Study in Italy

Explore popular courses at Italy’s institutions. Known for its fine culinary and arts – Italy offers many courses in English and is rapidly revamping its educational policies to welcome international students.

Study in Italy

Explore popular courses at Italy’s institutes. Known for its fine culinary and arts – Italy offers many courses in English and is rapidly revamping its educational policies to welcome international students.

Embarking on a journey of higher education in Italy has become a dream for countless international students, drawn not only by its captivating and picturesque landscapes but also by the array of prestigious academic institutions that welcome a diverse global student community each year.

Italy is gradually becoming a popular study abroad destination owing to its affordable tuition fees, accomodation and other living expenses, as compared to other European countries. The country is gaining prominence in the global education map, after the traditional favourites such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Germany. If you are considering Italy as your study destination, this page is your gateway to discovering the details and expected expenses when pursuing a course in this enchanting country. Let’s dive in!

Italy

Highlights of studying in Italy

Factors Italy
Average tuition fees (per year)

Bachelor’s degree – €900-€4,000 (INR 80,000 -INR 3,60,000)

Master’s degree – €500-€6,000 ( INR 45,000 – INR 5,40,000)

Eligibility criteria

Educational qualifications

Language proficiency

Study visa and residence permit

Financial support

Application documents

Health insurance

Admission tests and interviews

Test score requirements

IELTS – 5.5

TOEFL PBT – 507 -557

TOEFL CBT – 180-217

TOEFL IBT – 80-99

Popular courses

Fashion and Design

Arts and Humanities

Engineering and Technology

Business and Economics

Architecture

Culinary Arts and Hospitality

Medicine and Health Sciences

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Archaeology and Anthropology

Information Technology

Study visa fees

Short-term Italy study visa fees – €80 or  INR 7,200 approximately

Long-term Italy study visa fees – €76 or  INR 6,800 approximately

italy logo

Why study in Italy

Studying in Italy is a wise choice and entails several benefits for international students that are discussed in brief below.

Rich cultural heritage

Italy has a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries. It is home to some of the world’s most renowned art, literature, and architecture. Studying in Italy allows students to immerse themselves in this vibrant cultural milieu.

Italy is home to several prestigious universities that consistently rank highly in global university rankings. These institutions offer a wide range of courses and programs, providing students with excellent academic opportunities.

Italy offers diverse study programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and business. This variety allows students to find courses that align with their interests and career goals.

Compared to many other western countries, the cost of education in Italy is relatively affordable, particularly at public universities. This makes it an attractive option for students seeking quality education without excessive financial burdens.

Many Italian universities now offer a number of courses taught in English, making it accessible for international students who may not be fluent in Italian.

Italy provides a unique study abroad experience with its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm Mediterranean climate. It offers an excellent opportunity for students to explore and travel while studying.

Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide, and studying in Italy provides the chance to indulge in authentic Italian food and experience the local culinary delights.

Italy is known for its welcoming and student-friendly environment. The locals are often accommodating to international students, making it easier to adapt to a new country and culture.

Italy attracts students from all over the world, fostering a diverse and international student community. This allows students to develop global connections and broaden their cultural perspectives.

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Study visa requirements for studying in Italy

For EU/EEA students, studying in Italy doesn’t require a study visa. However, international students from other countries have a study visa application process to follow, which can be simplified by having all the necessary information.

Italy passport

Based on the duration of your intended stay in Italy and the type of study program, you will need to apply for one of the following study visa types:

Italy study visa requirements

Study visa requirements for studying in Italy can vary based on your nationality, the duration of your study program, and the type of program you plan to pursue. These are the general study visa requirements for international students who wish to study in Italy.

Nationality

Non-EU/EEA students from most countries will need a study visa to study in Italy. EU/EEA students do not need a study visa but may need to register with the local authorities upon arrival.

Acceptance letter

You will need an acceptance letter from an Italian university or institution for the study program, you have been admitted to.

