International Student Guide for Study in Italy

Studying in Italy

Surging numbers of international students heading to Italy for a higher education degree indicates studying in Italy is a good option in comparison to other top countries like USA, UK, Australia and Canada. Italy is famous for its Architecture, Design, Arts and Fashion related courses and marvels. Presently, there are around 32,000 international students studying in Italy, out of which 5,000 are Indian students. Why Italy attracts numerous international students each year is because of the following six major reasons: 

1. Italy is the educational hub of Europe housing 40 universities, all ranking within the top 500 as per QS Rankings. 
2. In comparison to other European countries, Italy is the most affordable country for higher education. 
3. Italy houses one of the oldest universities in the world - the University of Bologna which was established in the year 1088. 
4. In total 185 Bachelor’s, 700 Master’s and 70 PhD degrees are offered and taught in the English language across Italian Universities.  
5. Upon admission to an Italian university, it's easy to obtain a Type-C Student Visa in Italy for international students coming for a course exceeding three months. 
6. The plus point of studying in Italy is that international students can easily learn Italian in an immersive environment, which can be another feather in the cap for the resume. 

Also, it is predicted that by 2026, Italy will be able to generate around 240,000 jobs and this is another major reason which is attracting more and more international students. Despite a slowdown in the economy's GDP amidst the pandemic, this is one positive reason to also study in Italy. Check out Economic Growth in Italy for more details.

Check: 100+ Basic Italian Words for Daily Conversations

Education System in Italy

Unlike any other country, the education system in Italy is divided into four parts: school-level education for students aged between 0-14, secondary school level for students above the age of 14 and then the university-level qualification. More details are elaborated on in the table below: 

Education Levels in Italy	Students Age	Details of the Level of Education
Integrated System	0-6 years of age	Educational services are managed by state or local bodies. Also, include the Kindergarten level of education.
Compulsory First Cycle of Education	Primary School: 6-11 years of age  Lower Secondary School: 11-14 of age	A total of eight years of education, divided into two parts - primary and lower secondary
Second Cycle of Education	Second Grade Secondary School or Vocational Education & Training (IeFP): 14-19 years of age	Depending upon the choice of study level, students can choose from 3-4 years long courses.
Universities / AFAM* / ITS**	19 years of age and above	University & AFAM Level: Tertiary education pathway  ITS: professionalising tertiary education

Every child in Italy has the legal right to study and there is a provision for compulsory education for those aged between 6-16 years. This type of education can be pursued in any of the public schools or establishments under the Italian Education Law.  

Only those students who qualify for the final state exam of the upper secondary examination would be allowed to pursue a tertiary or university-level program. The students may or may not be required for an entrance test for admission at any university in Italy. 

*AFAM: Higher education institutions for Art, Music and Dance (AFAM)  

**ITS: Higher Technical Institutes (ITS) 

Check: Spain vs Italy: Which is Better for Study?

Popular Cities in Italy for International Students

Out of 60 Erasmus (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) cities in Italy, Bologna is the most well-known city for students going for an exchange program in the field of Medicine. Apart from Erasmus city in Italy, there are a few student-friendly cities in Italy for study. Some of the ranked Italian cities where maximum international students look for admission are - Florence, Rome, Milan, Venice, Pisa, Bologna and Padua. These cities in the order of preference are as follows: 

