University of Macerata - Fee exemptions for students of the School of Higher Studies "Giacomo Leopardi"

What you get

As a registered student at the Giacomo Leopardi School of Advanced Studies, you pay no tuition at all. The University of Macerata automatically waives the annual enrolment fee and the additional e-learning fee for as long as you are enrolled at the school. You will also be provided with free accommodation in the ‘Matteo Ricci-Li Madou’ student hall of residence (single or twin rooms with en-suite facilities, shared kitchens, study areas and laundry facilities). You will receive free meals in the canteen, both at lunchtime and in the evening. You will be assigned a personal academic tutor and will have access to the university’s own seminars and courses. Upon completion of the programme, in addition to your standard degree from the University of Macerata, you will receive a faculty diploma equivalent to a second-cycle Master’s degree. You will be required to cover certain costs yourself: stamp duty, any late payment surcharges and other minor fees, as listed in the admission notification.

Who can apply

• How you get in: You must pass the School's competitive entrance exam. The waiver, free housing and free meals then come automatically with your place.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines, divided into two groups: humanities and social sciences.
• First-year track (10 places): You are starting a Bachelor’s or single-cycle degree programme, have achieved at least 80/100 in your school-leaving qualifications, and are not older than 21 on 31 December of the year of admission.
• Master's track (2 places): You have finished (or are about to finish) a three-year Bachelor's, with an average of at least 27/30 and no single grade below 24/30, and are no older than 24 by 31 December of the admission year.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Degree level: Exemption cannot be used for a qualification that is equivalent to, or of a lower level than, a qualification already held.
• Staying in: You must live in the hall of residence every year, pass all your exams by 31 October with a mark of 24/30 or better, maintain a grade point average of 27/30, earn 12 school credits and achieve the set targets in the areas of languages and computer certification.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via studenti.unimc.it following one of the two annual calls for applications, which are usually published in May or June. For the 2024/25 intake, the application deadline was 16 September at 14:00. Selection is based on an entrance examination in Macerata: two written exams and an oral interview (including a discussion in English for the Master’s programme). If you live more than 100 km away, your accommodation and travel expenses during the examination week may be reimbursed.

How realistic are your chances?

With just 10 places on the first-year programme and 2 Master’s places per year, this is a small and highly competitive admissions process, with decisions based solely on your examination results. Whilst good school or university grades will open the door for you, the written examinations and the oral interview are the decisive factors. If your marks significantly exceed the minimum requirements and you prepare thoroughly for the subject-specific examination and the interview, you have a genuine chance of securing one of the few places available.