Italy has a long-standing system of higher education that attracts students of all specialties from all over the world. 13 universities are ranked among the top 500 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 25 universities are ranked among the top 500 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
Italian universities to consider for study
Here are some of the best universities in Italy to consider for study abroad:
- Polytechnic University of Milan
- SDA Bocconi School of Management
- Polytechnic University of Torino
- University of Pisa
- University of Padua
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
- Catholic University of the Holy See
- University of Rome Tor Vergata
If you come to study in Italy, you will find that the higher education system is similar to that of many European countries. Students enter higher education institutions at the age of 18 or 19. The academic year in Italy is divided into two semesters: winter (September/October to January) and summer (February to July). Although most programs are taught in the official Italian language, those who wish to study in English will be pleased to know that there are about 500 English-language programs in Italy.
Degrees in Italy
Studying in Italy is similar to studying in most other European countries. The bachelor's degree is part of the first cycle of higher education, which usually lasts three years. You receive 60 credits (crediti formativi universitari) per academic year, and you need 180 credits to obtain a diploma.
Admission to Italian universities or higher education institutions is based on school education. Usually, to apply for a place at a university, you need to obtain a high school diploma (diploma di liceo). Some universities accept only students with the highest scores or hold additional entrance exams. International students must have equivalent qualifications and also meet the language requirements depending on the language of study.
There are two types of degrees awarded in Italy:
- University Bachelor's Degree (Laurea or Laurea Triennale) - the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree
- AFAM diploma (Diploma accademico di primo livello) - a non-university degree for programs in visual arts, music or dance.
Both degrees are level 6 qualifications according to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
Popular subjects for a degree in Italy include
- Applied sciences
- Arts
- Architecture
- Design
- Hospitality
- Humanities
- Information technology
Master's degree
A master's degree in Italy is the second cycle of study at a higher education institution. These programs usually last two years and are worth 120 credits. However, there are also one-year programs in fields such as law, engineering, and education. It is also possible to enroll in a single-cycle program (lauree magistrali a ciclo unico), which usually lasts five years and combines undergraduate and graduate studies.
Master's programs in Italy end with a dissertation defense, as in other European countries. For admission, you must have either a higher education diploma obtained in Italy or an equivalent level 6 qualification from abroad. International students must also meet the language requirements.
There are two types of master's qualifications in Italy:
- University Master's degree (laurea magistrale)
- Second-level academic degree AFAM (diploma accademico di secondo livello) for courses in fine arts, music or dance.
Both of these degrees belong to the 7th level of qualification in the European Qualifications Framework.
A master's degree in Italy usually costs the same as a bachelor's degree. This means that most students can expect to pay between €1,000 and €2,000 per year in tuition fees.
Doctoral programs
This is the highest level of qualification in Italy, representing the third cycle of higher education, equivalent to level 8 in the European Qualifications Framework. Doctoral programs in Italy usually last at least three years and involve extensive independent research, culminating in the writing of an original dissertation.
To apply for a doctoral program in Italy, you need to have at least a master's degree; you may also have to pass an entrance exam. International students must meet the language requirements. Tuition fees per year are generally the same as for other degree and postgraduate programs.
University doctoral programs in Italy are called dottorato di ricerca (research doctorate, equivalent to a PhD). In contrast, at AFAM institutions, they are known as diploma accademico di formazione alla ricerca.
Specialized master's degrees and continuing education programs
Some Italian universities offer specialized postgraduate programs to enhance students' professional education. They are usually related to specific professions such as law or medicine. These specialized postgraduate programs provide students with the knowledge, skills and qualifications to work as specialists in their field and last from one to two years. Tuition fees may be slightly higher than for general or postgraduate programs.
Other study programs in Italy
In addition to higher education institutions and postgraduate programs, Italy also has higher technical institutes (istituti tecnici superiori - ITS) that offer vocationally oriented programs in various fields of technology. The courses are similar to other higher education programs, but more focused on on-the-job training. For example, about 30% of the courses involve professional internships or employment.
ITS courses usually last two to three years and end with a final exam. Students who pass it receive an ITS diploma (diploma di tecnico superiore), which is a level 5 qualification.
ITS programs are available in six areas of study:
- Energy efficiency
- Sustainable mobility
- New technologies for life
- Innovative technologies for cultural activities and tourism
- Information and communication technologies
- New technologies in Italy
As in the case of university programs, a high school diploma is usually required for admission to ITS. Tuition fees are similar to other higher education courses in Italy.
Do I need to know Italian to study in Italy?
Italians are notoriously not very good at speaking English, but this does not mean that Italian universities do not offer English-language programs. All the best universities in Italy offer programs that are taught entirely in English.
