Italy is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in Europe, and for good reason. Public university tuition can be as low as EUR 0 per year, the DSU scholarship covers tuition and living costs for low-income students, and over 500 English-taught programmes are available across the country.

With 300,000+ international students already studying in Italy, the country has built a strong infrastructure for welcoming foreign students. From world-class universities like Bologna and Politecnico di Milano to affordable living costs and a central European location, Italy offers a study abroad experience that is hard to beat.

This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Italy in 2026: tuition fees, university profiles, the DSU scholarship, admission requirements, the Universitaly portal, student visa process, living costs, and working after graduation.

1. Why Study in Italy?

Italy consistently ranks among the top 5 study abroad destinations in Europe. Here is why thousands of international students choose Italy every year.

Extremely low tuition fees. Public universities in Italy charge tuition based on family income through the ISEE system. Many international students pay between EUR 0 and EUR 4,000 per year. This is dramatically lower than the UK, US, or even other European countries like the Netherlands or Ireland.

DSU scholarship for living costs. The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) scholarship is available to low-income students, including non-EU nationals. It covers tuition fees, provides a meal allowance of EUR 2,000 to 5,000 per year, and offers free or discounted university housing. Some students effectively study in Italy for free while receiving money for food and accommodation.

3-year bachelor's degrees. Italy follows the Bologna Process, which means bachelor's degrees (Laurea) are completed in 3 years instead of 4. Master's degrees (Laurea Magistrale) take 2 years. This saves you one full year of tuition and living costs compared to the American or British system.

500+ English-taught programmes. Italian universities offer hundreds of degree programmes entirely in English. You do not need to speak Italian to study in Italy. Popular English-taught fields include engineering, computer science, business, economics, political science, medicine, and architecture.

World-class universities. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in the world. Politecnico di Milano is ranked among the top 20 universities globally for design and engineering. Sapienza University of Rome has produced 13 Nobel laureates. Italy's academic tradition is unmatched.

Rich culture and quality of life. Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country. The food is world-famous. The weather is excellent. The cost of living is lower than in Northern Europe. You get to live in a country that people spend thousands of euros to visit as tourists.

Central European location. Italy sits in the heart of the Mediterranean, with easy access to France, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, and Greece. Budget airlines connect Italian cities to all of Europe for as little as EUR 20 to 50. Weekend trips to Barcelona, Paris, or Vienna are entirely realistic.

300,000+ international students. Italy has a large and growing international student community. You will find student groups, expat communities, and support services in every major university city.

2. Italian Education System

Understanding how the Italian education system works is essential before you apply. Here is a clear breakdown of the structure.

Public universities (Università Pubbliche). These are state-funded institutions that charge low tuition fees based on family income. They include the majority of Italy's top-ranked universities: Bologna, Sapienza, Padua, Milan, Pisa, Florence, and many more. Public universities in Italy offer the best value for money in European higher education.

Private universities (Università Private). These are funded by tuition fees and private endowments. They tend to be smaller, more internationally oriented, and more expensive. Examples include Bocconi University (business), Luiss (political science), and John Cabot University (American-style liberal arts in Rome). Private university tuition ranges from EUR 6,000 to 25,000 per year.

Polytechnics (Politecnici). Italy has several technical universities that specialise in engineering, architecture, and design. The two most famous are Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino. These institutions are world leaders in their fields and offer many English-taught programmes.

Degree structure. Italian universities follow the Bologna Process, which standardises degrees across Europe:

ECTS credit system. Each course is assigned ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. One ECTS equals 25 hours of student work. A full academic year is 60 ECTS. This system makes it easy to transfer credits between European universities.

Academic calendar. The academic year runs from October to September, divided into two semesters. The first semester typically starts in mid-September or early October and ends in December or January. The second semester starts in February or March and ends in June or July. Exams are held after each semester, not just at the end of the year.

MIUR oversight. The Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) oversees the entire higher education system. MIUR sets accreditation standards, approves degree programmes, and manages the national university ranking system (CINECA).

3. Tuition Fees — Real Numbers for 2026

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Italy is the low cost of tuition. Here are the real numbers you can expect.

Public University Tuition

Italian public universities do not charge a flat fee to all students. Instead, tuition is calculated based on your family's economic situation using the ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) or ISEEU (for international students) system. This means two students in the same programme can pay very different amounts.

