Historic, respected universities
Italy is home to some of the world's oldest universities and strong technical and design schools.
Study in Italy
Historic universities and world-class design and engineering
Italy combines some of the world's oldest universities with strong technical, design, and arts schools, and a growing range of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes.
Match me with programmes- Main intakes
- 1–2Main intakes
- Status
- EU member stateStatus
- Teaching languages
- Italian / EnglishTeaching languages
- Support options
- Regional scholarshipsSupport options
Country overview
Studying in Italy
Italy is an EU member state with a long university tradition and internationally respected schools in engineering, design, architecture, and the arts. English-taught programmes have grown substantially, especially at master's level and in technical universities. Degrees follow the Bologna structure recognised across the EU.
Alongside academic prestige, Italy offers regional cost-of-living variation and need- or merit-based regional scholarships. International applicants often complete a pre-enrolment procedure, so always confirm current requirements and steps directly with the institution and official portals.
- Capital
- Rome
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Popular cities
- Rome, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Turin, Padua
- Main intakes
- Autumn (Sep/Oct), some Spring
- Teaching languages
- Italian and English (programme-dependent)
- EU status
- Member state — simplified entry for EU/EEA citizens
Why study here
Reasons students choose Italy
Design, engineering & arts
Italy is internationally recognised for design, architecture, engineering, and the arts.
Growing English-taught offer
English-taught programmes have expanded, especially at master's level and in technical universities.
Regional scholarships
Need- and merit-based regional support (e.g. DSU-style schemes) can reduce costs for eligible students.
Education system
How the system is structured
Italian higher education follows the Bologna three-cycle structure (laurea, laurea magistrale, doctorate), delivered by universities, polytechnics, and higher institutes for arts and music (AFAM), using the ECTS credit system.
Universities & polytechnics
Offer academic and technical bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes.
AFAM institutions
Higher institutes for fine arts, design, and music offer specialised creative programmes.
Pre-enrolment for internationals
International applicants often complete a pre-enrolment and credential-evaluation procedure via official portals.
ECTS credits
Programmes use ECTS, supporting transfer and recognition within the EU.
Application routes
Pathways by study level
Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor's
Bachelor's (laurea) programmes are more often taught in Italian, though English-taught options exist, particularly in technical and international fields.
Typical duration: 3 years
Typical entry requirements
- Completed secondary education comparable to the Italian requirement
- Language proof (Italian or English depending on the programme)
- Entrance tests for some fields (e.g. medicine, some technical programmes)
Graduate degree
Master's
Master's (laurea magistrale) programmes offer a growing number of English-taught options across many fields.
Typical duration: 2 years
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades
- Language proof for the programme's teaching language
- Programme-specific prerequisites; some require a motivation letter or portfolio
Qualification requirements
What qualifications you typically need
| Study level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Secondary education assessed as comparable to the Italian standard, plus language proof; some fields require entrance tests. |
| Master's | A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades and language proof for the teaching language. |
Language requirements
Proving your language ability
Language requirements depend on whether the programme is taught in Italian or English. Confirm accepted tests and scores with the institution.
English-taught programmes
IELTS Academic
Widely accepted for English-taught programmes; bands vary by programme.
TOEFL iBT
Commonly accepted as an alternative to IELTS.
Local-language programmes
Italian language proof
Required for Italian-taught programmes (e.g. CILS, CELI); levels vary by programme.
- Some Italian helps with daily life even on English-taught programmes.
- Minimum scores and accepted tests differ by programme — always verify directly.
Application process
A typical application, step by step
Shortlist programmes
Identify universities, polytechnics, or AFAM programmes matching your background and teaching language.
Check requirements and entrance tests
Confirm academic prerequisites, language proof, and entrance tests for competitive fields.
Complete pre-enrolment
International applicants often complete pre-enrolment and credential evaluation through official portals (e.g. Universitaly).
Submit your application
Apply to the institution with transcripts, language results, and required documents.
Arrange visa/residence steps
Non-EU applicants should begin the visa/residence process promptly once admitted.
