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 Europe. What attracts international students to study in Italy are its English taught programs, culture and a paradise for fashion brand lovers. Studying in Italy is feasible and allows students to get some work experience as well. Currently, 2.2 million international students are enrolled in Italian universities (2025). Italy admitted around 6,017 Indian students in 2024, and there was a 1.36% dip in admissions since 2023. However, a sharp rise in admits is speculated for 2026.

Reasons to Study in Italy

There are numerous reasons to study in Italy for Indian students. The top most reason is cheap higher education.

• Some of the oldest universities in the world are located in the heart of Italy.
• One of the cheapest European countries for study. Majority of public universities in Italy offer cost effective or almost free education for international students.
• Also it is interesting to note that the University of Bologna is one of the first universities in the world, which laid the foundation for higher education in Europe.
• Another reason is to study for free in Italy at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and a lower cost of living for international students.
• Apart from this, there are around 600 English taught course options to choose from. In terms of ROI, Italy boasts a high return on investment with little financial risk.

Study in Italy Highlights

Education in Italy for Indian Students

Like every education system the education system in Italy is divided into four categories. The last category being tertiary education. Tertiary education in Italy includes university level education including vocational education. Those who are able to qualify for their secondary or school education can pursue tertiary level courses in Italy. Indian students applying to study in Italy would be required to submit their class XII scores for undergraduate admissions. Here is how the Bologna Process is followed in ther tertiary education level of Italy in the 3+2 structure:

• Laurea Triennale (3 years): Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS).
• Laurea Magistrale (2 years): Equivalent to a Master's degree (120 ECTS).
• Single-Cycle Degrees (Ciclo Unico): Certain fields like Medicine (6 years), Law, and Architecture (5 years) retain an integrated structure that combines both cycles.

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 popularly opted courses in Italy by Indian students are:

• Luxury Brand Management 

• Interior & Living Design 

• Product Design 

• Painting, Sculpture or Goldsmithing

• Cosmetics

• Fashion & Art Design

Level Wise Cost of Studying in Italy

Cost of studying in Italy depends on your choice of university. If you choose a public university you will pay lower. But if you choose a private university you will pay higher cost. Here is an annual cost analysis based on university type:

Types of Universities in Italy	Actual Cost (Annual)	Average Cost (Annual)
Public University	€12,000 approx	€5,000 - €12,000
Private University	€35,000 approx	€3,000 - €40,000

Italy PR

International students who studied or lived in Italy for five consecutive years can apply for a permanent residence or PR. There are two types of PR in Italy. One is Temporary Residence Permit and the other is Permanent Residence Permit. 

To obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Italy after studying, non-EU graduates must complete 5 continuous years of legal residence. The journey begins by converting a student permit into a 12-month Job Search Visa (Attesa Occupazione), which allows you to stay post-graduation to find work. Once employed, you must transition to a Work Permit (Lavoro Subordinato).

Critically, your student years typically count only as half toward the five-year requirement (e.g., a two-year Master's counts as one year). To apply, you must demonstrate a stable annual income of at least €7,002.97 (for 2025-26), pass an A2-level Italian language test, and maintain a clean criminal record

Temporary Residence Permit in Italy

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

Permanent Residence Permit in Italy

This permit is for those who wish to live and work and live in Italy permanently. 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

There are two intakes in Italy in which international students can apply but the process is the same for application. 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 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.

If you are an Indian applicant, applying for the first time, then check out the complete 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 2026, Milan ranks at #44, then Rome ranks at #46 followed by Turin at #66. Other cities preferred 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

Various options are available to study in Italy through education loan. For this you need to submit 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 part-time in Italy. The average hourly pay for them is €7. On a weekly basis, you can earn €140 and monthly 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.