Study in Italy

Why Choose Italy?



Italy is a popular study abroad destination. This can be attributed to the fact that Italy is the multicultural home for a great number of artists. Italy is therefore an attractive destination for many students. Italy is also popular because of the wide range of social and cultural activities as well as its affordable education.

The living costs, as well as the tuition fees to study in Italy for International students is relatively cheap. As an international student in Italy, you get to experience various UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From Art to Computer Science degrees, Italy offers diverse courses that tap into various interests of the students. Surrounded by art, history, and culture, it is one of the most popular educational destinations in Europe.

University in Italy

Italy houses around 90 universities, most of which are publicly funded. There are also many specialized postgraduate centers, polytechnics, and other academies that form part of the higher education sector. A total of 30 universities in Italy are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2019, out of which 12 are also included in the world’s top 500. Some of those universities are:

  • Politecnico di Milano
  • Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
  • Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Pisa
  • Università di Bologna
  • Sapienza – Università di Roma
Cost of living and tuition fees in Italy

Italy is a budget-friendly study destination in Europe. Living cost in major cities cush as Rome or Milan are quite high but it is much affordable in smaller cities.

Compared to other countries in Europe, Italy’s public universities are fairly affordable. On average, public universities in Italy charge around 1,000 EUR per year. Top-ranked prestigious universities might charge more. A different modality is adopted in the University of Rome Tor Vergata, where tuition fees are tied to the student’s family’s financial situation: Based on the income, you are charged from a low minimum of around 150 EUR to a maximum of around 5,000 EUR per year.

Student Accommodations

It’s common that students who chose to study in Italy rent a room rather than the whole apartment. Student housing in Italy is more expensive in bigger cities and can range from €300 to €600 a month, depending on the size and location. Most accommodation services require students to reserve / book a rental arrangement for minimum of one year, but furnished student accommodations are usually available for shorter periods as well.

It’s recommended that one assesses their budget before planning to go to Italy for education, particularly considering the living costs including all probable expenses. Besides accommodation costs, please also take into account transportation, food, school supplies, and recreational activities. For obvious reasons, living cost in major cities like Milan and Rome are relatively higher than those in the rural areas.

Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees are an unavoidable reality of studying abroad, but you’re drowning in numbers don’t forget about external funding that can help your study abroad dreams come true! There are many funding and scholarship opportunities that students undertaking education in Italy can apply for, no matter your country of origin. Some scholarships cover tuition fees as well as living costs. Scholarships and funding are often limited and are given to the students based on merit, after an assessment of their grades from previous studies.

Work during your studies

International students, particularly EU nationals, are allowed to work in Italy while they are studying, but not exceeding 20 hours a week of work during regular study periods. However, students can work for more more hours during vacation periods.

Non-EU students may work during their studies if they obtain a work permit, which requires a job offer from an Italian-based employer – a slightly complicated process! Processing times vary between regions, but average around two months. International students coming from outside the EU shouldn’t rely on getting a job immediately upon arrival to Italy, focus on getting used to your new life in Italy.

Application process

Similar to the process of applying for student visas in Italy, there are different application procedures for applying to Italian universities depending on your country of origin and your current residency.

If you’re a European citizen or non-EU citizen residing in Italy you should apply directly to your university in Italy.

If you’re a non-EU citizen residing abroad, you should submit a pre-application request to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence and indicate what institution and program you’re applying to. The officials will forward your documentation to the institution, and you should confirm with your institution how and when the results will be posted. Typically, results are either posted by the Embassy, or the institution will contact you directly.

Required Documents for student visas

Students may need to present any or all the following documents as part of their application for a student visa to study in Italy:

  • A valid passport, with at least two blank visa pages and valid for at least three months after the expected end date of your study program;
  • A letter of acceptance from your institution in Italy;
  • A completed visa application form;
  • A copy of your itinerary to and from Italy,
  • Proof of no criminal record;
  • Proof of language proficiency in Italian or English (depending on the language of your study program);
  • Proof of adequate financial means to support yourself (between €450 and €515 monthly);
  • Proof of adequate accommodation in Italy;
  • Proof of adequate medical insurance; and
  • Proof you’ve paid the associated application fee.
Do you need tailored advice?

For students who are seeking the highest quality education at any of Italy’s top universities, we offer personalized guidance, counseling, and support that matches your requirement and goals. Please contact us for more information and to find out how you can take your first steps to succeed in your ambition.