Loading Higher Study…
Loading…
Loading Higher Study…
Italy combines world's oldest universities (Bologna, 1088 AD) with low public tuition based on family income (ISEE), making it one of the most affordable Western European destinations. Strong in fashion, design, architecture, art, classics, and engineering. Rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Universities
0
Courses
0
Scholarships
0
Tuition / yr
Public universities €0–€4,000/year (based on ISEE family income; non-EU use country-specific ISEE-pari); €156–€1,000/year regional tax; private €6,000–€25,000/year; AFAM €2,000–€8,000/year
Italy combines world's oldest universities (Bologna, 1088 AD) with low public tuition based on family income (ISEE), making it one of the most affordable Western European destinations. Strong in fashion, design, architecture, art, classics, and engineering. Rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Public universities (università statali), private universities, polytechnics (Politecnico di Milano/Torino), AFAM institutions (art/music), and superior graduate schools (Scuola Normale, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna). Bologna: Laurea (3yr L), Laurea Magistrale (2yr LM), Dottorato (3yr PhD). Credit system CFU (1 CFU = 1 ECTS).
Featured universities across this destination.
We're still verifying universities in Italy. Check back soon.
Tuition fee range
Public universities €0–€4,000/year (based on ISEE family income; non-EU use country-specific ISEE-pari); €156–€1,000/year regional tax; private €6,000–€25,000/year; AFAM €2,000–€8,000/year
Per academic year, varies by institution.
Living cost range
€700–€1,200/month; northern cities (Milan) higher €900–€1,400; southern cities lower €500–€900
Per year, includes accommodation + food.
UG: high school diploma equivalent to Italian Maturità (12 years schooling; some require 1-year foundation if 11-year system); admission test for medicine/dentistry (TOLC-MED, IMAT for English programmes). PG: relevant Laurea (180 CFU) with min 70/110. PhD: Master's + research proposal + entrance exam.
English programmes: IELTS 6.0–7.0, TOEFL iBT 80–100, PTE Academic 55–65. Italian programmes: CELI/CILS B2 (UG), C1 (PG).
Autumn (September/October, primary), Spring (February/March, limited).
Funding opportunities available to international students in this country.
We're still verifying scholarships for Italy.
true
Non-EU: Type D long-stay visa (Visto per motivi di studio) at Italian embassy; requires pre-enrollment via Universitaly portal. Within 8 days of arrival apply for Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at post office with kit. EU: no visa, register at Anagrafe.
Proof of €467.65/month (€5,860.79/year, 2024) for academic year via bank statement or sponsor notarised letter; scholarship holders exempt. Health insurance required (€149.77 if Italian).
Non-EU: 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays (1,040 hours/year). Minimum wage not legislated (~€7–€9/hour entry-level). EU: full work rights.
Permesso per Ricerca Lavoro: 6–12 month residence permit for job-seeking after graduation (requires Master's+). Pathway to Blue Card (salaried work permit) or lavoro autonomo (self-employed permit).
DSU regional housing (EDISU/ADISU/DSU Toscana) €250–€450/month (means-tested, limited). Private rental €400–€700/month (regions), €600–€1,200/month (Milan/Rome).
Non-EU: register with SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) for €149.77/year (mandatory) — covers GP, hospital, emergency. EU: EHIC valid first 12 months, then register with SSN.
ATAC (Rome), ATM (Milan), ATAF (Florence) — student passes €20–€40/month. Trenitalia regional trains with student Carta Freccia Young (free, under-30 discount). Frecciarossa high-speed rail.
Generally safe; petty theft in tourist areas (pickpocketing at Termini, Colosseum). Emergency: 112, 113 (police), 118 (ambulance).
Italian language essential outside major cities; regional dialects (Neapolitan, Venetian, Sicilian). Gastronomy (pasta, pizza, gelato), aperitivo tradition, calcio (football), opera, espresso culture, festa (festivals). Climate 5–32°C.
1) Non-EU pre-enroll via Universitaly.it (one programme). 2) Submit translated/legalised documents to Italian embassy. 3) Take admission test (IMAT/TOLC) if required. 4) Receive letter of acceptance. 5) Apply Type D visa. 6) Within 8 days of arrival, file Permesso di Soggiorno kit at post office.
Last verified: August 4, 2026.
Always cross-check critical information (visa rules, deadlines, tuition fees) with the official source before applying.