Best Italian Cities for International Students	Top Universities	Average Cost of Studying & Living	Top Reasons to Study
Milan	Politecnico di Milano   University of Milan Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele  Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore  University of Milano-Bicocca	Studying: €6,700 approx  Living:  €850 - €1,450	The Financial Capital of Italy is home to top-ranking universities and offers various career opportunities, especially in the fashion-related sectors.
Rome	Sapienza - Università di Roma  Universitá degli Studi di Roma - Tor Vergata  Università degli Studi Roma Tre	Studying: €1,020 per year  Living: €850 - €1,450 per month	Low tuition fees. Good job opportunities in sectors of business, chemical engineering, digital, finance, manufacturing and tourism.
Venice	Ca' Foscari is the University of Venice  IED Venice European Institute of Design	Studying: €5,000 - €17,000 per year  Living: €600 -  €700 per month	Lowest accommodation expenses. Has the top-ranked institution for design. Good job opportunities for those who prove Italian language understanding.
Florence	University of Florence  European School of Economics  Italian Institute of Human Sciences	Studying: €6,000 per year  Living: €850 - €1,300 per month	The second fashion hub after Milan is Florence, hence those interested can study here and apply for internships at big brands.
Bologna	University of Bologna	Studying: Either free or €800 - €900 per year Living: €750 - €1,100 per month	Ranked as the best city in Italy, has a rich historical background and attracts students because of its oldest university.

There are over 60 universities in Italy for international students to choose from. These universities are either categorised as public or private. A lot of these universities offer courses in both Italian and English languages, however, those international students applying for the Italian language-instructed courses will have to meet certain language criteria. 

Public Universities in Italy

There are around 12 public universities in Italy, and international students can apply for admission here as well. These universities based on their popularity are as follows: 

• Politecnico di Milano 
• University of Bologna 
• Sapienza University of Rome  
• University of Padova 
• University of Milan 
• Politecnico di Torino 
• University of Pisa 
• Vita-Salute San Raffaele University 
• University of Naples Federico II 
• University of Trento 
• University of Pavia

Check: Top 10 Universities in Italy

Best Courses to Study in Italy 

International students choosing to study in Italy can have options ranging from Arts, Design, Humanities, Architecture, Medicine, MBA, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Business & Commerce, MS courses and others. Some more options that may interest students are tabulated below for reference: 

Best Courses to Study in Italy 2023
Luxury Brand Management	Tax Law	Paediatric Nursing
Digital Management	Fashion Art Direction	Education
Cosmetics	Interior & Living Design	HR Management
Administrative Law	Marketing Management	Made in Italy, Fashion and Luxury Management (MIFL)
Furniture Design	Painting, Sculpture or Goldsmithing	Product Design

Note: These are some of the highly regarded course specialisations and are sure to get the student a job after completing their education in these areas.  

In order to get admission, some Italian universities may require an entrance test. Courses falling under these broad subjects require an entrance test score for admission at Italian universities: 

• Architecture 
• Medicine and Surgery 
• Dentistry 
• Veterinary Medicine 
• Health Care Professions 
• Educational Sciences  

Safety in Italy

As per the Global Peace Index 2022, Italy ranks at #32 for being one of the most peaceful, safest, secure, and conflict-free countries in the world. Since the Italian Penal Code for criminals is extreme, it's either death or life imprisonment, and the crime rates in Italy are very low. On the whole, Italy is safe not only for its citizens but also for its tourists and international students.  

Weather in Italy

Unlike any other country, Italy also has four seasons - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. With these seasons, the temperatures and weather types also fluctuate and so international students going to study in Italy must carry their clothes accordingly, depending upon their stay.  

Seasons in Italy	Minimum & Maximum Temperatures	Weather Types
Spring	5°C - 25°C	Pleasant, rainy or even breezy
Summer	18°C - 38°C	Hot and humid
Autumn	8°C - 28°C	Pleasant and rainy
Winter	-5°C - 15°C	Snow-fall, dry and very cold

The table above is a compilation of the overall weather type in Italy based on different seasons. It is possible that climate and weather conditions may or may not vary based on the type of area in Italy. 

Lifestyle Tips for Staying in Italy

International students who would go to Italy would witness the Italian lifestyle in the form of their eating habits, style of clothing, designer boutiques across the country, picturesque landscapes, architectural marvels and authentic Italian cuisine with a shot of espresso. International students going to study in Italy should keep these pointers in mind to avoid offending the locals: 

• People in Italy widely converse in Italian and find it rude if someone mocks their language or imitates them, so one must be very careful. 
• Italians take a lot of time to eat and finish their tasks, hence one must not rush them into anything. 
• There is a list of dos and don’ts pertaining to Italian dining etiquette, which must be read by international students to avoid making mistakes while dining out in Italy. 
• It's important to be not very loud but modest, in terms of behaviour while in Italy, to avoid seeking attention specifically. 
• Clothing in Italy holds utmost importance, hence avoid wearing extremely casual, rugged and worn-out clothes in public.  

