– Why University of Bologna?
First and foremost, it is the oldest university in the Western world, ensuring a strong reputation and academic excellence. Additionally, Italy offers a rich cultural heritage and a remarkable history, making it an inspiring place to study. More broadly, pursuing my education in Europe represents a valuable step forward in my academic journey and scientific career.
-What field did you choose for your studies there?What inspired you to study in this field?
I have chosen Quantitative Finance within the Faculty of Economics and Statistics. This field provides an excellent application of my scientific background while also introducing me to a new domain, allowing me to expand my knowledge and gain valuable practical experience.
– How did you find information about your university?
My sister, who also planned to apply, introduced me to this university. It presented a perfect opportunity—a highly regarded institution in an excellent location, where I could pursue my studies while having a close family member by my side.
-What was the application process? What documents were required? How did you send your documents? Was there a requirement for any test results or exams?
The application process primarily involved writing a cover letter, preparing an academic CV, and submitting the required documents. A Bachelor’s degree diploma was mandatory, along with proof of 14 years of education (high school + university), which was a necessary requirement for applying to a Master’s degree in Italy at the time. I submitted my documents through the online platform provided by UNIBO. Additionally, a TOEFL test was required, with a minimum score of 80 with no other exams and tests.
– What were some of the challenges you faced during application process and/or during studies , and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge I faced was legalizing my Bachelor’s diploma, which I obtained from a Russian university. According to European Union regulations, all non-EU Bachelor’s diplomas had to be legalized at the embassy. This process was lengthy, and I was unable to obtain a visa without completing it. I was writing emails to the university and going to the embassy every day, explaining my situation. Fortunately, both the university and the Italian Embassy were open to discussing my situation. As a result, I was granted a visa and accepted into the university on the condition that I would submit my legalized diploma later during the academic year. I strongly recommend starting to plan for your Master’s degree while you are still in the final year of your Bachelor’s studies, rather than waiting until after graduation. Many universities close their application processes early, and by the time you graduate, most recruitment cycles will have already ended.
– How did you like the atmosphere of university and the city in general? How was the student life there?
This was my first time visiting Europe, so everything felt new and exciting. The atmosphere was incredible, with numerous historic libraries offering free access to students—providing an ideal environment for those eager to learn. Bologna itself had a unique charm, with its authentic character and exceptional cuisine. As a true student city, it attracts students from all over the world, creating a welcoming and vibrant environment where they have everything they need to thrive.
– How your time at university benefited you?
I learned a great deal through lectures and my studies at the university. Additionally, I formed friendships with people from all over the world, enriching my experience both academically and personally. I had the opportunity to meet renowned professors, some of whom were even members of the EU Parliament, which greatly helped me in building a professional network. With such valuable connections and experience, finding a job after graduation would not be a challenge.
– Do you have any tips or advice for prospective students who want to study at the same university?
The biggest challenge for me was adjusting to the university’s pace and the European education system in general. A significant amount of material was provided to students, and I strongly advise staying on top of it and maintaining focus on studies—otherwise, catching up can become very difficult. Since this was a new field for me, I had a lot to learn and had to dedicate extensive time to studying in order to pass my exams. As a result, I had to put many of my other habits and activities on hold. Please also learn the language, because it will help you in networking and spending time with pleasure.