Tuition
Public universities approximately €900–€4,000 per year; private institutions approximately €6,000–€20,000+ per year (European Commission country profile for Italy, indicative).
See full cost breakdownGuide for the 2026/27 and 2027 intakes
Study in Italy for Indian Students
Everything Indian students need to plan higher education in Italy — universities, English-taught courses, admission requirements, application steps, Universitaly pre-enrolment, tuition costs, scholarships and the student visa process. Long-stay study generally requires a Type D national visa; after graduation a job-search residence permit (attesa occupazione, generally up to 12 months subject to current rules) may be available, and public-university tuition commonly depends on declared family income (ISEE).
Universities, admission, costs, scholarships, visa and 2026/27 planning — with official sources cited throughout.
Last updated: September 2026
How to use this guide
European Dreams provides guidance and support for each step below. University-specific admission requirements and deadlines must be confirmed with the university itself, while visa requirements and decisions are handled by the competent Italian authorities. For current rules, always check official sources such as Universitaly, the MAECI Study in Italy portal and the relevant Italian consulate.
At a glance
Study in Italy at a Glance
Key facts for Indian students — all figures and rules below are repeated with full detail and sources in their respective sections.
Living costs
Approximately €700–€1,100 per month depending on the city (indicative; larger cities typically cost more than smaller university towns).
Compare costs by cityScholarships
Regional DSU need-based aid, university merit reductions or waivers, and MAECI government grants in selected years. None can be promised in advance.
Explore scholarship routesVisa
After admission, complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, then apply for a national study visa with supporting documents at the competent mission.
Read the visa guideEnglish requirements
Many Bachelor's and Master's programmes are taught in English. Each programme's call sets whether proof is required — there is no single universal IELTS rule.
Find English-taught coursesApplication process
Each university sets its own requirements and deadlines. Typical flow: programme choice → application → admission → Universitaly → visa.
Read the admission guide| Capital / currency | Rome / euro (€) |
|---|---|
| Main intakes | September (main) and February (limited) — varies by university and programme |
| Student visa | Type D long-stay national visa for courses over 90 days |
| Work while studying | Up to 20 hours per week, subject to residence-permit conditions |
| After graduation | Job-search residence permit (attesa occupazione), generally up to 12 months subject to current rules |
| Tuition basis | Public-university fees commonly depend on declared family income (ISEE) |
Why Italy
Why Study in Italy?
Italy combines historic public universities, growing English-taught provision and a welcoming environment for international students.
Public universities
Italy has an extensive network of public universities across its regions. Public institutions generally charge lower tuition than private ones, with exact fees set per institution and programme.
English-taught programmes
Many Italian universities now offer Bachelor's and Master's programmes taught in English. Browse English-taught courses and confirm the language of instruction for each programme.
Scholarship routes
Regional need-based scholarships, university merit measures and Italian government grants support eligible international students. Each scheme has its own criteria and deadlines.
Wide academic choice
From engineering, architecture and design to medicine, humanities, business and data science, Italian universities cover most major fields at Bachelor's and Master's level.
International student experience
University cities across Italy host growing international student communities, with support services, student housing options and cultural life that help newcomers settle in.
A structured admission path
The route from India is well defined: university admission, Universitaly pre-enrolment and then the student visa application. The steps below walk through each stage.
Why Indian students consider Italy
For many Indian students, Italy is considered because public universities set tuition per institution and programme — often with income-based assessment that can mean two students on the same course pay different amounts — and because need-based regional right-to-study student-aid system (DSU — Diritto allo Studio Universitario), university merit and government (MAECI) support routes exist where you meet the specific call. Many Bachelor's and Master's programmes are offered in English, so you can study without Italian as the language of instruction where the programme confirms it. The overall process is structured — university admission, then Universitaly pre-enrolment, then the student visa — and living costs vary significantly by city rather than being fixed nationally.
From India to Italy
Study in Italy from India: the Overall Journey
Most Indian students follow the same broad path. Each stage has its own requirements, so start early and track every deadline.