For non-EU international students, the typical range at public universities is:

Some universities charge a flat annual fee regardless of income. For example, the University of Bologna charges non-EU students approximately EUR 2,500 to EUR 3,500 per year for most programmes. Politecnico di Milano charges around EUR 3,800 per year for non-EU master's students.

Medicine and surgery programmes at public universities typically cost between EUR 1,000 and EUR 4,000 per year, regardless of whether the instruction is in Italian or English. This is remarkably affordable compared to medical school tuition in the US (EUR 40,000+) or the UK (EUR 25,000+).

Private University Tuition

Private universities in Italy charge significantly more than public ones, but they are still cheaper than equivalent institutions in the US or UK.

Many private universities offer merit-based scholarships that can reduce tuition by 30% to 100%. Bocconi, for example, offers full tuition waivers to top applicants.

Living Costs by City

Your monthly living costs in Italy depend heavily on the city you choose:

These costs include rent, food, transport, and basic expenses. Living in a smaller city like Pisa or Bologna can save you EUR 200 to 400 per month compared to Milan, and these cities also have excellent universities.

4. Top Italian Universities — Detailed Profiles

Italy has over 90 universities. Here are the top 10 for international students, with details on rankings, strengths, English programmes, tuition, and the cities they are in.

1. University of Bologna

Founded: 1088 — the oldest university in the world. Location: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna. Ranking: Top 200 globally (QS World University Rankings 2026). Strengths: Law, political science, humanities, medicine, engineering, agriculture. The University of Bologna has 11 schools and over 200 degree programmes. More than 80 programmes are taught entirely in English. Tuition: EUR 2,500 to 3,500 per year for non-EU students. Why choose it: Bologna is a vibrant student city with affordable living costs (EUR 600 to 900 per month), excellent food, and a central location in Northern Italy. The university has a strong international community and offers extensive support services for foreign students.

2. Politecnico di Milano

Founded: 1863. Location: Milan, Lombardy. Ranking: Top 15 globally for design, top 100 for engineering (QS 2026). Strengths: Architecture, design, engineering, computer science, urban planning. This is Italy's premier technical university and one of the best in Europe. Tuition: EUR 3,800 to 4,000 per year for non-EU students. English programmes: Over 40 English-taught master's programmes in engineering, design, and architecture. Why choose it: If you want a world-class technical education in design or engineering, Politecnico di Milano is the best choice in Italy. Milan also offers the best job market for graduates in Italy.

3. Sapienza University of Rome

Founded: 1303. Location: Rome, Lazio. Ranking: Top 200 globally (QS 2026). Strengths: Physics (multiple Nobel laureates), engineering, classics, archaeology, medicine. Sapienza is one of the largest universities in Europe with over 100,000 students. Tuition: EUR 1,000 to 3,500 per year for non-EU students. English programmes: Over 50 English-taught programmes across engineering, business, political science, and medicine. Why choose it: Rome offers an unparalleled cultural experience, and Sapienza's physics department is among the best in the world. Living costs are lower than in Milan.

4. University of Padua

Founded: 1222. Location: Padua, Veneto. Ranking: Top 250 globally (QS 2026). Strengths: Medicine, science, engineering, psychology. Galileo taught at Padua, and the university maintains a strong tradition in the sciences. Tuition: EUR 2,000 to 3,000 per year for non-EU students. English programmes: Medicine and surgery (6-year programme taught in English), plus master's programmes in engineering and international relations. Why choose it: Padua is a charming, affordable student city just 25 minutes from Venice by train. The university offers one of the best English-taught medicine programmes in Italy.

5. University of Milan

Founded: 1924. Location: Milan, Lombardy. Ranking: Top 300 globally (QS 2026). Strengths: Medicine, humanities, law, business, political science. The University of Milan is Italy's only member of the LERU (League of European Research Universities). Tuition: EUR 3,000 to 4,000 per year for non-EU students. English programmes: Over 40 English-taught programmes including international relations, economics, data science, and medicine. Why choose it: The University of Milan combines research excellence with Milan's strong job market and international atmosphere.

6. Politecnico di Torino

Founded: 1906. Location: Turin, Piedmont. Rankings: Top 35 globally for engineering and technology (QS 2026). Strengths: Engineering, automotive engineering, architecture, computer science, aerospace. Turin is the automotive capital of Italy (home to FIAT). Tuition: EUR 2,500 to 3,800 per year for non-EU students. English programmes: Over 30 English-taught programmes in engineering, design, and architecture. Why choose it: If you want to work in automotive, aerospace, or mechanical engineering, Politecnico di Torino is directly connected to Italy's industrial sector. Turin is also one of the most affordable major cities in Italy.

