Study Abroad Universities Study in Italy

Study in Italy: Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships, Course Fees and Job Opportunities

Study Abroad Team 28/02/2025

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Study in Italy - Highlights

Italy offers a standard education to students from all around the globe and promising career options to job seekers. In recent times, around 1M+ students enrolled for studies in Italy. Around 62% of students enrolled for bachelors while 19.4% enrolled for master’s degrees in Italy.Notable Italian universities includePolitecnico di Milano (QS Ranking 2024: 123, THE Ranking 2024: 201), Sapienza University of Rome (QS Ranking 2024: 134, THE Ranking 2024: 181), University of Bologna (QS Ranking 2024: 154, THE Ranking 2024: 155), and University of Padua (QS Ranking 2024: 180, THE Ranking 2024: 201).

Study in Italy - Rankings

Italy’s education system is renowned for its prestigious universities, with institutions such as the University of Bologna (QS Ranking 2024: 154, THE Ranking 2024: 155), Politecnico di Milano (QS Ranking 2024: 123, THE Ranking 2024: 201), and Sapienza University of Rome (QS Ranking 2024: 134, THE Ranking 2024: 181) consistently ranking among the top 200 universities globally. These universities offer many academic programs with a strong focus on design, engineering, and liberal arts. For Indian students in Italy, this means access to world-class education, with Italian education for Indian students offering high-quality courses across various fields. With over 1 million international students enrolled annually, Italy’s education system offers a diverse academic environment. Moreover, Italy has one of Europe's highest percentages of international students, with almost10% of university students being international. This contributes to study abroad in Italy becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking to experience world-class education. The high global rankings of Italian universities ensure that graduates have excellent job prospects both in Italy and internationally.

Core Facts About Italy

Study in Italy attracts students worldwide due to its rich history, academic excellence, and cultural vibrancy. The country offers numerous programs catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Education in Italy

Universities and Colleges 36+ Universities & Colleges

Indian Students in Italy (2023) 7000+

Post - Study Work Permit 20 Hrs per week

Permanent Residence Yes

University / College Stats

Students Placed 5.9 K+

Primary Language Italian

Popular Course MBA, MS, Designing Courses

Scholarships €900 (INR 80,000)

Why Study in Italy? 

Italy is renowned as the education powerhouse of Europe, attracting thousands of international students each year, including a growing number of Indian students. Here are the top reasons why study in Italy is an excellent choice for Indian and international students alike:

English-Taught Programs: Knowing the Italian language is not mandatory for studying in Italy. Many universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs entirely in English, making it ideal for international students.
Rich Culture and Art: Studying in Italy exposes students to the country’s vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and artistic heritage. From Roman architecture to Renaissance art, students enjoy a unique cultural immersion.
World-Class Universities: Italy is home to some of the best universities globally, such as the University of Bologna (QS Ranking 2024: 154), the world’s oldest university. Other top institutions include Politecnico di Milano (QS Ranking 2024: 123) and Sapienza University of Rome (QS Ranking 2024: 134). These universities cater to diverse fields like visual arts, engineering, fashion, and writing.
Affordable Education: The cost of study in Italy for Indian students is relatively low compared to other European nations. Tuition fees range between €850 and €4,000 annually, depending on the program and university. Additionally, Italy offers a variety of scholarships for Indian students and even opportunities to study in Italy for free through need-based and merit-based funding.
Low Cost of Living: Italy is a student-friendly country, with an average cost of living ranging between €600 and €1,000 per month, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
Italian Cuisine and Lifestyle: Students can enjoy world-famous Italian cuisine, shop at local markets, and adapt to the country’s warm and welcoming customs while studying.
Strong Research Opportunities: Italy has produced numerous scientists and researchers, with universities investing heavily in research and development.
Diverse International Community: Italy hosts over 100,000 international students annually, creating a vibrant multicultural environment for learning and networking.
Strategic Location: Italy's central European location allows easy travel to neighboring countries, enhancing the overall study abroad experience.
Career Opportunities: Studying in Italy can open doors to various career opportunities, especially in fashion, design, and culinary arts, where Italy is a global leader.
Networking Opportunities: Italy's universities have strong connections with industries and businesses, providing students with valuable networking opportunities for internships and employment.
Support for International Students: Italian universities offer various support services for international students, including orientation programs, language courses, and counseling services, to help them adapt to their new environment.
Access to European Union Programs: As a member of the European Union, Italy offers students access to various EU-funded programs and initiatives, including research projects and exchange programs.
Quality of Life: Italy offers a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, public transportation, and a rich cultural scene, contributing to a well-rounded student experience.

