Study in Italy has become a top choice for international students, offering world-class education, vibrant culture, and affordable living. With globally ranked universities in art, engineering, medicine, and fashion, it now provides English-taught programs with flexible language requirements. Many institutions waive IELTS or accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates, internal tests. The tuition fees range from €2,000–€5,000 annually for Bachelor’s and €3,000–€8,000 for Master’s programs. Living costs average €700–€1,000 per month. For visa applications, students must show a bank statement of €6,000–€10,000. .
Study in Italy for Foreign Students
Teaching Language | English (for most Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs) |
English Proficiency Options | MOI CertificateUniversity Interview TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge Exams |
Top Universities (No IELTS) | University of BolognaSapienza University of RomeUniversity of PaduaUniversity of Pisa |
Course Duration | Bachelor’s: 3–4 years Master’s: 2 years PhD: 3–5 years |
Minimum Eligibility | 65–70% in prior academic qualifications |
Average Fee Structure | Bachelor’s: €2,000–€5,000/year Master’s: €3,000–€8,000/year |
Living Costs | €700 – €1,200/month |
Average Application Fee | €0 – €50 (varies by university; some charge no fee) |
Scholarships Available | DSU Scholarship, Invest Your Talent in Italy, University-specific merit-based awards |
Visa Requirements | IELTS not mandatory; MOI or admission letter confirming English instruction is acceptable |
Programs Offered | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD, Short-term & Exchange Programs |
Fields of Study | Medicine, Engineering, Fashion, ArtArchitectureHumanitiesBusinessData Science |
Recognition | Degrees recognized globally by WHO, UNESCO, and EHEA |
Bank Statement Requirement | Proof of funds €6,000–€10,000 for visa to cover tuition and living expenses |
Per Time Job & Working Hours | 20 hours per week (part-time allowed on student visa) |
Intake | September (Fall) and limited programs in February (Spring) |
Top Italian Universities for International Students
Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, offering high-quality education and excellent student support. For English-taught MBBS programs, students must clear the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test), and applicants need to understand the IMAT registration guide to complete the process smoothly.
University | Top Programs | Annual Tuition (Est.) |
University of Bologna | Humanities, Law, Economics, Engineering | €2,000 – €3,000 |
Sapienza University of Rome | Medicine, Architecture, Natural Sciences | €1,000 – €2,500 |
University of Padua | Psychology, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine | €1,800 – €2,800 |
University of Milan | Biotechnology, Law, Political Science | €900 – €4,000 |
Politecnico di Milano | Architecture, Engineering, Design | €3,500 – €4,500 |
University of Pisa | Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics | €1,500 – €2,500 |
University of Florence | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | €1,300 – €2,800 |
University of Turin | Business, Medicine, Computer Science | €1,200 – €3,000 |
Scholarships for International Students
Italy provides financial aid options for foreign students from developing countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa. Scholarships can cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
Scholarship | Covers | Eligible Fields |
Italian Government Scholarships | Full tuition + living grant | All programs (Master’s/PhD) |
Erasmus+ Program | Tuition, travel, living | Social sciences, STEM |
Regional Scholarships (DSU Grants) | Partial/full tuition,housing | All degrees |
University-specific Scholarships | Tuition waiver, stipends | Program-dependent |
Invest Your Talent in Italy | Tuition + internship support | STEM, Business, Engineering |
Admission Process: Step-by-Step for International Students
Applying to study in Italy is simple. Follow this streamlined process to get started:
Research and Choose Your Program: Select a course and university that matches your academic goals.
Prepare Application Documents
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- Valid passport
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or MOI certificate)
- Motivation letter & CV
- Passport-size photos
Await Admission Decision: Universities typically take 2–4 weeks to process your application.
Confirm Enrollment: Once accepted, pay the tuition deposit and confirm your spot
Visa Process Steps (Italy)
After securing admission, follow these steps to apply for an Italian student visa:
Gather Visa Documents
- Official admission letter
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Financial proof (bank statement €6,000–€10,000)
- Health insurance covering €30,000
- Completed visa application form & fee
- Passport photos
Submit Visa Application: Apply at your nearest Italian embassy/consulate and book a biometric appointment.
Wait for Visa Decision: Visa processing usually takes 4–6 weeks.
Prepare for Travel: Once approved, plan your arrival and request a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days of landing.
Why You Need a European Educational Consultant
Studying abroad is more than securing an admission letter—it’s about managing every step of a complicated journey with confidence and success. From confusing admission requirements like application deadline, proper documentations, to critical visa applications, a small mistake can delay or even ruin your plans.
Our professional European educational consultant helps you:
- Understand and meet university requirements without errors
- Apply for scholarships on time to reduce your financial burden
- Navigate visa paperwork flawlessly to avoid rejections
- Secure accommodation in unfamiliar cities across Italy
- Get pre-departure and post-arrival support for a smooth transition
We handle all these challenges for you. With fast-track admissions through our Italian partner universities, 100% visa filing success support, and post-arrival assistance for accommodation and residence permits—we ensure your academic journey begins without stress. Let us manage the details while you prepare for your Italian adventure.
FAQS
Are there affordable housing options for students?
Yes, university dorms and shared flats in cities like Bologna and Milan are budget-friendly.
Are scholarships available for African and Asian students?
Yes. Italian Government and DSU scholarships are open to students for African and asians
Can I stay in Italy after graduation?
Yes, graduates can apply for a 6–12 month job search permit to find employment in Italy.
Is health insurance mandatory for students?
Yes, you must have health insurance covering at least €30,000 for visa approval.
Do Italian universities have entrance exams?
Some programs (like Medicine) require IMAT, but most bachelor’s and master’s degrees don’t need entrance tests.