7. University of Pisa

Founded: 1343. Location: Pisa, Tuscany. Ranking: Top 300 globally (QS 2026). Strengths: Mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering. Pisa has a strong tradition in the hard sciences and is home to several national research institutions. Tuition: EUR 2,000 to 3,000 per year for non-EU students. English programmes: Computer science, engineering, and several master's programmes in the sciences. Why choose it: Pisa is one of the most affordable student cities in Italy (EUR 500 to 750 per month) with a high quality of life. The Scuola Normale Superiore, located in Pisa, is Italy's most prestigious institution for advanced studies.

8. University of Florence

Founded: 1321. Location: Florence, Tuscany. Ranking: Top 400 globally (QS 2026). Strengths: Art history, humanities, architecture, medicine, engineering. Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, making it ideal for students in the arts and humanities. Tuition: EUR 1,500 to 3,000 per year for non-EU students. English programmes: Sustainable engineering, design, and international relations. Why choose it: Florence offers an unmatched cultural environment for humanities and arts students. The city's museums, galleries, and architecture serve as a living classroom.

9. Bocconi University

Founded: 1902. Location: Milan, Lombardy. Ranking: Top 10 in Europe for business and economics (QS 2026). Strengths: Business, economics, finance, management, political science. Bocconi is the most prestigious private university in Italy and one of the best business schools in Europe. Tuition: EUR 12,000 to 16,000 per year (merit scholarships available covering up to 100% of tuition). English programmes: All programmes are taught in English. Why choose it: Bocconi has one of the highest employment rates in Italy for graduates. Many graduates work at top consulting firms, investment banks, and multinational companies. The investment in tuition pays off through career opportunities.

10. University of Naples Federico II

Founded: 1224. Location: Naples, Campania. Ranking: Top 400 globally (QS 2026). Strengths: Engineering, physics, chemistry, law, humanities. This is the oldest public university in the world that has been operating continuously since its founding. Tuition: EUR 1,000 to 2,000 per year for non-EU students (one of the cheapest in Italy). English programmes: Engineering, international relations, and several master's programmes. Why choose it: Naples offers the lowest cost of living among Italy's major cities (EUR 450 to 700 per month). The university's tuition fees are among the lowest in Italy, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students.

5. DSU Scholarship — Complete Guide

The DSU scholarship is the most important financial aid programme for international students in Italy. Here is everything you need to know to apply and win it.

What is DSU? DSU stands for Diritto allo Studio Universitario (Right to University Study). It is a regional scholarship programme funded by the Italian government and regional authorities. The scholarship is awarded based on economic need, not academic merit alone. It is available to both Italian and international students, including non-EU nationals.

Who is eligible? To qualify for the DSU scholarship, you must:

What does it cover? The DSU scholarship provides several benefits:

How to apply. The application process varies slightly by region, but the general steps are:

  1. Check the DSU call for applications (bando) on your university or regional DSU website
  2. Complete the online application form
  3. Submit required documents: passport, income certificates from your home country (translated and legalised), family composition certificate, tax code (codice fiscale), and academic transcript
  4. Attend the in-person verification if required
  5. Wait for the results (typically announced 2-3 months after the deadline)

Required documents for non-EU students:

Deadlines. DSU application deadlines vary by region. In most regions, applications open between July and September for the following academic year. Northern regions like Lombardy (Milan) and Emilia-Romagna (Bologna) typically have earlier deadlines than southern regions.

Important tips:

6. Admission Requirements

Admission requirements in Italy depend on the level of study and the programme. Here is a detailed breakdown.

Bachelor's Degree (Laurea)

Master's Degree (Laurea Magistrale)

Medicine and Surgery

Medicine is one of the most competitive programmes in Italy. Admission is through the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test), held annually in September. The test consists of:

Key English-taught medicine programmes are available at the University of Bologna, University of Padua, University of Milan, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Pavia. Tuition at public universities for medicine is typically EUR 1,000 to 4,000 per year.

7. Universitaly — Step-by-Step Application Process

Universitaly is the official Italian government portal for international student pre-enrolment. If you are a non-EU student, using this portal is mandatory for your university application and visa process.

Step 1: Create an account. Visit universitaly.it and click "Register" (Registrati). You will need to provide your email address, personal information, and create a password. You will receive a verification email to confirm your account.