Universities and Courses

Italy has witnessed an increase in Indian students enrolling in its institutions. In 2023, more than 7,000 Indian students opted to study in Italy for Indian students, benefiting from the scholarships.

Top Universities in Italy

Apart from the rich art and culture, Italy has the best universities with excellent rankings worldwide. The universities in Italy have decent tuition fees and a relatively low cost of living, making it quite affordable for international students to study there. The following are some of the well-renowned Italian universities and their rankings worldwide:

S.NO	Universities	City	World Rankings 2024	Italy's Rankings 2024
1	Politecnico di Milano	Milan	139	1
2	University of Bologna	Bologna	167	2
3	Sapienza University of Rome	Rome	171	3
4	University of Padua	Padua	243	4
5	University of Milan	Milan	324	5
6	Politecnico di Torino	Turin	325	6
7	University of Pisa	Pisa	404	7
8	University of Naples Federico II	Naples	416	8
9	Vita-Salute San Raffaele University	Milan	436	9
10	University of Trento	Trento	457	10
11	University of Florence	Florence	501-600	11-13
12	University of Turin	Turin	501-600	11-13
13	University of Rome Tor Vergata	Rome	501-600	11-13
14	Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore	Milan	601-800	14-18
15	University of Pavia	Pavia	601-800	14-18
16	Polytechnic University of Bari	Bari	601-800	14-18
17	University of Milano-Bicocca	Milan	601-800	14-18
18	University of Genoa	Genoa	601-800	14-18
19	Free University of Bozen-Bolzano	Bolzano	801-1000	19-21
20	University of Trieste	Trieste	801-1000	19-21

Popular Courses in Italy

Italy Intakes

Italian universities typically offer two main intakes during the academic year:

Autumn Intake (Fall Semester): This intake usually begins in mid-September or early October and concludes in January. It is the primary intake for most programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses. Application deadlines for this intake generally fall between May and June.

Spring Intake (Spring Semester): The spring semester starts around mid-January or early February and ends in July. While not all programs are available during this intake, certain courses, particularly those with a limited number of seats, may offer this option. Application deadlines for the spring intake are typically in November.

Special Provision for Indian Students in Italy

Italian universities and the Italian government offer several provisions to support Indian students:

Scholarships: Various scholarships are available to assist Indian students financially. For instance, the University of Sapienza provides scholarships to international students admitted to bachelor's and master's degree programs. Similarly, the University of Padua offers merit-based scholarships to students enrolled in master's programs.

Cultural Integration Programs: Many universities offer orientation programs to help international students adapt to Italian culture and academic life. These programs often include language courses, cultural excursions, and workshops on Italian customs and traditions.

Student Associations: Indian students can join associations such as the Indian Students Association in Italy, which organizes cultural events, festivals, and networking opportunities, fostering a sense of community among Indian students abroad.

Part-Time Work Opportunities: Indian students are permitted to work part-time during their studies. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays, providing an opportunity to gain work experience and support living expenses.

Visa and Residence Permits: Indian students must apply for a student visa (Type D) before arriving in Italy. Upon arrival, they are required to obtain a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days. Universities often assist students in navigating these processes.

Italy Acceptance Rate

Italian universities are known for their inclusive and student-friendly approach, making them a top choice for international students. The acceptance rate to study in Italy varies based on the university and program, with public universities generally offering a higher acceptance rate than private institutions. For students seeking higher education opportunities, the country’s diverse education system ensures access to quality education. Additionally, study in Italy for Indian students has become increasingly popular due to transparent admission criteria and growing support for international learners. The acceptance rates reflect Italy's welcoming nature toward global talent, particularly in fields like architecture, fashion, and engineering.

University-Specific Acceptance Rates

Here are some notable Italian universities along with their estimated acceptance rates:

University of Bologna
As the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna has an estimated acceptance rate of over 70%.

Politecnico di Milano
Known for its engineering and architecture programs, Politecnico di Milano has an acceptance rate of approximately 28%, making it more competitive for applicants.

University of Milan
With a diverse range of programs, the University of Milan has an acceptance rate of about 65%, offering a balanced admissions process.

University of Pisa
Renowned for its research and academic excellence, the University of Pisa has an acceptance rate of approximately 55%.

University of Florence
Offering a wide array of programs, the University of Florence has an acceptance rate of around 60%, reflecting its moderately selective admissions process.

Cost of Studying in Italy

The cost of study in Italy for Indian students varies depending on the institution, but public universities often have tuition fees ranging between €500 and €4,000 per year.By understanding the cost of study in Italy for Indian students and leveraging opportunities like scholarships for Italy for Indian students, applicants can improve their chances of admission and minimize expenses.

