Study in Italy – Top Universities, Visa, Scholarships, Courses
Italy can provide one of the best academic experiences in the world in one of the most culturally rich and historically important countries. Students can get expert help in choosing the best universities in Italy according to your interests and study goals. Some of the best universities are situated here, providing a wide range of courses at affordable costs. One can choose from courses like medicine, engineering, arts, design, business, or others. Meritorious students can also access scholarships or grants to study in Italy.
There are reasonably priced costs in terms of tuition fees and the living cost is relatively less too. From art and history to architecture, culture, natural beauty and food, Italy has something to interest everyone. Students can get support in finding convenient and affordable accommodation close to their universities while they can also work during their academic sessions and during breaks, provided they have the requisite visa and work permits.
Latest Update: –
- Starting January 10, 2025, Italy requires in-person fingerprinting for all Type D (long-term) visa applicants, including international students.
- Proprium Capital Partners has announced a $100 million investment to develop student accommodations in Milan and Padua, providing over 1,600 beds with modern amenities.
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for more African students in Italy, which would affect immigration and citizenship policies.
- Italy is making student visa applications easier by implementing a new online application system that allows faster approval
- More scholarships on merit as well as needs for international students will be introduced in Italian universities in 2025
- Some of the best universities in Italy are launching new English-taught programs in AI, sustainability, and data science
- Italian institutions are adopting sustainable practices, with eco-friendly campuses and renewable energy use
- Overseas students working in Italy now can work during the semester times up to 30 hours weekly
Table of contents
- Study in Italy – Top Universities, Visa, Scholarships, Courses
- Latest Update: –
- Key Highlights
- Why Study in Italy?
- Education System in Italy
- Eligibility to Study in Italy
- Top Courses to Study in Italy
- Top Universities to Study in Italy
- Intake in Italy
- Cost of Studying in Italy
- Cost of Living in Italy
- Scholarships to Study in Italy
- Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Italy
- Post-Study Work Permit in Italy
- Student Visa Requirements for Italy
- Job Prospects in Italy
- Final Take Away
- FAQs –
Key Highlights
| Top courses | Some of the top courses in Italy include International Business, Social Sciences, Architecture, Cultural studies, Hospitality and Tourism, |
|---|---|
| Average tuition fees | average tuition fees can range between £400-£3500 |
| How many higher education institutes | 42 |
| Post-study work visa | As per your work visa, you have the right to work for 20 hours per week with a limit of 1040 working hours within one year. After completing studies, individuals can convert their residence permit for studies to a residence permit for employment. More information is available on the official website of Visa |
| Average cost of living | £600 – £1300 for a month |
| Part-time Work | Students are allowed to do part-time work for 20 hours a week with a limit of 1040 hours in a year if they are studying |
| Top 5 Universities | Politecnico di Milano (rank 111) Sapienza University of Rome (rank 132) Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (rank 133) Università di Padova (rank 236) Politecnico di Torino (rank 241) |
Why Study in Italy?
- Italy has combined knowledge with practical experiences for students across its curriculum.
- It has created a pool of skilled teachers, industry experts, and state of the art facilities to make sure every student gets maximum educational experiences at reasonable costs.
- The country provides some of the best job opportunities and salary scales in all of the world
- All of the Italian universities provide a large range of courses to choose from, making it easier for the students
Education System in Italy
- Italy has some of the top universities in the world
- These universities are coming up with state-of-the-art facilities, experienced professors and innovative curriculums to make students industry-ready
- Italian universities also provide scholarships to students to support them in their education and career growth
- These universities have tie-ups with some of the best companies in the industry and industry experts, making it easier for the students to get competitive advantage in the world’ market
Eligibility to Study in Italy
- The students need to have a minimum of 2.5 GPA from a secondary school
- They need to have English language proficiency
- Valid school leaving certificate
Document Required to Study in Italy
- Identity documents like a passport or EU identity card;
- Academic transcript of your previous studies;
- University application form
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal Statement and
- Proof of language proficiency (English or Italian, depending on the program).
