Università degli Studi di Milano (University of Milan), Italy

The Universita degli Studi di Milano, commonly known as the University of Milan, is one of the world’s leading public teaching and research universities and is the only Italian member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), a group of 21 research-intensive European Universities.

Please note this exchange is currently pending renewal of the exchange agreement.

University of Milan website

Who can go?

Postgraduate research students in the School of History.

There is currently a limit of one postgraduate research student per academic year for a period of three to six months. Available places may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance.

How to apply

Interested PhD students must check that there is an academic at the University of Milan who can act as the host supervisor.

You should submit the following documents to the School of History at St Andrews study abroad coordinator:

  • cover letter
  • CV
  • description of the proposed research (500 words maximum)
  • supporting letter.

In the event of more applications than spaces for the same exchange, the School of History postgraduate committee will decide which application to prioritise.

Once accepted by the School of History, you will have to:

  • complete an online application form for the University of Milan
  • complete (in consultation with your supervisor) a "Postgraduate Learning Agreement". This will need to be approved before you leave St Andrews to study abroad.

After Milan’s Erasmus Office has verified your details, you will receive a message confirming your registration. You will also receive information on how to complete the enrolment and accommodation booking procedures.

Current students can contact study abroad coordinators to find out more. 

Your studies

The academic year at the University of Milan runs from the start of October to the end of June and is divided into two semesters:

  • Semester 1: October to January
  • Semester 2: late February to June.

Passports and visas

EU citizens can stay in Italy up to three months without any formality, provided they have a valid passport. Three months after your arrival, you must register at the Civil Registry (Ufficio Anagrafe) of the municipality in which you live. Find out more about visa procedures and residence permits for the University of Milan.

You should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, and for at least six months after you return to the UK. You should scan your passport and keep a copy for your records.

If you are a European Union national, you will not require a visa and may enter the European Union countries with your passport or national identity card. Please note that you may have to comply with legal obligations, such as registering your address with the local authorities.

If you are an international student who has a visa to study in the UK, and you have any questions about the implications of studying or working abroad whilst matriculated at St Andrews, you should consult Student Services by emailing advint@st-andrews.ac.uk. You can also check the passports and visas page for further information.

About the University

The University of Milan is the largest university in the region, with approximately 64,000 students, eight faculties, two Schools and more than 2,000 members of teaching staff.

The University’s departments are housed in important historic buildings in the centre of Milan and in modern buildings in the area known as the Città Studi.

It has a network of 47 libraries, some of which are dedicated to the main disciplinary areas, while a number of more specialised libraries are primarily used for research purposes.

The University also possesses a remarkable artistic and cultural heritage that includes important historic buildings, inherited and acquired collections, archives, botanical gardens and the old Brera Observatory.

Finance

As an exchange student, you will not pay tuition fees to your host university, and will only be liable for your normal St Andrews tuition fees.

Research Council students should make sure that they have their funding body’s permission to study abroad, notifying them particularly for any mobility grants that they may be receiving.

Accommodation

The University of Milan offers accommodation for incoming students in a hall of residence according to availability (in shared rooms, two beds per room), on a first-come, first-served basis.

The University’s accommodation is located in Città Studi, 30 minutes away from the University’s main building and the city centre. The neighbourhood is well connected through public transportation.

A range of private accommodation options are also available.

Find out more about accommodation options and how to apply for accommodation at the University of Milan.

Travel and transport

The nearest airports to Milan are Linate Airport, which is 10km from the city centre, and Malpensa Airport, which is 50km away.

From Linate Airport, a bus takes air passengers from the airport to the city centre, arriving at Piazza San Babila.

From Malpensa Airport, the Malpensa Express train travels to Cadorna Railway Station and Stazione Centrale, Milan’s main railway station. Milan’s Central Station is where the main underground lines intersect, but both stations offer links to locations around Milan.

The city has an extensive public transportation network and a public bicycle transport system to help you get around.

Find out more about travelling to and around the University of Milan.

Student support

The International Relations Office at the University of Milan can provide further assistance and information by email.

The University of Milan’s Disability Service promotes the social integration of disabled students and University staff, providing them with assistance and protecting their rights.

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in Milan is available to introduce new international students to the University and its social calendar. The ESN also organise sightseeing trips and cultural events to help you meet new people and make the most of your time in Italy.

The University of Milan also provides free Italian language courses for Erasmus students. Each course lasts 60 hours, and classes are grouped according to ability (beginner and intermediate levels). Students wishing to attend language courses should indicate their interest in the online application form for the University of Milan.

Contact

Global Office
University of St Andrews
A11
Bute Building
Westburn Lane
St Andrews
KY16 9TS

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2245
Email: studyabroad@st-andrews.ac.uk