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Study in Italy


Italy is a very popular destination among international students. Whether you dream of studying in Italy or are passionate about Italy's history, art, cuisine, or educational quality, the country provides a distinct and fulfilling education journey.

International students from China, India, Germany, and the United States comprise Italy's most significant number of students. Italian universities saw a surge in international student enrollment during the 2020–2021 academic year, with over 93,000 students from abroad, a 50% increase from the previous decade.

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Quick facts:

Characteristic Details
Official Name Italian Republic
Population 60.92 million (2022)
Capital Rome
Listed universities: 72
Study programs: 552
Ranked universities: 57
Currency Euro (EUR)
Language Italian
Climate: Mediterranean climate
Major cities: Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Padua and Venice

Higher Education in Italy

Bachelor's degrees in Italy typically last three years, except for those in medicine and dentistry, which take longer. Master's degrees, including Master of Science in Italy degrees and other specialized programs, are typically two years long.

After graduation, any international students who want to study for a master's programin Italy can stay in the country and work for up to one year, allowing them to gain work experience and find a permanent job. Overall, Italy is a very popular destination for international students.

Degree Duration Requirements
Bachelor's degree Three Years 10+2 or Equivalent
Master's degree Two Years Bachelor's degree
why study in italy

Why Study in Italy?


Italy has a well-established higher education system renowned for its academic excellence and cultural heritage. Discover the wonders of higher education in Italy, where endless possibilities exist.

Attractive Scholarship Programs

Low-income students can access financial aid through regional scholarships at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where tuition fees are linked to family income. Students are charged between 150 and 5,000 EUR per year, based on their income.

World-Ranked Universities

Italian universities are ranked among the best in the world, with several in the Top 500 according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings. Italy is also home to some of the best business schools in Europe.

Check More Reasons to Study

Affordable Fee

Italy's public universities are relatively cheap compared to other European countries. Generally, public universities in Italy charge around 1,000-2000 euros per year. Top-ranked, prestigious universities might charge more.

Part-Time Job

Embrace the balance between work and study, as you enjoy the right to work part-time, up to 20 hours a week, to support your journey towards success.

World Oldest Universities

The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world and has welcomed students for 1200 years. Since 1999, it has led the Bologna Process, a pan-European initiative that has established a common framework for higher education, making it easier for students to move between European universitiesand ensuring that European qualifications are recognized and respected globally.

Post-Study VISA

After education in Italy, you get a Work VISA, allowing you to work in any Schengen country.

Variety of English-taught Programs

There are more than 500 English-taught study programs in the country. And every year, there are more and more options to study in Italy in English.

Nonetheless, studying in Italy for Indian students is academically rewarding and cost-effective compared to other European countries.

Popular Courses to Study in Italy

Italy offers many courses and programs in English for international students, ranging from the social sciences and humanities to engineering and technology. Some popular courses for Indian students in Italy include:

Engineering and Technology

Italy is known for its excellent engineering programs, such as those offered at Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, and the University of Bologna.

Business and Management

Italy has several business schools that offer world-class MBA programs, including Bocconi University, SDA Bocconi, and the Politecnico di Milano School of Management.

Read More About Courses

Medicine and Health

Italian medical schools are highly regarded worldwide for their high-quality education and research, with the University of Bologna, the University of Pavia, and the University of Milan being some of the top choices for international students.

Nursing

Italy offers excellent nursing programs at renowned universities like La Sapienza University of Rome, UniCamillus University, and the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli. These universities provide English-taught nursing programs, attracting international students with job prospects and high pay rates for nurse practitioners.

Art, Design, and Media

Italy is home to renowned art and design schools, such as Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, IED, and NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano).

Humanities

Bachelor's and master's programs in the humanities in Italy allow students to study various subjects, including philosophy, history, literature, languages, and religion. The Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Milan, the University of Bologna, Bocconi University, and the University of Padua are famous universities in Italy for these courses.

Law

Italy provides students with a comprehensive education in the Italian legal system. The University of Bologna, University of Milan, University of Padua, University of Naples Federico II, Bocconi University, and Luiss Business School are among the renowned Law schools in Italy.

Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, University of Bologna, University of Padua, and University of Turin offer students the opportunity to study a variety of subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science.