Financial proof

You must show proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses during your stay in Italy. This may include bank statements, scholarship awards, or a financial guarantee.

Health insurance

You need to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Italy.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Italy.

Language proficiency

If your course is in Italian, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language through language tests like CILS or CELI. For courses taught in English, some universities may require English language proficiency test scores like IELTS or TOEFL for non-native English speakers.

Study visa application

Apply for a study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. The processing time for study visa applications can vary, so it’s essential to apply well in advance of your planned departure date.

Popular courses

Here are the ten most popular courses that international students typically pursue while studying in ‌Italy:

Course name Top universities
Fashion and Design

Politecnico di Milano

Istituto Marangoni Milan

Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma

IUAV University of Venice

University of Florence

Arts and Humanities

University of Bologna

University of Padova

University of Milan

Sapienza University of Rome

University of Pisa

Engineering and Technology

Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Torino

University of Bologna

University of Padova

University of Trento

Business and Economics

Bocconi University

University of Milan

Sapienza University of Rome

University of Bologna

Politecnico di Milano

Architecture

Politecnico di Milano

IUAV University of Venice

Sapienza University of Rome

University of Bologna

University of Florence

Culinary Arts and Hospitality

University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) – Pollenzo

ALMA, The International School of Italian Cuisine

Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF)

University of Bologna

University of Milan

Medicine and Health Sciences

University of Milan

University of Bologna

University of Rome Tor Vergata

University of Padova

Sapienza University of Rome

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

University of Bologna

Politecnico di Milano

University of Trento

University of Padova

University of Turin

Archaeology and Anthropology

University of Bologna

Sapienza University of Rome

University of Florence

University of Siena

University of Pisa

Information Technology

Politecnico di Milano

University of Milan

University of Trento

University of Rome Tor Vergata

University of Padova

Top universities to study in Italy

Some of the top universities to study in Italy according to QS World University Rankings 2024 are as follows.

Politecnico di Milano

QS World University Rankings 2024: 123

Sapienza University of Rome

QS World University Rankings 2024: 134

University of Bologna

QS World University Rankings 2024: 154

University of Padova

QS World University Rankings 2024: 219

Politecnico di Torino

QS World University Rankings 2024: 252

University of Milan

QS World University Rankings 2024: 276

University of Naples Federico II

QS World University Rankings 2024: 335

University of Pisa

QS World University Rankings 2024: 349

University of Florence

QS World University Rankings 2024: 358

University of Turin

QS World University Rankings 2024: 364

Cost of studying in Italy

Tuition fees at Italian universities can differ based on the level of study and the institution. Public universities generally offer lower tuition fees compared to private universities. For specific courses, such as medicine or engineering, the fees might be higher. Indian students should also budget for academic expenses like books, research materials, and laboratory fees.

Tuition fees

Cost of living and accommodation

Particulars Total cost per month
Rent (including utility costs)

€400-€900

Food

€250-€400

Clothing

€50-€100

Transportation costs

€30-€70

Health insurance, doctor’s fees, medications

€80-€150

Communication

€20-€50

Working materials (books, etc.)

€30-€80

Total cost

€860-€1,750

The cost of living can vary based on factors such as the city you choose to live in and your personal lifestyle choices. Major cities like Rome and Milan tend to have higher living costs compared to smaller towns. One helpful tip is that sharing accommodations with other students can help reduce ‌rent and overall expenses.

Cities in Italy Total cost per month
Milan

€900-€1500

Rome

€870-€1400

Florence

€850-€1300

Bologna

€750-€1100

Keep in mind that these figures are just estimates and are subject to change over time. It’s advisable to create a detailed budget based on your specific needs and preferences to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay while pursuing your studies in Italy.

