Study in Italy — universities, campus life and student cities

Italy flag Sukhada's Study Destination Guide

Study In Italy

Everything you need to know about tuition, cost of living, post-study work rights and top universities in Italy — backed by Sukhada's counselling team.

Italy at a Glance

Partner Universities 41+
Region Europe
Cost Tier Moderate
Post-Study Work 12 months (job-search permit)
› Study Destinations › Italy

Why Study in Italy?

Public universities in Italy charge income-based fees, so many students pay only a few thousand euros a year. Italy is especially strong in design, architecture, engineering and fashion.

  • Low, income-based tuition at public universities
  • Regional scholarships that can cover fees and housing
  • Strong design, architecture and engineering schools

Quick Facts

Europe Moderate cost tier Not specified PSW 12 months (job-search permit) ★ Popular destination
Talk to a Counsellor

Key Numbers

41+ Partner Universities
Moderate Cost Tier
Europe Region
12 months (job-search permit) Post-Study Work
201 Programmes
2 Universities with Scholarships

What Are the Most Popular Courses in Italy?

Our partner universities in Italy offer 201 programmes. The largest subject areas are Natural Sciences, Engineering, Business & Management.

A programme can appear in more than one subject area.

Italy at a Glance

Official Name Italian Republic
Capital Rome
Population 59M
Currency Euro (EUR)
Official Language(s) Italian
Also Spoken English (in universities)
Calling Code +39
Region Europe
Economy Developed
English Proficiency Moderate

How Does the Education System Work in Italy?

A bachelor's degree in Italy usually takes 3 years and a master's takes 2 years. The main intakes are September/October (main), February.

Bachelor's 3 years
Master's 2 years
MBA 1 year
PhD 3 years
Academic Year Starts September/October
Intakes September/October (main), February

Grading system

Exams out of 30 (18 is a pass); degree out of 110

Accepted tests

IELTS, TOEFL; Italian B2 for Italian-taught courses

What Is the Application Timeline for Italy?

Most students start 10–12 months before their intake. Exact deadlines vary by university and programme.

  1. ResearchShortlist universities in Italy that match your budget, course and career goals.
  2. ShortlistNarrow down to 4–6 programmes and note each deadline for your intake.
  3. TestsBook the tests your universities ask for: IELTS, TOEFL; Italian B2 for Italian-taught courses.
  4. ApplySubmit applications with transcripts, SOP, LORs and test scores.
  5. OfferAccept your offer and receive the Pre-enrolment summary from Universitaly.
  6. VisaApply for the National Visa (Type D) for Study as soon as your documents are ready.
  7. AccommodationBook on-campus or private housing before you travel.
  8. TravelArrange flights, forex and insurance, and carry original documents.
  9. EnrolComplete orientation, local registration and course enrolment.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Italy?

Typical bachelor's tuition in Italy: EUR 900–4,000/yr at public universities. Master's tuition: EUR 1,000–5,000/yr public; EUR 15,000+ private. Living costs, covering rent, food and transport: EUR 700–1,100/month.

Bachelor's Tuition EUR 900–4,000/yr at public universities
Master's Tuition EUR 1,000–5,000/yr public; EUR 15,000+ private
Living Cost EUR 700–1,100/month
Proof of Funds About EUR 6,900 per year (updated annually)

Monthly budget breakdown (Rome)

Rent (shared) EUR 450/month
Food & groceries EUR 250/month
Local transport EUR 35/month
Utilities & phone EUR 100/month
Personal & leisure EUR 80/month
Estimated Total EUR 915/month (approx.)

Accommodation options

On-campus housing EUR 300/month
Shared apartment EUR 400/month
Private studio EUR 800/month
Homestay EUR 500/month

Figures are indicative ranges for international students and change every year. Your counsellor will confirm exact fees for your shortlisted courses.

How to Get a Italy Student Visa

Indian students apply for the National Visa (Type D) for Study after receiving the Pre-enrolment summary from Universitaly. Visa fee: EUR 50. Typical processing time: 2–6 weeks.

