UNI STUDENT
Studying in Italy is an attractive option for international students seeking European higher education that combines academic tradition, research and practical learning. Italy is home to some of Europe’s oldest universities and offers programs in medicine, engineering, architecture, design, business, computer science, arts and the humanities.
Italian universities offer degrees in Italian and a growing selection of English-taught programs. Tuition fees at many public universities are relatively affordable, while eligible international students may also apply for government, regional and university scholarships.
Before applying, students should confirm the institution’s official status, the program’s language of instruction and whether the qualification will be recognised in the country where they plan to work or continue their education.
Italy offers several potential benefits for international students:
Historic universities and diverse research institutions.
Degree programs taught in Italian and English.
Relatively affordable tuition at many public universities.
Scholarships based on academic merit or financial circumstances.
Well-established programs in architecture, design, arts, medicine and engineering.
A degree structure based on the European ECTS system.
Part-time work opportunities under student residence rules.
A choice of historic and modern student cities.
Options to convert a study residence permit into a work permit when the legal requirements are met.
Italian higher education includes public and private universities, institutions for Higher Education in Art, Music and Dance, known as AFAM, and other specialised institutions. The main academic qualifications are:
An Italian bachelor’s degree normally takes three years and requires 180 CFU credits, which generally correspond to the European ECTS system.
A master’s degree normally takes two years after a bachelor’s degree and requires 120 CFU credits.
Certain subjects, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law and some architecture programs, are delivered as integrated degrees lasting five or six years.
Doctoral programs generally take at least three years and focus on advanced research and the completion of a dissertation.
Italian universities offer a variety of English-taught degrees, particularly at master’s and doctoral levels. English-taught bachelor’s, medical, engineering and business programs are also available, although the selection varies between institutions.
Applicants may need to prove their English proficiency through:
Some universities or diplomatic missions may require at least B2-level proficiency, but students should check the specific requirements for their program and visa application.
Learning Italian remains valuable even when the degree is taught in English. It can help with daily life, internships, part-time employment and communication with government authorities.
Applicants to Italian-taught programs generally need to demonstrate suitable Italian proficiency, often at B2 level. However, each university can determine its own language standard and examination requirements.
Accepted certificates may include:
Students should confirm the accepted certificate and minimum score directly with their chosen institution.
Admission requirements depend on the university, program and qualification level. Common requirements may include:
A suitable secondary school certificate for bachelor’s admission.
Completion of the required number of years of school education.
Academic transcripts with certified translations.
A relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s admission.
Proof of English or Italian proficiency.
A CV and motivation letter.
Recommendation letters for selected postgraduate programs.
A portfolio for art, design and architecture courses.
An entrance examination or interview.
A passport copy and photograph.
Course descriptions or syllabuses for certain master’s applications.
The university may request additional documents to evaluate a foreign qualification, such as a Declaration of Value, CIMEA Statements of Comparability and Verification, certified translations or legalisation.
The Italian university evaluates the applicant’s foreign qualification and decides whether it provides access to the selected program. Students may be asked to provide:
Requirements vary between universities. Students should confirm exactly which documents are required before requesting or paying for multiple recognition services.
Popular fields among international students include:
Some Italian universities offer medicine in English as well as Italian. Medical degrees normally take six years and are delivered as single-cycle master’s programs.
Admission is highly competitive and may involve a national or university entrance examination, depending on the rules announced for the relevant academic year.
Requirements may include:
Medical admission procedures, available places and examinations may change. Applicants must review the official announcement for their intended academic year.
Students should also confirm degree-recognition and medical licensing requirements in the country where they intend to practise.
Italy is known for education in architecture, fashion, product design, interior design and the arts.
Applications may require a portfolio demonstrating the student’s skills, along with an aptitude test or interview. Students applying to private schools should verify that the institution and program lead to the academic qualification they require.
Each institution sets its tuition fees. Charges may depend on the program, university type and, in some cases, the student’s family income. Official Italian guidance indicates approximate annual fees of:
These figures are indicative. Medicine, design and specialised postgraduate degrees may have different fee structures. Regional taxes, administrative fees and application charges may also apply. Some public universities calculate fees using an assessment known as ISEE or ISEEU Parificato for international students. This assessment may also be required when applying for regional financial aid.
Before accepting an offer, students should obtain a written fee statement covering:
Living costs depend on the city, accommodation and lifestyle. Milan, Rome and Florence are generally more expensive than many smaller Italian cities.
Some official guidance suggests planning approximately €10,000 per year for basic living costs. Actual expenses may be higher or lower depending on the student’s circumstances.
A student budget should include:
Rome has numerous public and private universities and offers programs in medicine, engineering, humanities, politics and the arts.
Milan is a major centre for business, finance, fashion and design. It has several respected institutions but is also one of Italy’s more expensive cities, particularly for accommodation.
