The University Schools of Excellence, as defined by Decree no. 1093 of 23/09/2021 of the Italian Ministry of University and Research, are university pathways that accompany the University's degree programmes in order to enhance the quality of the teaching offer and promote the development of scientific knowledge, the recognition of merit and the development of high-level training activities.
They offer advanced training by providing high-quality teaching, tutorial services and placement programmes, international mobility opportunities and various benefits (such as free access to boarding and residential facilities, as well as free enrolment).
Access is regulated through a merit-based selection process. During the programme, students must maintain high academic standards, actively participate in learning activities and comply with the internal regulations.
The University Schools of Excellence such as the Collegio Superiore offer their students, upon completion of a pathway of at least five years totalling 60 ECTS credits, the opportunity to obtain a second-level Master's programme (pursuant to Article 19, paragraph 3 of Legislative Decree no. 76/2020, converted with amendments by Law no. 120/2020, and Ministerial Decree no. 1093/2021).
In Italy there are ten University Schools of Excellence, spread across different universities, which offer an excellent opportunity to enhance one’s academic pathway: in addition to the Collegio Superiore, the Higher School of the oldest University in the Western world, the following are active: Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati Sapienza, Rome, Scuola Superiore, Catania, Scuola di Studi Superiori «Carlo Urbani», Camerino, Istituto Superiore Universitario di Formazione Interdisciplinare (ISUFI), Lecce, Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori, Padua, Scuola Superiore Universitaria di Toppo Wassermann, Udine, Scuola di Studi Superiori «Giacomo Leopardi», Macerata, Scuola di Studi Superiori «Ferdinando Rossi», Turin, Collegio Internazionale Ca’ Foscari, Venice. These institutions have identified the ASSI network as the coordinating body.