Spain vs Italy: Which is Better for Study?
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Spain vs Italy: Want to study in Spain or Italy and need clarification about what to do next? Here’s a guide for you to decide which is better: Spain or Italy for study. We have covered all major aspects of Spain vs Italy from an Indian student’s perspective. So go check out now Spain vs Italy, comparison guide!
Indian students form a large community if studying in Spain or Italy. Indian students studying in Spain were 1,383 whereas, Indian students studying in Italy were 5,897 in the year 2022, based on the Indian MEA Report. Studying abroad and in any of these two countries can be an exhilarating experience. Spain and Italy have a rich culture, renowned universities and some of the best tourist spots. So if you are confused between these two, here's your guide to a perfect solution!
Spain vs Italy Country Highlights
| Parameters |
Spain |
Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Area |
506,030 km sq |
302,070 km sq |
| Capital |
Madrid |
Rome |
| Currency |
Euros (€) |
Euros (€) |
| Official Language |
Spanish |
Italian |
| Top Cities for Study |
|
|
| Average Cost of Living |
€7,000 - €12,000 |
€3,800 - €5,500 approx. |
| Average Cost of Studying (Annual) |
UG: €5,000 to €18,000 PG: €16 to €45 per credits |
UG: €3,500 to €9,800 PG: €2,500 to €40,000 |
| Part-time Working Hours |
20 hours |
20 hours |
| Total Universities |
76 universities |
92 universities |
| Medium of Instruction |
Spanish & English |
Italian & English |
| Top 5 Universities |
|
|
| PSW Visa Stay Back Period |
2 years (can be extended up to 5 years) |
2 years |
Popular Courses in Spain vs Italy
Want to know about some of the most popularly opted courses in Spain and Italy? Check out the following sections for details.
Popular Courses in Spain
Spanish universities offer the following courses which are popular for students:
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- Natural Science
- Hospitality Management
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Business & Management
- Arts and Humanities
Popular Courses in Italy
Some of the popular courses offered in Italian universities are as follows:
- Fashion & Design Courses
- Business & Management
- Technology & Engineering
- Architecture & Design
- Social Science & Humanities
- Hospitality & Tourism
Both Spain and Italy offer a fair share of popular courses across its universities. Students planning to study in either Spain or Italy can compare universities and courses in order to apply for admission. In case you get stuck and need an expert opinion, you can sign up for Shiksha Abroad Counselling.
Top 10 Ranking Universities Spain vs Italy
If you plan to study in Spain or Italy, you must have a look at the top-ranking universities. Here’s a list of the top-ranking universities in Spain and Italy for international students in the table below:
| Top 10 Spanish Universities |
THE - WUR 2024 |
Top 10 Universities in Italy |
THE - WUR 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| #152 |
#155 |
||
| Autonomous University of Barcelona |
201-250 |
Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa |
#168 |
| 201-250 |
#181 |
||
| 301-350 |
201-250 |
||
| Autonomous University of Madrid |
351-400 |
201-250 |
|
| Complutense University of Madrid |
501-600 |
Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa |
201-250 |
| University of Granada |
501-600 |
251-300 |
|
| 501-600 |
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University |
251-300 |
|
| University of Valencia |
501-600 |
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |
301-350 |
| University of the Basque Country |
601-800 |
301-350 |
Check out the Top Ranking Universities in the World
Admission Requirements to Study in Spain vs Italy
The admission requirements for both Italy and Spain are similar for international students. Some of the common admission requirements are as follows:
- Transcripts
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Letters of recommendation (LOR)
- Resume (for MBA courses) to show work experience level
- Portfolio (if required)
- Financial documents
- Standardised test scores of either:
For bachelor’s admission to either Spain or Italy, students should have a school leaving certificate. Whereas for admission to master’s admission, a bachelor's degree is required. The GPA requirements will vary based on the university and course in question.
Cost of Studying in Spain vs Italy
The cost of studying in Italy and the cost of studying in Spain varies. We have compared the costs of studying in two of these countries based on popular choice courses.
Cost of UG Courses in Spain vs Italy
If Indian students plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Italy or Spain, then here’s how much you would need to spend:
| Particulars |
Cost of Undergraduate Courses in Spain |
Cost of Undergraduate Courses in Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Average First-Year Tuition Fee |
BSc: ₹ 6.63 L - 6.63 L BTech: ₹ 10.24 L - 15.05 L BBA: ₹ 10.95 L - 18.03 L |
BSc: ₹ 4.01 L - ₹ 4.01 L BTech: ₹ 35.62 K - ₹ 17.36 L BBA: ₹ 35.62 K - ₹ 21.57 L |
| Average Living Expenses (Annual) |
₹ 851 L |
₹ 4,40 L |
| Duration |
3-4 |
3-4 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
TOEFL, IELTS |
IELTS, TOEFL |
In comparison to Italy, Spain is slightly more expensive when it comes to undergraduate studies. Even the cost of living in Italy is cheaper than the cost of living in Spain.