Language Barriers in Italy

Italian or Italiano as it is known in Italy comes from an Indo-European language family, yet it is a 100% language of Europe. Across the globe, there are around 61.8 million people who are fluent in speaking Italian as their mother tongue. Those going to Italy for higher studies may have to learn the basics of the Italian language. The language barriers in Italy can be problematic for international students if: 

• They have no basic knowledge of the Italian language. 
• English is spoken in Italy by around 34% of people but mostly in the hospitality sectors - restaurants, hotels, etc thus not a lot of people know English. 
• If travelling in older areas of Italy, there’s no option but to converse in Italian, the best way is to learn from natives if possible. 
• Learn basics so that it's easier to travel, understand and be able to comprehend what the other person wants to say. 
• Universities in Italy offer additional classes for international students to learn Italian, thus, go for it because it will help you at your workplace too. 

Accommodation Options in Italy

A lot of universities in Italy offer their international students with accommodation options like dormitories. The on-campus housing options cost around €250 - €400 per year approximately. While those who do not offer any housing options, leave the students to hunt around the city for a possibly good option. Universities in Italy like - the University of Bologna, the University of Naples, the University of Turin and other top universities as well. 

Apart from the university offering on-campus housing options, there are various rented accommodation options also available. Students can opt for rented rooms, apartments or even studio apartments. These shared accommodations in Italy for international students can cost them around €500 - €800 per month.  

International students going for an exchange program through Erasmus, are offered accommodation in Italy universities, without any additional costs and charges.  

Orientation for New Students in Italy

Once the international student gets enrollment confirmation for admission to Italy university, they have to apply for a student visa. Upon successfully obtaining a student visa, applicants are then required to attend the orientation at their respective universities. These orientations are held online in English and Italian both, talking about the university and briefing students about how to register for their classes and other related details.  

Some universities in Italy have a recorded version available on their websites or a pdf file including whatever was discussed during the orientation in case the students wish to confirm details or for those who missed it.  

Applying to Italian Universities for Admission from India

Applying to Italian universities for admission from India is all online, they just have to choose non-EU citizens when applying for admission to any course. Students who are international or hold an Indian passport and are non-EU nationals, applying for a bachelor’s degree or a single-cycle master’s degree in Italy can apply if they fulfil the following criteria: 

• Completed a 12-year education overall at the school level. 
• Qualify for the entrance test if applicable for the course applied to. 
• Attendance proof of the past two years of study. 
• Those applying for a master’s can submit a bachelor’s degree or commonly refer to as matriculation details.  

Documents Required

The following documents are commonly accepted for bachelor’s and master’s degree admissions at Italy Universities: 

• Secondary education details and official documents. 
• Value declaration of the degree or secondary school education pursued. 
• Proof of eligibility criteria and test scores of qualifying for the entrance exam for the course applied. 
• Valid ID proof like a passport  
• Official transcripts  
• Personal preparation or a resume / CV. 
• Language proof - English or Italian 
• Personal statement or SOP 
• Additionally, two letters of recommendation (LORs) are also required 

Once these documents are submitted by the prospective applicant, the respective Italian university evaluates the qualification obtained. Only after qualifying for these stages of scrutiny can applicants then apply for admission and student visa in Italy. 

Note: All documents must be apostilled or legalised in order to prove their authenticity. 

