They are " institutions of high culture " (based on the provisions of Article 33 of the Constitution of the Italian Republic ), as well as bodies assigned to higher education consisting of a group of scientific structures aimed at teaching and scientific research , forming part of the Italian public administration , if state. Universities, which may be public but also private (provided they are recognized and accredited), confer qualifications (academic qualifications) that are obtained following the attendance of a degree courseat one of the Italian universities , which can be accessed after completing secondary education (with obtaining a second degree education diploma ). According to the law of May 9th 1989 n. 168, are considered public bodies .
State universities also elect their own representatives within the National University Council and the National Council of University Students , advisory bodies of the Ministry of Education, University and Research.