Visa Type National Visa (Type D) for Study
Visa Fee EUR 50
Processing Time 2–6 weeks
Interview Possible

Step-by-step visa process

  1. Secure your admission Apply to your chosen university and accept the offer. You will receive your Pre-enrolment summary from Universitaly, which your visa application depends on.
  2. Arrange proof of funds About EUR 6,900 per year (updated annually). Keep recent bank statements, loan sanction letters or sponsor documents ready.
  3. Prepare your documents Collect your passport, academic records, English test scores, Universitaly pre-enrolment summary, Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement, Residence permit application within 8 days of arrival.
  4. Submit the visa application Apply for the National Visa (Type D) for Study and pay the fee: EUR 50.
  5. Biometrics and interview Give biometrics if requested. Visa interview: Possible.
  6. Get your decision and travel Typical processing time: 2–6 weeks. Once approved, book your travel and complete any local registration after arrival.

Can You Work in Italy During and After Studies?

Part-time Work Up to 20 hrs/week (1,040 hrs/year)
Work During Breaks Within the annual 1,040-hour limit
Post-Study Work Permit to seek work for up to 12 months
After a Bachelor's Up to 12 months
After a Master's Up to 12 months
PR Pathway Conversion to a work permit, then long-term EU residence after 5 years
Typical PR Timeline 5 years of legal residence

Immigration rules change often — always confirm on the official government website before you apply.

Documents You'll Typically Need

Exact document requirements vary by university and visa category. This is a general checklist — we'll confirm the precise list for your course.

Checklist

Academic transcripts & certificates
Valid passport
English proficiency score (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / DET)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Proof of funds / financial statements
Resume / CV (for PG programs)
Offer letter (once admitted)
Universitaly pre-enrolment summary
Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement
Residence permit application within 8 days of arrival

What Is the Weather Like in Italy?

Mediterranean; hot summers and mild winters. Summers: Hot, 28–35°C. Winters: Mild, 5–12°C.

Average temperatures in Rome

January 3°C to 12°C
April 8°C to 19°C
July 18°C to 31°C
October 12°C to 22°C

How Do Students Open a Bank Account in Italy?

You need a codice fiscale (tax code) to open an account; many students use Poste Italiane or online banks.

Popular banks for students

Intesa Sanpaolo UniCredit Poste Italiane Fineco

Documents usually needed

Passport
Codice fiscale
Permesso di soggiorno receipt
Proof of address

Is Italy Safe for International Students?

Safety: High; watch for pickpockets. Healthcare: Good.

Health Insurance Yes (private or national SSN)
Typical Insurance Cost About EUR 150–250/yr

Common insurance options

SSN registration Generali UnipolSai

Safety tips

  • Get your codice fiscale early
  • Keep the post-office receipt for your permit application
  • Save local emergency numbers on your phone
  • Keep digital copies of your passport, visa and admission letter

What Is the Job Market Like in Italy?

Graduate job demand in Italy is moderate. Entry-level salaries are roughly EUR 25,000–32,000/yr, rising to about EUR 35,000–50,000/yr with experience.

Top hiring sectors

Fashion and design High demand
Engineering Medium demand
Tourism Medium demand
Automotive Medium demand

Skills in demand

Design Mechanical engineering Architecture Hospitality Italian language

Salary figures are indicative gross annual ranges and vary by city, role and employer.

What Is Student Life Like in Italy?

Warm and family-centred, with deep pride in food, art and history.

Student life

  • Historic city centres
  • Food and coffee culture
  • Erasmus events
  • Travel across Europe

Major religions

Christianity (Catholic) Islam No religion

Indian community

Community Size About 170,000 people of Indian origin
Indian Food & Groceries Available in bigger cities

Which Scholarships Can Indian Students Get for Italy?

Well-known options for Italy include DSU regional scholarships, Invest Your Talent in Italy, University merit waivers. Eligibility and deadlines change every year, so check the official page before applying.

DSU regional scholarships cover fees, meals and housing
Invest Your Talent in Italy Amounts vary; check the official page for current details
University merit waivers Amounts vary; check the official page for current details

Scholarships for Italy

Our team tracks live scholarship listings across 150+ university and government portals. Here are the common categories students in Italy typically qualify for — talk to a counsellor for current deadlines and amounts.

