Did you know that one of the world’s oldest universities is in Italy? The University of Bologna, conventionally founded in 1088, is generally regarded as the oldest university in the Western world. Between its historic educational institutions, stunning scenery, world-famous cuisine, historic cities, and vibrant culture, Italy has something for many different types of students.
Italy is an appealing place to study abroad, with many English-taught degree programs and a central location in Europe. Tuition at Italian universities is often comparatively affordable, although fees and living costs vary significantly by institution, program, family income, and city. An Italian degree may also support career opportunities in Italy and internationally.
However, studying in a foreign country also comes with challenges. From choosing a program and university to obtaining a student visa, finding housing, and adjusting to student life, international students have several important decisions to make.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide explains the main points you should consider when planning to study in Italy.
How to Plan for Your Studies in Italy
Planning your studies can help you anticipate challenges and understand the steps involved in moving to Italy. Let’s look at some of the issues you should prepare for.
Education System in Italy
According to the Italian Ministry of University and Research, Italy currently has 99 university institutions. These include 61 state universities as well as legally recognized non-state, online, and special-status institutions. Official USTAT data reports 2,026,774 students enrolled in university courses in the 2024–2025 academic year.
Italian is the main language of instruction at many universities, but English-taught programs are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students can explore English-taught universities in Italy and should confirm the language of instruction on the individual program page or through the official Universitaly portal.
Italy’s higher education system follows the Bologna Process and uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. Its qualifications are organized into three principal cycles, although single-cycle degrees are also available in regulated fields.
Choosing a University in Italy
Before choosing a college or university in Italy, consider its location. Do you want to study in a major city such as Rome or Milan, or would you prefer a smaller city? Location can affect internship opportunities, transportation, housing availability, living costs, and your general lifestyle.
You should also review the institution’s admission criteria, tuition rules, student services, accreditation, and available programs. Public universities often calculate tuition partly according to family income, while private universities generally set their own fee schedules. Language requirements, entrance examinations, and application procedures vary by program.
Rankings vary according to the organization and methodology used. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Politecnico di Milano is the highest-ranked Italian institution at joint 87th, followed by Sapienza University of Rome at joint 111th and the University of Bologna at joint 123rd. Rankings should be considered alongside program content, costs, location, and student support. You can also explore other great universities in Italy.
Choosing a Study Program in Italy
Italian universities offer programs across a wide range of fields, including architecture, the humanities, agricultural sciences, biological sciences, engineering, business, and medicine. Before choosing a program, clarify your career goals and research the academic and professional opportunities associated with that field. You can also explore some of the best subjects to study in Italy.
Once you know your area of interest, compare universities that offer relevant programs. Review the curriculum, teaching language, delivery mode, accreditation, admission requirements, tuition, application period, internship opportunities, and current subject-specific rankings.
The Italian higher education system is organized into three principal cycles:
- Bachelor’s degrees (Laurea): These are generally three-year programs requiring 180 university credits, or CFU.
- Master’s degrees (Laurea Magistrale): These are generally two-year programs requiring 120 CFU after completing a first-cycle degree.
- Single-cycle master’s degrees (Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico): Programs in certain regulated fields last five or six years and require 300 or 360 CFU.
- Doctoral degrees (Dottorato di Ricerca): These are research-focused programs lasting at least three years and generally culminate in an original doctoral thesis.
How to Finance Your Education in Italy
One of the major challenges international students face when studying abroad is financing their education. Whether you plan to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies, you should review tuition, regional taxes, housing, insurance, transportation, and other living expenses before accepting an offer.
Tuition fees in Italy
Tuition at Italian universities depends on the institution, program, citizenship or residency status, and, at many public universities, family income. There is no single national tuition range that applies to every international student. Italy nevertheless has several comparatively affordable universities.
For current examples, the University of Padua states that enrollment in its degree programs costs from €0 to approximately €3,000 per year, depending on the student’s circumstances. The University of Pisa lists a maximum annual all-inclusive tuition fee of €2,900 for students enrolled within the standard duration of their program, with possible reductions.
Private-university fees vary considerably. For bachelor’s programs, Università Cattolica lists fees of €3,800 to €11,500 for students whose family income is produced in Italy. It lists a €6,580 flat fee under specified conditions for family income produced in the EU or associated countries and an €8,800 flat fee for family income produced outside those countries. IULM’s standard bachelor’s contribution bands from €3,746 to €10,546, while certain programs have different fixed totals.
These amounts can change each academic year. Always consult the current fee regulation for your exact program and check whether regional taxes, stamp duties, or other administrative charges are included.
Cost of Living in Italy
The cost of studying and living in Italy depends heavily on the city, type of accommodation, and personal lifestyle. Housing is usually one of the largest expenses, and costs in the same city may vary considerably. Instead of relying on a single national estimate, use the current cost-of-living guidance published by your university and add a financial buffer.
