Erasmus guide Sapienza University of Rome
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Sapienza University of Rome in Rome, Italy.
Snapshot
Europe's largest university by enrollment (QS ~220, founded 1303) — 130,000 students in the heart of Rome across law, medicine, humanities, architecture, and science. One of Erasmus Italy's top destinations with 3,000+ inbound partners.
Why students shortlist it
Large public university in Rome with Citt? Universitaria near Termini and broad options in law, medicine-related fields, architecture, humanities, sciences and physics. Good fit for students who can navigate faculty-level calendars and Italian administration.
Teaching languages: Italian (primary); growing English-taught course catalogue 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
Partner nomination, online application, academic transcript, learning agreement, language proof, and valid health insurance.
Nomination Process
Your home Erasmus coordinator nominates you to Sapienza's Area Relazioni Internazionali. Sapienza then contacts the student with application instructions by faculty.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need an Italian visa. Non-EU students need an Italian student visa (Type D) — apply at Italian consulate at least 8 weeks before arrival. Sapienza provides the pre-enrollment certificate needed for the visa.
Buddy System
ESN Sapienza and Sapienza International Student Buddy Programme connect incoming exchange students with local student volunteers.
Orientation Week
Sapienza runs a Welcome Day at semester start — registration, student card (Tesserino), and faculty orientation. ESN Sapienza organises parallel social welcome events.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| First semester (Oct–Feb) | June 30 | July 31 |
| Second semester (Mar–Jul) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- Non-EU: apply for Italian student visa (Type D) at least 8 weeks before arrival.
- Non-EU: apply for Italian residence permit (Permesso di soggiorno) within 8 working days of arrival at local police station.
- Get ATAC monthly transit pass for Rome buses and metro.
- Open Italian bank account or use N26/Revolut — needed for Italian transactions and deposits.
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration managed via Infostud (Sapienza's student platform). Exchange students pre-select courses on learning agreement with faculty approval. Some faculties use separate systems — confirm with your receiving faculty.
Credit System
Italy uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS. Italian universities map directly to European credit standards.
Grading System
Italian 18–30 scale (with 30 e lode for highest distinction). 18 = minimum pass, 30 = maximum, 30L = summa cum laude. Conversion tables provided by Sapienza for Erasmus transcripts.
Exam Culture
Exams often oral — direct discussion with professor in Italian. Written exams and practical assessments also common. Exam sessions have specific dates (appelli) — do not miss registration windows.
Library Access
Sapienza Library System — 70+ libraries across faculties. Biblioteca Centrale di Lettere e Filosofia is one of Rome's most important humanistic libraries. Full digital access with Tesserino student card.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to Sapienza (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to Sapienza. Living costs in Rome: €900–1,400/month including accommodation, food, transport, and personal — higher … |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €1,000–2,000/year (income-based) | Italian public university fees are income-based (ISEE bracket system). Low-income students may pay very little; upper-bracket students pay ~€2,000/year. One … |
| Full degree – non-EU | €2,000–5,000/year | Non-EU full-degree fees apply a similar income-based approach. Sapienza excellence scholarships and DSU Lazio grants available for eligible international stu… |
€0 to Sapienza (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to Sapienza. Living costs in Rome: €900–1,400/month including accommodation, food, transport, and personal — higher …
€1,000–2,000/year (income-based)
Italian public university fees are income-based (ISEE bracket system). Low-income students may pay very little; upper-bracket students pay ~€2,000/year. One …
€2,000–5,000/year
Non-EU full-degree fees apply a similar income-based approach. Sapienza excellence scholarships and DSU Lazio grants available for eligible international stu…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — EHIC + SSN registration for EU; private insurance for non-EU.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Sapienza campus medical centre — basic GP services. Policlinico Umberto I (Rome's main teaching hospital) affiliated with Sapienza Medical School.
Mental Health
Sapienza Counselling Service (CAPA) — free psychological counselling for students. Appointment-based. Access via student services portal.
EHIC + Italian SSN registration
Free (EHIC from home country; SSN registration free)
Best option for EU students — SSN registration gives GP, specialist referrals, and emergency care.
Private health insurance
€200–500/year depending on coverage
Required for non-EU student visa. Allianz Care and Generali most common for students in Italy.
Campus Services
Area Relazioni Internazionali (International Relations)
Central contact for Erasmus exchange administration, learning agreements, and arrival guidance.
ESN Sapienza
Very active ESN chapter running welcome events, cultural trips, buddy matching, and semester social calendar.
DSU Lazio (Housing & Canteen)
Regional body managing subsidised student housing and canteens for Sapienza students.
Infostud Student Portal
Sapienza's main digital platform for course registration, exam booking, and academic management.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- ESN Sapienza
- Faculty student associations
- CUS Sapienza Sport
Buddy Program
ESN Sapienza buddy programme and Sapienza International buddy scheme pair incoming students with Italian and international volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- CUS Sapienza Sport Centre (gym, pool, courts)
- Running in Villa Borghese (10-min walk from campus)
- Cycling across Rome's historic centro
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend Sapienza Welcome Day — Tesserino (student card), library access, Infostud activation, and faculty intro.
- Register with Italian SSN (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) if EU — brings free GP access.
- Get ATAC monthly pass for Rome metro and buses — CityMapper app for navigation.
- Visit San Lorenzo neighbourhood — the authentic Roman student quarter right next to campus.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active Sapienza Erasmus agreement for your faculty — each faculty manages exchange separately.
Nomination deadline (Semester 1)
June 30
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to Sapienza international office.
Italian visa (non-EU)
July–August
Apply for Type D student visa at Italian consulate after receiving pre-enrollment certificate. Allow 8 weeks.
Welcome Day / Orientation
October
Attend Sapienza Welcome Day for Tesserino activation, library registration, and faculty intro.
Exam sessions (appelli)
January–February / June–July
Exam dates fixed — register on Infostud within the registration window or miss the session.