Study in Italy

A historic masterpiece of modern education

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Italy

110K
International students
6.42
Happiness index score
84.3%
Employment rate

Why study in Italy

Italy is much more than its iconic landscapes and world-class cuisine. It’s a global hub for academic excellence, housing the world's oldest continuously operating university and some of the most prestigious design and engineering schools. With a massive expansion of English-taught programmes, nearly doubling in growth since 2019, Italy has become remarkably accessible to international students. 

When you study in Italy, you’re choosing a country that heavily invests in research and innovation while maintaining deep roots in art and history. The Mediterranean lifestyle, combined with affordable tuition fees compared to other Western destinations, makes it a premier choice for launching a global career.

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Popular programmes

Italy is a world leader in specialised fields. While it remains the ultimate destination for Art, Fashion, and Design, there is a growing demand for its high-quality Engineering, Medicine, and Business Administration programmes. Many of these are now offered entirely in English to cater to the international student community.

What sets Italy apart

Italy offers a unique "Post-Study Work Search" residence permit, allowing graduates of Master’s or PhD programmes to stay for up to 12 months to secure employment or start a business. Additionally, the Italian government frequently releases the "Decreto Flussi", a decree that regulates the conversion of study permits into work permits for non-EU citizens who have secured a job. Another standout benefit is the significant number of regional scholarships (DSU), which can cover both tuition and living costs for eligible international students.

Student life

Student life in Italy is a mix of "La Dolce Vita" (the good life) and academic rigour. Cities like Milan and Rome offer a fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle with endless networking opportunities, while cities like Bologna and Padua provide a more traditional, student-centric atmosphere. 

Transportation is highly accessible with student passes for buses and metros, and the country's extensive rail network makes weekend trips to historical ruins or Mediterranean beaches easy.

Min. wage per hour for part-time jobs

EUR 9-15

Max. allowed part-time work hours

20 hours a week

Cost of living

  • Accommodation: EUR 300 – EUR 700/month
  • Food: EUR 150 – EUR 300/month
  • Transportation: EUR 25 – EUR 50/month
  • Utilities: EUR 50 – EUR 150/month
  • Health insurance: EUR 10 – EUR 15/month

(Source: https://www.numbeo.com/ as of Feb 2026)

Visa and work permit

Student visa

  • Eligibility: Proof of university admission, health insurance, adequate financial resources (min. EUR 6,100/year), and housing.
  • Validity: Issued for the duration of the study programme, renewable annually with proof of passing exams.

Post-study work visa

  • Eligibility: Completion of a master's degree (1st or 2nd level) or PhD from an Italian institution.
  • Validity: Up to 12 months to search for employment.

Employment opportunities

  • Information Technology (Software, Data): High
  • Engineering & Manufacturing: High
  • Healthcare (Nurses, Caregivers): High
  • Tourism & Hospitality: Medium
  • Finance & Consulting: Medium

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in the Western world.
Italy holds 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country.
Italy is famously shaped like a boot, a silhouette formed by the Apennine Mountains.
There are over 600 different shapes of pasta in Italy, each designed for a specific sauce.
Mount Etna in Sicily is Europe’s tallest and most active volcano.
You can visit the world's smallest sovereign state, Vatican City, right in the middle of Rome.

Most universities require proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught courses. Specific programmes may require entrance exams like the IMAT (Medicine) or TOLC.

Public universities are very affordable, with fees ranging from EUR 900 to EUR 4,000 per year, while private institutions can cost significantly more.

While it varies, most universities look for a minimum of 60% or a GPA of 2.5/4.0 for entry into master’s degrees.

It is recommended to apply at least 90 days before your course starts, as processing can take 3 to 8 weeks.