- 1Profile and course selection
- 2University application
- 3Admission decision
- 4Universitaly pre-enrolment
- 5Student visa application
- 6Arrival in Italy
Typical flow at a glance: Research → Check eligibility → Choose programme → Apply → Admission → Scholarship / ISEE Parificato (the equivalent indicator used where family income and assets are outside Italy, where applicable) → Universitaly pre-enrolment → Student visa → Travel → Residence formalities (permesso di soggiorno) after arrival. Requirements vary by university and programme at each stage — use the detailed guides below rather than any single generic checklist.
Compare universitiesBrowse coursesExplore English-taught optionsSee the Italy university admission guideCompare Italy tuition and living costsExplore scholarships for international studentsCheck the latest university intake deadlinesUnderstand the Universitaly processReview Italy student visa requirementsLiving in Italy for studentsMedicine in Italy for Indian studentsStudy in Italy data guide
Universities
Universities in Italy
Compare universities by programme content, admission requirements, application deadlines and tuition fees before you apply.
Programmes
Courses to Study in Italy
Italian universities generally offer three-year Bachelor's degrees (Laurea), two-year Master's degrees (Laurea Magistrale) and five- to six-year single-cycle programmes in fields such as Medicine and Architecture. Durations and structures vary by programme.
Bachelor's programmes
Undergraduate options across engineering, business, sciences, humanities and more, including English-taught choices.
Master's programmes
Postgraduate specialisation with a strong English-taught offering in many technical and management fields.
Single-cycle programmes
Long single-cycle degrees for regulated professions such as Medicine, Dentistry and Architecture, with specific entry tests where applicable.
Eligibility
Study in Italy Admission Requirements
Requirements vary by university and programme. There is no single universal percentage or language score — always check the official page of your chosen programme.
Previous qualification
Class 12 for Bachelor's or a recognised Bachelor's degree for Master's, with subjects relevant to the programme where required.
Academic transcripts
Mark sheets, certificates and sometimes syllabus details or credential evaluation, as specified by the university.
Language requirements
English proficiency evidence for English-taught programmes, or Italian where the programme requires it. Accepted tests and minimum levels differ per programme.
Passport and programme-specific items
A valid passport plus anything the programme asks for, such as a portfolio, motivation letter, CV or entrance examination.
Documents Indian applicants commonly prepare
- Statement of purpose (SOP) tailored to the programme.
- Letters of recommendation (LORs), usually for postgraduate applications.
- Academic CV or résumé; portfolio where the programme specifies it.
- Qualification recognition: a CIMEA Statement of Comparability or Verification, or a Declaration of Value (DoV) from the competent Italian mission — requirements vary by university and programme, and some require neither.
No checklist is universal — confirm the exact document list in your programme's official call before applying.
Bachelor's in Italy — what to check
Bachelor's (Laurea) programmes generally admit students completing Class 12 or equivalent — but subject expectations, grade thresholds and language rules are set per programme, so there is no single universal eligibility rule. Check whether your stream covers the programme's expected subjects, and whether the course is open-access or limited / programmed-access — selection routes differ. Always confirm requirements on the official programme page.
Master's in Italy — what to check
Master's (Laurea Magistrale) admission centres on the relevance of your Bachelor's background plus programme-specific prerequisites. Programmes expect a Bachelor's in a related field, sometimes with minimum credits in specific subjects. Many universities pre-evaluate transcripts before the formal application — use pre-evaluation where the university offers it. Always confirm prerequisites on the official programme call.
Do I need an entrance test?
Requirements vary by programme and year. Entrance tests assess readiness and rank you for that programme's places; qualification recognition (CIMEA / Declaration of Value) is a separate process — you may need one, both or neither. Check the official programme call (bando) for your exact course.
- Medicine & regulated programmes: Programme-specific entrance requirements and testing may apply where the programme lists them — nationally regulated or limited-access courses such as Medicine and Architecture may use national or university-run entrance examinations.