All Levels Merit-Based

Merit Scholarships

Awarded by universities based on academic performance
Italy
UG / PG Need-Based

Need-Based Financial Aid

Partial tuition waivers based on demonstrated financial need
Italy
PG / PhD Government

Government & Institutional Grants

Country and institution-run funding programs for international students
Italy
All Levels Sukhada

Sukhada Partner Discounts

Fee-waivers and priority processing through our university partnerships
Italy

Partner Universities in Italy

We work directly with 41 verified universities across Italy — browse the full list and filter by course, budget and intake.

View All 41+

Top-ranked universities in Italy

Politecnico di Milano Milan · Est. 1863 · EUR 1,000–25,000/yr
QS #87
Sapienza University of Rome Rome · Est. 1303 · EUR 1,000–25,000/yr
QS #111
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Bologna · Est. 1088 · EUR 1,000–25,000/yr
QS #123
University of Padua Padua · Est. 1222
QS #204
Politecnico di Torino Turin · Est. 1859
QS #206
University of Milan Milan · Est. 1924
QS #270
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milan · Est. 1921 · EUR 1,000–25,000/yr
QS #338
University of Pisa Pisa · Est. 1343 · EUR 1,000–25,000/yr
QS #341

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical tuition for international students in Italy: EUR 900–4,000/yr at public universities for a bachelor's degree and EUR 1,000–5,000/yr public; EUR 15,000+ private for a master's. Living costs: EUR 700–1,100/month, depending on the city.

The visa you need is the National Visa (Type D) for Study, and the application is based on the Pre-enrolment summary from Universitaly. Visa fee: EUR 50. Typical processing time: 2–6 weeks.

About EUR 6,900 per year (updated annually). The exact amount is revised from time to time, so confirm it with the official immigration website before applying.

Student work rules in Italy: Up to 20 hrs/week (1,040 hrs/year).

Post-study work in Italy: Permit to seek work for up to 12 months. Long-term settlement route: Conversion to a work permit, then long-term EU residence after 5 years.

Safety in Italy: High; watch for pickpockets. Healthcare: Good.

Yes (private or national SSN). Typical cost: About EUR 150–250/yr.

Graduate job demand in Italy is moderate, led by Fashion and design, Engineering, Tourism, Automotive. Entry-level salaries are roughly EUR 25,000–32,000/yr.

About 170,000 people of Indian origin. Indian food: Available in bigger cities.

The main intakes in Italy are September/October (main), February. A bachelor's degree usually takes 3 years and a master's takes 2 years.

IELTS, TOEFL; Italian B2 for Italian-taught courses. Minimum scores differ by university and course, so check each programme page.

We currently work directly with 41 verified universities in Italy, spanning a range of budgets and course levels.

Ready to start your journey to Italy?

Book a free session with a Sukhada counsellor — no obligation, no pressure, just a clear plan for Italy.

Free Counselling Zero Hidden Charges 94% Visa Success 12,000+ Students Guided
Handpicked For You

Top Universities Worldwide

A closer look at some of the institutions our students are applying to right now.

United States flag United States Cambridge
  • IntakesFall and Spring
  • Visa SuccessNA
  • Post-Study Work12 months OPT (STEM +24 months)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20 hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, United States Est. 1861
QS WORLD#1
Annual Tuition US$66,720 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 93%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #4
Employer Reputation
100/100 #2
Faculty / Student
100/100 #16
Citations / Faculty
100/100 #7
Intl. Faculty
100/100 #63
Intl. Students
91.6/100 #153
Intl. Student Diversity
92.3/100 #130
Intl. Research Network
94.1/100 #98
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #7
Sustainability
93.8/100 #33
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-C4CA
United Kingdom flag United Kingdom London
  • IntakesSeptember
  • Visa SuccessNA
  • Post-Study WorkUp to 2 years (Graduate visa)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

