agreement, ID/passport, insurance, course-unit planning and visa/residence steps if they are non-EU.
Nomination Process
Contact your home university International Office; they submit a formal nomination to the host Italian university before the faculty deadline.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a visa. Non-EU students staying >90 days need a Type-D student visa from the Italian consulate in their home country; university issues acceptance letter for visa application.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn/Full year | Typically April–May | Typically May–June — confirm with faculty |
| Spring | Typically October–November | Typically November–December — confirm with faculty |
Arrival Checklist
- Start housing early; Bologna is smaller than Milan but extremely student-heavy.
- Check whether your courses are in the same area before choosing a room.
- Use official exchange and SAIS accommodation routes before relying on social-media listings.
Academics
Course Registration
The university is broad and decentralized. Exchange students should track department rules, timetables, and exam registration carefully.
Credit System
ECTS
Grading System
Italian 18-30 scale: 18 is the minimum pass, 30 is the maximum standard mark and 30 e lode means with honours. Departments may also use pass/fail for specific activities.
Exam Culture
Unibo is decentralised by school and department. Students should check calendars, timetables and exam registration in AlmaRM or the relevant programme pages; many courses rely on final written and/or oral exams.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + EUR 140–170 tassa regionale + EUR 16 bollo | Public Italian universities (Politecnico Milano, Bologna): tuition waived for exchange, but regional tax (tassa regionale) €140–170/year required + €16 bollo… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 2,600–3,500/year | Bologna income-based bands (same for all nationalities): €156 minimum to ~€3,500 maximum. Average international student pays ~€2,600–3,000/year. Tassa region… |
EUR 0 tuition + EUR 140–170 tassa regionale + EUR 16 bollo
Public Italian universities (Politecnico Milano, Bologna): tuition waived for exchange, but regional tax (tassa regionale) €140–170/year required + €16 bollo…
EUR 2,600–3,500/year
Bologna income-based bands (same for all nationalities): €156 minimum to ~€3,500 maximum. Average international student pays ~€2,600–3,000/year. Tassa region…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — EU: EHIC; non-EU: Italian SSN registration or private insurance valid in Italy.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
University of Bologna provides access to public healthcare via local AUSL. Students choose a GP after SSN registration. University accidental injury insurance included in enrollment.
Mental Health
Bologna SAP (Servizio di Assistenza Psicologica) offers free confidential psychological counselling sessions for all enrolled students dealing with academic or personal difficulties.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Covers medically necessary care for EU/EEA students in Italy.
Italian SSN (National Health Service)
€149.77/year
Register at local AUSL office; choose a GP and access full Italian public healthcare network.
WAI / Private insurance
€71–120 for 6–12 months (WAI)
Required for non-EU students. WAI (Welcome Association Italy) is a popular low-cost option.
Campus Services
University Services (Bologna)
University of Bologna central services directory: health, library, sport, language, career, disability, and wellbeing services. Starting point for all student support.
Wellbeing & Safety Services
Bologna University wellbeing and safety services: health resources, psychological support, and safety information for all enrolled students.
Psychological Support (SAP)
Bologna SAP: free psychological counselling for emotional, relational, and adjustment difficulties related to university life. Confidential sessions for enrolled students.
Disability Support (Bologna)
Bologna service for students with disabilities and SLD: support from admission through studies, exam accommodations, accessible workstations, and digital learning materials.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Bologna's student life is unusually integrated into the city: faculty groups, ESN, political/cultural associations, and informal meeting points matter.
Buddy Program
ESN Bologna is a practical first social layer for Erasmus students.
Sports & Recreation
- University and city sports options
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN Bologna - main Erasmus events, trips, and arrival network.
SAIS Bologna - practical accommodation support for international students.
Bologna language exchanges - useful for meeting locals and other internationals.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Find your faculty buildings and exam-registration rules early.
- Join ESN Bologna before arrival if possible.
- Secure housing paperwork before treating Bologna like an easy small city.
Key Dates
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Final exam periods
January (autumn semester) and June (spring semester)
Resit/retake windows usually in late August. Book travel only after exam dates publish.
Campus events hub: Browse all events