Study in Italy
What happens after arrival in Italy?
Last Updated: 9 January 2026Within eight days of arriving, you must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at the local post office to legitimise your long-stay study status.
Can I work while studying in Italy?
Last Updated: 9 January 2026International students with a valid study permit are typically allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during their studies, which is noted in official Italy visa guidance.
Do I need a visa to study in Italy and how does it work?
Last Updated: 9 January 2026Yes, non-EU students must apply for a study visa (type D) at the Italian embassy/consulate in their country using the university’s acceptance and proof of sufficient funds; once in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days of arrival.
What are the basic eligibility requirements to study for a bachelor’s degree in Italy?
Last Updated: 9 January 2026To apply for a Bachelor’s (Laurea Triennale) in Italy, you must hold a secondary school diploma equivalent to 12 years of schooling and check that it meets Italian recognition standards; non-EU students usually complete a pre-enrolment on the official Universitaly portal before applying to a university.
Does family income affect tuition fees and scholarships in Italy?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Yes, public universities use an income-scaled fee system, so lower family income results in lower tuition fees and higher chances of receiving DSU or other need-based grants. Family financial documentation is crucial for eligibility.
What documents are typically needed to apply and for the visa?
Last Updated: 9 January 2026You generally need your high school diploma, transcript, valid passport, acceptance letter from an Italian university, proof of financial means, health insurance, and proof of accommodation to apply for both admission and the Italian student visa.
Can international students get full or near-full scholarships in Italy?
Last Updated: 9 January 2026Yes, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) and regional or university bodies offer scholarships and grants that can cover tuition and provide allowances; these are usually applied for through the official “Study in Italy” portal.
What is the DSU scholarship, and who is eligible for it?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) scholarship is a regional student support scheme providing tuition waivers, accommodation, meals, and a stipend based on family income. It is open to international students enrolled in Italian public universities and requires submission of income proof and academic enrolment documents.
Are public universities in Italy affordable compared to other European countries?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Public universities in Italy have an income-based fee system, so international students often pay between 0-3,000 euros per year. This is generally much lower than tuition fees in the UK, USA, or some other European countries.
Is knowledge of Italian compulsory to study in Italy?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Italian is not compulsory if you enrol in an English-taught programme. However, knowing Italian at B1/B2 level helps with daily life, part-time work, and internships. For programmes taught in Italian, you must show Italian language proficiency.
What is the application process for applying to universities in Italy?
Last Updated: 9 January 2026You begin by choosing your programme and creating an account on Universitaly, the Italian Ministry of University and Research’s official application portal, where you submit your pre-enrolment and required documents; after evaluation, the university sends an acceptance that you need for visa application.
Which universities in Italy are strong in technology-related engineering programmes and offer courses in English?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, University of Bologna, University of Pisa, and Sapienza University of Rome are well-known for engineering programmes. They offer courses in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, computer science, and other technology-related fields in English, especially at the undergraduate level.
Could you suggest a few universities in Italy for finance at the bachelor’s level?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Bocconi University is a top choice and offers the Bachelor of Science in International Economics and Finance taught in English. It is globally recognised and provides strong pathways for careers in investment banking, portfolio management, and related finance fields.
Do I need an English proficiency test like IELTS/TOEFL or an Italian proficiency test?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026For English-taught programmes you usually need an English test like IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent, or a medium of instruction letter from your school. For Italian-taught programmes, you will typically need Italian language proficiency such as CILS or CELI at B1-B2 level. Requirements vary by university and programme.
Can you elaborate a bit on the TOLD exam by Politecnico di Milano?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026The TOLD in ENGLISH consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 1 hour and 10 minutes (70 minutes) and consists of the TESTsection only. The subjects covered by the entrance test are: 1. GEOMETRY AND REPRESENTATION: 12 QUESTIONS IN 20 MINUTES 2. REASONING: 6 QUESTIONS IN 10 MINUTES 3. VERBAL COMPREHENSION: 6 QUESTIONS...
What are the functions of Uni-Italia?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026Uni-Italia is the official Italian association for the promotion of Italian higher education and assistance to international students. Their expert counsellors can provide guidance throughout the entire admission, pre-enrolment, and student visa application process for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. You can contact them at their offices located in: Mumbai (main office, hosted by the...
What eligibility and exams are required after 12th for admission to design programmes in Italy?
Last Updated: 2 January 2026To study design at the undergraduate level in Italy, Indian students need to have completed Class 12 from a recognised board such as CBSE, ISC, or a state board, which is accepted for university entry. Some universities require entrance tests such as the TOLD design test for Laurea programmes. Private institutions may ask for a...