Admissions • Costs • Scholarships • Lifestyle • Work Rights
Study in Italy
Italian universities, design schools, and research hubs for international students
Overview
Italy offers centuries of academic excellence alongside cutting-edge research in engineering, fashion, design, heritage, and culinary arts. The country participates fully in the Bologna Process, providing three-year bachelor’s degrees (Laurea Triennale) and two-year master’s degrees (Laurea Magistrale) compatible with the rest of Europe.
International students can enrol in over 500 English-taught programmes, strengthened by scholarships, dual degrees, and industry connections in Milan, Turin, Rome, Florence, and Bologna.
Why Choose Italy
Design & cultural capital
Historic universities
Affordable living
Gateway to Europe
Top Universities in Italy
Politecnico di Milano
Key Strengths
University of Bologna
Key Strengths
Bocconi University
Key Strengths
Sapienza University of Rome
Key Strengths
Politecnico di Torino
Key Strengths
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Key Strengths
Popular Programs & Entry Pathways
Italy is renowned for architecture, engineering, fashion, gastronomy, and heritage preservation. Programmes integrate studio work, internships, and industry partnerships with design houses, automotive companies, and UNESCO sites.
Foundation years and Italian language schools help students reach B2 proficiency before entering degree programmes. Many universities offer dual-degree exchanges through Erasmus+ and partner institutions in the US, UK, and Asia.
Engineering & Technology
Politecnico schools drive innovation in aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and smart manufacturing.
Featured: Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, University of Naples Federico II
Design, Fashion & Arts
Italy leads in luxury goods, visual arts, and product design with collaborative projects across Milan Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile.
Featured: Istituto Marangoni, IED, Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
Hospitality & Culinary Arts
Programmes in Florence, Parma, and Piedmont offer Michelin-star apprenticeships and wine tourism training.
Featured: ALMA Culinary School, Università di Scienze Gastronomiche, Luiss Business School Food & Wine
Heritage, Archaeology & Humanities
Rome, Florence, and Naples provide unparalleled access to museums, conservation labs, and excavation sites.
Featured: Sapienza University, University of Florence, University of Siena
Admission Requirements
Italian universities evaluate prior academics, language ability, and programme fit. Non-EU students often apply via the Universitaly portal and must secure a study visa. Some degrees, such as Medicine, Architecture, and Engineering, require entrance exams (IMAT, TOLC).
undergraduate
- Secondary school diploma equivalent to Italian Maturità with authenticated transcripts.
- Academic transcripts translated into Italian or English by a sworn translator.
- Language proficiency: CILS/CELI B2 for Italian programmes; IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for English tracks.
- Entrance exams (IMAT, TOLC, Design aptitude tests) where applicable.
- Motivation letter and CV; portfolio for architecture/design schools.
postgraduate
- Three- or four-year bachelor’s degree with diploma supplement or transcript of records.
- Grading scale conversion to the Italian 110/110 system plus GPA equivalent.
- Language proficiency: Italian B2 or IELTS 6.5 (programme-specific).
- Two recommendation letters, CV, and statement of purpose.
- Research proposal for doctoral programmes and supervisor endorsement.
Language test benchmarks
CILS / CELI
B2 for most degrees; C1 for education and journalism
IELTS Academic
6.0-6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT
80-90 depending on faculty
Application Steps
Public universities typically require pre-application via Universitaly followed by visa pre-enrolment at the Italian consulate. Deadlines for autumn intake range from April to July, with rolling admissions for private institutions.
1. Choose programmes
Compare curricula, language options, tuition, and entrance exam requirements.
2. Prepare documentation
Translate and legalise academic records, sit language exams, and assemble portfolios if applicable.
3. Submit Universitaly application
Create an account, upload documents, and select your preferred universities and courses.
4. Receive conditional admission
Complete interviews or entrance exams. University issues pre-admission letter for visa purposes.
5. Apply for study visa
Submit documents to the Italian consulate, demonstrate funds (EUR 6,000+/year), and purchase health insurance.
6. Final enrolment
Arrive in Italy, obtain codice fiscale, pay tuition instalments, and finalise enrolment at the registrar’s office.
18-12 months
- Research universities, note application deadlines, and plan Italian/English language exams.
- Start preparing portfolios or project submissions for design and architecture schools.
12-6 months
- Submit Universitaly applications, sit entrance tests (IMAT/TOLC), and apply for scholarships.
- Gather proof of finances and accommodation options for the visa.
6-3 months
- Receive admission, pay deposit, and book consulate appointment for visa pre-enrolment.
- Arrange housing (university residences, private rentals) and health insurance.
3-0 months
- Submit visa application, collect travel documents, and schedule Permesso di Soggiorno appointment via Questura upon arrival.
- Attend pre-departure orientation and learn essential Italian phrases for daily life.
Cost of Studying in Italy
Tuition is calculated per credit and income-based at many public universities. Living expenses vary by city, with Milan and Rome at the higher end and Bologna, Turin, and Bari offering lower costs.
public universities
EUR 900-4,000 per year (≈ 9,800-44,000 MAD)
private universities
EUR 7,000-20,000 per year (≈ 76,000-217,000 MAD)
design schools
EUR 10,000-28,000 per year (≈ 109,000-305,000 MAD)
Milan
EUR 1,100-1,500 (≈ 12,000-16,400 MAD)
Shared apartment EUR 450-650, transport EUR 22 (student pass), meals EUR 250-300.
Rome
EUR 1,000-1,300 (≈ 10,900-14,200 MAD)
Central districts pricier; consider suburban housing with metro access.
Bologna
EUR 850-1,100 (≈ 9,200-12,000 MAD)
Large student population with affordable dining halls (mensa) and bike-friendly transport.
Turin
EUR 800-1,050 (≈ 8,700-11,500 MAD)
Access to EDISU regional scholarships and subsidised dormitories.
| Expense | EUR | MAD |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (public) | EUR 900-4,000 | 9,800-44,000 MAD |
| Accommodation | EUR 4,200-7,800 | 45,600-84,600 MAD |
| Food & groceries | EUR 2,400-3,000 | 26,100-32,700 MAD |
| Transportation | EUR 200-360 | 2,200-3,900 MAD |
| Health insurance | EUR 120-200 | 1,300-2,200 MAD |
| Personal expenses | EUR 1,200-1,800 | 13,000-19,600 MAD |
Scholarships & Funding
Italy offers generous regional scholarships (borse di studio) based on income and merit. Students can combine tuition waivers with hostel discounts, meal cards, and transport subsidies.
National & Regional
Invest Your Talent in Italy
Tuition waiver + EUR 900 monthly stipend
Master’s students in engineering, ICT, economics, or design from selected countries.
EDISU Piemonte Scholarship
EUR 1,800-5,200 + housing and meal subsidies
Students enrolled in Piedmont universities meeting merit and ISEE income thresholds.
Institutional
Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarship
Full tuition + EUR 5,000-10,000 per year stipend
Awarded to top international MS students; renewable based on GPA.
Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards
EUR 13,000 tuition waiver
Automatic consideration for outstanding MSc applicants.
External & EU
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Fully-funded mobility programmes involving Italian partner universities.
Luiss Foundation Scholarships
Supports students in economics, diplomacy, and sustainability programmes.
Student Life & Support
Italian campuses blend historic architecture with modern labs. Student services provide orientation weeks, Italian language courses, and buddy programmes that connect international and local students.
Healthcare access requires registering with the National Health Service (SSN) or private insurance; many regions offer reduced SSN enrolment fees for students.
Campus Experience
Expect lectures, workshops, and project studios with continuous assessment and oral exams.
Housing
Options include university halls (EUR 350-500), shared flats (EUR 400-600), and host families for immersion.
Culture & Community
Student associations, Erasmus Student Network Italy, and municipal cultural cards offer concerts, museum entries, and volunteer opportunities.
Wellbeing
Universities run counselling, medical centres, and sports facilities; the Italian diet and walkable cities encourage active lifestyles.
Working During Studies
Student residence permits allow up to 1,040 hours per year (20 hours/week). Part-time work requires a codice fiscale and an employment contract registered with INPS.
Work hours: 1,040 hours/year (~20 hours weekly)
Minimum wage: Italy applies sectoral agreements; average student wages range EUR 8-12/hour (≈ 87-130 MAD)
Popular roles: Hospitality, Retail, Tour guide/assistant, University tutor
Internships: Curricular internships often pay EUR 400-700 per month; ensure a training agreement (convenzione di tirocinio) is in place.
Post-Graduation Options
Graduates can request a permesso di soggiorno for job search or entrepreneurship (up to 12 months). Successful employment leads to conversion into a work residence permit or EU Blue Card.
Permesso di soggiorno per ricerca lavoro
Duration: 12 months
Completed Laurea Magistrale, Master Universitario, or PhD in Italy; must show accommodation and financial means.
Application window: Apply before student permit expires at the local Questura.
EU Blue Card
Duration: Up to 2 years (renewable)
Job offer with salary ≥ 1.5× national average and recognised degree.
Startup Visa Italy
Fast-track permit for innovative start-ups endorsed by the Italy Startup Visa committee.
Self-employment permit
For freelancers or professionals registered with Italian chambers (Ordini Professionali) meeting income thresholds.
Visa Pathway
Non-EU students apply for a long-stay study visa (Type D) through the Italian consulate after securing admission. The visa allows entry to Italy, where students convert it into a permesso di soggiorno within eight days of arrival.
Step 1
Receive unconditional acceptance and Universitaly pre-enrolment approval.
Step 2
Provide proof of funds (EUR 6,000+ per year), health insurance, and accommodation arrangements.
Step 3
Book consulate appointment, submit documents, and obtain Type D visa.
Step 4
Arrive in Italy, file for permesso di soggiorno (kit postale), and attend fingerprint appointment at Questura.
Read the Italy visa guide
Essential Documents Checklist
Academic
- High-school diploma or bachelor’s degree with sworn translations.
- Statement of equivalence or declaration of value (Dichiarazione di Valore) where required.
- Language certificates (CILS/CELI, IELTS) and entrance exam confirmation.
Financial
- Bank statements showing ability to cover EUR 6,000+ per year.
- Scholarship or sponsor letters (notarised) with proof of income.
- Accommodation booking or housing guarantee.
Supporting
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months) + photocopies.
- Two visa photos (35mm x 45mm).
- Private health insurance covering the first year.
- Police clearance certificate (apostilled) for stays over 90 days.
Application Timeline
18-12 months
- Shortlist programmes, plan language training, and review Universitaly requirements.
- Prepare portfolio or research proposal if relevant.
12-6 months
- Submit applications, sit admission tests, and apply for scholarships.
- Gather translations, legalisations, and financial documents.
6-3 months
- Accept offer, pay fees, and secure housing and health insurance.
- Book Italian consulate appointment for visa pre-enrolment.
3-0 months
- Submit visa, arrange travel, and prepare documents for permesso di soggiorno.
- Join pre-departure webinars and connect with Italian student communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Italian?
English-taught programmes are available, but daily life and internships require at least A2-B1 Italian. Many universities offer free language courses.
How long does the visa take?
Study visas usually take 4–6 weeks. Apply as soon as you receive the Universitaly pre-enrolment confirmation to secure an appointment.
What is the permesso di soggiorno?
It is the residence permit required for stays longer than 90 days. Apply within eight days of arrival using the post office kit and complete fingerprinting at the Questura.
Can I work in Italy during studies?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week, provided you hold a valid permesso di soggiorno and have a codice fiscale.
Are scholarships available?
Regional scholarships (DSU, EDISU) and university merit awards reduce tuition and living costs. Apply early and provide income documentation.
How can I stay after graduation?
Apply for the 12-month job search permit, then convert to a work permit or EU Blue Card once you secure a qualifying job.