Study in Italy 2026: Complete Guide for International Students
Published July 24, 2026 · Updated for 2026
Italy combines one of the world’s oldest university traditions with affordable, high-quality education. With tuition as low as EUR 900 per year at public universities, over 500 English-taught programmes, and generous scholarship options including the Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship, Italy has become one of Europe’s most popular study destinations for international students. This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Italy in 2026, including top universities, tuition costs, scholarships, visa procedures, and practical tips for student life.
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is home to the University of Bologna, founded in 1088, the oldest university in continuous operation in the world. Today, Italian universities rank among Europe’s best in fields such as architecture, design, engineering, economics, fashion, art history, and medicine. Italian degrees are recognised across the European Union and in most countries worldwide.
Tuition at Italian public universities is income-based, meaning students from lower-income backgrounds pay significantly less. Combined with regional scholarships (DSU) and government scholarships, the cost of studying in Italy can be as low as a few hundred euros per year. The Italian government also offers the Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship, which provides full funding for master’s degrees taught in English.
Italy is also one of the most affordable Western European countries for students. Cities like Bologna, Padua, Turin, and Pisa offer lower living costs compared to Milan or Rome, and student discounts on transportation, museums, and food are widely available.
Top Italian Universities
Italy has 97 universities, including 67 public universities, 19 private universities, and 11 specialised institutions. The following are the top-ranked universities for international students.
| University | Location | QS Rank 2026 | Strengths | English Programmes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Milan | #123 | Engineering, architecture, design | Extensive English-taught programmes |
| University of Bologna | Bologna | #154 | Law, economics, humanities, engineering | Many English master’s programmes |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Rome | #171 | Classics, engineering, medicine, physics | Growing number of English programmes |
| University of Padua | Padua | #236 | Medicine, psychology, engineering, sciences | Many English-taught degree programmes |
| Politecnico di Torino | Turin | #325 | Engineering, architecture, automotive | All master’s programmes in English |
| University of Milan | Milan | #276 | Medicine, law, humanities, sciences | Several English master’s programmes |
Tuition and Living Costs
Italian public universities charge tuition based on family income (ISEE), making education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. The maximum tuition at most public universities is capped at approximately EUR 4,000 per year.
| Expense | Public University | Private University |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | EUR 900–4,000 | EUR 6,000–20,000 |
| Housing (per month) | EUR 300–700 | EUR 400–900 |
| Living costs (per month) | EUR 400–600 | EUR 500–800 |
| Health insurance (per year) | EUR 150 (SSN voluntary registration) | EUR 150 (SSN voluntary registration) |
| Total per year (approx.) | EUR 9,000–17,000 | EUR 14,000–32,000 |
Scholarships and Funding
International students in Italy have access to several scholarship programmes that can significantly reduce or eliminate the cost of study.
- Invest Your Talent in Italy: A fully funded scholarship for master’s degrees taught in English at participating Italian universities. Includes tuition, stipend, and accommodation support. See the Invest Your Talent in Italy page for details.
- Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI): Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for master’s, PhD, and research programmes. Covers tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 900.
- DSU Regional Scholarships: Based on family income and academic merit. Available through the regional agency in the student’s university city. Covers tuition, provides a stipend, and often includes free meals at university canteens.
- University-specific scholarships: Many Italian universities offer merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers for exceptional international students. Check each university’s international student page for details.
Admission Requirements
Requirements vary by university and programme level, but the following documents are generally required.
- Academic qualifications: 12 years of education for undergraduate programmes; a bachelor’s degree for master’s programmes; a master’s degree for PhD programmes.
- Language proficiency: English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+. Italian-taught programmes require B2 level Italian (CELI, CILS, or PLIDA certification).
- Entrance exams: Some programmes require the SAT, GRE, GMAT, or university-specific admission tests.
- Transcripts and diplomas: Official academic records, translated into Italian or English and legalised.
- Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore): A document issued by the Italian embassy confirming your academic qualifications are equivalent to Italian qualifications.
- Letters of recommendation: Typically two to three academic references.
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose: Required for most programmes, explaining your academic interests and why you want to study in Italy.
Student Visa Process
Non-EU international students need a student visa (Type D) to study in Italy for programmes longer than 90 days. The process involves several steps and should be started well before your programme start date.
- Receive your acceptance letter: Your university sends an official acceptance letter confirming your enrollment.
- Apply for a pre-enrollment at the Italian embassy: Submit your acceptance letter and supporting documents to the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. This step is required for the visa application.
- Submit the visa application: Complete the national visa (Type D) application form and submit it with your passport, photographs, proof of financial means (approximately EUR 6,000 per year), accommodation proof, and health insurance.
- Attend the visa interview: Some embassies require a personal interview to verify your documents and study plans.
- Receive your visa and enter Italy: Once approved, you have 90 days to enter Italy. After arrival, apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight working days.
Student Life in Italy
Student life in Italy is rich and varied. Italian universities offer Erasmus+ exchange programmes, student clubs, sports facilities, and cultural events. The university city experience differs significantly between cities. Bologna and Padua are classic university towns with large student populations, while Milan and Rome offer more cosmopolitan environments with greater career opportunities.
International students can access the Italian National Health Service (SSN) by registering voluntarily for approximately EUR 150 per year, which covers visits to general practitioners, specialist consultations, and hospital care.
Part-time work is permitted for international students on a student visa, up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. Many students find work in tourism, retail, food service, or as language tutors.
Study in Italy Checklist
- Have I identified target universities and programmes?
- Have I checked the language requirements (IELTS/TOEFL or Italian CELI/CILS)?
- Have I prepared my academic documents and Declaration of Value?
- Have I applied for scholarships (Invest Your Talent, MAECI, DSU)?
- Have I received my university acceptance letter?
- Have I submitted the pre-enrollment at the Italian embassy?
- Have I applied for the student visa?
- Have I arranged housing in Italy?
- Have I registered for the Italian National Health Service?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in Italy in English?
Yes. Italy offers over 500 English-taught degree programmes, particularly at the graduate level. Universities like Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, and University of Bologna have extensive English-taught offerings across all disciplines.
How much does it cost to study in Italy?
Tuition at public universities ranges from EUR 900 to EUR 4,000 per year depending on your family income. Private universities charge EUR 6,000 to EUR 20,000 per year. Living costs range from EUR 700 to EUR 1,200 per month.
What scholarships are available for studying in Italy?
Italian government scholarships (MAECI), DSU regional scholarships, the Invest Your Talent in Italy programme, and university-specific merit scholarships are all available for international students.
Do I need to speak Italian to study in Italy?
For English-taught programmes, no Italian is required for admission, though learning basic Italian is strongly recommended for daily life. For Italian-taught programmes, you need B2 level Italian or higher.
How do I get a student visa for Italy?
Apply at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country after receiving your university acceptance. You need proof of enrollment, financial means of approximately EUR 6,000 per year, accommodation proof, and health insurance.