Step 2: Choose your programme. Browse the catalogue of available programmes. You can filter by language (English or Italian), field of study, university, and city. Take your time to research programmes and check the admission requirements on the university's website.

Step 3: Upload documents. For each programme application, you will need to upload:

Step 4: Submit your pre-enrolment application. Review everything carefully before submitting. Once submitted, you cannot make changes. You will receive a confirmation email and a PDF of your pre-enrolment receipt.

Step 5: Embassy validation. After submission, your pre-enrolment application is forwarded to the Italian embassy or consulate in your country. The embassy will contact you for an interview and to process your visa. You must attend this appointment in person.

Step 6: Wait for confirmation. The embassy will issue a pre-enrolment confirmation once your application is approved. This document is required for your student visa application. Processing times vary by embassy but typically take 2 to 6 weeks.

Key deadlines:

For the most up-to-date deadlines, always check the Universitaly portal and your university's international office website.

8. Student Visa Process

If you are a non-EU student planning to study in Italy for more than 90 days, you need a Type D study visa (Visto Nazionale). Here is the complete process.

Required Documents

Application Process

  1. Book an appointment at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country. Many embassies now use online booking systems.
  2. Attend the appointment in person with all required documents. Bring original documents and copies.
  3. Submit biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy.
  4. Pay the visa fee (EUR 50) at the embassy or before the appointment.
  5. Wait for processing. Visa processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can take longer during peak season (July-September). Apply as early as possible.
  6. Collect your passport with the visa sticker once approved.

After Arrival in Italy

Once you arrive in Italy with your student visa, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days of arrival. Here is how:

  1. Go to a post office (Poste Italiane) that handles permesso di soggiorno applications
  2. Fill out the kit with your personal information, visa details, and accommodation information
  3. Submit the kit with your passport copy, visa copy, passport-size photo, and the marca da bollo (EUR 16 tax stamp)
  4. You will receive a receipt (ricevuta) — this is your temporary residence permit
  5. Schedule an appointment at the local police questura for final verification
  6. The physical permesso di soggiorno card will be mailed to you within a few months

Your residence permit is valid for the duration of your studies and can be renewed annually. Keep your ricevuta (receipt) safe — it serves as proof of legal residence while your permit is being processed.

9. Living in Italy — Daily Life Guide

Moving to Italy means adjusting to a new culture, food, and way of life. Here is what to expect as an international student.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation is one of the first things you should do after receiving your admission letter. Options include:

Tip: In Italy, rental contracts typically require a deposit (cauzione) of 2-3 months' rent. Budget for this upfront cost.

Food

Italian food is famous worldwide, and living in Italy means eating well at affordable prices. Monthly food costs are typically EUR 200 to 350.

Transport

Healthcare

Italy has a national health service (SSN — Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) that international students can register for:

With the SSN, you can visit public hospitals and clinics (ambulatorio) for free or at very low cost. Prescriptions are subsidised.

Banking and Money

Phone and Internet

10. Working in Italy as an International Student

Working while studying in Italy is allowed and can help offset living costs. Here are the rules and opportunities.

Working During Studies

Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students

After Graduation

Italy offers clear pathways for international students to stay and work after completing their studies:

11. Application Timeline for October 2026 Start

Here is a month-by-month timeline for applying to Italian universities for an October 2026 start. Follow this timeline to avoid missing critical deadlines.

September — December 2025

January 2026

February — April 2026

May — June 2026

July — August 2026

September — October 2026

12. Useful Resources and Internal Links

Here are additional AbroadReady resources to help you with your study abroad journey:

For official information, always refer to:

Final Thoughts

Studying in Italy in 2026 is one of the best decisions you can make for your education and career. With tuition fees as low as EUR 0, the DSU scholarship covering living costs, 500+ English-taught programmes, and a world-class university system, Italy offers an unbeatable combination of quality and affordability.

The key is to start early, gather your documents in advance, and follow the application timeline carefully. Italy's bureaucracy can be slow, so patience and persistence are essential. But once you are settled in, you will enjoy one of the richest student experiences in the world.

Whether you choose the historic streets of Bologna, the fashion capital of Milan, the ancient ruins of Rome, or the artistic treasures of Florence, Italy has a university and a city that will feel like home.

Start your journey today. Research programmes, take your language test, and prepare your documents. Italy is waiting for you.