Language Exam Scores Required at Italy University

To assess the English language proficiency level, Italy Universities do accept English language proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or other exams as mentioned in the course requirements. The minimum score requirements for admission to Italy University from India are of the B2 level, these are as follows: 

ELP Tests Accepted in Italy Universities	Minimum Score Accepted for UG/PG Courses
TOEFL PBT	507 - 557
TOEFL CBT	180 - 217
TOEFL iBT	80 - 99
IELTS	5.5

Note: Those applicants applying for a course for which instructions would be in Italian at the chosen Italian University will have to prove B2 level competence in the Italian language (CEFR-Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). 

Standardised Test Scores Required

Universities in Italy do accept standardised test scores. These test scores are mandatory for those international students, who are applying for a full scholarship. Those students who prove their ability in these tests by scoring around the given band may be eligible for a scholarship. 

• UG requirements: SAT score of 950 in both the sections combined, that is, EBRW and Maths. Or an ACT combined score above 32, ACT may not be required in a lot of cases. 
• PG requirements: GRE or GMAT may or may not be required. There’s no minimum score for reference. 

Italy University Application Timelines

Intake seasons at Italian Universities are only two, that is the primary and the secondary intakes. The application deadlines may vary for the course of choice, but the following application start dates that are usually followed each year for admission to Italy universities for international students are as follows: 

Intakes at Italy University	Deadlines to Apply for Admission	Enrollment Dates Approx
First Intake	November 25 - January 20	February 8
Second Intake	January 21 - March 24	April 12
Third Intake	March 25 - June 30	July 19
Fourth Intake	July 1 - September 1	September 20
Fifth Intake	September 2 - October 10	October 26
Sixth Intake	October 11 - November 3	November 17

*These deadlines have been sourced from the University of Bologna. Hence, deadlines may vary per university and per course. The applicant must check the deadlines before submitting their applications to the desired Italian universities. 

Steps to Apply at Italy University from India

First of all, there is a pre-application which is submitted to the Italian Embassy, where the applicant states their choice of course and Italian University. Upon receiving the Statement of Validity from the Italian Embassy where the Embassy forwards the applicant’s details to the respective University. In case the applicant gets selected either the application is completed by the Embassy on the student’s behalf at the university or the applicant has to submit an online application for the same.  

The steps to apply for the preferred course at Italy university online have been described below: 

• Log on to the online portal for submitting an application at the official university website. 
• Register with an email id and the services page can be accessed from where the language can be updated from Italian to English manually. 
• In the Italian Tax ID section, select international student registration. 
• Now fill in all the personal details carefully, capture the captcha correctly and get to the next step. 
• If applying for a course which requires an entrance exam, select the necessary details and submit else skip this section. 
• Select the choice of program and the level of degree. 
• Register for the course as per your previous course completion date. 
• Add the relevant qualifications, check personal details and submit. 
• Finally, upload the academic plus personal documents and upload without forgetting to save them. 
• Submit the application.  
• The application fee may or may not be charged to international students applying for admission to Italy universities.  

If you are looking for assistance with university admissions, get in touch with our Shiksha study abroad counsellors by signing up at Shiksha Counselling Service.

Life of Indian Students Studying in Italy

Indian students who hail to Italy for higher studies can be enthralled by the cool and pleasant weather, and the minimal spending on travelling and living expenses, also some universities offer free education to students which is an added advantage.  

Italy is home to famous fashion labels like Gucci, Armani, Prada, and Fendi plus others have their headquarters there. Thus, those students who have an interest in learning about these brands can intern with them while they are studying in Italy if their course and time allow. 

Finally, there is also scope to learn a new European language - Italian for Indian students studying in Italy. There are free Italian language learning classes at certain universities, which can be taken up by the students. 

Cost of Living in Italy for International Students

The cost of living in Italy for international students can vary depending on on-campus accommodation or rental accommodations. In the case of on-campus accommodations also, the expenses fluctuate between public and private universities. More details are as follows: 

• The average living costs per year can be €12,000 if accommodation is available in public universities. 
• Whereas, living costs can go up to €20,000 if the student chooses to live on-campus at a private Italian university. 
• For students who opt for living in a room or a studio apartment, the rentals can go up to  €10,000 per year. The rent rates may vary. 
• Expenses on utilities can be around €600 approximately like for mobile bills, internet, LPG and other services. 
• Food and groceries can cost around €300 for one month, including dining outside.  

