The Schools of Advanced Studies are autonomous university institutions that serve as centers of excellence for advanced education and research in Italy.

These institutions primarily offer doctoral programs and pre-doctoral activities, as well as undergraduate courses (ordinary courses), with admission criteria based on merit. A distinctive feature is the residential component, ensuring that students have access to facilities at no additional cost.

The Schools confer licentiate diplomas and, in collaboration with other universities, master's degrees. Like universities, they undergo initial and periodic accreditation processes managed by ANVUR.

Currently, there are eight Schools located in different regions of Italy.