Visa process
Student visa overview
Check your citizenship status
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa or residence permit in the same way as non-EU applicants, though registration formalities may still apply.
Non-EU: apply for a student visa
Non-EU/international students typically apply for a national (type D) study visa through the Italian embassy or consulate, often after pre-enrolment.
Prepare supporting documents
Commonly includes the acceptance/pre-enrolment confirmation, passport, proof of funds, accommodation, and health insurance, though exact lists vary.
Apply for a residence permit after arrival
Non-EU students generally apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) soon after arriving in Italy.
Verify current rules officially
Visa and residence requirements change — always confirm the current process with the official Italian embassy/consulate or immigration authority.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Italy can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.
Required documents
Documents you are likely to need
Academic transcripts
Certified copies of secondary or prior higher-education records, often with credential evaluation.
Language test results
English (IELTS/TOEFL) or Italian (CILS/CELI) depending on the programme.
Passport
Valid for the duration of study and travel.
Pre-enrolment/acceptance confirmation
Confirmation of admission and, for non-EU applicants, pre-enrolment.
Proof of funds
Evidence you can support tuition and living costs.
Health insuranceIf applicable
Required for the visa/residence process for non-EU applicants.
Study categories
Popular fields of study
Design & architecture
- Industrial Design
- Fashion Design
- Architecture
- Interior Design
Engineering & technology
- Mechanical
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Computer Engineering
Arts & humanities
- Art History
- Music
- Languages
- Cultural Heritage
Business & economics
- Management
- Economics
- International Business
- Finance
Costs and funding
Budgeting your studies
Public university tuition is often income-linked and can be moderate, while living costs vary widely by city. Regional scholarships can offset costs for eligible students. The figures below are qualitative — confirm current amounts with the institution.
Tuition
- Public universities
- Low–moderate
- Private/specialised institutions
- Higher
Fees are often income-linked; northern cities can be pricier overall.
Private design, fashion, and business schools set their own fees.
Living costs
- Accommodation
- Largest monthly cost
- Food & transport
- Moderate
- Health insurance
- Required
Milan, Rome, and Florence are typically more expensive than smaller cities.
Southern and smaller cities are generally more affordable.
Requirements depend on your status.
Funding & scholarships
Regional scholarships
Need- and merit-based regional schemes (e.g. DSU-style) can cover fees, meals, or accommodation for eligible students; verify eligibility officially.
University scholarships
Some universities offer merit awards or fee reductions; availability varies and should be checked directly.
Part-time work
Eligible students may work limited hours; rules depend on citizenship and must be verified officially.
Application timeline
Planning your year
12–14 months before
Research
- Shortlist programmes and teaching language
- Check entrance tests and scholarships
- Plan your budget
9–12 months before
Prepare
- Sit language tests
- Gather transcripts and credential evaluation
- Prepare for entrance tests
5–9 months before
Apply
- Complete pre-enrolment
- Submit applications
- Track offers and conditions
2–5 months before
Visa & arrival
- Accept an offer
- Apply for the student visa if non-EU
- Arrange accommodation and travel
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overlooking the pre-enrolment procedure required of many non-EU applicants.
- Missing entrance-test deadlines for competitive fields like medicine.
- Assuming bachelor's programmes are in English — many are taught in Italian.
- Not applying for regional scholarships that could significantly reduce costs.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in English in Italy?
English-taught programmes have grown, especially at master's level and in technical universities, but many bachelor's programmes are in Italian — check each programme's teaching language.
What is pre-enrolment?
Many non-EU applicants must complete a pre-enrolment and credential-evaluation procedure through official portals before enrolling. Confirm the current steps with the institution.
Are Italian universities affordable?
Public university tuition is often income-linked and can be moderate, and regional scholarships may cover fees or living costs for eligible students, though this varies by region.
How long does the non-EU visa process take?
Processing times vary and are not fixed — always confirm current timelines with the official Italian embassy or consulate well before your intended start date.
See which Italian programmes fit your profile
Upload your transcript and MeetMentora will interpret your academic background and surface programmes that match your level and interests.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Italy can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.