Imperial College London

London, United Kingdom Est. 1907
QS WORLD#2
Annual Tuition £42,700 – £58,600 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 94%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
99.6/100 #22
Employer Reputation
100/100 #9
Faculty / Student
99.3/100 #42
Citations / Faculty
95/100 #69
Intl. Faculty
100/100 #74
Intl. Students
100/100 #35
Intl. Student Diversity
100/100 #22
Intl. Research Network
97.5/100 #28
Employment Outcomes
95.9/100 #68
Sustainability
98.3/100 #7
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-C81E
United States flag United States Stanford
  • IntakesFall and Spring
  • Visa Success82
  • Post-Study Work12 months OPT (STEM +24 months)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

Stanford University

Stanford, United States Est. 1885
QS WORLD#2
Annual Tuition USD67,731 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 90%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #5
Employer Reputation
100/100 #3
Faculty / Student
100/100 #17
Citations / Faculty
99.7/100 #24
Intl. Faculty
94.2/100 #188
Intl. Students
73.5/100 #261
Intl. Student Diversity
76.1/100 #230
Intl. Research Network
96.5/100 #49
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #2
Sustainability
95.4/100 #19
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-ECCB
United Kingdom flag United Kingdom Oxford
  • IntakesOctober (Michaelmas term)
  • Visa SuccessNA
  • Post-Study Work2 yrs; 18 months from Jan 2027
  • Cost of LivingGBP 1,405-2,105 / month
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom Est. 1096
QS WORLD#4
Annual Tuition GBP 39,620-66,580 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 90%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #
Employer Reputation
100/100 #
Faculty / Student
100/100 #
Citations / Faculty
91/100 #
Intl. Faculty
98.8/100 #
Intl. Students
98.6/100 #
Intl. Research Network
100/100 #
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #
Sustainability
77.9/100 #
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-A87F
United States flag United States Cambridge
  • IntakesFall
  • Visa SuccessNA
  • Post-Study Work12 months OPT (STEM +24 months)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

Harvard University

Cambridge, United States Est. 1636
QS WORLD#5
Annual Tuition USD 62,226 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 87%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #1
Employer Reputation
100/100 #1
Faculty / Student
98.3/100 #50
Citations / Faculty
100/100 #1
Intl. Faculty
79.1/100 #300
Intl. Students
81.4/100 #217
Intl. Student Diversity
60.6/100 #335
Intl. Research Network
99.4/100 #8
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #1
Sustainability
77.8/100 #201
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-E4DA
United Kingdom flag United Kingdom Cambridge
  • IntakesSeptember
  • Visa Success95
  • Post-Study WorkUp to 2 years (Graduate visa)
  • Cost of LivingHigh
  • Work While Study20hrs/week
  • LanguageEnglish

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom Est. 1209
QS WORLD#6
Annual Tuition £29,052 – £70,554 avg
Acceptance NA
Placement Ratio 95%
Pillar Scores out of 100 · QS World University Rankings 2026
Academic Reputation
100/100 #3
Employer Reputation
100/100 #5
Faculty / Student
100/100 #23
Citations / Faculty
88.6/100 #107
Intl. Faculty
100/100 #80
Intl. Students
93.1/100 #144
Intl. Student Diversity
93.6/100 #120
Intl. Research Network
99.2/100 #12
Employment Outcomes
100/100 #5
Sustainability
78.4/100 #194
SG
Sukhada Expert Response: < 2 mins
Premium Support Free
Verified Mentor REF SGE-8F14
This Week's Picks

Scholarships worth applying to right now.

A rotating shortlist our counsellors flag as genuinely worth the paperwork.

Japan flag
Tokyo Medical and Dental University Japan
All Levels Funding + benefits

MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship

Deadline: Contact counsellor for deadline
Enquire about this scholarship
Apply Now
Canada flag
Lakehead University - Barrie STEM Hub Canada
Master's CAD 11,314 assistantship

Graduate Assistantship (Master)

Deadline: Contact counsellor for deadline
Enquire about this scholarship
Apply Now
New Zealand flag
University of Waikato Alumni New Zealand
Postgraduate NZD Up to $2,500

Waikato Alumni Award in Management Communication & Public Relations

Deadline: Jan 30, 2026
Enquire about this scholarship
Apply Now
India flag
Chitkara University, Chandigarh, India and Deakin University India
All Levels Funding + benefits

Deakin International Scholarships

Deadline: Contact counsellor for deadline
Enquire about this scholarship
Apply Now
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