Social Sciences

Italy offers students the opportunity to study various subjects under the social sciences stream, such as economics, sociology, political science, psychology, and geography. The Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, University of Bologna, University of Padua, University of Turin and University of Florence offer Social sciences degree programs to the students.

Learning the Italian Language

When planning to study in Italy, it is always advisable learn Italian. Indeed, there are several benefits of learning Italian along with getting higher education in Italy, read on:

You will get an edge over other international students if you are proficient in the Italian language during the scholarship allocation.

Italian language learning is essential. As an Italian language proficient, it helps you get a part-time job quickly in Italy and a better quality job with a high payout.

You can join MOKSH online Italian-speaking classes, or you can search for Italian language classes near me.

Top Universities to Study in Italy

Top Universities to Study in Italy


Italy is the home of world-class universities and, at the same time, the oldest European universities. You can explore several top-ranking universities in Italy as well as top universities in Italy for Master's programs. Below is the list of the 20 universities in Italy:

University QS Ranking 2023 The Ranking 2022 ARWU Ranking 2022
Politecnico di Milano, Italy 139 351 201
University of Bologna, Italy 167 172 201
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy 171 197 101
University of Padua, Italy 243 201 151
University of Milan, Italy 324 301 151
Politecnico di Torino, Italy 325 601 601
University of Pisa, Italy 404 401 151
University of Naples, Federico II 416 401 201
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University 436 201 401
University of Trento 457 351 401
University of Florence 460 401 301
University of Turin, Italy 475 401 201
University of Rome, Tor Vergata 499 301 501
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 511 – 301
University of Pavia 561 351 401
Polytechnic University of Bari 591 501 –
University of Milano-Bicocca 601 301 301
University of Genoa 651 401 501
Free University of Bozen-Bolzano 701 401 801

Cost of Study in Italy

The cost of education in Italy's public universities is usually very affordable compared to other European countries like France or the UK due to the lower tuition fee. On the contrary, private universities in Italy generally charge higher tuition fees than public institutions. For example, prestigious institutions like the University of Pisa, Italy, may have slightly higher costs.

You can refer to the table below to find out the cost of studying in Italy for Indian students.

Program International Students
Bachelor Degree €1,000-€3,000
Master Degree €2,000–€5,000
Doctorate Degree €3,000-€7,000

The cost of studying in Italy for Indian students is approx. 1-2 Lacs in INR for a year. This excludes living costs in Italy.

Know About Cost of Living  

Cost of Living in Italy

Italy is an affordable study destination in Europe. While the cost of stay and living can be high in metro cities like Rome or Milan, smaller towns are much cheaper. More prominent universities usually offer support in finding accommodation. Depending on the city or region, different parts of Italy have different cost of living levels. Generally, larger cities like Rome and Milan have a higher living cost than smaller towns.

Here is an approximate breakdown of monthly living expenses for international students in Italy:

Expense Estimated Cost
Accommodation €300-€700 (one-bedroom apartment)
Food €200-€300 (per month)
Transportation €30-€50 (per month)
Public Transport €50 (monthly bus pass)
Utilities €100-€150
Books and supplies €50-€100
Health Insurance €150-€200 (annual cost)

Finally, it's important to note that these figures can vary depending on personal likes and location.

Free Education in Italy

study in italy for free

Many students often ask if they can study in Italy for free. Italian public universities don't waive tuition fees directly. However, Student gets compensated for their tuition fee and living costs by being provided with various scholarships like Invest Your Talent in Italy, Regional Scholarships, etc. This amount is more than 7500 Euros in a year. In that way, Students cannot only make up their Tuition fee, which is approx. 1000-2000 Euros for a year but also part of their cost of living in Italy. Over a period of time, this concept has been popularised as free education for international students in Italy. If You have a Shortfall of Budget after paying Tuition Fees, Accommodation and Food from your Scholarship, You have to manage it either by Part-time work or by your finances.

Scholarships for International Students to Study in Italy

Scholarships are available to international students pursuing a Master's or Bachelor's degree in Italy. Some of the most popular scholarships include:

Scholarship Name Admission Deadline Age Requirements Language Requirements
Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) Typically in February 18-30 years old B2 level of Italian language proficiency.
Regional Scholarships Varies depending on the region 18-30 years old Varies depending on the region.
University Scholarships Varies depending on the university 18-30 years old Varies depending on the university.
Government Scholarships Varies depending on the scholarship program 18-30 years old Varies depending on the scholarship.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Typically in January 18-35 English and the language(s) of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree program.
How to Apply IYT Scholarship?

