Italy is a popular destination for international students. It offers quality higher education with more affordable tuition fees than other Western European countries. There are around 32,000 international students in Italy, adding to the diversity of the country. With a rich history and tradition of higher education, Italy is always an attractive option for students.
Studying in Italy as an international student can be a rewarding experience
for many reasons:
Italy is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. It is home
to countless landmarks, museums, and art galleries. Students can immerse
themselves in the rich history of cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Italian universities are known for their high academic standards.
Institutions like the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and
Politecnico di Milano are highly regarded globally.
Italy offers a diverse array of academic programs, particularly strong in
fields like art, design, architecture, engineering, and humanities. Many
programs are also available in English.
Compared to other Western European countries and the United States, the cost
of living and tuition fees in Italy are relatively affordable. There are also
numerous scholarships and financial aid options available for international
students.
Italy is famous for its cuisine. Living in Italy provides an opportunity to
experience authentic Italian food and learn about its culinary traditions.
Studying in Italy offers the chance to learn or improve your Italian
language skills, which can be a valuable asset in the global job market.
Italy’s central location in Europe makes it easy to travel to other European
countries. The country itself offers diverse landscapes, from the Alps in the
north to the Mediterranean beaches in the south.
Italians are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Many universities
have support services to help international students adapt to their new
environment.
Italy is involved in various innovative research projects and
collaborations. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge
research in fields like technology, medicine, and environmental science.
Italian universities attract students from all over the world, creating a
diverse and multicultural environment that enriches the educational experience.
Capital |
Rome |
Continent |
Europoe |
Language(s)
of tuition |
English,
Italian |
National Language |
Italian |
Major
Student Cities |
Rome,
Milan, Florence, Venice |
Here are some of the top universities in Italy according to the QS World
University Rankings 2024:
Italy offers a wide range of academic courses across various disciplines,
with many programs available in English to cater to international students.
Here are some popular fields of study and notable courses offered by top Italian
universities:
l Politecnico
di Milano
l Politecnico
di Torino
l Politecnico
di Milano
l Accademia
di Belle Arti di Firenze
l Politecnico
di Milano
l Sapienza
University of Rome
l University
of Bologna
l Sapienza
University of Rome
l Bocconi
University
l Luiss
Guido Carli University
l University
of Milan
l University
of Padua
l University
of Pisa
l University
of Trento
l University
of Bologna
l Luiss
Guido Carli University
l University
of Padua
l Sapienza
University of Rome
Applying to a university in Italy is a
relatively straightforward process. Most universities will accept direct
applications from international students. Some universities do participate in a
more centralised application system, but not all. You will most likely pay an
application fee for each university you apply to.
Common application requirements for a bachelors
or masters degree in Italy include:
You might be required to have any documents translated into Italian,
depending on the universities you are applying to.
The cost of studying in Italy can vary significantly depending on the type
of institution (public vs. private), the level of study (undergraduate vs.
postgraduate), and the location of the university. Here are some key aspects to
consider when estimating the cost of studying in Italy:
Tuition fees at public universities are generally lower for EU students
compared to non-EU students. Additionally, fees can vary by discipline, with
programs in medicine and engineering typically being more expensive.
Private universities tend to have higher tuition fees compared to public
institutions. Prestigious institutions like Bocconi University and Luiss Guido
Carli University are known for their higher costs.
Italy offers various scholarships and financial aid options for
international students. Some of these include:
The cost of living can vary greatly depending on the city:
Can I study in Italy for free?
Higher education in Italy is not government
subsidised, meaning that universities can set their own tuition fees. However,
fees are generally affordable for international students looking to study
abroad.
Can I study in Italy as an international
student?
Italy is a superb place to study as an
international student. It has long been a popular destination for studying
abroad, and can offer excellent higher education at reasonable prices. If you
are from an EU or EFTA country, you will not need a visa to study in Italy. If
you are from any other country, you will need to obtain a visa in order to
study or stay in Italy. For more information about this and the application
process, take a look at our Italian
Student Visas article.
Can I study in Italy with English?
Many universities offer their courses in
English as well as Italian, meaning you can choose which language you wish to
study in. If your first language is not English, you will need to provide
evidence of your language proficiency. Most Italian universities accept an
IELTS or TOEFL certificate.