In general, you don't need to know Italian unless you plan to study your courses in Italian. In this case, you need to know Italian at B2 level according to European language standards.
Is studying in Italian universities free for international students?
International students cannot study in Italy for free. However, unlike many other European countries, the cost of studying in Italy is the same for students from both EU and non-EU countries.
The cost of studying in Italian universities depends on whether the university is public or private, as well as on the type of program you want to enroll in.
Here are the average tuition fees in Italy in 2022 at public and private universities:
- €500 - €5,000 per year at public universities
- €5,000 - €25,000 per year at private universities
As in most universities around the world, tuition fees in Italy only cover the cost of education. This means that you will have to pay for all study materials, such as books and other learning resources. You should budget at least 100 euros per semester for study supplies.
An Italian student visa is a type of Italian long-term visa (also known as a national or D-visa). This is the Italian visa you need to apply for if you want to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days.
The student visa for Italy is an entry-only visa. This means that it gives you the right to enter Italy, but if you want to legally stay and study in Italy for longer than three months, you must also apply for a residence permit in Italy.
Who needs a visa to study in Italy?
Almost everyone needs a visa to study in Italy for more than three months.
Only citizens of the following countries are exempted from having an Italian student visa to enter Italy:
- EU (European Union) countries
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
- Iceland
However, even the above countries must obtain a residence permit in Italy after three months.
If you are a citizen of a country that is exempt from the Schengen visa and your course lasts less than three months, you do not need an Italian student visa. However, if the course lasts more than three months, you need to apply for an Italian student visa from your home country.
If you are already in Italy with a Schengen visa, you must leave the country and apply for a long-term visa in your home country.
Non-EU citizens cannot apply for a residence permit in Italy without an Italian long-term visa.
What are the requirements for a student visa to Italy?
When you apply for an Italian student visa, you must have several documents to support your application. You must also fulfill several conditions, such as being already enrolled in an Italian educational institution.
Requirements for obtaining a student visa to Italy:
- An application form for a student visa to Italy.
- Recent passport-size photos in accordance with the Italian visa requirements:
1. 35 mm x 45 mm
2. Light, preferably white background
3. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image
4. Neutral facial expression.
- A travel document that is valid for at least three months after the expiration of your visa and has at least two blank pages of the visa.
- Photocopies of previous visas.
- Civil status documents, such as a birth or marriage certificate.
- Confirmation of enrollment or pre-enrollment in an Italian university course.
- Police clearance from your home country.
- Proof of residence in Italy, such as an apartment rental or student housing.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources.
- Health insurance for Italy that covers medical treatment and hospitalization.
- Certificates of previous education.
- Depending on the language, the educational program consists of: proof of knowledge of English or Italian.
- Receipt of paid visa fee.
- If the student is a minor, he or she must have a signed document giving consent to the trip by both parents or legal guardians.
All documents that are not in Italian or English must be translated by an authorized translator.
PLEASE NOTE that this is not an exhaustive list. Different countries or Italian embassies may have different requirements, so you should check with them before applying. An incomplete application will be rejected and you will have to reapply later. This will reduce the processing time, which is sometimes quite long.
How to apply for a student visa to Italy?
- You must apply for an Italian student visa at the embassy or consulate of your home country. In case there is no Italian embassy/consulate in your country, you must apply at any place where Italy has transferred the visa application. This can be a visa application center or an embassy/consulate of another Schengen country.
- However, you must first contact them to make an appointment. After that, you collect all the necessary documents and submit them in person on the date you agreed upon.
- Be sure to bring the originals of all documents as well as photocopies.
- On the day of application, you will also have a visa interview.
- Keep in mind the visa processing time when applying for a visa. It takes about three weeks to process the application, sometimes longer.
So, you have to apply early:
- At the latest: two weeks before your planned trip.
- At least: three months before your planned trip.
If you have all the necessary documents and the Italian embassy decides that you meet the conditions, you will receive an Italian student visa.
After that, you can enter Italy, where you need to apply for a residence permit in Italy.
How long is an Italian student visa valid for?
An Italian study visa is initially available for a maximum of one year with the possibility of extension for the duration of your courses.
However, in order to renew your student visa, you must pass all your annual exams at the university.