- Engineering / Economics & similar: CISIA TOLC (CISIA's online admission test) where the programme requires it, or CEnT-S where the university has adopted it for specific scientific areas — only where listed in the call. Depending on the programme, a TOLC may be mandatory, optional for ranking, or not required at all.
- Design / Architecture: Portfolio, interview or other programme-specific selection methods may apply where the course specifies them.
- Other programmes: Many courses select on documents alone. Always verify whether a test applies — and which one — on the official call; there is no single national entrance score that applies to every Italian course.
Sources: CISIA (official TOLC / CEnT-S information) · CIMEA comparability services. For the detailed comparison of entrance tests vs qualification recognition, see entrance tests and qualification recognition.
Requirements are not universal — every programme sets its own criteria. For the complete requirements and step-by-step process, see Italy university admission requirements and process.
Medicine
Medicine in Italy: IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test), NEET and Programme-Specific Requirements
Medicine is a regulated, limited-access area — every requirement is programme-specific. Always verify the current official programme call before relying on any test or eligibility rule.
Medicine and Surgery admission is governed by the individual university's call (bando) for that intake. Whether IMAT or another selection route is used depends on the programme's current admission route — where the programme is English-taught, IMAT may be relevant where the current route uses it. The call also defines academic prerequisites, language requirements, available places, rankings and deadlines for that year, so no score or cutoff is universal.
For Indian students, additional NEET-related requirements may apply depending on the programme and applicable Indian rules. Italian university admission requirements and Indian regulatory/eligibility requirements are separate — a university admission does not replace any Indian eligibility check, and an Indian eligibility check does not replace the Italian university's call. Verify both sides with the current official sources before planning around Medicine.
Practical checks before you apply to Medicine
- Confirm whether the programme is English-taught.
- Check the current official admission call for that intake.
- Check whether IMAT or another selection route is required where the call lists it.
- Check programme-specific academic prerequisites for Medicine.
- Check applicable NEET and related Indian eligibility requirements with the relevant official authority.
- Check application, Universitaly pre-enrolment and student visa steps separately — each has its own timeline.
Medicine places and selection methods are set per call, so no universal seat count or cutoff is stated here. For current procedures, see the official portal at Universitaly and the specific university's programme page and call.
For the detailed admission and qualification-recognition context, see See the Italy university admission guide. For 2026/27 IMAT dates, university seats and NEET/NMC requirements, see our Medicine in Italy for Indian Students guide. For the Italian-taught route, see our Italy Open Semester 2026/27 for Medicine guide to the open-semester exams, ranking and deadlines.
Application process
How to Apply to Italian Universities
Individual universities set their own requirements and deadlines. The steps below describe the typical process.
- 1Shortlist programmes and verify eligibility, language requirements and deadlines on each university website.
- 2Prepare documents: transcripts, certificates, passport, language evidence and programme-specific items.
- 3Submit the university application through its admission portal before the deadline.
- 4Complete any entrance test or interview the programme requires.
- 5Accept the admission offer and follow the university's enrolment instructions.
- 6Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment if you need a student visa.
For the complete application flow, see our Italy university admission guide. For programme-specific entrance requirements and how qualification recognition differs from entrance tests, see Italy university admission, entrance tests and qualification recognition.
Pre-enrolment
Universitaly Pre-Enrolment
After admission, international students who require a visa for Italy generally submit a pre-enrolment application on the official Universitaly portal. The university validates it, and the validated summary supports the visa application.
Pre-enrolment windows and procedures are announced for each academic year. Use the official portal and follow your university's instructions exactly.
Visit the official Universitaly portalConfused about how pre-enrolment fits around admission and the visa? See our Universitaly pre-enrolment guide for Indian students.
Tuition and living costs
Cost of Studying in Italy
Tuition varies by institution, programme and student circumstances, and living costs vary significantly by city. Confirm exact figures for your chosen programme rather than relying on a single universal number.
Tuition fees
Public universities generally charge lower annual tuition than private institutions, often adjusted to family income and merit. Check the fee regulations published by each university.