Program	Tuition Fees	Living Expenses
Bachelor’s Programs	-Public Universities: €500 to €4,000.-Private Universities: Varies widely; can be higher than public universities.	Approximately €8,000 to €12,000 per year.
Master’s/Doctorate Programs	-Public Universities: €900 to €4,000.-Private Universities: Varies based on the program.	Approximately €10,000 to €15,000 per year.

Scholarships for Indian Students in Italy

Indian students can avail of various scholarships for Italy for Indian students, such as Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, Italian Government Scholarships, and university-specific scholarships like Politecnico di Milano and University of Bologna scholarships. These initiatives reduce the cost of study in Italy for Indian students, making education more accessible. For eligible students, it is even possible to study in Italy for free, especially through full scholarships covering tuition and living expenses.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships	$12,500 per year
Italian Government Scholarships	$28,000 per year
Politecnico di Milano Scholarship	$22,500 per year
University of Bologna Scholarships	$20,000 per year
Bocconi Merit and International Awards	$32,500 per year
Edison Scholarship	$12,500 per year

Study in Italy for Free

While studying in Italy is already cost-effective, some students can pursue higher education for free by securing scholarships or grants. Many public universities waive tuition fees based on academic excellence or financial need. Additionally, initiatives like scholarships for Italy for Indian students and the Erasmus program have paved the way for free education opportunities. This makes Italy a dream destination for students aiming to gain a world-class education without incurring hefty costs. Exploring options under study abroad in Italy can help students achieve their educational goals without financial stress.

Student Visa in Italy

Visa	Cost	When to Apply	Processing Time
Short stay Schengen Visa (up to 90 days)	$86.90	Apply at least 10 days before travel, not more than 3 months	15 days (can be extended up to 60 days)
Type D Visa for study	$54.30	Apply well in advance	10-15 working days
Long Stay Visa D TYPE (More than 90 days)	$126.00	Apply well in advance	7-15 days (can take up to 90 days for national type visas)

Documents Required for Visa Application

A duly filled application form
Recent Photographs
Copies of the school certificates and degree certificates
Test scores of the English proficiency tests
Updated resume and CV
Letters of Recommendation
Letter of Motivation
SAT/ACT scores
Statement of Purpose
Portfolio of the candidate

Application Process to Study in Italy

Research the universities and courses suitable for your interests.
Gather required documents, including a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR).
Submit your application online or through Italy's Universitaly platform https://www.universitaly.it/, commonly used for non-European Union students.
Apply for a Type D Study Visa upon receiving the offer letter.

Required Entrance Exams

IELTS – Most Italian universities prefer the International English Language or IELTS. A student has to score anywhere around 5.5 to 6.5 band scores to get into a Canadian university
TOEFL – This is yet another important English test to take up studies in Italy. A student has to get the following scores in TOEFL :
- TOEFL iBT – around 79 – 90
- TOEFL CBT – around 213
- TOEFL- around 547
PTE Academic – A student has to score around 42 – 50 PTE scores to get into universities in Italy.

Italian Language Proficiency Tests

The universities in Italy ask for Italian language proficiency test scores for certain courses with the Italian language as the medium of instruction. Some of the Italian language proficiency tests are as follows:

Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language or the CELI
Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language – CILS
Italian Language Project Dante Alighieri – PLIDA
Italian Certification – IT

Academic Tests

Along with the language tests, Italian universities also ask for the academic exams scores like the following:

GRE – The Graduate Record Examination or the GRE is for students who wish to pursue degrees like MSC and MBA. A student has to achieve an average score of around 150 to get through the examination
GMAT – The Graduate Management Test, or the GMAT, is for students pursuing Business and Management courses in universities and B-schools. A student has to score around 550 – 600 to get admission into Italian universities.
MAT – The Mathematics Admissions Test or the MAT is for a few undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Italy
IMAT – The International Medical Admissions Test, or IMAT, is for students pursuing ug medical courses in Italian universities.

Italy Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is crucial for a comfortable experience while pursuing your education in Italy. Here are the options available for study abroad in Italy:

University Dormitories: Many universities in Italy provide affordable dormitory facilities for international students. These dorms are equipped with essential amenities and help students interact with peers from diverse cultures.
Private Rentals: Private accommodations, including apartments and shared flats, are popular choices among students. These options provide greater privacy and flexibility, although they may be more expensive compared to university dorms.
Homestays:Staying with a local Italian family allows students to immerse themselves in the culture while enjoying a homely environment. It’s a preferred option for those who want to enhance their Italian language skills.
Cost of Living:The cost of study in Italy for Indian students includes accommodation expenses, which typically range from €200 to €800 per month, depending on the city and type of housing. Cities like Milan and Rome are costlier compared to smaller towns like Pisa or Trento.