Residence permit
You must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days of your arrival. You can be sure of your success if you have all the necessary documents:
- A copy of your international passport
- Valid student visa type D
- Proof of valid health insurance
- Proof of enrollment in your educational institution
- Proof of payment of the application fee of 76 euros
Application procedure
- Submit the application form (permesso di soggiorno) at your local post office
- Receive the application package
- Pay the application fee for a temporary residence permit in the amount of EUR 76
- Receive a receipt of confirmation of submission of the application
- Submit the confirmation receipt to the local police station (Questura)
- Wait up to 2 months to receive a response
There are several prestigious universities in Italy that offer special courses for international applicants. Here are some examples of courses for international applicants at the best universities in Italy:
1. University of Bologna (University of Bologna):
- International Foundation Year: This course is designed for international students who wish to enter a university in Italy. It provides academic preparation and language support, including Italian language learning.
- Preparation Courses for Admission Exams: These courses help international applicants prepare for the entrance exams for admission to various faculties of the university.
- Italiano per Stranieri: This course is designed for international students who intend to enroll in a bachelor's or master's program at the University of Bologna. The course covers grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing. It also provides support in preparing for the entrance exams.
2. University of Milan:
- Preparation Courses for International Students: These courses provide international applicants with the opportunity to prepare for entrance exams and improve their language skills before entering the university.
3. University of Padua:
- Preparatory Courses for International Students: These courses are aimed at international students who are planning to enter the University of Padua. They offer support in learning the Italian language and preparation for entrance exams.
4. University of Rome La Sapienza:
- Preparatory Courses for International Students: These courses are designed for international applicants and provide an opportunity to prepare for entrance exams and receive language support in learning Italian.
5. University of Florence:
- Italian Language and Culture Courses for International Students: This course is offered for international applicants and covers the study of Italian language, literature and culture. It also provides support in preparing for the entrance exams.
6. University of Turin:
- Preparation Courses for International Students: These courses are aimed at international applicants who intend to enter the University of Turin. They provide support in learning the Italian language and preparation for the entrance exams.
7. Polytechnic University of Milan:
- Preparation Courses for Admission to Engineering Programs: This course is designed for international applicants who plan to enroll in engineering programs at the university. It provides support in learning Italian and preparing for entrance exams in math and physics.
8. University of Pisa:
- Italian Language and Culture Courses for International Students: This course is designed for international applicants and offers Italian language learning and an introduction to Italian culture. It may also include preparation for entrance exams.
9. Italian Language and Culture at the University of Siena (Università di Siena): This course is offered by the Italian Language Center for International Students in Siena. It has different levels from beginner to advanced and provides an opportunity for in-depth study of the Italian language and Italian culture. The course includes intensive classes, cultural activities and excursions.
10. Italian Language Course at the University for Foreign Students of Perugia (Università per Stranieri di Perugia): This course is specially designed for international students who plan to study in Italy. It includes different levels from beginner to advanced and offers intensive study of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing and conversation skills.
11. Italian Language and Culture Program at the Italian Institute of Culture (Istituto Italiano di Cultura): This course is offered by the Italian Institute of Culture in different cities of Italy. It is aimed at international students who want to improve their language skills and deepen their knowledge of Italian culture. Courses include grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking and cultural activities.
12. Corso di Preparazione per l'Esame CELI at the Language Training Center in Italy: This course is designed for students who plan to take the international Italian exam CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana). It covers all aspects of the language, such as grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a focus on preparing for the exam requirements.
13. Italian Language and Culture Course at the Centro Linguistico di Ateneo in Naples: This course is offered for students who intend to go to university in Italy. It includes different levels from beginner to advanced and covers grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking and writing. In addition, it offers the study of Italian culture and literature.
In Italy, you will find two main types of financial aid: government scholarships for international students and scholarships sponsored by a particular university. These scholarships also differ in size and whether they cover living expenses.
Can I study in Italy for free?
The short answer is yes. However, this means that you will have to win a big competition as the number of places for fully funded scholarships in Italy is limited.
If you have been awarded only a partial scholarship, you can still find ways to help you cover the rest of your study abroad expenses.
What is the DSU scholarship in Italy?
DSU ("Diritto allo Studio Universitario" translates as "Right to University Education") refers to financial aid that is determined annually by the region where the university is located.
Many universities, such as the Polytechnic University of Milan, the University of Pisa, and the University of Milan, have such a program.
The amount of the scholarship is calculated based on your income (financial situation) and geographical origin.
Benefits of DSU scholarships in Italy include
- monetary compensation
- food services
- accommodation services
How can I prove my financial situation?
For some Italian scholarships, European students are asked to provide an ISEE certificate to declare their financial situation. You can simply request it on the INPS website.
However, if your family's income and assets are located abroad, you cannot be issued an ISEE. Instead, you must apply for its equivalent, called the ISEE-U Parificato.
Be prepared to send documents about the income, property and financial assets of each member of your family. These documents must be issued by competent institutions in your country, translated and legalized in accordance with the applicable rules, which differ from country to country.