Find more details at: Cost of Living in Italy

Cost of Studying in Italy for International Students

The cost of studying in Italy for Indian or international students again varies depending upon the type of university chosen - public or private and of course the level of the degree program. The average cost of studying in Italy is around €16,000 per year. The table below gives more details on the cost of studying in Italy for international students: 

Type of Italy University or Degree Program	Average Cost of Studying in Italy for International Students
Public University Costs	€900 - €4,000 per year
Private University Cost	€6,000 - €20,000 per year
Undergraduate Degree Program	€950 - €4,000 per year
Postgraduate Degree Program	€1,500 per year

In some cases, education for international students can be free also, if they are eligible to receive a scholarship based on merit. 

Read more about: Affordable and cheap universities in Italy

Scholarships Offered in Italy Universities for Study

There are a variety of scholarships to study in Italy, offered across Italian universities for international students. These scholarships are mostly merit-based and offered to those students who have exceptional scores in GRE, SAT or TOEIC-type exams. Besides the exam scores, there are also certain areas of assessment like performance in the previous academic cycle are also considered. 

Italy Scholarship for Indian Students 2023

The following scholarships and grants are offered to Indian students studying in Italy on the basis of their academics and standardised test scores: 

• Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students 
• Bologna University Study Grants for International Students 
• Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships 
• Bocconi Merit and International Awards 
• EDISU Piemonte Scholarships 
• Italian Government Scholarship Program for Foreign Students 
• Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme 
• Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships 
• Università Cattolica International Scholarships 
• Italian government Scholarships for Foreign and IRE Students 

These scholarships either offer a one-time tuition fee waiver or offer amounts of up to €15,000 to the students so that they can avail of the benefit and cut down on their studying costs.

Education Loan to Study in Italy

Apart from scholarships, there is also an option to apply for an education loan to study in Italy. Indian students can apply for an education loan for up to 2 crore rupees, at an interest rate starting at around 9.5% per annum. A number of private banks can offer an educational loan to Indian students studying in Italy, but their interest rates, loan tenure, collateral requirement and moratorium periods may vary.  

Italy Student Visa Types

There are two student visa types in Italy. These are divided based on the course duration and stay intended for the students. More details are as follows: 

• Type C Visa: This is for those whose course duration wraps up within three months or 90 days.  
• Type D Visa: Students can apply for this visa if their course duration exceeds three months.  

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Italy?

Applicants will have to apply for a student visa in Italy through the respective Embassy locations in their area of domicile. Indian students can apply through these locations of the Italian Embassy for a student visa: 

Embassy of Italy in New Delhi 

Address: 50, Chandra Gupta Marg Chanakyapuri - N.D. 110021 

Phone number: 01126114355 

Website & email id: www.ambnewdelhi.esteri.it and visti.newdelhi@esteri.it 

This Embassy also covers all the states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu-Kashmir. Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, and the Union territories of Delhi and Chandigarh. 

Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai 

Address: Kanchanjunga Building, 72 G. Deshmukh Road, Mumbai 400 026 

Phone numbers: 912223804071 or 912223804073 

Website & email id: www.consmumbai.esteri.it and visamumbai@esteri.it 

This Consulate covers all states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu,and the Union territory of Dadra and Diu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. 

Consulate General of Italy in Kolkata 

Address: 5G, Rev. Lalbehari Shah Sarani (già New Road), Ali 

Phone number: 913324792414 and 913324792426 

Website & email id: www.conscalcutta.esteri.it and consolatogenerale.calcutta@esteri.it 

This Consulate covers the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Sikkim and Tripura, the territory of the Union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Nepal. 

