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Last reviewed: 2026-07-04

# 🇮🇹 Studying in Italy for international applicants

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## Higher education in Italy at a glance {#c1}

Italy - is not only high art and a rich architectural heritage, but also a chance to get a quality European education at an affordable price. Italian universities rank among the world's best, holding high positions - even in the top hundred.

Italy's education system follows the Bologna model and has three levels. A bachelor's (Laurea) usually lasts 3 years and a master's (Laurea Magistrale) 2 years. For some fields - such as medicine, dentistry, architecture or law - there are single-cycle programs lasting 5-6 years that combine both levels.

University of Padua

For international students, one of Italy's main advantages is the wide choice of English-taught programs. Even at the bachelor's level there are fields designed specifically to prepare specialists for an international career. Such programs in business, fashion, design, communications and the social sciences are growing rapidly in Milan, Rome and other cities, where private universities bet on a global outlook and close ties to companies worldwide. Their goal is not only to provide quality education but also to prepare students for success in an international setting - whether in Europe, the USA or Asia.

Enrollment straight after 11 years of school isn't possible, so students who finished 11 grades will need to complete a foundation year.

## Advantages of studying in Italy {#c2}

- Affordable tuition. 
Tuition in Italy remains relatively affordable compared with other European countries. Annual fees for bachelor's and master's programs usually run from about €1,500 to €20,000, depending on the field, duration and specifics of the program. In addition, many universities offer scholarships to support international students, including tuition coverage and help with accommodation.
- Employment. 
After graduation, international students can apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work, which makes it possible to stay in the country and find a job. The country also offers good employment opportunities, especially for professionals in art, fashion or architecture.
- Study format and free time. 
Study in Italy is set up so that students can not only gain knowledge but also have a full life outside class. Each semester covers 4-5 subjects, classes take 2-4 hours a day, and most preparation is independent. Homework is rare but practical and useful. Exams can be retaken with no limit on attempts. This makes for a comfortable rhythm and genuine enjoyment of studying.

## Drawbacks of studying in Italy {#c3}

Italian bureaucracy. 
Admission to Italian universities is fairly complex. The requirements and procedures can be hard to follow in English. It's best to turn to specialists for document preparation. The StudyU agency supports applicants in gathering and submitting documents. Book a 15-minute consultation to learn more. 
• Difficulty finding housing. 
In Italy, especially in big cities, finding student housing is difficult. Almost all housing is rented through agencies and requires a deposit and security payment. The shortage of dormitories and the economic situation drive rents up. With relatively affordable tuition, accommodation costs can dominate the budget.

## Tuition in Italy {#c4}

Italy offers many government and institutional scholarships. The most popular is the DSU - a government need-based scholarship awarded on financial circumstances rather than grades or a portfolio. Besides the DSU, there are university scholarships for academic merit or based on the family's financial background.

Study at public universities is considered free, but students must pay a registration fee, which usually ranges from €1,000 / year to about €4,000 / year on average; for CIS nationals the fee is significantly higher than for EU citizens. Private universities can charge €10,000 to €25,000 / year. A master's at public universities costs around €4,500 / year, and at private ones €5,000 to €25,000 / year.

The Foundation year costs CIS students about €5,000 / year.

Below are figures for specific universities for 2026:

1.University of Bologna (UNIBO) - the oldest university in Europe, among the top-ranked.

Tuition: for international students it ranges from about €900 to €4,000 / year, including a first mandatory fee of around €157; the maximum is about €1,644 + €157 with no exemptions

Scholarships: available based on ISEE and academic merit.

2.Politecnico di Milano - a leader in architecture, design and engineering. 
Tuition: for international students it starts at roughly €3,900-4,000 / year, depending on the program and family income

Scholarships: internal support and merit-based financial aid.

> Creative fields are worth mentioning: architecture and design in Italy are often available in English and Italian at public universities, while other creative fields are mostly in Italian. At private universities, such programs are usually taught in English. Admission to architecture or design requires a portfolio or entrance exams.

3.Sapienza University of Rome - one of Europe's largest universities.

Tuition: for non-EU/EEA nationals it is about €1,000 to €2,924 / year, including regional fees of around €140; the base rate is €2,821 for humanities faculties and up to €2,924 for technical and medical programs

Scholarships: available based on financial situation and academic performance.

4.Ca’ Foscari University of Venice - specializes in the humanities and economics.

Cost: up to €8,500 / year

Scholarships: internal grants and aid programs.

> Italian scholarships can be very generous, covering food, accommodation and even personal expenses. However, keep in mind that preparing the scholarship paperwork is not simple: you'll need to gather, translate and legalize documents - sometimes not only for the student but also for family members. The StudyU agency supports students through applying for and receiving a scholarship. Book a 15-minute consultation to learn more.

## Other costs and accommodation {#c5}

Prices in Italy depend on the city and region. The most expensive cities are Milan and Rome, where a one-bedroom apartment starts at €800/month. Italy has very few student dormitories, so most students rent apartments.