Bologna is known for its university history and active student environment. It offers a broad range of Italian and English-taught degrees.
Turin is associated with engineering, automotive studies, technology and architecture, as well as major industrial companies.
Padua has a historic university offering programs in medicine, sciences, engineering and the humanities.
Florence is particularly associated with art, architecture, history and design and offers a selection of academic and creative programs.
Pisa is home to a well-established university and research institutions offering scientific, engineering and medical programs.
The application process generally includes:
Select a university, degree and language of instruction.
Review the admission requirements and deadlines.
Confirm whether the previous qualification is eligible.
Prepare certificates, translations and legalisations.
Submit the application to the university.
Complete an entrance examination or interview where required.
Receive an admission decision or eligibility confirmation.
Submit pre-enrolment through Universitaly where applicable.
Obtain a Declaration of Value or CIMEA documentation if required.
Apply for the correct student visa.
Complete enrolment and pay the required university fees.
Apply for a residence permit after arrival.
Many non-EU students who require a university study visa must submit a pre-enrolment application through Universitaly.
Universitaly is the free official portal of the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research. The selected university reviews and validates the pre-enrolment request before the student proceeds with the visa application.
University acceptance or pre-enrolment validation does not guarantee a visa. The final decision remains with the responsible Italian embassy or consulate.
Non-EU students planning to study in Italy for more than 90 days generally need a national Type D study visa.
Visa requirements may include:
Some consular guidance published for the 2026–2027 academic year lists a minimum financial requirement of approximately €10,179.85 for one year, in addition to return travel costs. Applicants must confirm the exact amount with the responsible embassy or consulate because financial requirements can change.
Non-EU students entering Italy with a national study visa must generally apply for a residence permit, known as a Permesso di Soggiorno, within eight working days of arrival.
Applications are usually submitted through a post office displaying the Sportello Amico sign or through a university support desk where available.
Documents may include:
The permit must be renewed before it expires. Renewal may require evidence of continued enrolment, academic progress, insurance and financial resources.
International students need suitable health insurance covering their stay in Italy.
Depending on their circumstances, students may be eligible to register voluntarily with the Italian National Health Service or use an accepted private insurance policy.
The insurance should satisfy the requirements of the university, diplomatic mission and residence-permit authority.
A study residence permit generally allows international students to work part-time for up to:
Study must remain the student’s primary activity. Students should comply with employment-contract, taxation and insurance rules and confirm that their residence status permits the intended work.
A study residence permit may be converted into a work permit when the graduate receives a suitable opportunity and satisfies the legal requirements. Previous quota-related restrictions on certain study-to-work conversions have been removed. However, graduates must still submit the correct application and supporting documents before their existing residence permit expires.
Eligible graduates may also have access to a residence option for seeking employment or starting a business, depending on their qualification and circumstances. Current requirements should be confirmed with the responsible immigration authority.
International students may find several types of financial support:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation offers MAECI scholarships to applicants from eligible countries and territories. Available degrees, age limits, language requirements, funding periods and benefits can change each year.
Regional right-to-study scholarships are often known as DSU scholarships or by the name of the relevant regional authority. Depending on financial circumstances and academic merit, support may include full or partial tuition exemption, a financial allowance, subsidised meals, and university accommodation or housing support.
Individual universities may offer tuition waivers or merit scholarships to international students applying for selected programs.
Opportunities may also be available through Erasmus+ and agreements between universities.
Accommodation options include:
Access to some university residences depends on financial circumstances, academic merit and availability.
Students should verify the landlord, property and contract before transferring money. They should also confirm that the accommodation documents can be used for visa and residence-permit purposes.
Students should verify that their chosen university or higher education institution is officially recognised and that the program leads to the intended qualification.
Students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture and other regulated professions should also contact the qualification-recognition and professional-licensing authorities in the country where they intend to work.
Admission to an Italian institution or its position in an international ranking does not automatically guarantee degree recognition or professional licensing in another country.
Yes. Italian universities offer English-taught programs, particularly at master’s and doctoral levels. Some bachelor’s and medical degrees are also available in English.
Indicative tuition at public universities generally ranges from €900 to €4,000 per year. Private university fees may range from approximately €6,000 to €20,000 or more.
Yes. International students may apply for government, regional and university scholarships. Eligibility depends on nationality, academic merit, financial circumstances and program.
Many non-EU students requiring a university study visa must complete pre-enrolment through Universitaly.
A study residence permit generally allows students to work up to 20 hours per week and no more than 1,040 hours per year.
An Italian bachelor’s degree normally takes three years. A master’s degree usually takes an additional two years.
Medicine is normally a six-year single-cycle degree.
No. Admission and Universitaly pre-enrolment validation do not guarantee a visa. The final decision belongs to the responsible Italian embassy or consulate.
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