Education in Italy for International Students

Italy is among the European countries where higher education remains affordable without compromising quality. In the 2024/25 academic year, more than 2 million students were enrolled at Italian universities, of whom 5.4% are international. This share is growing: over six years, the number of students with foreign diplomas more than doubled — from 52,493 to 111,566. Behind these figures lies a system that combines low tuition costs, strong positions in specific fields, and specific rules that are worth understanding before submitting documents.

 

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What Italian Education Offers Italian public universities maintain some of the lowest tuition prices in Western Europe. The cost of a year in a bachelor's programme ranges from €900 to €4,000; in a master's — from €1,000 to €3,500. These amounts are calculated based on family income (ISEE), so for students from lower-income families, the fee can be minimal. At private universities, prices are higher — from €5,000 to €20,000 per year, but scholarships and discounts are available there too.

The growth of English-taught programmes is reshaping Italian education. Today, there are more than 500 fully English-taught programmes in the country, mainly at master's level and in technical fields. For international students, this means the opportunity to start studying without fluent Italian, although the language will be needed for everyday life and especially for work.

A third strength is the research base. Italian universities participate in European grant programmes and work in tandem with industrial consortia. Master's and doctoral students often participate in projects funded by the state or companies, which provides access to real data and equipment.

 

What International Students Choose Demand for programmes in Italy has a distinct pattern. Art and design come first. The Florence Academy of Fine Arts, the Polytechnic University of Milan, and the Marangoni Institute train specialists in visual arts, industrial design, and fashion. These programmes attract students from Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America who plan to work in the creative industries.

Architecture and engineering come second. Some of these programmes operate on a single-cycle model (Ciclo Unico): architecture, pharmacy, and some engineering fields take five years and immediately award a master's degree, while medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science take six years. This structure is not found in most European countries, where bachelor's and master's degrees are separate. For international students, this means a longer programme, but also deeper preparation without an intermediate qualification.

Computer science and engineering are growing faster than others. The Polytechnic University of Milan consistently ranks first among Italian universities in the QS ranking, and its programmes in mechanical engineering and industrial design are in the top 20 of global rankings. The Polytechnic University of Turin works in tandem with the automotive industry — Fiat, Ferrari, Iveco — and offers students internships in production.

Economics and business are concentrated in private universities. Bocconi and Luiss offer programmes in English and have partnerships with international companies. Humanities and social sciences are taught at the universities of Rome, Bologna, and Padua, which are among the oldest in Europe.

 

What Is Different Here The Italian higher education system follows the Bologna Process but retains national characteristics. A first feature is the single cycle for a number of specialisations. Architecture, pharmacy, medicine, and some engineering fields are not divided into bachelor's and master's: the student studies for five or six years and immediately receives a master's degree. This differs from most European countries, where the first degree is awarded after three or four years.

A second feature is regional disparity. Universities in Northern and Central Italy are growing, while in the South almost half of institutions are losing students. For international students, this means that the choice of city affects not only the cost of living but also access to internships and professional networks. Milan and Turin offer more opportunities for practical experience than Naples or Palermo, although the latter may be more attractive in terms of expenses.

A third nuance is the Bologna system in practice. Italy is the country where the first university in Europe was founded, and the Bologna Process was named after this city. For international students, this means that Italian diplomas are recognised in other European countries without additional procedures, and the ECTS credit system simplifies transfers between institutions.

 

Visa Requirements To study in Italy, citizens of non-EU/EEA countries require a type D student visa. The process begins with pre-enrolment through the Universitaly portal — this is a mandatory step for bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and AFAM programmes (art, music, choreography).

The key requirement is proof of financial capacity. For the 2026/27 academic year, the minimum amount is €10,179.85 per year, or about €848 per month. The money must be in the student's or sponsor's account, and its origin is verified.

In addition to financial proof, you will need a passport valid for at least 15 months, an admission letter, medical insurance, and proof of language proficiency. For programmes in Italian, level B2 is usually required; for English-taught programmes — IELTS from 6.0 or TOEFL iBT from 80. The deadline for submitting a visa application for the first year of study is until 30 November 2026 for the 2026/27 academic year.

After arrival, the student must apply to the police within eight working days to obtain a residence permit. This document confirms the right to stay and work within permitted limits.

 

Student Life in Italy Italian remains the main barrier, even when studying in English. Outside campus — at the bank, in the city administration, when renting housing — it's difficult to handle everyday tasks without Italian. The level of English among the local population is lower than in Northern Europe. Most international students start learning the language alongside their main programme — through university courses or language schools.

Students are allowed to work from their first year. A student with a valid residence permit can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. The annual limit is 1,040 hours. Work requires a tax number (Codice Fiscale), which is issued at the local tax office. Typical student positions — waiter, sales assistant, tutor, library assistant — pay around €8–10 per hour.

The cost of living varies significantly. Milan is the most expensive city: renting a room in a shared apartment costs an average of €704 per month, and the full monthly budget can reach €1,300–2,000. In Rome and Florence, prices are lower — the average room rent is €615 and €627 respectively. In Bologna, Turin, or Padua, a room costs from €450 to €600. The average monthly budget for a student, excluding housing, is €400–600, including food, transport, and study materials.

 

Where Students Live Student dormitories (Residenza universitaria) are the most budget-friendly option: from €150 to €400 per month, depending on the city. Places are allocated through regional DSU bodies (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) based on the family's financial situation (ISEE). Students from families with an income below €11,000 can qualify for subsidised places at €150 to €300. You should apply immediately after enrolment — the queue forms quickly.

Renting a room in an apartment (stanza in affitto) is the most common format. In Milan, a room costs an average of €704; in Rome — €615; in Bologna — €585; in Florence — €627. Search is done through Idealista.it, Immobiliare.it, as well as Facebook groups where departing students rent out rooms. For an international student without an Italian guarantor, getting a contract can be difficult, but in student cities, landlords often accept payment for several months in advance.

Private student residences (case dello studente) offer more amenities: internet, cleaning, sometimes meals. Prices start from €500 per month. This option is convenient for those arriving for the first time and not wanting to spend time searching for an apartment.

 

Studying in Italy means being ready for bureaucracy: pre-enrolment through Universitaly, obtaining a residence permit, tax number, registration in the local healthcare system. For those prepared to take these steps, the country offers affordable education, strong programmes in art, architecture, and engineering, and a clear path to work in Europe.