Study Destination

Study in Italy

Italy is an attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality education, comparatively affordable public universities, scholarships and internationally recognised qualifications. Students can choose from many English-taught programmes while experiencing Italy's rich culture, history and lifestyle.

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At a glance

Quick Facts

Tuition fees (public): €157 – €3,500 / year
Tuition fees (private): €10,000 – €20,000 / year
Living cost: €850 – €1,100 / month
Teaching language: Italian, English
Intakes: September
Working while studying: 20 hours per week during study time, full time during holidays

Why Italy

Why Study in Italy?

Some of Europe's oldest and most respected universities
Affordable public-university tuition fees
Many bachelor's and master's programmes taught in English
Strong programmes in medicine, engineering, architecture, design, business, arts and humanities
Regional, university and Italian Government scholarships
Opportunities to travel within the Schengen Area
Part-time employment during study
A pathway to employment and further residence after graduation, subject to immigration requirements

Costs

Tuition & Living Cost

Study Level	Tuition fee / year	Living cost / month
Bachelors	€160 – €3,500	€550
Masters	€160 – €3,500	€550
Language / Foundation	€6,000 – €8,000	€550

What you need

Entry Requirements

Requirements depend on the university and programme.

Bachelor's degree

Applicants normally need:

A recognised secondary-school qualification
Evidence of sufficient years of previous education, normally 12 years
Academic transcripts
Proof of English or Italian proficiency
Entrance examination where required
Passport and identification documents
Qualification verification or recognition documents requested by the university

Master's degree

Applicants normally need:

A relevant recognised bachelor's degree
University transcripts
Course descriptions or syllabus
English or Italian language certificate
CV
Motivation letter
Academic or professional references, if required
Portfolio for architecture, art or design programmes

Foreign qualifications may require translations, legalisation, a Declaration of Value, CIMEA verification or other supporting evidence determined by the university.

Language

Language Requirement

For English-taught programmes, universities commonly request evidence such as IELTS, TOEFL or an accepted equivalent. Typical requirements are often around IELTS 5.5 – 6.5, although competitive courses can require higher scores.

For Italian-taught programmes, applicants generally need Italian proficiency, commonly at B2 level. Each university establishes its own acceptable certificates and exemptions.

Visa route

Student Visa Process

Non-EU students intending to study in Italy normally apply through the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for their country of legal residence. Common requirements include:

Valid passport
Visa application form and photograph
University admission and validated pre-enrolment
Academic documents
Evidence of sufficient financial resources
Proof of accommodation
Valid medical insurance
Travel arrangements
Evidence of tuition payment, where applicable
Additional documents required by the relevant consulate

Requirements and appointment procedures vary by country. Applicants should follow the checklist issued by their own Italian embassy or consulate.

What to study

Popular Courses

Medicine and Surgery
Engineering and Technology
Architecture and Design
Business, Economics and Management
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Fashion and Fine Arts
International Relations and Political Science
Humanities and Social Sciences
Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

Where to study

Popular Universities

University of Bologna
Sapienza University of Rome
University of Padua
University of Milan
University of Turin
University of Pisa
University of Florence
University of Naples Federico II
Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Torino
Bocconi University
University of Trento

Good to know

Medicine in Italy

Italy offers six-year, single-cycle Medicine and Surgery programmes, including courses taught entirely in English.

Admission is highly competitive. Applicants may need to complete the relevant national or university selection process. The regulations and admission arrangements for medicine have been changing, so applicants must check the official rules for their chosen programme and academic year rather than relying on previous-year information.

Good to know

Application Process

1Select a suitable course and university.
2Check academic, language and entrance-test requirements.
3Prepare and submit the university application.
4Complete any interview, portfolio review or admission examination.
5Receive admission or conditional admission.
6Arrange translation, legalisation and qualification verification.
7Apply for scholarships within the separate deadlines.
8Complete pre-enrolment through the official Universitaly portal where required.
9Apply for an Italian study visa.
10Arrange accommodation, insurance and travel.
11Complete final university enrolment after arrival.

Good to know

Scholarships and financial assistance

Available opportunities may include:

Regional right-to-study or DSU scholarships
Tuition-fee reductions and exemptions
University merit scholarships
Italian Government (MAECI) scholarships
Programme-specific grants
Private and international scholarships

Regional support may include a tuition waiver, accommodation, subsidised meals or a financial allowance, depending on the scholarship and the applicant's family income and merit.

Italy also operates a "No Tax Area" framework through which eligible students may obtain fee reductions or exemptions.

Financial documents from outside Italy may require translation, legalisation and evidence covering the income and assets of the applicant's family. Scholarship deadlines can be separate from university admission deadlines.

Good to know