Cost of PG Courses in Spain vs Italy
Similarly, we have discussed the PG course fees for both Spain and Italy in the table below for reference:
| Particulars |
Cost of Postgraduate Courses in Spain |
Cost of Postgraduate Courses in Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
MBA: ₹ 3 L to ₹ 99 L MIM: ₹ 3 L to ₹ 40 L MS:₹ 2 L to ₹ 4 Cr |
DMBA: ₹ 2.23 L - ₹ 66.78 L MIM: ₹ 35.62 K - ₹ 18.34 L MS: ₹ 35.62 K - ₹ 22.26 L |
| Average Living Expense |
₹ 8.51 L |
₹ 4.40 L |
| Duration |
3-4 |
3-4 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
TOEFL, IELTS |
IELTS, TOEFL |
The cost of pursuing a PG course in Italy is cheaper in comparison to Spain. Also note, that the cost of living in Spain and the cost of living in Italy do not change irrespective of the choice of course opted. Check out and read about Top Public Universities in Italy.
Please note: The fees are dynamic and are subject to change. Thus, students must check the exchange rates and calculate thoroughly before making any transactions.
Student Visa for Spain vs Italy
Since both Spain and Italy are European countries, the student visas for these countries do not differ. There are two types of visas if studying in Europe - Type C and Type D which are either long-term or short-term visas based on study. Check out the following table for more details:
| Parameters |
Student Visa in Spain |
Student Visa in Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa applicable |
University admission confirmation |
Upon admission from the university |
| Types of student visas |
Type C Visa or Type D Visa (based on course duration) |
|
| Cost of Visa |
Short Tem Visa: €60 | Long Term Visa: €80 |
|
| Duration of Visa |
UG: 3-4 years PG: 2 years |
UG: 3-4 years PG: 1-2 years |
| Extendability |
Yes |
Yes |
Check:
Part-Time Work in Spain vs Italy
The part time working permissions for international students is more or less the same. Have a look at the number of working hours permitted for students and if they can extend their working hours below.
Part Time Work in Italy
International students from non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries are allowed to work part-time while studying in Spain, subject to certain conditions:
- Students can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
- During university holidays (like summer, Christmas, and Easter), students can even work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).
- They need to obtain permission from the Spanish immigration authorities to work legally.
Check: Part Time Work Options in Spain
Part Time Work in Italy
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students: International students from non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries are allowed to work part-time while studying in Italy, subject to certain conditions:
- They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
- During holidays, students can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).
- They need to obtain a specific permit for subordinate work ("permesso di lavoro subordinato") from the Italian immigration authorities to work legally.
Check: Part Time Work Options in Italy
The rules for part-time work for international students studying in Italy or Spain are more or less the same. Since they are both European countries, some rules are common.
Scholarships in Spain vs Italy
Studying abroad can be expensive, so universities abroad offer scholarships. There are a plethora of scholarships in Italy and a handful of scholarships in Spain. Some of the most popular scholarships are given below in the table:
| Scholarships to Study in Spain |
Scholarships to Study in Italy |
|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships |
|
| UIC Barcelona Scholarship |
Bologna University Study Grants for International Students |
| Women in Tech Scholarships |
Bocconi Merit and International Awards |
| European University of Atlantic |
Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme |
| Spanish Studies Abroad Financial Aid |
Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships |
| The Fulbright Program |
Università Cattolica International Scholarships |
| La Caixa Foundation Scholarships: |
|
| Santander Scholarships |
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign and IRE Students |
| Esade Scholarships (Esade Business School) |
Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships |
| UPM Scholarships (Technical University of Madrid) |
Università Cattolica International Scholarships |
Spain vs Italy: Which is better for Students?
While the debate for Spain vs Italy can go on, we can conclude based on four-pointers, which is better. These are as follows:
- Rankings: Italian universities outrank Spanish universities closely and at better positions. Thus, here Italian universities win.
- Cost of Studying: Based on the cost of studying at both UG and PG levels, Italy wins in close competition to Spanish universities. Again, Italy wins in this aspect.
- Cost of Living: Again Italy is cheaper than Spain when it comes to the cost of living. Which again makes Italy a better option for study.
- Scholarships: There are slightly more scholarships offered in Italy in comparison to Spain. Students can study for free in Italy also, which is not the case in Spain. So again, Spain loses here.
