Study in Italy is a good choice for students seeking higher education abroad at an affordable cost. The cost of study in Italy is comparatively cheaper than most countries. Typically, the tuition fee in Italian public universities ranges from 900 to 4,000 EUR (81,397 to 3.61 lakhs INR) for UG courses and between 400 to 3,500 EUR (36,164 to 3.16 lakhs INR) for PG courses. However, the private universities may charge higher tuition fees which generally range between 6,000 to 20,000 EUR (5.42 lakhs to 18.08 lakhs INR). Additionally, international students will be required to maintain a budget between 700 to 1,300 EUR (63,280 to 1.17 lakhs INR) per month to manage the cost of living in Italy.
Italy currently houses 92 universities with 42 of them being listed in top World University Rankings of QS while 57 universities are listed in Times Higher Education World University Rankings. There are 195 programs available in Italy that are completely taught In English. Most of the top universities in Italy are based in major cities like Milan and Rome. Rest of the universities are spread across cities like Pisa, Bologna, Padua, Tune and Trento. Students after completion of their degree in Italy may expect a salary between 11,040 to 195,600 EUR (10 lakhs to 1.77 crores INR) per annum. The average salary with jobs in Italy is 43,920 (39.81 lakhs INR) per annum.
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Top Universities to Study in Italy
Tabulated below are the top universities in Italy ranked in the QS and Higher Education World Rankings for 2024:;
| S.no | University | QS World University Rankings 2024 | THE World University Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Politecnico di Milano | #123 | #201-250 |
| 2. | Sapienza University of Rome | #=134 | #181 |
| 3. | University of Bologna | #=154 | #=155 |
| 4. | Università di Padova | #219 | #201-250 |
| 5. | Politecnico di Torino | #252 | #201-250 |
| 6. | University of Milan | #=276 | #351-400 |
| 7. | University of Naples - Federico II | #335 | #351-400 |
| 8. | University of Pisa | #=349 | #401-500 |
| 9. | University of Florence | #=358 | #351-400 |
| 10. | University of Turin | #=364 | #401-500 |
| 11. | University of Trento | #429 | #351-400 |
| 12. | University of Pavia | #=469 | #301-350 |
| 13. | University of Milan - Bicocca | #=481 | #351-400 |
| 14. | University of Rome "Tor Vergata" | #=489 | #301-350 |
| 15. | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | #=505 | #301-350 |
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is one of the highly affordable study abroad destinations and is known for its high quality education standards, and range of scholarships for international students. Some other reason why one must choose to study in Italy while planning to pursue higher studies abroad are given below:;
- Italy is known for offering highly quality education with a diverse range of disciplines to choose from. The most popular courses to study in Italy include science and technology, art and design, humanities, social studies, education, health and hospitality.
- A total of 42 Italian universities were featured in QS World University Rankings 2024. Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education has included 57 Italian universities in its World Rankings 2024. The Politecnico di Milano is currently the highest ranked university in Italy according to QS Rankings, while University of Bologna ranks the highest in THE rankings.
- The international students are warmly welcomed in Italian universities, which makes them even more comfortable during their studies.
- International students studying in Italy get the opportunity to understand more about Italian culture through courses like food and cultural studies, Renaissance art, modern economics and many others.
- The public universities in Italy offer courses at a highly affordable cost with tuition fee ranging from 900 to 4,000 EUR (81,397 to 3.61 lakhs INR)
Admission to Study in Italy
International students seeking to study in Italy must review the admission process along with University specific And course specific requirements.
Application Cycle
The application for admissions in Italian universities typically opens in January and closes in February for first session. Students who wish to take entrance exams may appear in March or April. A second for admissions starts in July and closes in August, with entrance exams taking place in September.
Admission Requirements to Study in Italy
Following are the documents required to apply for admissions in Italy:;
- Previous academic transcripts with certificate of completion;
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Motivation letter;
- Resume;
- Bank statement;
- Application fee;
- English language proficiency or Italian language proficiency
- Pre enrollment form
Italy Student Visa
International students require a D visa to be eligible for studying in Italy. The D visa is required from anyone who wishes to stay in Italy for more than 3 months. Students upon receiving acceptance letter from the university must apply for Italy student visa 3 months before their arrival in the country.
- Offer letter from a university in Italy;
- 2 passport size photographs;
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Accommodation confirmation in Italy
- Financial proof
- Health insurance
- Visa application fee of 60 EUR (5,438 INR)
Cost to Study in Italy
The cost of study in Italy vary in public and private universities. The overall cost may also vary depending on the student’s lifestyle, region and type of accommodation.;
Tuition Fees
Given below are the estimated tuition fee in top universities in Italy:
| Universities; | Tuition Fee Range (EUR) | Tuition Fee Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | 888 to 3,891 | 80,490 - 3.52 lakhs |
| Sapienza University of Rome | 988 to 2,924 | 89,554 - 2.65 lakhs |
| University of Bologna | 500 to 3,000 | 45,321 - 2.71 lakhs |
| Università di Padova | 2,533 to 2,948 | 2.29 lakhs - 2.67 lakhs |
| Politecnico di Torino | 2,600 to 3,820 | 2.35 lakhs - 3.46 lakhs |
| University of Milan | 3,900 | 3.53 lakhs |
| University of Pisa | 2,400 | 2.17 lakhs |
| University of Turin | 2,840 - 3,040 | 2.57 lakhs - 2.75 lakhs |
Cost of Living in Italy
The estimated cost of living in Italy for international students are given below based on various monthly expenses:
| Expenses | Cost/Month (EUR) | Cost/Month (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries; | 150 - 200 | 13,560 - 18,080 |
| Public Transport | 22 | 1,988 |
| Entertainment; | 200 - 300 | 18,080 - 27,120 |
| Mobile/Internet | 5 - 10 | 452 - 904 |
| Accommodation; | 500 - 1,200 | 45,200 - 108,480 |
Scholarships to Study in Italy
The cost of studying at a private university in Italy is comparatively higher than in public universities. Hence, those applying to study in private universities are encouraged to apply to either university funded scholarships or look for various government scholarships in Italy to reduce educational expenses. Tabulated below are some of the popular scholarships in Italy for international students:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Requirements | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Torino International Scholarship | Engineering and architecture and architecture UG students | Tuition fee waiver |
| Merit and Bocconi international awards | Applicants applying to SDA Bocconi for UG program | 50% to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| University of Bologna study grants for international students | University students in undergraduate or postgraduate programs | Grant worth 11,000 EUR + 100% tuition fee waiver |
| The Italian government scholarships for international students | International students pursuing master’s degree at any university in Italy | Full tuition fee waiver + monthly allowances |
| University of Pavia international scholarships for developing country students | International students from developing countries studying a master’s degree program in English at the university | 8,000 EUR scholarship |
| Politecnico de Milano merit-based scholarships for international students | International students pursuing a Master of Science; | Tuition fee waiver + 5,000-10,000 EUR per year |
| University of Bologna study grants for international students | Students pursuing master’s degree | Tuition fee waiver + 11,000 EUR per year |
Jobs in Italy
The average salary of a person working in Italy is 43,920 (39.81 lakhs INR) per annum. Hence, international students after completing their degree in Italy may expect an annual salary between 11,040 to 195,600 EUR (10 lakhs to 1.77 crores INR). Graduate with bachelor’s degree in Italy typically earn 24% higher than those with high school qualification. Meanwhile, master’s’s degree holders in Italy earn 29% higher than bachelor degree holders.
Average in Italy By Program Level
| Degree | Annual Salary (EUR) | