Italy has some of the world's most popular and oldest universities. International students have many course and university options. Italy has many technical, medical, business, and other universities. The course duration of a graduate degree is three years, and a master's degree is two years. International students can also select some special programs for a short period.
Depending on your course duration, you can opt for a Type C or Type D student visa.
Italy is known for some of the oldest universities in the world. The country offers numerous options for international students, including state universities, private universities, and technical universities. The institutes follow a five-year education system, with three years for a bachelor's degree and two years for a master's degree.
The universities in Italy offer four categories of courses:
Italy, like all the other European countries, follows the Bologna system.
Though international students can enroll in courses taught in English, learning the Italian language is beneficial. This will help them communicate with the local community and become familiar with the local culture.
Accommodation costs, such as rental rates, are higher in bigger cities than in smaller towns. Students must also consider living costs, including food, transportation, and social activities. Again, these costs are higher in bigger cities like Milan and Rome.
Higher Study Options | Average Tuition Fee per Year | Visa Fee | Living Expenses for 1 Year/Proof of funds for 1 year |
Bachelors | 5000 Euros and above | 50 Euros | 5000 Euros (approximately) |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 5000 Euros and above | 50 Euros | 5000 Euros (approximately) |
University | QS Rank 2024 |
Politecnico di Milano | 123 |
Sapienza University of Rome | =134 |
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna | =154 |
Università di Padova | 219 |
Politecnico di Torino | 252 |
University of Milan | =276 |
University of Naples - Federico II | 335 |
University of Pisa | =349 |
University of Florence | =358 |
University of Turin | =364 |
Fashion & Design Courses
• Bachelor of Arts in Interior and Furniture Design
• Bachelor of Arts in Design
• Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
Hospitality & Tourism
Bachelors
• Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality
• Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management
Masters
• Master in Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Master in Design of Sustainable Tourism System
• Global MBA in Food & Wine
Social Science & Humanities
Bachelors
• BA in Languages, Civilization & Science of Language
• Bachelor in Politics, Philosophy & Economics
• Bachelor in Liberal Studies
Masters
• MA in Strategic Studies & Diplomatic Sciences
• Master in International Relations
• MA in Political Science: European Union Policy Studies
• Master in Careers with the European Union
Business & Management
Bachelors
• Bachelor in Business, Media & Communications
• Bachelor in Business Administration & Economics
• Bachelor in Business and Sports Management
Masters
• Master in Business Administration
• Master in Luxury Brand Management
• Master in Business Design
Popular Masters courses in Italy
• Master in Interior Design
• Master in Jewelry Design
• Master in Interior Design for Commercial Spaces & Retail
• Master in Arts Management
• Master in Fashion Communication and Styling
• Master in Transportation Design
Intakes in Italy
Italy has 2 study intakes annually. International students can select any of the intakes according to their preference.
Intakes | Study Program | Admission deadlines |
Autumn | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | September to December |
Spring | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | January to May |
Italian universities accept admissions in September, which is the main intake. Some universities may consider admissions in January/February, depending on the program. Applying 6-8 months before the information can help you secure admission and study scholarships.
Higher Study Options | Duration | Intake Months | Deadline to Apply |
Bachelors | 3 Years | Sep (Major) & Feb (Minor) | 6-8 months before the intake month |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 2 Years | Sep (Major) & Feb (Minor) | 6-8 months before the intake month |
A short-term student visa for Italy costs approximately €80 - €100, and a long-term Italy student visa costs around €76 to €110. The visa fee is expected to change based on various government policies.
Educational Requirements to Study in Italy
Higher Study Options | Minimum Educational Requirement | Minimum Required Percentage | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score |
Bachelors | 12 Years of Education (10+2)/ 10+3 years of diploma | 60% | 3/4 Years of Graduate Degree |
Masters (MS/MBA) | 3/4 Years of Graduate Degree | 60% | Overall, 6.5 with no band less than 6 |
Italy is a popular destination for students. The country offers many scholarships for international students, and its education costs are lower than in other countries.
Step 1: Check your eligibility to apply for the Italy Visa.
Step 2: Get ready with all the required documents.
Step 3: Apply for an Italy Visa online.
Step 4: Wait for the approval status.
Step 5: Fly to Italy for your education.
A short-term student visa for Italy costs approximately €80 - €100, and a long-term Italy student visa costs around €76 to €110. The visa fee is expected to change based on various government policies.
Italy's student visa processing time is much less compared to other countries. You can get an Italy student visa in 3 to 6 weeks after applying. Sometimes, visa processing may be delayed if the documents are incorrect. So, submit the correct documents at the time of application.
Students from non-EU countries can work here during their course if they have a work permit. This requires a job offer from an Italian employer. The processing times for the work permit vary between regions and take an average of two months.
The cost of study in Italy depends upon the type of university (private/public), the course you have selected, the scholarship amount (if applicable), and many other factors. The cost of study is inclusive of the tuition fee and living expenses. The cost of study in Italy varies from person to person, depending upon their daily expenses and other needs. Here is a rough picture of the fees the Italian universities charge for various courses.
Tuition Fees – Public Universities |
€900 – €8000/year |
Tuition Fees – Private Universities |
€6000 – €30000/year |
Accommodation Costs |
€300 – €1200/month |
Food and Transportation Costs |
€150 – €600/month |
Many of the Italy universities accept admission without IELTS. International aspirants can quickly get admission in Italy by submitting other English language proficiency proofs from previous universities. International students are recommended to have a strong command of English. The minimum scores required to get admission in Italy a university is:
Best courses to study in Italy are,
Italian universities are known for high-quality education and experienced professors. Management and business courses are prevalent in Italy as the course curriculum is most advanced. The program will be taught on a skill-oriented basis.
Yes! International students are permitted to work while studying. The duration of work is limited to 20 hours a week and 1040 hours per year. By working part-time, international students can manage their expenses for accommodation, food, and others.
Italy is the place for many top ranked universities as per global rankings. Here is the list of best universities in Italy as per QS Ranking 2024.
Italy Rank 2024 |
World University Rank 2024 |
World University Rank 2023 |
University |
City |
1 |
=155 |
=161 |
University of Bologna |
Bologna |
2 |
=168 |
=183 |
Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa |
Pisa |
3 |
181 |
201–250 |
Sapienza University of Rome |
Rome |
=4 |
201–250 |
201–250 |
University of Padua |
Padua |
=4 |
201–250 |
301–350 |
Politecnico di Milano |
Milan |
=4 |
201–250 |
201–250 |
Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa |
Pisa |
=7 |
251–300 |
201–250 |
Humanitas University |
Milan |
=7 |
251–300 |
201–250 |
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University |
Milan |
If you immigrated to Italy for any course, you can apply for a resident permit after a specific duration. Students from any country can apply for Italy PR after 5 years of uninterrupted stay in Italy. Italy's permanent residence permit is also known as EU Long Term Residence Permit.
There are two types of student visas depending on the length of the program:
· Visa type C: Short-stay visa or travel visa valid for one or more entries and for a period not exceeding 90 days
· Visa type D: Long-stay visa valid for more than 90 days
The length of stay, validity, number of entries, number of applications at the embassy, and the applicant’s previous travel background can all affect the processing time for the student permit. In most cases, student permits are processed in about 15 working days. It is better to submit your application far ahead of time to prevent any delays.
Currently, the visa fee for National D visa is €116.