- Italy student visa (Type D) fee is EUR 50, with a funds requirement of EUR 10,179.85 per year for 2026-27
- Post-study job-search permits are now valid for 12 months under Law 179/2025
- Public university tuition ranges from EUR 900 to EUR 4,000 per year based on family income.
Why Should Indian Students Study in Italy?
Studying in Italy is highly suggested for Indian students because of its affordable tuition fees and living costs, along with chances to travel all across Europe. Italy has great connections with universities all across the world, providing ample opportunities for research and international integration.
Studying in Italy is economical when compared to other European countries. Italy is also the home for various artists. Being the home of a few of the top universities and institutions, Italy is well known for providing quality education to its students. Italy also provides an opportunity for students to live in a country enriched with art, history and culture and gives them a chance to explore all of Europe. Providing various courses ranging from Computer Science to Art, Italy is slowly becoming one of the top study abroad destinations.
Reasons to Study in Italy
Italy is home to some of the top universities in the world, providing courses across a wide variety of fields like art, history, engineering, architecture, and more. It is an affordable destination for international students both in terms of tuition fees and living expenses. Situated in Europe, Italy gives easy access to travel across the continent. The country is surrounded by numerous UNESCO Heritage sites. The following are some of the top courses taught in English in Italy.
- International Relations
- MBAs
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Architecture
- Fashion Design
Can You Study in Italy for Free?
Education in Italy can be free or very low cost at public universities, as tuition fees are calculated based on family income through the ISEE system. International students who qualify may pay as little as EUR 900 per year or even nothing. Scholarships and bursaries from universities can also cover full tuition fees.
In Italy, there is a chance to study for free or at extremely low cost. The tuition fee at public universities is determined by your household income. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to tuition-free education or very low tuition fees. Each university has its own cut-off criteria, earning below which there are no tuition fees.
Bursaries and scholarships are available for students, and they are often offered by the university or the student's government. Sometimes these scholarships can also cover the whole of the tuition fees depending on the student's potential.
Government Scholarships for Indian StudentsRead →What Are the Italy Student Visa Requirements?
You can apply for an Italian Type D student visa at the embassy or consulate in your country. Apply at least 3 months before arrival, as processing can take 1 to 3 weeks or longer. The visa fee is EUR 50. Once in Italy, apply for your residence permit within 8 days of arrival.
- Accept an offer from your chosen Italian university and pay the necessary fees to secure your place.
- Contact the nearest Italian consulate or embassy to find out the required documents and schedule your visa interview.
- Attend the visa interview and submit all required documents, including paying the EUR 50 application fee.
- The result of your visa application will be received in writing.
- Once you arrive in Italy, apply for your residence permit within 8 days at the nearest Questura. EU students must complete this within 20 days.
- The residence permit may take a few months to process. A temporary permit may be issued in the meantime.
The following documents are required for your Italy student visa application.
- Recent passport size photo
- Valid passport
- Confirmation offer letter of university
- Confirmation of accommodation
- Financial proofs
- Health insurance
How to Get a Scholarship to Study AbroadRead →
Which Are the Top Universities to Study in Italy?
Italy is home to some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. The University of Bologna, ranked 138th globally in QS 2026, is Italy's top generalist university. Sapienza University of Rome ranks 128th in QS 2026, while Politecnico di Milano leads in engineering at 98th globally.
Some of the top universities in Italy are as follows:
| University 2026 | Italy National Rank |
|---|---|
| University of Bologna | #1 |
| University of Padua | #2 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | #3 |
| University of Milan | #4 |
| University of Naples Federico II | #5 |
| University of Pisa | #6 |
| University of Turin | #7 |
| University of Trento | #8 |
Government Education Loan for Study AbroadRead →
What Scholarships Are Available to Study in Italy?
A large number of scholarships and bursaries are provided by universities in Italy, including partial and full tuition fee waivers, accommodations, and grants. Below are some of the most popular scholarships in Italy that are also open to Indian students.
A large number of scholarships and bursaries are provided by universities in Italy, including partial and full tuition fee waivers, accommodations, grants, and more.
- Scuola Normale Superiore PhD Scholarships
The Scuola Normale Superiore University offers scholarships that fully fund PhD degrees to both international and Italian PhD candidates enrolled in the university. These scholarships are available for various fields such as Data Science, Astrochemistry, Italian studies, Modern Philology, Philosophy, Computational methods and Mathematical Models for Sciences and Finance, Methods and Models for Molecular Sciences, Neurosciences, Classics, Nanosciences, History of Art, and Transnational Governance.
