Italy offers high-quality, cost-effective education at historic
universities (e.g., Bologna), with diverse English-taught programs and scholarship options.
Students gain cultural immersion, benefit from affordable living, and have access to post-study
work permits for career growth.
Italy is a captivating destination for international students seeking high-quality education
combined with rich cultural experiences. Renowned for its historic universities such as the
University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, and Sapienza University of Rome, Italy offers a
wide range of programs in English across disciplines like architecture, engineering, arts,
humanities, and social sciences. The country provides several scholarship opportunities,
including the Italian Government Scholarships and the Invest Your Talent in Italy program, which
support students financially while promoting academic excellence and professional development.
Studying in Italy also means immersing yourself in a vibrant lifestyle surrounded by world-class
art, cuisine, and architecture. Students benefit from affordable tuition fees and living costs
compared to other Western European countries. Many universities collaborate with industries,
offering internships and career pathways post-graduation. With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse
student communities, and strategic location in Europe, Italy is an ideal choice for those
looking to combine academic growth with unforgettable life experiences.
Highlights of studying in Italy
|
Factors |
USA |
| Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
Bachelor's and Master's Degrees – €900 to €4,000
Ph.D. – Often tuition-free or minimal fees |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Academic Credentials – High school diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree in
relevant fields
Documents – Passport, student visa, SOP, LOR, proof of financial means, etc.
Test Scores – IELTS, TOEFL, or university-specific language requirements
|
| Test Score Requirements |
IELTS – 6.0–6.5
TOEFL – 80+
Some programs may not require standardized tests
|
| Popular Courses |
Architecture
Design
Engineering
Arts and Humanities
Economics
|
| Student Visa Fees |
€50 for the visa application + €16 revenue stamp
Note: Fees may vary; always check official sources |
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Why Study in Italy
Italy continues to be a top choice for international students, offering world-class
universities, rich cultural heritage, and strong career opportunities.
Globally Recognized Education
With over 90 public universities, including the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano,
and Sapienza University of Rome, Italy is globally respected for its academic heritage,
research excellence, and cultural richness. Italian institutions consistently rank among the
top in Europe, offering internationally accredited degrees and strong career prospects.
Diverse Course Options
From architecture, fashion, and engineering to economics, arts, and sustainability, Italy
offers a wide range of programs aligned with global career trends. Italian universities are
known for blending academic rigor with creativity and innovation. Recent reports show that
over 80% of international students express high satisfaction with their academic experience
in Italy.
Shorter, Cost-Effective Degrees
In Italy, most bachelor’s degrees take 3 years, and master’s degrees are completed in 2
years. The country also offers short-term programs, including postgraduate diplomas and
professional courses that can be completed in 6–12 months, often at a lower cost compared to
other Western European countries. With affordable tuition fees and scholarship options,
Italy provides a high-quality education that is both time-efficient and budget-friendly.
Strong Post-Study Work Options
Italy offers promising post-study work opportunities for international graduates. After
completing a degree, students can apply for a “Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione”
(residence permit for job search), allowing them to stay in Italy for up to 12 months to
look for employment. Graduates from Italian universities are eligible to work in various
sectors, especially in design, engineering, fashion, tourism, and sustainability. For
long-term employment, the EU Blue Card or National Skill Migration Visa is available for qualified
professionals with competitive salaries.
Student Visa Requirements for Italy
International students should apply for an Italy Student Visa as soon as they receive their
Confirmation of Enrollment from their chosen university. The visa processing time is
typically around four weeks for applications submitted from outside Italy.
For programs longer than 90 days, students must apply for a Long-Stay Study Visa (Type D).
For short courses up to 90 days, a Short-Stay Study Visa (Type C) is required. Additional
documents may include proof of accommodation, financial means, health insurance, and a valid
passport.
Documents Required for an Italy Student Visa (Updated for 2025)
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of admission from the Italian university or course provider
- Proof of financial means – Students must show at least €900 per month for a minimum of
12 months to cover tuition and living expenses
- Parental or legal guardian consent – Required if the applicant is under 18 years of age
- Proof of relationship with parents or legal guardian – Applicable for applicants under
18
- Health insurance coverage – Must cover the entire duration of stay in Italy
Top Courses to Study in Italy
The ten most popular courses in Italy that international students typically pursue are listed
below:
| Course Name |
Top Universities |
Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
| Architecture & Design |
Politecnico di Milano, IUAV Venice, University of Florence |
€900 – €3,500 |
| Engineering |
Politecnico di Torino, University of Bologna, University of Padua |
€1,000 – €4,000 |
| Fashion & Luxury Management |
Istituto Marangoni, Domus Academy, Bocconi University |
€10,000 – €20,000 |
| Economics & Business |
Bocconi University, LUISS University, University of Rome Tor Vergata |
€3,000 – €12,000 |
| Arts & Humanities |
University of Bologna, University of Florence, Sapienza University of Rome |
€900 – €3,000 |
| International Relations & Politics |
University of Milan, University of Siena, LUISS University |
€1,000 – €4,000 |
| Medicine & Health Sciences |
University of Milan, University of Pavia, University of Rome La Sapienza |
€1,000 – €4,000 |
| Culinary Arts & Hospitality |
Apicius International School of Hospitality, Florence University of the Arts |
€8,000 – €15,000 |
| Sustainability & Environmental Studies |
University of Padua, University of Trento, University of Bologna |
€1,000 – €3,500 |
| Computer Science & AI |
University of Pisa, University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano |
€1,000 – €4,000 |
Top 10 Universities to Study in Italy (QS World University Rankings
2025)
| University Name |
QS World University Ranking 2025 |
| University of Bologna |
132 |
| Sapienza University of Rome |
134 |
| University of Padua |
151 |
| University of Milan |
185 |
| Politecnico di Milano |
201 |
| University of Pisa |
219 |
| University of Naples Federico II |
253 |
| University of Turin |
267 |
| Politecnico di Torino |
281 |
| University of Florence |
296 |
Scholarships to Study in Italy
Italy offers a variety of scholarships for international students, funded by the government,
universities, and regional authorities. These scholarships support undergraduate, master's,
and doctoral studies across diverse fields.
- Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) – Offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
these scholarships support international students pursuing study or research in Italian
institutions.
- Invest Your Talent in Italy – A prestigious program offering scholarships for master’s
degrees in English at top Italian universities, combined with internship opportunities
in Italian companies.
- University of Bologna Study Grants – Includes tuition fee waivers and financial support
for international students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships – Scholarships for outstanding
international students in engineering, architecture, and design programs.
- University of Padua International Excellence Scholarships – Full scholarships for highly
talented students enrolling in English-taught degree programs.
Additional Requirement:
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results may be required depending on the applicant’s country of
origin and duration of stay.