Living expenses
Accommodation, food, transport and study materials depend on the city and lifestyle. Larger cities typically cost more than smaller university towns.
| Category | EC indicative range | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Public university tuition | Approximately €900–€4,000 per year | ≈ ₹84k–₹3.72L per year |
| Private institution tuition | Approximately €6,000–€20,000+ per year | ≈ ₹5.58L–₹18.6L+ per year |
| Living costs | Approximately €700–€1,100 per month, depending on the city | ≈ ₹65k–₹1.02L per month |
These are indicative ranges only — actual costs vary by university, programme, city and individual circumstances, and fees may depend on declared family income. Indicative INR conversions only; actual university fees depend on programme, income-based assessment, university rules and applicable reductions. INR at approx. €1 ≈ ₹93 — exchange rates change; verify the rate when budgeting. Source: European Commission — Study in Italy country profile.
Why two students can pay different fees: ISEE & ISEE Parificato
Fees commonly depend on declared family income, so two students on the same course can pay different amounts. Read your university's income-band rules carefully. For families whose income and assets are outside Italy, universities use an equivalent indicator (ISEE Parificato / ISEE University Equivalent) instead of the standard ISEE. As a labelled example, the DSU Toscana 2026/27 call set thresholds of ISEE €27,000 and ISPE €60,000 — other regions and universities set their own. Many universities also offer reductions or full exemptions on merit or income grounds through separate calls with their own deadlines.
For a detailed breakdown of tuition, living costs and how to verify your exact fee, see our cost of studying in Italy guide for Indian students.
Housing
Student Accommodation in Italy
Where you live shapes your budget more than any other choice. Options and availability differ by city and university — arrange housing early.
University dormitories
Student residences run by universities or regional student-aid bodies, usually the most affordable option where available — places are limited and allocated per each residence's own rules.
Shared accommodation
Shared apartments with other students, the most common arrangement in larger cities — confirm what is included (utilities, internet, registration support) before signing.
Private accommodation
Private studios or apartments, generally the highest-cost option — larger cities typically cost more than smaller university towns, and a written rental agreement also supports the visa and residence-permit file.
Regional DSU bodies may also offer student housing subject to availability under their own calls — see our Italy scholarships guide. Compare living-cost tiers in our city cost guide and arrival essentials in our living in Italy for students guide.
Funding
Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students
Several funding routes exist, but none can be promised in advance. Every scheme publishes its own eligibility rules, benefits and deadlines.
Regional (DSU) scholarships
Need- and merit-based support administered by regional student aid bodies under Italy's right-to-study (DSU) system, generally assessed on income and merit. Benefits, eligibility and deadlines vary by region and year.
University scholarships
Merit reductions, tuition waivers or awards offered directly by individual universities to strong applicants. Check each university's official call — criteria and amounts differ.
Government (MAECI) grants
Grants provided by Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for foreign students, announced in selected years. Read the official call carefully before applying. MAECI Study in Italy portal.
2026/27 scholarship snapshot — verified examples
Examples only — every scheme publishes its own annual call. Scholarship rules, eligible countries and deadlines vary by scheme and university.
| Scheme | 2026/27 example | What it offered |
|---|---|---|
| MAECI government grants | Applications closed at 14:00 Italian time on 26 March 2026 | €10,800 total (9 months) per the official 2026-2027 call; paid in instalments conditional on presence, enrolment and academic progress |
| DSU Toscana (regional) | 20 July–7 September 2026 for degree courses | ISEE €27,000 and ISPE €60,000 thresholds (this region/year only); need- and merit-based benefits vary by region and year |
| University of Padua | International Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 | Up to 69 scholarships — one per English-taught programme — each with a tuition fee-waiver and an €8,000 annual allowance; eligible students considered automatically |
These are verified 2026/27 examples, not guarantees — India featured on the official MAECI 2026-2027 eligible-countries list, but eligibility is reset each year. Scholarship amounts, thresholds and deadlines are set anew in each annual call. No scholarship can be promised in advance.
Scholarship rules, amounts and deadlines can change. Verify the current official call.
