Study in Italy

Italy is one of the most preferred destinations for study in the whole of Europe. The reason why thousands of international students apply to Italian universities rather than to other countries in Europe is because of its top-ranked universities offering specialised courses, home to some of the leading fashion brands of the world and cost-effective living. The cost of living in Italy is almost 40% lower than in top countries like the USA, UK, Australia and Canada, which is another reason why international students want to study in Italy.

Since it is the home of the oldest university - the University of Bologna, the education system follows rules laid by this university across not just Italy but the entire of Europe. Italy admitted around 6,017 Indian students in 2024, and there was a 1.36% dip in admissions since 2023. 

Check more details at: International Student Guide to Italy

Reasons to Study in Italy

There are numerous reasons to study in Italy for Indian students, one of the top reasons being its cheap higher education. Some of the oldest universities in the world are in Italy, which laid the foundation for higher education in Europe. Another reason to study in Italy is free education at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and a lower cost of living for international students. Apart from this, there are over 500+ course options to choose from. In terms of ROI, Italy boasts of a high return on investment with little finances only. 

Study in Italy Highlights

Education System in Italy

The education system in Italy is divided into four broad categories, the last category being tertiary education. Tertiary education in Italy includes university-level education and vocational education. Only those who qualify for their secondary education at school are permitted to pursue vocational or university-level courses in Italy. Indian students applying to study in Italy would be required to submit their class XII scores for undergraduate admissions at Italy universities. 

Top Courses to Study in Italy

Italy is famous for its courses offered across streams of Arts, Science, Design, Architecture, Luxury Branding, etc. some of the top courses to study in Italy for Indian students are as follows:

• Luxury Brand Management 

• Interior & Living Design 

• Product Design 

• Painting, Sculpture or Goldsmithing

• Cosmetics

• Fashion & Art Design

Check out: 100+ Basic Italian Words for Daily Conversations

Level Wise Cost of Studying in Italy

The cost of studying in Italy depends upon the student’s choice of university - public or private. The following would be the costs of studying in Italy for international students:

• Public university: €12,000 per annum

• Private universities: €35,000 per annum

• Average undergraduate fee: €5,000 - €12,000 per annum

• Average postgraduate fee: €3,000 - €40,000 per annum

Costs Incurred to Live in Italy

The annual cost of living in Italy is approximately between €3,800 - €5,500. International students can expect to pay between €1,500 - €2,400 annually. More expenses can be incurred on the following given items also:

Italy PR

International students (non-EU nationals) who have resided in Italy for five long years, consecutively are eligible to apply for a permanent residence visa. There are two types of residence permits in Italy for international applicants - temporary residence permits and the other is permanent residence permits. 

Temporary Residence Permit in Italy

This is for seasonal workers, self-employed professionals, students, refugees and those who choose an elective residence.

Permanent Residence Permit in Italy

This permit is for those who wish to work and live in Italy on a permanent basis. Those who want to set up their businesses and settle permanently in Italy can apply for this permit. 

Admission Requirements to Study in Italian Universities

The admission process for applying at the undergraduate course level in Italy includes a  12- year education background with standardised scores in either SAT or ACT. The minimum requirements would vary depending on the course of choice.

Whereas, for postgraduate courses admission in Italy, Indian students will have to submit their bachelor’s or diploma courses certificate along with either GRE or GMAT scores.

Commonly, for both levels of study, students will have to submit English language proficiency test scores of either TOEFL / IELTS if the course is taught in English. For courses taught in Italian would require language proficiency test scores in Italian.

Check: Application Process to Study in Italy

Top Cities Preferred by Students in Italy

Milan and Rome are the top cities preferred by students in Italy. As per QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, Milan ranks at #48 and Rome ranks at #74. Other cities preferable for studying in Italy are - Venice, Florence, Bologna, etc.

Scholarships to Study in Italy

There are over 100+ scholarships offered in Italy for foreign students studying across Italian universities. Some of the popular scholarships offered to international students in Italy are:

• Accademia del Design e della Moda (IUAD)

• Accademia di Belle Arti di Sanremo – Istituto “I. Duncan”

• Accademia di Costume e Moda

• Accademia Italiana di Arte, Moda e Design

• Accademia Nazionale di Arte Drammatica “Silvio D’Amico”

• Centro di Lingua e Cultura Italiana “Torre di Babele”

• Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Boito” di Parma

• Conservatorio di Musica “Giacomo Puccini”

• Conservatorio Statale di Musica “Arcangelo Corelli”

• Conservatorio Statale di Musica “G. Verdi”

• Domus Academy

• Fondazione Collegio delle Università Milanesi

• Fondazione Siena Jazz

• Istituto d’Arte Applicata e Design (IAAD)

• Istituto Europeo di Design (IED)

• Istituto Italiano di Fotografia

Education Loan to Study in Italy

There are various options to apply for an education loan to study in Italy, where students can just submit their documents like offer letter, mark sheets of X and XII, course fees, etc. the loan amount would depend on the course fees and the tenure of stay in Italy for international students. Some of the preferred banks for applying for an education loan can be found at - Private vs Public Loan Providers for Studying Abroad.

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Italy 

International students are permitted to work for 20 hours a week on a part-time basis in Italy. The average hourly pay for international students working part-time in Italy is €7. On a weekly basis, international students can earn around €140 and on a monthly basis, international students can expect to earn a maximum of €560. Find more details at: Part-Time Work Options in Italy.

Post-Study Work Permit in Italy

International students studying in Italy are eligible for a post-study work visa and can stay back after completing their studies until they find a job for one year. Only those who hold a master’s or a PhD degree can stay back to look for full-time jobs. In order to apply for a post-study work visa in Italy, students will have to submit the following supporting documents:

• Temporary residence permit

• Proof of at least five years of stay in Italy

• Police verification certificate

• Passport

• Proof of accommodation in Italy

• Health insurance

Study in Italy FAQs

Q. What is the highest average monthly salary in Italy's which city?

A. Milan tops the list of offering the highest average monthly salary of €1,784, followed by Verona, offering €1,580 average monthly salary. Then comes Venice - €1,540, Bologna - €1,497 and Rome - €1,489. Thus, the salary will also depend on the applicant's highest qualification and the placement opportunities that they are offered.

Q. Which type of scholarships are offered in Italy to international students?

A. There are various types of scholarships offered in Italy to international students - university-level scholarships, government-funded scholarships, and external scholarships which are further divided into merit and need-based scholarships.

Q. Can international students study for free in Italy?

A. Yes, there are certain universities in Italy which are either tuition-free or offer a full tuition fee waiver to their international students. Thus, in some cases and not all cases can international students study for free in Italy irrespective of their level of study.

Q. Is the Italian language course free for international students studying in Italy?

A. Yes, there are extra classes held for students who wish to learn the Italian language and for this, they earn extra credits as well. These classes are usually held after the routine classes at the respective universities of the students. Some universities may charge a nominal fee for attending these classes. 

Q. What is better - studying at public universities or private universities in Italy for international students?

A. There is no such rule that private universities are better or public universities are better in Italy. The course of an international student’s choice depends if it's offered in a public university or private university in Italy. The course fee is definitely higher in private universities in comparison to public universities in Italy, and so are the costs of living. It's completely up to the student and his/her choice of course and university.