Top Courses to Study in Italy
| Course Name | Fees | Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Masters in International Food and Beverage Management | £8900 per month | February and October/November |
| Master’s Degree in International Tourism and Destination Management | EUR 160000 per year | February and October/November |
| Fashion and Luxury Management | EUR 13500 | February and October/November |
| Executive MBA Banking | EUR 69500 a year | February and October/November |
| Master in Transport Management | EUR 16000 a year | February and October/November |
| International Foundation of Engineering | EUR 900-EUR 4000 a year | February and October/November |
| International Foundation in Architecture | EUR 500-EUR 8000 a year | February and October/November |
| Corporate communications and Public Relations | EUR 8566 a year | February and October/November |
| M.Sc in Geoinformatics Engineering | EUR 900-EUR 3900 a year | February and October/November |
| International Foundation in Humanities and Social Sciences | EUR 7500 a year | February and October/November |
Top Universities to Study in Italy
Intake in Italy
| FALL | MONTH | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | September/October-January/February | Apply |
| Spring/Summer | February/March-July | Apply |
Cost of Studying in Italy
| Study Programme | ||
|---|---|---|
| Public universities | £900 – £ 4000 per year | Apply |
| Private Universities | £6000 – £ 20,000 a year | Apply |
Cost of Living in Italy
| Particulars | Amount (EUR) |
Annual Cost of Living in Italy | €3,800 – €5,500 approx. |
| Average Cost of Living in Italy for Students | €1,500 – €2,400 annually |
| Rented Accommodation Cost in Italy | €200 – €600 per month |
| Cost of On-Campus Housing | €200 – €300 per year |
| Cost of Food | €200 – €300 per month |
| Personal Expenses | €200 or above per year |
Scholarships to Study in Italy
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Funding |
| Italian Government Scholarships | Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for international students pursuing higher education. | Full or partial funding |
| EDISU Piemonte Scholarships | For students enrolled in universities in Piedmont, based on merit and financial need. | Tuition fee waiver, accommodation, or financial aid |
| Bocconi Scholarships | Merit-based scholarships offered by Bocconi University for undergraduate and graduate students. | Full or partial tuition waiver |
| University of Bologna Study Grants | Scholarships for international students enrolling in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. | €11,000/year |
| Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships | For outstanding students applying for Master’s programs at Politecnico di Milano. | Full or partial tuition waiver + living expenses |
| Scuola Normale Superiore Scholarships | Fully-funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. | Tuition fee waiver + living stipend |
| DSU Regional Scholarships | Based on financial need, available to students across various Italian regions. | Tuition fees, accommodation, or monthly stipend |
| Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies | Scholarships for exceptional students in fields like science and engineering. | Full tuition + living expenses |
| University-specific Scholarships | Many Italian universities offer scholarships for international students. | Varies by university |
Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Italy
- International students in Italy can have permission to work for 20 hours a week and the highest hours of work for them is 1040 hours in a year
- Students can work as customer service agent, in retail jobs, teaching, etc while studying full-time in Italy
- Work Hours: Most international students are allowed to work up to part-time students throughout a semester and full-time during their vacation.
- Job Types: Examples are waiting in cafes or restaurants, shops or teaching/ research assistant.
- Hourly Wages: The mean or average pay varies from €8 to €15 per hour and distinguished by job and location.
- Language Skills: Presumably, therefore, basic Italian language proficiency might be necessary for most of the part-time jobs.
- Tax Exemption: Depending on the level of income, students are to calculate that amount, but for those that earned less than a prescribed sum, they are free from paying income tax.
- Work Permit: Intern students are required to hold a residence permit that permits part-time employment, if they are from outside EU.
Post-Study Work Permit in Italy
- Students who have completed their education at Italy or have a research permit from an Italian university can apply for a post-study work visa
- Students need to have a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s Degree in Italy
- First or second level of academic experience
- Higher technician diploma
- First or second-level postgraduate degree
- Duration: Holders of an Italian degree or qualification can work in the Country for up to 12 months after their course to find a job.
- Eligibility: Has to be graduated by an Italian university or by another University recognized by the Italian system.
- Residence Permit Conversion: Students are required to change their student residence permission to that of work or job seekers residence permission.
- Job Search Opportunities: They can open employment in any sectors but mostly practiced in engineering, design and fashion, and in business.
- Permanent Residency Path: Once a graduate secures a job, Student might extend the stay by applying for long-term residence.
- Application Process: While traveling, ensure the student permit expiry date is not reached and then appear at any immigration office with the documents listed herein.
Student Visa Requirements for Italy
- Admission Confirmation: Admission confirmation to an educational institution in Italy that is recognized by the Ministry of Education.
- Two blank pages are required in a valid passport with the intended period of stay.
- Students need to complete and submit the student visa application form.
- Individuals also need to include recent photographs as per the visa requirements.
- Official letter from the institution regarding admission is also needed
- Proof of adequate funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses is needed
- Proof of arranged accommodation in Italy is needed
- Health insurance policy covering the entire stay in Italy
- Prior academic qualifications and transcripts have to be provided by students
- Proof of proficiency in Italian or English, as applicable is required
- Apply at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy and pay the visa fee
- The residence permit is applied for within 8 days of arriving in Italy
- One must make an early application with documents, keeping in mind the processing time
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Passports
- Visa application form
- Passport size photo
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Proof of income to showcase that the student has adequate money to afford to live and study in Italy
- Information about health insurance
- University acceptance letter
- Travel document
Job Prospects in Italy
| Jobs | Salary (EUR) |
| Cashier | 13680 |
| Copywriter | 16530 |
| Financial analyst | 37930 |
| Graphic designer | 15240 |
| Mobile Developer | 18760 |
| Product Manager | 33550 |
| Receptionist | 13160 |
| Software engineer | 25430 |
| Teacher | 16150 |
| Web developer | 21570 |
Final Take Away
- Italy offers world-class education in diverse fields, especially art, design, and engineering.
- Affordable tuition fees and numerous scholarship options for international students.
- Post-study work permits provide opportunities to build a career.
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant student life.
- An excellent destination for international education and global opportunities.
FAQs –
- Do I need to speak Italian to study in Italy?
Many programs are offered in English, but learning Italian can be helpful for daily life and part-time work.
- Are tuition fees high in Italian universities?
Public universities have affordable tuition fees, ranging from €500 to €4,000 per year.
- Can I work part-time while studying in Italy?
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during studies.
- What is the duration of a post-study work permit in Italy?
Graduates can stay up to 12 months after completing their studies to find a job.
- Are scholarships available for international students in Italy?
Yes, Italy offers numerous government, regional, and university-specific scholarships.