Overall, both are leading countries which attract numerous international students for study. Thus, students must choose their country for study wisely and not get stuck between the Spain vs Italy debate at the cost of their interests.
While both are European countries, Spain and Italy have some things in common. The languages are Indo-European, and Romance languages. But once you decide on one country in particular, do begin learning the language. You can also check out our coverage for:
Both Spanish and Italian are some of the world’s easiest languages to learn for students. Thus, there will not be much of a hassle.
Q: What is the acceptance rate for Istituto Marangoni Italy?
According to a few unofficial sources, Istituto Marangoni acceptance rate is around 80%. This means that the institute is not too selective at the time of granting admissions. As per an unofficial source, about 67% of BA students at Istituto Marangoni are international. If the acceptance rate is considered to be around 80%, then it means that students having a good academic background and meeting all the requirements have a higher chance of getting admission.
Q: Why do Indian students choose to study at Istituto Marangoni - Italy?
Indian students choose to study at Istituto Marangoni in Italy for several reasons. With a broad choice of undergraduate and graduate executive programs in business, fashion, and design offered by Istituto Marangoni, students have the chance to collaborate on industry projects with renowned businesses and establish high-level connections with the fashion and luxury sectors. Students who wish to work in the fashion and design industries find the school's approach appealing as it combines the newest trends, industry advancements, and practical skills. The possibility to work on real-life industrial projects and the association with the prominent fashion company N21 are other factors that make Istituto Marangoni a desirable option for Indian students.
Q: How can I get admission to the Sapienza University of Rome?
Sapienza University of Rome offers a number of certificates, diplomas and degree programmes at the undergradaute and postgradaute levels .To get Sapienza University, international students must meet the course-specific and general admission requirements. Check below the general admission requirements for international students are:
- International applicants must have a high schoolDiplomaearned after at least 12 years of study for a Bachelor’s program
- International applicants must have at least a 3-year bachelor’s degree from arecogniseduniversity in a relevant discipline for a Master’s program
- Students must have at least an upper-intermediate knowledge of English or Italian (B2 level), depending on their chosen program
- Proficiency in the English language
Q: Is Istituto Marangoni, Italy cheaper than Istituto Europeo di Design?
Istituto Marangoni in Italy offers a range of fashion design courses with varying tuition fees. For example, the tuition fee for the MA in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management is $31,500 per year, and the tuition fee for the MA in Fashion Styling, Creative Direction & Digital Content is $30,900 per year. On the other hand, IED Istituto Europeo di Design offers undergraduate programs with tuition fees ranging from $16,124.90 per year to $32,249.79 for international students. Therefore, the tuition fees at Istituto Marangoni can be higher or lower than IED, depending on the specific programme and duration chosen.
Q: Which university is better to study as an international student in Italy, University of Pavia or the University of Bologna?
University of Pavia or the University of Bologna offer unique campus cultures and academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rates of University of Pavia or the University of Bologna . Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.
Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance Rate | 1st Year Tuition Fee |
University of Pavia | #469 | 50% | INR 36K |
University of Bologna | #154 | 73% | INR 54K- 1L |
Q: Is Bocconi University, Italy a better option than IIM Ahmedabad for doing MBA?
Both Bocconi University in Italy and IIM Ahmedabad are prestigious institutions for pursuing an MBA. According to the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023, SDA Bocconi School of Management is ranked 6th, while the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad is ranked 51st. SDA Bocconi's MBA programme is known for its high international mobility rank, strong alumni network, and a significant salary percentage increase after graduation. On the other hand, IIM Ahmedabad is recognised for its excellent career progress rank and high overall satisfaction. The choice between the two institutions depends on various factors such as career goals, location preferences, and specific programme offerings. It is important for prospective students to carefully consider their individual priorities and conduct thorough research before making a decision.
Q: Is the Sapienza University of Rome good?
Yes, the Sapienza University of Rome is one of the finest and among the best universities in the world. Sapienza University of Rome rankings consistently puts Sapienza University among the top universities globally and nationally. The QS World University Rankings 2024 ranked the Sapienza University of Rome #134 in the world. Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 ranked the Sapienza University of Rome in the range of #181 in the world. Also, the U.S. News and World Report 2023 ranked the university #125 among the global universities
Q: What is the ranking of the Sapienza University of Rome for MBA?
The Sapienza University of Rome offers a variety of MBA programs to international students. Sapienza University of Rome programmes in the business and management are recognised all over the world. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023 ranked Sapienza University in the range of #201-250 for its business and economics programmess. Sapienza University has improved its rankings significantly from last year’s #251-300 in the same category.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
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