1. Invest your talent in Italy: Italian government scholarships for international students
International students who want to enroll in a Master's or PhD program in engineering, advanced technology, architecture, design, economics or management at one of the best Italian universities.
You can find the full list of eligible programs here.
The Italian government scholarship for international students is €8,100 (monthly stipend - €900) and also exempts you from paying tuition fees and entrance fees.
Requirements.
To apply, you must have
- Citizenship: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, People's Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, Vietnam
- have completed a bachelor's degree
- English language proficiency at a level not lower than B2
- Italian health insurance
How to apply?
Once you have submitted a preliminary application to one of the participating universities, you can start the online application for the grant.
PLEASE NOTE that you will be asked to record a 1-minute video about yourself and your motivation.
2. EDISU scholarships in Piedmont
International students enrolled full-time in a bachelor's, master's, one-cycle master's course or postgraduate degree program at one of the universities in Piedmont, such as the Polytechnic University of Torino and the University of Torino.
The amount of the scholarship depends on the type of your enrollment and where you live.
You can receive a living allowance, as well as a cash award of up to €5,108 and a waiver of admission and tuition fees.
Requirements.
EDISU scholarships in Piedmont distinguish between two types of requirements: merit-based and economic.
Under the merit requirements, you must be regularly enrolled and have earned a certain number of credits, depending on your program.
In addition, your economic situation is assessed based on the ISEE Parificato financial statement.
How to apply?
You can apply for the EDISU Piemonte Scholarship through the online portal.
3. Grants to study at the University of Bologna for international students
International students wishing to enroll in first-cycle (bachelors), second-cycle (masters) or single-cycle programs at the University of Bologna.
Each study grant is available for one academic year and amounts to a total of 11,000 euros and full tuition fee waiver.
Requirements.
- To be eligible for this Italian scholarship for international students, you need to
- pass the SAT or TOLC test if you are applying to a first or single-cycle degree program, or
- GRE test if you are applying for a second-cycle program, and
- be under 30 years of age.
How to apply?
To apply for the University of Bologna Study Grant for International Students, you need to register on the Studenti Online portal and submit the required documents.
4. Bocconi Merit and international awards
Top international students enrolling in any eligible undergraduate or graduate program at Bocconi University.
The scholarship starts with a 50% discount on tuition fees and amounts to
- up to €12,000 per year for a bachelor's program and
- up to €13,000 per year for Master's programs.
Requirements.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of your academic performance.
How to apply?
To be considered for a scholarship, you just need to apply for a bachelor's or master's program at Bocconi University.
5. Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students
The most talented international candidates enrolled in a Master's program at Politecnico di Milano.
This Italian scholarship for international students is divided into three levels:
- PLATINUM scholarships: 10 000 euros gross per year
- GOLD scholarships: 5,000 euros per year
- SILVER scholarships: total amount of payment for the academic year
Requirements.
You will be evaluated based on your
- GPA (grade point average),
- academic achievements,
- portfolio (optional),
- and a cover letter.
How to apply?
To apply for a merit-based scholarship for international students, you must fill out an online application on the PoliMi portal.
6. International scholarships of the Polytechnic University of Torino
Non-Italian students who want to study a bachelor's program in engineering and architecture at the Polytechnic University of Torino.
You will receive €8,000 per year for the duration of your studies.
Requirements.
To be eligible for this Italian scholarship, you must meet the following requirements
- you have passed the entrance test with 60 points or higher;
- you have obtained a high school diploma outside of Italy
- you are enrolling for the first time in a bachelor's program at the Polytechnic University of Torino.
How to apply?
You can apply for the TOPoliTO scholarship by checking the "Research and Academic Scholarships" section of your application on the Apply@polito platform.
7. Scuola Normale Superiore PhD scholarships
Italian citizens and international students who wish to continue their PhD research at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa.
The Scuola Normale Superiore scholarships provide full financial support, including tuition fees and entrance fees, as well as covering the costs of food and accommodation.
Requirements.
To be eligible for this Italian scholarship program, you must hold a Master's degree or equivalent qualification. You will be evaluated based on an academic assessment and an interview.
How to apply?
To apply for this scholarship to pursue a PhD in Italy, fill out the online application form on the official portal and refer to this page if you have any questions.
Do international students need a visa to work in Italy?
Yes, non-EU citizens need a visa to work in Italy. With a student visa to Italy, you are only allowed to work part-time. That is, a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1040 hours per year.