The Invest Your Talent (IYT) scholarship is fully funded for international students pursuing Master's degrees in STEM fields in Italy. Citizens of 17 countries are eligible, including India. The IYT scholarship is very competitive, with a selection rate of around 10%.

Eligibility

  • Be a citizen of one of the 17 eligible countries, including India
  • Have a bachelor's degree in a STEM field with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Be admitted to a master's program in a STEM field at an Italian university

Application

The application process is generally opens in November to February. Thus, it is equally important for the applicants to submit their application before due date and provide the following documents:

  • A personal statement
  • A CV
  • Academic transcripts
  • Passport
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English language proficiency

Selection

Applications are reviewed by a committee of experts in the applicant's field. Candidates are selected based on their academic records, research potential, and personal statement.

Benefits

The IYT scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, and provides scholars with access to various resources and support services.

Breakdown of scholarship benefits

  • Tuition fees: 100% covered
  • Living expenses: €900 monthly stipend
  • Travel costs: Round-trip flight ticket to and from Italy
What are Regional Scholarships? 

Regional scholarships are scholarships offered by provincial governments in Italy to international students. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the region but may include academic merit, financial need, and citizenship requirements.

Eligibility

Generally, eligibility criteria vary depending on the region. Applicants should contact the regional government for more information.

However, your annual household income should not be more than 25000 Euros, which is 22–23 Lacs INR.

Application

The application process for regional scholarships typically starts in the spring and closes in the summer. Applicants should contact the regional government for more information. The documents required are listed below:

  • Copy of all previous exams as well as the final Exam
  • English language certificate (for example, IELTS or TOEFL)
  • One-minute video explaining your motivations (no longer than 1 minute)
  • CV/resume
  • Valid Passport

You must apply for the respective region scholarship portal when the call is open.

  • Family income, which can be Form-16 in India
  • Property Doc
  • Bank Statements
  • Passport Copy

Selection

A committee of experts from the regional government selects scholars.

Benefits

The benefits of regional scholarships vary depending on the region and scholarship program. However, most regional scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses. Half of the scholarship will be credited to your bank account before December 31st of the first year, and the remaining 50% will be credited in August of the following year.

The scholarship amount is 7655 euros per year, approximately 7 lakh INR.

How to Get University Scholarship? 

Many universities also offer scholarships from their end for academically distinguished students. These scholarships are very few and difficult to get. University scholarships are scholarships offered by individual universities in Italy to international students. Eligibility criteria may depend on the university but may include academic merit, financial need, and citizenship requirements.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the university. Applicants should contact the university for more information.

Application

The application process for university scholarships varies depending on the university. Applicants should contact the university for more information.

Selection

A committee of experts from the university selects scholars.

Benefits

The benefits of university scholarships vary depending on the university and scholarship program. However, most university scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Who is Eligible to Apply for the MAECI Scholarships?

The Italian government offers the MAECI Scholarship, or Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, to international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in Italy. Eligibility criteria may depend on the scholarship course, including academic merit, financial need, and citizenship requirements.

Eligibility

  • Be a citizen of India
  • Have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Be admitted to a master's or doctoral program at an Italian university

Application

The application process depends on the scholarship course. Applicants should contact the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.

Selection

A committee of experts from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews applications. Candidates are selected based on their merit, financial need, and citizenship requirements.

Benefits

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship program and the applicant's level of study. However, most government scholarships cover total tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

What are the Key Benefits of the Erasmus+ Scholarship?

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is a consortium scholarship, which means a consortium of universities in different European countries offers it. Students awarded the scholarship will study at multiple universities in the consortium. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is available for master's and doctoral studies in various fields.

Eligibility

  • Be a citizen of a country outside the European Union
  • Have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Be admitted to an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree program

Application

Applicants must apply online through the Erasmus Mundus website. The application includes a personal statement, CV, academic Certificates, LORs, and proof of English language proficiency IELTS.

Selection

Applications are reviewed by a committee of experts from the universities in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree program. Students are selected based on their academic record, research potential, and personal statement.

Benefits

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship covers total tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and other benefits such as travel allowance, accommodation, and health insurance.