All PhD students who receive this scholarship are entitled to receive grants for tuition fees as well as for board and accommodation. They also receive funding for their research studies, even abroad.
Grant amount: EUR 17,000 inclusive of a lodging allowance
- Bologna University Study Grants for International Students
The University of Bologna offers grants to students who are applying for their Single Cycle Degrees, First Cycle (Bachelors) or Second Cycle (Masters) degrees at their university.
Grant amounts: EUR 11,059 and full tuition fee waivers, awarded for one academic year.
- Bocconi Merit and International Awards
Bocconi University offers merit-based scholarships in any eligible Bachelor's Program or Master of Science Program at Bocconi for international students. The scholarship includes full to half tuition fee waivers.
Grant amount: Up to EUR 13,000 per year for the Master of Science Program and up to EUR 12,000 per year for the Bachelor's Program.
- Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students
Every year, Politecnico di Milano offers talented international candidates admitted to a Master of Science programme a number of merit-based scholarships. Students receiving this scholarship will only have to pay EUR 200 as administrative fees, along with the tuition fee waiver.
Grant amount: EUR 5,000 to EUR 10,000
- Universita Cattolica International Scholarships
The Universita Cattolica has a special scholarship known as the UCSC International Scholarship, which is an annual tuition fee reduction to foster the access of international students to degree programs.
Grant amount: Covers about 30% of the total tuition fees.
- Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships
The Politecnico di Torino provides scholarships for international students to attend certain academic programmes such as Engineering and Architecture.
What Is the Cost of Studying in Italy?
The cost of studying in Italy is among the lowest in Europe. Public university tuition ranges from EUR 900 to EUR 4,000 per year based on family income through the ISEE system. Private universities charge EUR 6,000 to EUR 20,000 annually. Monthly living costs including accommodation and food typically range from EUR 700 to EUR 1,200.
Studying in Italy is more affordable when compared to other universities in Europe. The cost of studying in Italy varies across different universities, programmes, and levels of study.
| Cost Category 2026 | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees - Public Universities | EUR 900 - EUR 4,000/year (income-based) |
| Tuition Fees - Private Universities | EUR 6,000 - EUR 20,000/year |
| Accommodation Costs | EUR 300 - EUR 700/month |
| Food and Transportation Costs | EUR 150 - EUR 250/month |
Can You Study in Italy Without IELTS?
It is possible to study in Italy without an IELTS score if you complete the admission requirements set by the university. There are various parameters set by universities in Italy to confirm English competency when an IELTS score is not present. However, IELTS is the most preferred choice by the universities.
It is possible to study in Italy without an IELTS score if you successfully complete the admission requirements set by the university. There are various parameters set by universities in Italy to confirm the English competency of students when an IELTS score is not present. However, IELTS is the most preferred choice by the universities.
There is no need to present an English language test if your previous institution had taught the degree in English, i.e., it was an English-medium university or college. These students can apply to universities without requiring an English language proficiency test score.
Which Are the Best Universities for Masters in Italy?
Studying for a masters in Italy is an unforgettable experience offering access to historic universities and cutting-edge research. Many top Italian institutions offer masters programmes in English, making Italy an accessible destination for international students seeking a high-quality, affordable European education.
Studying Masters in Italy is a dream for many. The following table shows some of the top universities in Italy that provide Masters degrees and their 2026 world rankings.
| University 2026 | THE 2026 | QS 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bologna | 130 | 138 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | 170 | 128 |
| Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa | 137 | - |
| University of Padua | - | 233 |
| Vita-Salute San Raffaele University | 201-250 | - |
What Work Permit Can You Get After Studying in Italy?
After completing a recognised degree in Italy, non-EU graduates can apply for a 12-month job-search residence permit, extended from 6 months under Law 179/2025. This allows graduates to look for employment or begin self-employment. Only PhD and Masters graduates are eligible. Once a job is secured, the permit can be converted to a work visa.
Higher education institutes in Italy prepare their students to enter the job market as soon as they graduate, and employability has always been high on the list of priorities for the Italian government.
Only PhD students or Masters students are eligible to apply for the temporary residence permit once the course is over. The extension period is for 12 months under Law 179/2025. Students also have the option to apply for internships for 12 months.