Check the official regional, university and MAECI calls for your intake year before applying.
Students from India should also check Invest Your Talent in Italy, a programme combining postgraduate courses with internships at Italian companies for students from selected countries. Availability and criteria vary by year — see the official Study in Italy portal. For an overview of all routes, see the European Commission country profile.
For the full breakdown — DSU and regional scholarships, MAECI government grants, university merit awards, documents and deadlines — see our Italy scholarships guide for Indian students.
For the latest scholarship updates and explainers, see our study in Italy blogs.
Visa
Italy Student Visa for Indian Students
The visa stage follows admission and pre-enrolment. For courses over 90 days, Indian students apply for a Type D long-stay national visa. Visa issuance is decided by the competent Italian authorities — prepare carefully and verify current requirements.
- 1Secure university admission and complete Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- 2Identify the competent mission for your jurisdiction and book your appointment.
- 3Prepare supporting documents: admission proof, pre-enrolment summary, financial evidence, accommodation, insurance and other items the mission specifies.
- 4Attend the appointment and provide biometrics where required.
- 5Await the decision and collect your passport with the visa if granted.
Visa checklist — prepare from your mission's current list
- Admission proof and Universitaly pre-enrolment summary.
- Financial evidence and accommodation evidence as the mission specifies.
- Jurisdiction check: apply via the competent Italian mission for your area.
- Consular / VFS appointment process, including biometrics where required.
- Universitaly connection: pre-enrolment validated by the university supports the visa file.
- Avoid common mistakes: late preparation and relying on generic document lists.
Missions commonly also ask for financial evidence, accommodation evidence and other supporting documents alongside admission and pre-enrolment proof. There is no single universal minimum — thresholds and accepted evidence are set by the mission. Prepare with our visa document checklists and the official Universitaly guidance for foreign students. For the full process, see our Italy student visa guide.
India-specific visa & document context
- Jurisdiction & checklists: Visa and document procedures depend on the competent Italian mission for your jurisdiction. Always prepare from the current checklist of that mission. See our Italy student visa guide for Indian students and jurisdiction-wise visa document checklists.
- VFS Global channel: In India, applications are lodged through VFS Global centres acting for the competent mission — see the official VFS appointment page. Slots fill up in peak intake season, so confirm your jurisdiction and book early.
- CIMEA vs Declaration of Value (DOV): Qualification-recognition requirements are programme and university dependent — not every Indian student needs a CIMEA Statement and not every student needs a DOV. Depending on the university and course, some institutions accept a CIMEA Statement of Comparability or Verification, others request a Declaration of Value from the competent Italian mission, and some require neither. Confirm what your specific university requires — see entrance tests & qualification recognition.
- Medicine / MBBS programmes: Medicine and other regulated programmes have programme-specific requirements and entrance testing — for example, nationally regulated or university entrance examinations where applicable. Requirements vary by programme and year; always check the official programme call.
Careers
Work While You Study and After Graduation
Part-time work can support your stay, and graduates may explore post-study options — both depend on current rules and your individual situation.
Part-time work during studies
International students can generally work part-time subject to applicable Italian rules and residence-permit conditions — non-EU students may work up to 20 hours per week with a valid residence permit. Confirm the current limits before relying on work income.
After graduation
Graduates may be able to apply for a residence permit for job-search purposes (permesso di soggiorno per attesa occupazione), generally up to 12 months subject to current immigration rules. Nothing is automatic: eligibility depends on the individual case, and rules can change, so verify with official Italian authorities. No employment or residence outcome can be promised.
Source: European Commission — Study in Italy country profile.
For accommodation, living costs, transport, healthcare and arrival checklists, see our living in Italy for students guide.
Planning
Intakes and Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary by university, programme and intake. There is no universal Italian application deadline — check each programme page and apply early, since visa timelines add extra weeks.
