Explore Italy
Study in Italy.
Picture studying in cities shaped by centuries of art, architecture and ideas. Explore Italy through the courses and places that speak to you.
At a glance
Studying in Italy, at a glance.
Main intakes
September or October
Bachelor’s degree
Laurea: 3 years
Master’s degree
Laurea magistrale: 2 years
Teaching language
Italian, with a growing number of English-taught programmes
Tuition (indicative)
Often €0 to €4,000 a year at public universities
Public fees are usually linked to family income; without the required documents you may be charged the highest band. Private universities cost more.
Living costs (indicative)
Often €700 to €1,200 a month
A typical estimate. Milan and Rome cost more than smaller university cities.
General guidance, reviewed in November 2026 against official and published sources. Fees, living-cost figures and requirements change and differ by institution and course, so always confirm with the institution and official sources such as Universitaly and Study in Italy before making decisions.
Why Italy
What draws students to Italy.
Some of Europe’s oldest universities
The University of Bologna dates back to 1088.
Design, architecture and engineering
Strong traditions in design, architecture and engineering.
Affordable public study
Income-based fees at public universities.
Study opportunities
Subject areas with a wide choice of programmes.
English-taught programmes are growing, particularly at master’s level. Start with what you want to learn, then check each course’s modules, teaching approach and entry requirements.
- Architecture and design
- Engineering
- Fashion and luxury management
- Economics and business
- Art history and cultural heritage
- Medicine (often in English)
Where to study
Examples of well-known institutions in Italy.
In no particular order. These are examples to start your research, not rankings or recommendations, and many other excellent institutions exist.
Politecnico di Milano
- City
- Milan
- Type
- Public technical university
University of Bologna
- City
- Bologna
- Type
- Public research university
Sapienza University of Rome
- City
- Rome
- Type
- Public research university
University of Padua
- City
- Padua
- Type
- Public research university
Politecnico di Torino
- City
- Turin
- Type
- Public technical university
Bocconi University
- City
- Milan
- Type
- Private university
Check programmes, entry requirements and fees on each institution’s official website.
Admission requirements
What applications usually ask for.
Requirements are set by each institution and course. Use this as a starting checklist, then follow the official course page.
Most applications
- Academic transcripts and certificates from your previous study.
- Evidence of your proficiency in the language of instruction.
- A personal statement or statement of purpose, written in your own words.
- One or two academic or professional references.
- A CV, particularly for postgraduate applications.
- A valid passport.
Specific to Italy
- Non-EU applicants living abroad usually complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly.
- Your qualifications may need a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA statement.
- Some programmes have entrance tests, such as for medicine.
Scholarships
Scholarships worth researching.
Public information only. Eligibility, deadlines and amounts are set by each provider; WINAR does not provide or arrange funding.
Italian Government scholarships
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for international students.
Regional right-to-study grants
Regional bodies offer need-based grants and services; eligibility rules vary.
Student life
Everyday life in Italy.
City character
Compare large cities with smaller university towns such as Padua or Pavia.
Language
Italian is valuable for daily life and part-time opportunities.
Food and culture
A rich daily culture of food, history and festivals.
Visas and immigration
Visa and immigration rules are set by the government of Italy and change regularly. WINAR does not provide immigration advice or services. Read the official guidance published by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visa for Italy), and speak to a suitably qualified and regulated adviser if you need advice on your own circumstances.
Questions, answered plainly
Questions about studying in Italy.
What would your Italy chapter need?
Discuss your study goals, the information still to verify and possible next steps with WINAR. Support scope and destination coverage are subject to confirmation.