The average cost of living for Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree courses in Italy is tabulated below:

Particulars for Bachelor's degree Cost per year
Tuition fees

€900-€4,000

Living expenses

€8,000-€12,000

Duration

3-4 years

Total cost

€9,900-€16,000

Particulars for Master's degree Cost per year
Tuition fees

€2,000-€8,000

Living expenses

€9,900-€16,000

Duration

1-2 years

Total cost

€10,000-€23,000

The figures are approximate and can vary depending on the university, course, and personal lifestyle choices. Moreover, the total cost in INR is calculated based on the exchange rate at the time of writing this article. Exchange rates may fluctuate so it’s advisable to check the current rates for accurate conversions.

Scholarships for international students to study in Italy

Italy offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students, including those from India, to pursue their studies in the country. The Italian government, universities, and other organizations offer these scholarships.

Here are some popular scholarships for international students to study in Italy:
group diverse grads throwing caps up sky Italy 17

Many Italian universities also have their own scholarship programs for international students, so it’s recommended to explore all available options to find the best fit for your academic and financial needs.

Intakes in Italy

Italy offers two major intake periods for international students, making it flexible and convenient for you to plan your academic pursuits. These distinct periods present Indian students with the opportunity to plan their studies strategically and immerse themselves in vibrant Italian life.

Intake periods will be the first step in unlocking an exceptional educational adventure in this captivating country.

Intake Starting month Ending month Programs offered
Fall semester

September/October

February/March
Full range of programs
Spring semester

March/April

August/September
Limited program offerings, mainly for higher semesters

Please note: The specific intake dates and application periods may vary slightly between different universities and programs in Italy.

Job prospects in Italy

It is widely known that certain industries provide more lucrative salaries compared to others. These sectors often demand advanced education or specialized skills for individuals to secure employment. Let’s explore some of the top-earning industries and the potential opportunities they offer.

Job Industries Average salaries in the Italy per year
Banking & Finance

€43,277

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnical

€39,294

Engineering

€38,222

Oil & Gas

€38,093

IT & Software consultancy

€36,118

Insurance

€35,679

Aeronautics

€35,191

Automotive

€28,647

Fashion & Luxury

€28,540

Please note: The salaries mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount will depend on the individual’s skills and credentials.

If your goal is to identify careers with the highest average salary, consider exploring one of the following professions:

Profession Average salaries per year
Doctor

€163,200

Judge

€136,800

Lawyers

€110,760

Bank Manager

€104,280

CEO

€97,680

CFO

€91,200

Orthodontist

€87,960

Professor

€78,120

Please note: The salaries mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount will depend on the individual’s skills and credentials.

Italy’s timeless historical wonders and exquisite culinary delights continue to captivate students around the world. From the majestic snow-capped Dolomites in the north to the enchanting Mediterranean culture of the south, the diversity and allure of Italy’s regions are boundless.

For international students in pursuit of exceptional and affordable education, coupled with endless social and recreational opportunities, Italy is surely an exhilarating feat to accomplish.

Join hands with MSM Unify today to embark on a successful journey to study in Italy. Good luck!

FAQs

Got questions?
Find answers here
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How much does it cost to study in Italy?
Studying in Italy can cost you in the range of €900-€4,000 per year at a public university and €6,000-€20,000 per year at a private university. Living expenses are likely to range from €8,000-€15,000.
Yes, you can go to Italy for further studies after the 12th. If you are more than 17 years old and have successfully completed 12 years of formal education, you can enroll directly on the university website, choose an appropriate study program, and appear for the requisite admission test.

In order to study in Italy, you need to appear for English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Apart from these tests, you might need to provide GMAT scores at certain universities. Also, it is interesting to note that most Italian universities do not ask for GRE scores.

Italy is famous for overseas education as it is home to several world-class universities and top-notch education facilities. For years, the country has been a popular study destination to pursue arts, science, and higher education. Furthermore, tuition fees and living expenses in Italy are pretty affordable.

In order to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a university in Italy, you need to have completed 12 years of formal schooling with at least a 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4. If you want to pursue a master’s at an Italian university, you must have a minimum 7.5 GPA on a scale of 10 in a related undergraduate program. 

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