Tips for Finding Accommodation:

Start your search early to get the best options.
Use university resources or online platforms like HousingAnywhere and Uniplaces.
Join student communities to find shared living arrangements at reduced costs.

Work Opportunties in Italy

International students studying in Italy can work part-time while pursuing their education. The study in Italy for international students is complemented by post-study work permits, enabling them to gain professional experience.

Post-Study Work Visa

Italy offers a post-study work visa, officially known as the "Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione" (Permit to Stay for Job Seeking). This visa allows non-EU graduates to stay in Italy for 9 to 12 months after completing their studies to seek employment or start a business.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the post-study work visa, you must:

Complete Higher Education: Have graduated from an accredited Italian higher education institution with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree.
Apply Within 60 Days: Submit your application for the post-study work visa within 60 days of completing your studies.
Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself during the job-seeking period.
Health Insurance: Provide proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

Application Process

Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including your passport, academic certificates, proof of accommodation, financial means, and health insurance.
Submit Application: Apply at the local Immigration Office (Questura) in Italy.
Await Processing: The processing time can vary; it's advisable to apply well in advance of your current permit's expiration.

Transition to Work Visa

If you secure a job during the validity of your post-study work visa, you can transition to a work visa. Your employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. Once approved, you can switch from the post-study work visa to a work visa, allowing you to work full-time in Italy.

Job Opportunities and Sectors

Italy's job market offers opportunities in various sectors, including:

Engineering and Technology: Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering professionals are in demand.
Business and Finance: Roles in management, finance, and consulting are prevalent.
Tourism and Hospitality: Given Italy's status as a tourist destination, there is a constant need for professionals in this sector.
Fashion and Design: Italy's fashion industry offers opportunities for designers, marketers, and other related roles.

Language Proficiency

While many Italians speak English, proficiency in the Italian language is highly advantageous and often required for many positions. Engaging in language courses can enhance your employability and integration into the workplace.

Permanent Residency

After legally residing in Italy for five years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, subject to meeting specific requirements.

Profession	Estimated Salary
Tourism and Hospitality	€2,453
Information Technology	€2,453
Marketing and Advertising	€2,453
Language and translations	€2,453
Art	€2,453
Architecture	€2,453
International Business	€2,453
Research	€2,453
Healthcare	€2,453
Engineering	€2,453
Manufacturing	€2,453

FAQs About Study in Italy

1. Is Italy good for Indian students?

Yes, study in Italy for Indian students offers affordable education, world-class universities, and scholarships. Its rich culture and post-study opportunities make it an excellent choice for higher education.

2. What are the admission requirements for studying in Italy?

Requirements for education in Italy for Indian students typically include a valid high school or bachelor’s degree, proof of English or Italian proficiency, and a student visa. Specific programs may require entrance tests or portfolio submissions.

3. How much does it cost to study in Italy for international students?

The cost of study in Italy for Indian students ranges from €1,000–€4,000 per year at public universities. Private universities charge higher, but scholarships can help reduce costs.

4. What scholarships are available for international students in Italy?

Indian students can avail themselves of scholarships for Italy, such as the Italian Government Scholarships, DSU Regional Scholarships, and Erasmus+. These often cover tuition fees and living costs, enabling some to study in Italy for free.

5. Can international students work while studying in Italy?

Yes, international students can work part-time (20 hours/week) during their studies in Italy. This helps Indian students manage their expenses while pursuing study abroad in Italy.

6. What are the visa requirements for studying in Italy?

For study in Italy for Indian students, a D-type student visa is required. Documents include admission proof, financial statements, health insurance, and language proficiency certificates.

7. What are the best universities in Italy for international students?

Top universities for study in Italy for international students include the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, and Bocconi University, offering globally recognized degrees.

8. What accommodation options are available for students in Italy?

Accommodation in Italy for students includes university dormitories, private apartments, and shared housing. On-campus housing is budget-friendly and ideal for education in Italy for Indian students.

9. What are the post-study work opportunities in Italy?

After completing Italy education for Indian students, graduates can apply for a 12-month temporary residence permit to search for jobs or internships, with prospects in fields like fashion, engineering, and design.

10. Is Italian language proficiency required to study in Italy?

Many universities offer English-taught programs, so Italian language proficiency is not mandatory. However, learning Italian can enhance your experience during study abroad in Italy and improve job opportunities.

11. Is health insurance mandatory for international students?

Yes, international students are required to have health insurance during their stay in Italy. Non-EU students can enroll in the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale – SSN) for an annual fee of approximately €700.

12. Do I need to know Italian to study in Italy?

While many universities offer programs in English, especially at the postgraduate level, learning Italian can enhance your experience and integration into Italian society. Some universities may require proof of Italian language proficiency for certain programs.

Study Abroad

Study in Italy