After you complete your education in the country, you will need to replace your student permit with an Italian work permit. To obtain an Italian work permit, you must first find an employer who wants to employ you. Your employer then submits a proposal for a residence contract to the one-stop shop for immigration. Once it is accepted, the Italian Embassy in your country of origin will be informed and then you will be issued a visa. After that, you can take advantage of all the opportunities that Italy offers for international students.
Here are some common part-time jobs available for students in Italy:
- Customer service specialist
- Customer and production manager
- Classroom teacher
- Local boutique hunter
- Administrative assistant, leadership, management and coordination
- Associate solution consultant
- Communication student in the field of validation and automation
- Trainee quality engineer
- Administrative support trainee
- Information security specialist
- Accountants
- Sales assistant
- IT administrators
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students may also have access to internships at the expense of the university.
In Italy, international students or foreigners can do 2 types of internships - academic or extracurricular.
Academic internships
Tirocini Curriculari internships are designed specifically for students enrolled in a university or postgraduate course. This type of internship combines study with work experience and usually lasts 6 months. At the end, you will receive credits for successful completion.
Extracurricular internships
Torinicini Extracurriculari (extracurricular internships) are done after graduation; they are not part of your education and will not affect your final grade. It is an ideal option for those who graduated from an Italian university less than 6-12 months ago, for expats who want to do an internship abroad, or for the unemployed.
Typically, such internships last from 2 to 12 months, and interns who do on-the-job training are required by law to receive a monthly compensation (allowance), the amount of which is determined by regional legislation.
How can I find an internship in Italy?
Once you know what type of internship you are looking for, you can start your search.
Internships in Italy are easy to find if you are still studying or have recently graduated in Italy. Often, universities advertise these educational internships on their career services/platforms. You can also find internships on your own or ask your professors to recommend you to companies they know.
You can also search for internships online on platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, CercaLavoro, or Repubblica Degli Stagisti. Also, check out the companies' websites as they may have an option to apply directly.
If you are an international student/graduate who came to Italy from abroad, finding an extracurricular internship in Italy will be a longer process. You need to find a host organization or job center that can apply on your behalf. This is necessary because the Italian Ministry of Labor must approve out-of-school internships for foreigners.
How do I apply for and activate an internship in Italy?
In Italy, you will most likely come across the phrase "activation of an internship". This means signing a formal internship agreement before the start of the internship to agree on the nature of the internship, the learning objectives, and the guidelines you will have to follow. Signing this agreement will also mean that the university can provide you with insurance and credit (if applicable).
- If you are doing an extracurricular internship, declare your unemployment status by signing the Declaration of Immediate Availability (Dichiarazione di Immediata Disponibilità, DID). Students on work placements can skip this step.
- Ask the host company to register on your university's career/internship portal and sign an internship agreement to be recognized by the university.
- Find a vacancy advertised by the host company and apply for it by uploading your resume.
- Once you are selected, the host company should upload an internship agreement.
- Share it with your academic mentor, who is responsible for your successful completion of the internship.
- The academic mentor will assess the suitability of the internship and either ask for changes to the proposal or approve the internship agreement.
- The host company will sign this approved contract and then you will sign it.
- A few days before the start of the internship, the host company will upload all the necessary documents so that the career center or internship office of the university can officially "activate the internship".
Do I need a visa to do an internship in Italy?
EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to do an internship in Italy. International students studying in Italy must present their student visa to do an internship in Italy. Foreigners who come from abroad only to do an internship in Italy must obtain a work visa.
In addition, you will need to present the following documents to complete your internship in Italy:
- Identity card for EU/EEA citizens or Italian residence permit for foreigners.
- Codice Fiscale, your tax code in Italy.
- EHIC for EU/EEA citizens or Italian health insurance or private health insurance for foreigners.
Is it possible to do a paid internship in Italy?
Only interns who do an extracurricular internship are guaranteed compensation by law. You receive an allowance of 500 euros gross per month, or 400 euros if meals are included or subsidized, 350 euros if you work less than 4 hours per day, or 300 euros for administrative work.
Students who do an internship are not so lucky. Most companies in Italy do not pay for internships, because in exchange for the time spent by the company on training the intern, the intern gains knowledge and professional experience.
Therefore, if you are planning to do an internship in Italy, it is worth having savings or looking for a part-time job or digital freelance work to support yourself financially. International students in Italy can legally work part-time for up to 1040 hours per year.
Do I need to know Italian to do an internship in Italy?
You can find internships for English-speaking students in Italy. Large international companies will be happy to have your language skills, and knowing English, along with other languages, will be an advantage.
However, it is also important to learn basic Italian, as most people in Italy prefer to communicate in Italian and are not as fluent in English. Learning Italian will not only help you to get along with your colleagues at work, but it will also help you in your everyday communication.