Let’s look at some common expenses and current examples published by Italian universities.
Food
The University of Padua estimates that one week of supermarket shopping costs approximately €60. It lists a meal in a pizzeria at about €20 and a full university-cafeteria meal at approximately €2 to €8. The University of Bologna similarly estimates supermarket spending at about €60 per week and a full cafeteria meal at €4.50 to €6. Actual spending will depend on dietary needs and how frequently you eat out.
Accommodation
Published university estimates illustrate how rent can vary. The University of Padua lists approximately €300 to €600 per month plus expenses for a single room and €250 to €400 plus expenses for a shared room. The University of Bologna lists an average of approximately €400 per month plus utilities for a single room in a shared apartment and €300 plus utilities for a shared room. Prices may be higher in competitive rental markets, and students should confirm whether utilities and deposits are included.
When searching for private housing, verify the landlord or agency, read the contract carefully, and avoid transferring money before confirming that the listing is legitimate. University housing offices and recognized student-accommodation services may be able to help.
Transport
Public-transport prices differ by city. Sapienza University of Rome currently lists a standard Rome ticket at €1.50, valid for 100 minutes, and a monthly pass at €35. The University of Bologna lists a standard urban ticket at €1.50, valid for 75 minutes, and a €27 monthly pass for students up to age 27. Check the local operator for current fares and student eligibility rules.
Insurance
EU students may be able to use a valid European Health Insurance Card, depending on their circumstances. Non-EU students must have health insurance valid in Italy for their residence-permit application. Students who are eligible for voluntary registration with the Italian National Health Service generally pay a minimum annual contribution of €700 for a calendar year. Private policy prices and coverage vary, so review exclusions, reimbursement limits, and residence-permit requirements carefully.
Books and other school-related expenses
Spending on books, software, laboratory equipment, studio materials, or other academic supplies depends on the program. Ask the department whether required materials are available through the library, can be rented, or must be purchased separately.
Miscellaneous Expenses
You should also budget for a phone plan, internet service, clothing, personal care, entertainment, travel, and unexpected expenses. Compare current prepaid phone plans and student discounts rather than assuming a fixed monthly amount.
Careful budgeting can make student life more manageable. Compare housing options, use student discounts where available, cook at home when practical, and maintain an emergency fund.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
International students may be eligible for government, regional, university, or privately funded scholarships. Eligibility, coverage, and renewal requirements differ, so consult the official call for applications for the relevant academic year.
Government scholarships
The Italian government offers scholarships and grants through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Under the official MAECI call, recipients in the main eligible categories receive a total of €10,800, normally paid in three installments.
A tuition exemption is not automatic. The current call states that some universities exempt MAECI scholarship recipients according to their own regulations, while students must ask their chosen institution whether tuition remains payable. Regional fees remain the student’s responsibility. Recipients are covered by MAECI’s collective health-insurance policy for the scholarship period, subject to the policy’s exclusions.
University scholarships
Many universities provide scholarships and financial assistance for international students. Examples include:
- Merit-based scholarships for students with strong academic records. The University of Padua currently offers up to 68 International Excellence Scholarships for eligible students entering English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programs. Each award provides €8,000 gross per academic year plus a tuition-fee exemption, although recipients must still pay the regional fee and revenue stamp.
- Regional need- and merit-based support. International students may be eligible for regional right-to-study benefits if they satisfy the relevant financial, academic, residency, and documentation requirements. The Opera Universitaria, for example, administers student-support programs in the Province of Trento.
- Departmental or program-specific scholarships. The University of Padua and other institutions publish separate calls for particular departments, courses, or groups of applicants. Award numbers, amounts, and deadlines can change each year.
Private scholarships
Private and bilateral organizations also fund study and research in Italy. For example, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program supports eligible U.S. citizens undertaking postgraduate study or research in Italy. Applicants should consult the current program page for eligibility, benefits, and deadlines.
Politecnico di Milano’s international merit call includes 10 Platinum Scholarships for eligible first-year students entering English-taught Master of Science programs at its Milan campuses. Each Platinum Scholarship includes a tuition-fee waiver and €10,000 gross. Successful recipients are required to pay an administrative fee of approximately €170 under the current call. Eligibility and application dates are defined in the annual scholarship notice.
How to Apply to Italian Universities
Applications to Italian universities are not handled through one universal admissions system. Students generally apply according to the chosen university’s procedures. Non-EU students residing abroad who require a study visa must also complete the official pre-enrollment process through the free Universitaly portal when instructed to do so.
Admission Requirements
To study in Italy, you must meet the admission requirements of your chosen university and program.
Academic Qualifications
For entry to a bachelor’s program, international students generally need a secondary-school qualification obtained after at least 12 years of schooling and one that permits entry to higher education in the country where it was awarded. Applicants with fewer than 12 years of schooling may need additional academic documentation or postsecondary study to compensate for the missing years.