Deadlines at a glance — 2026/27 verified examples
Each row is one institution's 2026/27 position — never an Italy-wide rule. Your course, level and applicant category can carry different dates — always read the current call.
| University | Programme & intake context | Official deadline example | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Master's, foreign qualification; September 2026 and February 2027 Engineering intakes | Sept intake calls 1 Oct–1 Dec 2025 and 13 Jan–26 Feb 2026; Feb 2027 Engineering call 18 May–18 Jun 2026. Official dates | Second semester Engineering only, with named programme exclusions |
| University of Padua | English-taught degrees; unlimited vs limited-place programmes | Unlimited places: Call One 2 Nov 2025–2 Feb 2026, Call Two 2 Mar–2 May 2026; limited places, non-EU abroad: 7 Jan–7 Mar 2026. Official dates | Later calls restricted to EU and Italy-resident applicants |
| Sapienza University of Rome | English-taught programmes, pre-selection then call | Non-EU visa-seeking pre-selection 22 Dec 2025–15 May 2026; Universitaly by 30 Jun 2026; EU/equivalent to 31 Jul 2026. Official dates | Pre-selection alone does not enrol; the programme call completes admission |
| University of Turin | Separate undergraduate and postgraduate application windows | Postgraduate 25 Nov 2025–29 Jan 2026; undergraduate and 5–6 year programmes 19 Feb–15 Apr 2026. Official dates | Later 2026 calls reserved to Italians, EU and Italy residents |
All examples are 2026/27 editions verified on the linked official pages. Your course, level and applicant category can carry different dates — always read the current call.
Understand the three different deadlines
- University / programme deadline — the date your chosen university sets for its own application call (examples in the table above). This is the binding date for admission.
- Universitaly / pre-enrolment timing — the window the university defines for validating your pre-enrolment on the official portal after admission.
- Visa-related national backstop: 30 November 2026 — the latest date by which visa applications for 2026/27 ordinary degree courses (Bachelor's, Master's, single-cycle) may be submitted under the current national procedure. This is a final ceiling, not a university application deadline. Institutions may require far earlier dates, and this date does not create extra time beyond the university's own deadline.
For September and February intakes, the full 2026/27 timeline and all verified university examples, see our Italy university intakes and deadlines guide.
What to track
Study in Italy Deadlines: What to Track
Italian deadlines vary by university, programme, degree level, intake, applicant category and admission route. There is no single Italy-wide application deadline.
Verified 2026/27 examples — intake/year labelled
Each row is one programme's position for 2026/27 only. Programme and university calls define the binding date for that intake — do not treat any row as applying to all universities.
| University / route | Intake / applicant context | Deadline or date | What the date refers to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Master's, foreign qualification; September 2026 and February 2027 Engineering intakes | Sept 2026: 1 Oct–1 Dec 2025 and 13 Jan–26 Feb 2026; Feb 2027 Engineering: 18 May–18 Jun 2026 | University application call. Official dates |
| University of Padua | English-taught degrees; unlimited vs limited-place programmes | Unlimited: Call One 2 Nov 2025–2 Feb 2026, Call Two 2 Mar–2 May 2026; limited, non-EU abroad: 7 Jan–7 Mar 2026 | University application call. Official dates |
| Sapienza University of Rome | English-taught programmes, pre-selection then call | Non-EU visa-seeking pre-selection 22 Dec 2025–15 May 2026; Universitaly by 30 Jun 2026; EU/equivalent to 31 Jul 2026 | Pre-selection + Universitaly window. Official dates |
| University of Turin | Separate undergraduate and postgraduate windows | Postgraduate 25 Nov 2025–29 Jan 2026; undergraduate and 5–6 year programmes 19 Feb–15 Apr 2026 | University application call. Official dates |
All rows are verified 2026/27 examples from the linked official university pages. The national visa-related date of 30 November 2026 is a separate visa ceiling and is not a university application deadline.
How to use this tracker
- Start with the programme's official admission call for your intake and degree level.
- Check whether the deadline applies to international / non-EU applicants for your category.
- Check whether the deadline is for application, enrolment, pre-enrolment or another step.
- Check scholarship deadlines separately — they are separate calls.