Monthly food costs per person: €200-300/month. Italy has a well-developed public transport system - €30 to €70/month. 
For nationals who need a student visa, keep in mind the financial guarantee the student must provide - usually around €6,000 - plus extra funds for renting accommodation.

## Admission requirements {#c6}

Admission requirements for Italy can differ from one university to another. It's also worth remembering that applying for a scholarship may come with additional conditions.

The basic document package includes:

- School diploma
- An English-proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL) or Italian (CILS, CELI)
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- An entrance test or exam - for certain programs
- Interview

Master's:

- Bachelor's degree
- An English-language proficiency test
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- For some programs - the GRE or GMAT

## Deadlines {#c7}

The first application round sometimes begins as early as October. The main wave runs from February to June. Keep in mind that scholarship deadlines can vary by program. So it's best to begin the Italy application 1-2 years before your studies start, to gather the full document package and take exams if needed.

In addition, Italy has both open-access and restricted-access programs. Some faculties have limited admission quotas - it's important to submit documents on time to be among those admitted.

Thinking about studying in Italy?

We'll explain the options - free, no obligations.

## How to apply to Italy: a step-by-step plan {#c-steps}

Italian admission isn't fast, but it's predictable once you break it down:

1. Choose the program and university. Applications go through the state portal Universitaly: one pre-enrollment application covers one university and one program, so the shortlist has to be right the first time.
2. Credential recognition. The classic route is the Dichiarazione di Valore (DoV) via the consulate - one to three months. The faster one is a CIMEA comparability statement: done online in 2-4 weeks and accepted by most universities.
3. Language certificate. IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs, CILS or CELI for Italian-taught ones; some universities run their own tests instead.
4. Pre-enrollment (preiscrizione). The main window runs February to May. Since 2026 universities cap foreign confirmations at seats plus 20% - waiting too long has become risky.
5. Entrance exams. Many public universities require a subject TOLC test; English-taught medicine takes the IMAT; creative programs review portfolios.
6. Type D student visa. You'll need the admission confirmation, housing and a financial guarantee - about €6,000 in the bank plus rent money.

With StudyU all six steps run in parallel and under control: we track deadlines, prepare the CIMEA and application paperwork while you focus on the language and school. Start with a [free consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

## Applying straight after 11th grade {#c-after11}

You can't enter an Italian bachelor's program straight from an 11-year school: universities require 12 years of education. There are two ways to close the gap. The first is a foundation year at a university (about €5,000 for students from the CIS); the second is completing the first year of university at home and applying with it. Which path is shorter and cheaper depends on the program - both are covered in our [study-abroad guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-where-is-it-easiest-to-study-abroad).

## Master's degrees in Italy {#c-master}

The Laurea Magistrale takes two years, and for many students it's the smartest entrance into Italian education: a bachelor's diploma is accepted directly, no foundation year. Public universities charge around €4,500 a year for master's programs, private ones €5,000-25,000. English-taught master's options noticeably outnumber bachelor's ones, especially in engineering, economics and design. The DSU grant works for master's students too: with documented modest family income it can cover the fee, housing and meals. Beyond the diploma and language certificate, expect to submit a CV and motivation letter; some business programs ask for GRE or GMAT.

## What studying in Italy costs {#c-costs}

| Expense | Budget for |
| --- | --- |
| Public university fee (bachelor's) | €900-4,000 / year |
| Private university | €10,000-25,000 / year |
| Master's | from €4,500 (public) to €25,000 (private) / year |
| Foundation year | about €5,000 / year |
| Rent (Milan, Rome) | from €800 / month |
| Food | €200-300 / month |
| Transport | €30-70 / month |
| Total living costs | €700-1,200 / month depending on the city |

The good news: the DSU grant is awarded on family income, not grades, and covers most of these lines when approved. The catch: its paperwork is demanding - collect and legalize documents with time to spare.

## FAQ about studying in Italy {#c-faq2}

### Can I enter an Italian university right after an 11-year school?

No - bachelor's programs require 12 years of education. Students bridge the gap with a foundation year (about €5,000) or one completed year of university at home. Master's programs accept bachelor's diplomas directly.

### How much does studying in Italy cost?

Public universities charge a registration fee of €900-4,000 a year; private ones start at €10,000. Budget €700-1,200 a month for living; Milan and Rome are the priciest.

### Can I study in Italy for free?

Practically yes - through the DSU grant. It's income-based rather than merit-based and can cover the fee, housing and meals. Universities add merit scholarships on top.

### Do I need Italian?

Not necessarily: English-taught programs are plentiful, especially at master's level and in engineering and design. IELTS or TOEFL covers those. Italian (CILS/CELI) is needed for Italian-taught programs - and it makes daily life and part-time work much easier.

### What entrance exams does Italy use?

It depends on the program: many public universities require a subject TOLC test, English-taught medicine uses the IMAT, architecture and design review portfolios. Plenty of programs admit on documents alone.

### When should I apply?

The main Universitaly pre-enrollment window is February-May; some universities open in October. Scholarship deadlines come earlier than university ones, so start preparing a year to eighteen months ahead.

## Italian universities we help you get into

### Politecnico di Milano

### Sapienza University of Rome

### University of Bologna

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