The monthly stipend for Erasmus Mundus scholars varies depending on the cost of living in the country where they are studying. However, the average monthly stipend is around 1,000 Euros.

Important notes

To continue the scholarship, you must maintain an excellent academic standing.

  • You must submit apostilled copies of your documents to the CAF office after arriving at the university in Italy.
  • You must also open an Italian bank account to receive the scholarship payments.
  • The Italian government, universities, and other organisations provide scholarships based on academic merit, financial requirements, & specific criteria set by the scholarship providers.

Besides, many other scholarships and financial aid programs are available, so it is important to do your research to find the ones that are right for you.

VISA Requirements for Indian Students to Study in Italy

Indian students planning to study in Italy need a student visa. To apply, follow these steps:

  1. Secure an acceptance letter from an Italian university.
  2. Visit the Italian consulate or embassy website to complete the visa application form and gather the required documents, including a passport, photos, fee receipt, acceptance letter, financial means proof, health insurance coverage, and the completed application form.
  3. Schedule an appointment at the VFS center to provide biometric data.
  4. Pay the visa application fee.
  5. Ensure you have valid health insurance coverage that is recognized in Italy.
  6. Provide documented proof of your financial means to cover living expenses in Italy.
  7. Attend a scheduled visa interview at the Italian consulate or embassy.
  8. Wait for your visa application to be completed. This may take a few weeks.
  9. Once you get your student visa, you can plan to travel to Italy and complete any additional residence permit procedures as required.

Important note: Visa requirements may change, and it's essential to check the most up-to-date information and guidelines on the official website of the Italian embassy or consulate in India.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Italy

The eligibility criteria for Indian students who want to study in Italy vary depending on the level of study and the university. However, some general requirements apply to most bachelor's and master's programs in Italy:

Bachelor's Programs in Italy

To study for a bachelor's degree in Italy, you need:

  • A high school diploma (Class XII) with at least 65% marks
  • English language proficiency, like an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79,
  • Some programs might want more, like a portfolio or an entrance exam.

Master's Programs in Italy

For a Master's degree in Italy, you need:

  • A bachelor's degree from a recognized university with at least 65% marks
  • English language proficiency, such as an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 88,
  • Some programs could ask for more, like a portfolio, an entrance exam, or recommendation letters.

In addition to the above requirements, Indian students will also need to apply for a student visa to study in Italy.

Admission Process for Italian Universities

To apply to an Italian university:

  1. Choose a program and check eligibility.
  2. Submit the required documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. Take entrance exams and interviews if needed.
  5. Confirm enrollment and apply for a student visa.
  6. Arrive in Italy and complete registration.

Start the application process in advance to ensure smooth and timely admission. Apply through MOKSH Study Abroad Consultant Now.

Type of Visa in Italy

In Italy, international students need study visas to enroll in recognized educational institutions. The visa duration typically matches the length of the academic program. After studying, international students can apply for post-study work permits to gain work experience.

Below is a table providing information on study visas, work permits, and their respective durations for international students in Italy.

Visa/Permit International Students Duration Cost
Study Visa Long-stay visa (D visa) Up to 1 year, extendable for a further 2 years €150
Work Permit Work permit Up to 12 months €50
Post-Study Work Visa Work permit Up to 12 months €50
VISA and Residence Permit Process

Students who wish to study in Italy must get a Study visa and an RP. The type of visa and residence permit required will depend on the student's nationality and the length of their stay.

Read on for a quick takeaway on the visa and residence permit requirements for national and international students in Italy.

International Students

  • International students must apply for a study visa before travelling to Italy to study.
  • The type of visa they need will depend on their nationality and the length of their stay.
  • For example, students from the United States need to apply for a long-stay visa (D visa).
  • The duration of the study visa depends on the length of the student's program.
  • For example, a student enrolled in a one-year program will be issued a one-year study visa.
  • The cost of the study visa is €150.
  • Once they arrive in Italy, international students must apply for a residence permit.

Residence Permit

  • National and international students must get a residence permit to stay in Italy beyond 90 days.
  • The cost of an international student's residence permit varies based on type and duration, but it's usually €50.
  • The residence permit, issued by the Italian government, enables legal living and working in Italy for a specific duration.

To apply for an RP, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport
  • A copy of your RP application form
  • A copy of your study visa
  • A copy of your enrollment certificate
  • A copy of your health insurance
  • A recent photograph

You can apply for an RP at your home country's nearest Italian embassy or consulate.