For a master’s program, applicants generally need an appropriate first-cycle or bachelor’s degree. Universities independently evaluate foreign qualifications and may require particular subjects, grades, entrance tests, interviews, or evidence that the previous degree is academically suitable for the chosen program.
Proof of Language Proficiency
Language requirements depend on the university, program, and language of instruction. English-taught programs may accept IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge qualifications, previous education completed in English, or other evidence specified by the institution. Duolingo is not accepted universally. Italian-taught programs set their own requirements for Italian proficiency and accepted certificates. Always follow the exact admissions notice rather than relying on a general national test score.
Required Documents
The documents required for admission vary by institution and program. Some applications are completed entirely online, while others include additional verification or enrollment steps.
A university may ask for some or all of the following:
- Secondary-school or university diplomas and academic transcripts, as appropriate for the study level
- Official translations, legalization, verification, or comparability documents when required
- Proof of English or Italian proficiency in the form accepted by the program
- A copy of your passport or other identity document
- A curriculum vitae, statement of purpose, portfolio, or research proposal when required
- Letters of recommendation when required
- Entrance-test results, such as program-specific tests or the GMAT, only when the program requires them
Financial evidence is generally associated with the visa process rather than being a universal university-admission document, although individual institutions may request additional information.
Application Deadlines
There is no universal application period for Italian universities. Deadlines vary by university, program, intake, applicant category, and whether the student requires a visa. Some institutions use multiple application rounds, while programs with limited enrollment may follow separate national or institutional schedules.
The academic year commonly begins in September or October, but teaching calendars and semester dates vary. Apply as early as possible, particularly if you need document legalization, qualification assessment, housing, financial aid, or a study visa.
The national procedures state that study-visa applications for degree programs must be submitted to the competent Italian diplomatic or consular office. Universities may impose substantially earlier admission and pre-enrollment deadlines, so this national date should not be treated as the university application deadline.
General Admission Steps
The application process typically involves:
- Researching programs and universities while comparing location, curriculum, tuition, teaching language, accreditation, and admission requirements
- Checking the exact program notice and preparing the required academic and language documents
- Completing the university’s application and paying an application fee only if the institution requires one
- Waiting for the university’s admission or eligibility decision
- Completing Universitaly pre-enrollment and applying for a study visa if you are a non-EU applicant residing abroad who requires one
- Completing final enrollment, fee payment, and document-verification procedures by the university’s deadlines
Careful preparation will improve your chances of completing the process successfully. Contact the university directly when a requirement or deadline is unclear.
How to Obtain a Student Visa in Italy
EU citizens do not need an Italian study visa. EU students staying for more than three months generally need to register their temporary residence with the local municipal registry. Non-EU students should use the official Visa for Italy portal and the website of the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence to determine whether a visa is required.
Non-EU students undertaking a long-term degree program generally apply for a national study visa before traveling to Italy. Core evidence normally includes:
- Admission or pre-enrollment documentation for an eligible Italian educational institution
- A valid passport and the required application form and photographs
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Health insurance valid in Italy
- Proof of sufficient financial resources, including resources for the return journey
- Any additional documents required by the responsible embassy or consulate
As a general rule, an Italian national visa costs €116, although applicants should verify the current fee and payment method with the responsible diplomatic office. Processing times vary by consulate and individual circumstances, so students should apply as soon as they are eligible and should not make nonrefundable travel arrangements before receiving a decision.
Non-EU students staying in Italy for more than three months must apply for a residence permit for study within eight working days of arrival. The application normally begins through an authorized post office, after which the Questura schedules an appointment to complete the procedure and collect fingerprints. The official Study in Italy guidance lists a general cost of approximately €116.46 for a permit lasting up to one year, although the amount can vary. EU students do not need this residence permit.
How to Prepare for Your Arrival in Italy
Before packing your bags, make the necessary arrangements to support a smooth transition. Confirm your enrollment, accommodation, insurance, travel documents, arrival instructions, and the first administrative steps required by your university.
Do your research
Before traveling to Italy, learn about your university, city, transportation options, housing market, local services, and academic expectations. Blogs and social-media groups may provide useful personal experiences, but important financial, immigration, and admissions information should always be confirmed through official sources.
- Cultural differences: Greeting customs, meal schedules, business hours, and social expectations vary by region and situation. Some businesses, particularly in smaller communities, may close during part of the afternoon.
- Food and festivals: Italy has diverse regional cuisines and celebrations. Events such as Carnevale and Ferragosto are observed differently across the country.
- Housing: Explore university residences, private rentals, shared apartments, and host-family arrangements before arriving. Ask your university whether it provides a housing service or verified listings.