- Check Universitaly and visa timelines separately — they run on their own calendars.
- Re-check the official source before applying because dates can change.
Deadlines can change. Treat this as a planning aid and verify the current official programme call before applying.
For the full timeline, all verified examples and applicant-category caveats, see our Italy university application deadlines and Universitaly tracker and Understand the Universitaly pre-enrolment step.
Language of instruction
English-Taught Courses in Italy
Many Italian universities offer programmes taught fully or partly in English, particularly at Master's level and in technical fields. Always confirm the language of instruction for your exact programme and intake.
What Indian students should know about English requirements
- English proof is programme-specific — only where the programme's call names a test (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or others) is that evidence required. No single IELTS score applies across Italy.
- Required levels can differ by programme, including B1 vs B2 cases. Padua's 2026/27 guidance, for example, assigns B1 or B2 depending on the programme and call — always check your exact call.
- A previous degree taught entirely in English may sometimes be accepted under programme-specific conditions — for example, where documentation explicitly shows the language of instruction. Whether this is accepted depends on the call.
For Bachelor's and Master's examples, how to verify the language of instruction and the full requirement table, see our English-taught courses in Italy guide for Indian students.
Popular choices
Popular Italian Universities
Start your comparison with these well-known universities, then explore the full listing.
University of Bologna
One of the oldest universities in Europe, with a wide choice of programmes.
View universitySapienza University of Rome
A large public university in Rome offering many English-taught options.
View universityUniversity of Milan
A major public university with programmes across sciences and humanities.
View universityPolytechnic University of Milan
A leading choice for architecture, design and engineering programmes.
View universityUniversity of Padua
A historic university with English-taught Bachelor's and Master's courses.
View universityUniversity of Turin
A well-established public university in northern Italy.
View universityYour roadmap
Study in Italy Step-by-Step
A clear ten-stage journey from first shortlist to arrival.
- 1Evaluate your profileReview your previous qualification, subjects, grades and language readiness against the level you want to study.
- 2Choose your courseShortlist Bachelor's, Master's or single-cycle programmes that match your background and goals.
- 3Choose your universityCompare universities by programme content, admission requirements, deadlines and fees.
- 4Prepare your documentsCollect transcripts, certificates, passport and any programme-specific documents well in advance.
- 5Submit your applicationApply through each university's own admission process before its deadline.
- 6Receive your admissionIf selected, the university confirms your admission or pre-admission for the intake.
- 7Complete pre-enrolment where requiredStudents who need a visa generally complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly after admission.
- 8Apply for your student visaApply with your admission, pre-enrolment summary and supporting documents.
- 9Prepare for departureArrange accommodation, finances, insurance and travel once your plans are confirmed.
- 10Arrive in ItalyComplete local formalities after arrival. Non-EU students generally declare their presence at the Questura (police headquarters) within 8 days and apply for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). The exact procedure and deadlines must be verified with the competent Italian authorities.
Avoidable errors
Common Mistakes Indian Students Make When Planning to Study in Italy
Small planning errors cause most avoidable delays. Verify every detail on official university and government sources — not on generic lists.
Relying on generic deadlines
Deadlines are programme and intake-specific. A date that applied to another university or intake does not apply to yours — always check the official call of the exact programme.
Confusing admission with visa approval
University admission is decided by the university; the study visa is decided by the competent Italian authorities. Admission does not guarantee a visa — each stage has its own decision-maker.
Starting Universitaly and visa preparation too late
Universitaly pre-enrolment windows and visa appointments run on tight, non-extendable calendars. Start document collection well before admission arrives.
Ignoring programme-specific entrance tests
Some programmes require CISIA TOLC, CEnT-S where adopted, or a university-specific test or interview. Whether a test applies — and which one — varies by programme, so check the official call.
Delaying qualification and document checks
Whether a CIMEA Statement, Declaration of Value or other recognition document is needed depends on the university and course. Confirm early and allow time for issuing authorities.