Post-Study Work Visa in Italy

Italy offers post-study visa options for international students who wish to stay and work after completing their studies. The post-study visa allows graduates to search for job opportunities and work in Italy for a specified period.

The duration of the post-study visa depends on the level of education completed.

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree: Up to 12 months
  • Ph.D. degree: Up to 24 months

During the post-study visa period, graduates can:

  • Seek employment
  • Apply for a work permit.

Requirements for a Post-Study Visa

To be eligible for the post-study visa, you must have:

  • Completed a degree program at an Italian university
  • Obtained a valid residence permit for study purposes

Job Opportunities in Italy for International Students

Italy offers a range of job opportunities for international students, both during and after their studies. The country has a strong economy with diverse industries, including fashion, design, automotive, tourism, and finance. Significant cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence are known for their thriving business sectors and multinational companies.

International students can explore job opportunities through university career services, job fairs, online job portals, and networking events. Having a good command of the Italian language is essential, as most job opportunities require proficiency in Italian, especially for customer-facing roles. Before moving to Italy, you can join any online course to learn the Italian language in India. Many institutes offer offline classes to learn Italian. MOKSH can be the right choice for online study in Italian classes.

Part-Time Work Opportunities in Italy

International students in Italy can work part-time while pursuing their studies. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Work Hours: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. During semester breaks, they can work full-time.

2. Work Permits: EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not need a work permit. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students should obtain a work permit from the local police department.

3. Types of Jobs: Students often find part-time work in tutoring, language teaching, hospitality, and retail. However, knowing the Italian language can be an advantage when seeking employment.

4. Income Tax: Students may be subject to income tax on their earnings, depending on the amount and local regulations.

Working part-time can help cover living expenses and provide valuable work experience. However, managing your time effectively is essential to balancing work with your academic commitments.

Companies to Work for in Italy as an International Student

Italy is home to many renowned companies and multinational corporations across various sectors. Some of the top companies to work for in Italy include:

Company Industry Job opportunities for international graduates
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Automotive Engineering, manufacturing, finance, and marketing
Eni Oil and gas Engineering, geology, finance, and IT
Enel Electricity Engineering, IT, finance, and marketing
Pirelli Tires Engineering, manufacturing, and marketing
Luxottica Eyewear Design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing
UniCredit Banking Finance, IT, law, and marketing
Generali Insurance Finance, law, marketing
Ferrero Food and beverage Manufacturing, marketing, and sales
Prada, Gucci, and Armani Fashion Design, marketing, and sales
Telecom Italia Telecommunications IT, engineering, marketing

These companies offer diverse job opportunities and often value international experience and language skills. Networking, internships, and gaining relevant work experience during your studies can increase your chances of securing employment with these companies.

Salaries in Italy for International Students

International students' average salaries in Italy depend on various factors, such as the industry, job position, qualifications, and work experience. Here are some average salary ranges for popular job sectors:

Field Annual Salary Range (EUR)
Engineering €30,000-€45,000
IT and technology €25,000-€40,000
Finance and banking €35,000-€60,000
Marketing and Sales €25,000-€40,000
Hospitality and tourism €20,000-€30,000

**This table shows the estimated annual salary ranges for different fields in euros (EUR) in Italy.

Salaries for international students in Italy

  • >Hourly rates range from €6 to €10 or more.
  • The average starting salary is €20,000 to €60,000 per year.
  • Consider the cost of living in your chosen city when evaluating potential salaries.

It's essential to research salaries for your specific field and location, negotiate compensation, and plan your budget accordingly.

MOKSH: A reliable consultant to Study in Italy

Studying in Italy offers students a rewarding and budget-friendly educational experience. The admissions and scholarship processes at Italian universities are very complex and tedious. It would help if you had an expert who could be your companion on your journey to study in Italy. MOKSH counselors are experts in the Italian university admissions process. You can connect with MOKSH at +91 9699360370 WhatsApp us at 8269900555 or Visit WWW.MOKSH16.COM.

Conclusion

Studying in Italy is an exciting opportunity for Indian students to immerse themselves in a diverse cultural legacy, top-notch education, and career opportunities. With numerous English-taught programs, scholarships, and post-study work visas, Italy is an inviting destination for international students.

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