Study in Italy

Italy combines respected universities with comparatively affordable public education. Students can choose programmes in medicine, engineering, architecture, design, business, arts, humanities and sciences while experiencing one of Europe’s most culturally significant destinations.

The main university qualifications are:

• Bachelor’s degree: normally three years
• Master’s degree: normally two years
• Single-cycle degree: five or six years, depending on the subject
• PhD: normally three or more years

Medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and some other professional programmes may follow a single-cycle structure.

Yes. Italy offers English-taught programmes, particularly at master’s level, although most bachelor’s programmes are still taught in Italian.

It depends on the programme. For an Italian-taught course, the university will normally require evidence or an assessment of Italian proficiency. For an English-taught course, students must meet the institution’s English-language requirement.

Learning basic Italian is strongly recommended for everyday life, accommodation, part-time work and integration.

Requirements vary by university and course, but commonly include:

• Passport
• School-leaving certificate for bachelor’s applications
• Bachelor’s degree for master’s applications
• Academic transcripts
• Language certificate
• CV and motivation letter, where required
• Course descriptions or syllabus, particularly for master’s applications
• Entrance examination or portfolio for certain programmes
• Certified translations and qualification-verification documents

The university has final authority to assess an applicant’s qualifications.

Some courses have open admission, while others require a university assessment, entrance test or nationally regulated selection process. Medicine, dentistry, architecture and certain competitive programmes may have limited places.

Applicants should check the specific university notice because admission methods and deadlines can change each academic year.

The usual process is:

1. 1Select a university and programme.
2. 2Check academic and language requirements.
3. 3Apply directly to the university.
4. 4Receive an admission or eligibility decision.
5. 5Complete pre-enrolment through Universitaly if required.
6. 6Arrange qualification verification or a Declaration of Value.
7. 7Apply for a study visa, if applicable.
8. 8Complete final enrolment after arriving in Italy.

For visa applicants, Universitaly pre-enrolment is the official route for obtaining the university’s eligibility-for-enrolment validation.

Universitaly is the official portal of Italy’s Ministry of University and Research. Non-EU students who need a study visa generally submit a pre-enrolment application through the portal after starting the admission process with their chosen institution.

Pre-enrolment is not the same as university admission, and university validation does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

A Declaration of Value—Dichiarazione di Valore—is issued by the competent Italian diplomatic authority and describes the status of a foreign qualification.

CIMEA can provide statements relating to the comparability and verification of qualifications. The university or Italian consulate determines which document is required; applicants should not order one before confirming the correct requirement.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need an entry visa, although local registration requirements may apply.

Most non-EU students studying for more than 90 days need a national Type D study visa. Applications are submitted to the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the applicant’s place of legal residence.

Requirements vary by consulate, but usually include:

• Valid passport and visa application form
• Recent photographs
• Universitaly pre-enrolment validation
• University admission documentation
• Academic and qualification-recognition documents
• Evidence of suitable accommodation
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources
• Health insurance
• Travel arrangements or funds for repatriation
• Proof of language ability, where required

Applicants must always follow the checklist issued by their responsible Italian embassy or consulate.

For 2026–2027, Italian diplomatic sources commonly state a reference amount of approximately €10,179.85 for one academic year, excluding tuition fees and repatriation costs. The consulate will also assess whether the applicant’s or sponsor’s overall financial circumstances are stable and credible.

The applicable amount and acceptable evidence should be confirmed with the responsible consulate before applying.

Fees depend on the institution, programme and student’s financial circumstances. Public universities are generally less expensive than private institutions, and some calculate fees using family income.

International students applying for income-based reductions may need an ISEE Parificato, supported by certified family income and asset documents.

Yes. Potential sources include:

• Regional right-to-study scholarships
• University merit scholarships
• Tuition-fee reductions or exemptions
• Italian Government MAECI scholarships
• Scholarships offered by external organisations

Regional support may include a grant, subsidised accommodation, meals or tuition benefits, depending on the scheme. Eligibility does not always guarantee an award because places and funding can be limited.

Ideally, students should begin 8–12 months before the course starts. Time is needed for university admission, language tests, document legalisation, translations, CIMEA or Declaration of Value procedures, Universitaly pre-enrolment, scholarship applications and the visa process.

Deadlines vary considerably between universities and programmes.

A valid Italian study residence permit generally allows non-EU students to work for up to 20 hours per week, with a maximum of 1,040 hours per year. Part-time income should be treated as supplementary and not as the main source of funding.

Students normally need to:

• Apply for a study residence permit within eight working days
• Complete final university enrolment
• Obtain a tax identification number—codice fiscale
• Arrange compliant health coverage
• Register locally where required
• Open a bank account if necessary

The university’s international office can normally assist with local procedures.

Yes. Non-EU students need health coverage valid in Italy for their residence-permit procedure. Depending on eligibility, they may purchase compliant private insurance or enrol voluntarily in the Italian National Health Service. Universitaly health guidance.

Depending on nationality and circumstances, graduates may be able to convert their status or apply for an appropriate permit for job seeking, employment, self-employment or further study. Immigration conditions can change, so students should obtain individual advice before their study permit expires.

Yes. Edu Consultancy can assist with:

• Eligibility assessment and programme selection
• University applications
• Universitaly pre-enrolment
• Document verification and legalisation guidance
• Scholarship application support
• Study-visa preparation
• Accommodation and pre-departure support
• Post-arrival guidance

Call to action: Planning to study in Italy? Book an initial assessment with our education consultants to understand your admission, scholarship and visa options.

Information updated in August 2026. University, scholarship and immigration requirements may change; applicants should verify the final conditions with the relevant institution and Italian diplomatic authority.