Requirements for a Student Visa in Italy

In order to apply for a student visa in Italy, the following documents are required to be attached along with the application. These documents are as follows: 

• Completed application form bearing the applicant’s signatures. 
• The latest passport-sized photograph of the applicant with a white background. 
• A valid passport which has been issued within the past 10 years, holds three months’ validity after the intended stay and should have at least two blank pages. 
• Two photocopies of the applicant’s passport. 
• Apostille attested the academic certificates of the applicant by the Ministry of External Affairs. 
• Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore) of the applicant's educational certificates legalised by the Consular. Note in case it's not required, the school or respective institution can inform the Embassy on their own.  
• Acceptance letter of admission from the respective Italian University along with the duration of the course. 
• Financial documents to support studies in Italy. 
• Proof of accommodation and necessary details about it too. 
• Return ticket details of the applicant if the course completes within three months. 
• The health insurance of the applicant covers treatment and hospitalisation. Not required, if the university is sponsoring the insurance, and it must be mentioned on the admission letter. 
• Those applying for a student visa in Italy for courses above the duration of 90 days, must attach the admission offer letter along with the application and passport. This must be duly stamped by the Embassy.  

Note: Italy Embassy has the right to call the applicant for an unannounced interview or may demand more documents in case more proofs are required. 

Check: Italy Student Visa: Types, Application Process, Fees & Requirements

Placements for International Students in Italy

The unemployment rate in Italy as per second-quarter in Italy stands at 8% for the year 2022, and there are around two million youngsters in Italy who are unemployed. Thus, not a very bright prospect for finding a full-time job opportunity in Italy for international students, despite housing some 30 brands in the country. International students can look for part-time job options in Italy and can earn from these internships as well, but a full-time placement prospect may sound dim for those looking for an opportunity.  

Part-time Job Options in Italy

International students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week on a part-time job along with their full-time course at Italy university. The students on average can earn up to €560 a month, depending upon the type of work. Some of the top-paid internship job roles in Italy are as follows: 

• TEFL-qualified English tutors 
• Digital creators 
• Social media handlers 
• Freelancers  
• STEM courses pursuing students   

Italy Pre-Departure List for International Students

There are a couple of things which applicants going to study in Italy must take care of before leaving their home country. The pre-departure checklist for international students flying to Italy will have to keep these details and documents handy. 

Before Leaving for Italy 

• Fill out the online enrollment form at the University website. 
• Pay the first instalment of the tuition fee. 
• Submit details of scholarships and exemptions for availing if eligible for it. 
• Pre-enrol at the university to obtain an entry visa for students. 
• Keep the academic documents handy for submission, if at all the university requires them and also the scholarships availed. 
• Request for Italian Tax Code so that the applicants can open a bank account in Italy. 
• Consequently, look for accommodation if required.  

After Arriving in Italy 

• Request an appointment at the university’s student admin wing and obtain the student enrolment certificate. 
• Register for SSN or Italian National Health Service and apply for private health insurance. 
• Apply for a residence permit. This can be done either by the applicant independently or with the help of the designated offices. This is a must, and it should be done within eight days of the applicant’s arrival in Italy. 
• Activate the registration for SSN and submit details at the university’s student admin wing for the career badge. 

Italy Work Visa & Permits

There are limited work visas available in Italy for international students. The work permit and visa windows in Italy open for a month or two within a year and accept limited applications. The Italian government has a quota for offering work visas to European nationals and a limited quota for non-EU nationals. This quota is waived off for those who come to Italy to work in shortage-skill areas.  

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Italy? 

The applications are available on the Embassy website or applicants can fill up one in person at the Italian Embassy. Applicants would require: 

• Valid passport 
• Passport-size photographs of at least two 
• Academic documents apostilled 
• Employment details in Italy and of the employer as well 
• Proof of accommodation in Italy: hotel booking, declaration of hospitality 
• Schedule a visa interview four to six weeks before departure

Thus, those students applying for a work visa will also be able to apply for a PR in Italy once the residence permit is authorized. Once an international student gets a full-time job in Italy, the respective employer would apply for a work visa on his/her behalf. Only after the work visa application is accepted from the employer then can the student apply for a post-study work permit in Italy.