Relying on unofficial information
Generic blogs and social posts often misstate fees, deadlines and document rules. Trust official university pages, Universitaly, CIMEA, CISIA and the competent Italian mission — verify before you act.
FAQ
Study in Italy: Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian students study in Italy?
Yes. Indian students are admitted to Italian universities every year across Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle programmes. You apply to the university, and if you need a visa, you complete pre-enrolment and then apply for a student visa.
How do I apply to Italian universities?
Each university runs its own admission process with its own requirements and deadlines. In general you choose a programme, prepare your documents, submit the university application, and wait for the admission decision. After admission, visa-seeking students complete Universitaly pre-enrolment.
What is Universitaly pre-enrolment?
Universitaly is the Italian Ministry of University and Research portal where international students who require a study visa submit a pre-enrolment application after receiving university admission. The university validates it, and the summary is used for the visa application.
Do Indian students need a student visa for Italy?
Yes, Indian citizens generally need a national study visa for long-term study in Italy. You apply after admission and pre-enrolment with supporting documents. Visa issuance is decided by the competent Italian authorities, so always verify current requirements with the relevant Embassy or Consulate.
Are English-taught courses available in Italy?
Yes. Many Italian universities offer Bachelor's and Master's programmes taught fully or partly in English. Use the courses listing to filter English-taught options and always confirm the language of instruction for your specific programme.
Are scholarships available for Indian students in Italy?
There are regional need-based scholarships, university-specific merit reductions or waivers, and Italian government (MAECI) grants in some years. Availability, eligibility and amounts vary, so no scholarship can be promised in advance — check each scheme's official call before applying.
How much does it cost to study in Italy?
Tuition varies by institution, programme and student circumstances, and living costs vary by city, so there is no single universal figure — always confirm the exact fees for your chosen programme. As indicative ranges from the European Commission country profile for Italy: public university tuition approximately €900–€4,000 per year, private institution tuition approximately €6,000–€20,000+ per year, and living costs approximately €700–€1,100 per month depending on the city (indicative INR at approx. €1 ≈ ₹93; exchange rates change).
What documents are required to study in Italy?
Typical documents include previous qualification certificates and transcripts, a valid passport, language evidence where the programme requires it, and programme-specific items such as portfolios or entrance test results. Visa applications additionally require admission proof, pre-enrolment summary, financial evidence and other supporting documents specified by the mission.
Do Indian students need IELTS to study in Italy?
No, there is no single universal IELTS requirement for every Italian university or programme — each programme's call sets whether English-language proof is required and which tests and levels it accepts. Some programmes may accept alternatives such as TOEFL or Cambridge, or prior English-medium study where the programme rules explicitly allow it, so Indian students should verify the exact language rule for their chosen programme and intake.
Do Indian students need NEET for Medicine in Italy?
Italian university admission requirements and Indian eligibility requirements are separate. Whether a specific Italian medical programme uses an entrance route such as IMAT depends on its current official call, while any NEET-related eligibility is a separate Indian requirement — verify both the current programme call and the applicable Indian eligibility rules before applying.
What is DSU?
DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) is Italy's regional right-to-study student-aid system. Regional DSU bodies can provide need- and merit-based support where you meet that region's rules, so benefits, eligibility and deadlines vary by region and year — check the applicable regional call.
What is IMAT?
IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is an admission test used for certain English-taught Medicine and Surgery routes in Italy when the relevant programme's call requires it. It is not a universal requirement for every Italian degree — always check whether your specific programme and intake uses IMAT or another selection route.
Sources & verification
Figures, dates and procedures on this page are verified against official sources. Always re-check the current call before applying.
- Universitaly — official portal and guidance for foreign students
- MAECI Study in Italy portal and official 2026-2027 grants call
- European Commission — Study in Italy country profile
- CISIA — TOLC / CEnT-S information and CIMEA comparability services
- University calls: Politecnico di Milano, University of Padua, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Turin
Related guides: Admission · Universitaly · Costs · Scholarships · Student visa · Visa checklists · Intakes · English-taught courses · Living in Italy
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