Thinking about studying abroad in 2026? Find out which majors in Italy will be the most popular for study in English. Universities, DSU scholarships, tuition fees, advice for applicants and help from migration lawyers - everything you need to know for successful admission to Italian universities

Italy has been one of the most attractive destinations for international students from around the world for many years, including citizens of Madagascar, Cameroon and Afghanistan. The reasons are obvious: the high level of education, the prestige of universities, the international recognition of diplomas, as well as the opportunity to receive a DSU scholarship of up to €7,000 per year. Another big advantage is that more and more programs are available in English, so you can study even without knowing Italian.

In 2026, Italy offers students a wide range of specialties from business and engineering to art, fashion and music. A list of the most popular directions and advice for applicants in this article.

Moving to Italy is an opportunity to discover a new quality of life among culture, sun and gastronomic masterpieces, but it is also associated with certain difficulties. We have already told you what challenges expats in Italy face in 2025 and how to prepare for them.

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1. Business, Finance and Management

- LUISS University (Rome) – a well-known private university with strong programs in business, law and political science.

- Bocconi University (Milan) – one of the best business schools in Europe, ranked in the top 10 according to international rankings. Offers strong programs in economics, finance and management.

- University of Bologna – Bologna Business School – a prestigious university with a centuries-old history, where you can get an MBA and other business programs in English.

2. Engineering, IT and computer science

- Politecnico di Milano – a leading technical university in Italy, consistently ranked among the top twenty world institutions in the field of engineering and architecture.

- Politecnico di Torino – specializes in mechanical engineering, energy and information technology, is considered one of the strongest technical universities in the country.

- University of Padua – a university with a rich history, with strong faculties of engineering and computer science.

3. Art, design and fashion

- IED Istituto Europeo di Design (Milan, Rome, Florence) – a well-known school that trains specialists in the field of design, fashion and creative industries.

- NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (Milan, Rome) – a modern academy of fine arts and design, actively cooperating with international brands.

- Domus Academy (Milan) – a recognized world leader in the field of fashion and design, known for its practically oriented courses.

4. Music, performing arts and film production

- Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi di Milano – one of the most prestigious music conservatories in Italy, open to international students.

- Accademia Teatro alla Scala (Milan) – a school at the legendary La Scala theater, offering educational programs in vocals, music and performing arts.

- Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA) is a modern institution with a wide range of English-language programs in the fields of cinema, animation and visual arts.

What should you consider before enrolling in an Italian university?

- English language proficiency. Most programs require IELTS or TOEFL certificates.

- Application deadlines. Deadlines vary depending on the university, usually from March to July.

- Tuition fees. Public universities are cheaper (from €1,000 per year), private ones are much more expensive (from €8,000–15,000).

- Scholarships and grants. The most popular is DSU, which can cover tuition and part of the living expenses.

- Visa and legalization. A type D student visa is required, after studying you can stay for another year to look for a job.

Additional useful information

- Top cities for students: Milan, Rome, Bologna, Turin, Padua.

- Living costs: from €700 to €1,000 per month (housing, food, transport).

- Post-graduation opportunities: IT, finance, engineering and creative industries remain the most popular fields.

- Travel and culture: Italy is the perfect place to combine studies and travel around Europe.

Studying in Italy in English in 2026 is a chance to get a prestigious European education, scholarships and international experience without having to know Italian. The choice of directions is huge: from business and engineering to fashion and music. Italy opens the door to new opportunities in education, career and life.

If you are planning to enter a university in Italy, you should take care of preparing documents, obtaining a student visa and legalizing your stay in advance. Professional migration lawyers on education issues will help with this, who will advise on choosing a program, checking the contract with the university, applying for a DSU scholarship and supporting you when obtaining a visa. Turning to specialists will allow you to avoid mistakes and significantly increase your chances of successful admission.

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Reminder! Italy is one of the most popular countries among foreign students: it combines affordable education, high quality teaching and life among architecture, art and the sun. We have already told you how the education system in Italy is organized in 2025 - from kindergartens to universities, from scholarships to studying in English, from admission to obtaining a student visa.

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