Prepare important documents
Bring your valid passport or identity document, visa if required, university admission and enrollment records, proof of accommodation, health-insurance documents, academic records, and sufficient funds for your initial expenses. Store secure digital copies separately from the originals.
Pack strategically
Bring essential items while keeping airline baggage limits and the size of your accommodation in mind. Useful items may include:
- Comfortable clothing suitable for the seasons in your destination
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Chargers and a suitable electrical adapter; Type L sockets are common in Italy, while some outlets also accept Type C or Type F plugs
- Essential medication in its original packaging, accompanied by any necessary prescription documents
- A small gift for your host family, if applicable
Tips on how to adjust to life in Italy
Learn basic Italian
Learn some useful Italian phrases before you travel. Greetings such as “Buongiorno” and expressions such as “Grazie” can help with everyday communication. Even if your degree is taught in English, basic Italian can make it easier to complete administrative tasks, communicate with local residents, and build friendships.
Explore the local culture
Take time to explore your surroundings and learn about local history, art, customs, and food. Museums, cultural events, student activities, language exchanges, and community courses can help you understand your new environment.
Make friends with locals and other international students
Building a social network can make it easier to adjust to a new country. You can meet people by joining student organizations, participating in orientation activities, attending language exchanges, and taking part in university events.
Join student organizations and take part in extracurricular activities
Student organizations and extracurricular activities can help you meet people, become involved on campus, and learn more about Italian culture. Review the organizations available through your university and choose activities that match your interests.
Get a SIM card for your phone
An Italian SIM card or eSIM may provide more convenient local calling and data rates. Compare current prepaid plans, coverage, identification requirements, and cancellation terms from several providers before choosing one.
How to Study and Live in Italy
Studying in a foreign country can present academic, cultural, and practical challenges. Here are some common issues and ways to address them:
Challenge 1: Language barrier
Not being fluent in Italian can make everyday tasks more difficult. Consider taking an Italian-language course before and during your studies. The University of Turin, for example, provides information about Italian-language courses. A translation app can also be useful, but it should not replace professional assistance for legal, medical, immigration, or contractual documents.
Challenge 2: Culture shock
Italian customs and routines may differ from those in your home country. While these differences can be exciting, adjusting may take time. Learn about local expectations, connect with other students, maintain contact with people at home, and use your university’s counseling or international-student services when you need support.
Challenge 3: Making friends
Building a new social circle takes effort. Join campus clubs, sports teams, orientation activities, language exchanges, and other events where you can meet people with similar interests. Introducing yourself to classmates and participating regularly can also help reduce isolation and homesickness.
Can You Work in Italy After Graduation
EU citizens can work in Italy under EU free-movement rules, subject to applicable registration, employment, and tax requirements. A non-EU student residence permit generally allows employment for up to 20 hours per week and no more than 1,040 hours in a 52-week period. A separate work visa is not normally required for employment within those limits while the valid study permit is held.
Self-employment is not categorically prohibited. However, non-EU graduates who want to undertake self-employed work must follow the applicable immigration procedure and satisfy the relevant permit and, where applicable, quota requirements.
Job Opportunities
Employment opportunities depend on your field, qualifications, location, professional experience, language ability, and current labor-market conditions. Italian proficiency can significantly broaden the range of jobs available, even when a company uses English in part of its operations.
Use your university’s career center, internship office, alumni network, and official employment portals to identify suitable vacancies. Confirm whether a prospective role meets the conditions for the residence permit you hold or intend to obtain.
Work Visas
After completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, eligible non-EU graduates may apply to convert a study residence permit into a one-year residence permit for seeking employment, provided the applicable conditions are met. This is a residence-permit process rather than simply a new “national visa.”
Once you obtain qualifying employment, you must follow the applicable procedure for converting or obtaining the correct work authorization. The process depends on the type of employment, your existing status, and current immigration rules. Consult official guidance before relying on general information about Italy work permits.
Preparing for the Job Hunt
Start preparing before graduation. Build a clear CV that highlights internships, extracurricular activities, technical skills, language ability, and relevant coursework. Ask professors or internship supervisors for references where appropriate, improve your Italian, and research the skills employers request in your field.
Networking can also help. Use your university’s career center and alumni network, attend recruitment events and career fairs, and maintain professional online profiles.
Moving to another country to study involves both opportunities and challenges. Italy offers historic universities, diverse cities, a broad range of academic programs, and a growing selection of courses taught in English. Tuition at public universities can be comparatively moderate, although students must carefully budget for housing, insurance, regional charges, and other living expenses.
Admissions, fees, scholarships, visa procedures, and residence-permit requirements can change. Begin planning early and verify every important step through the current university, Universitaly, and Italian government guidance. With careful preparation, studying in Italy can be an achievable and rewarding experience.
I hope that this article on how to study in Italy was helpful! If you are interested, check out the available courses in Europe for international students!
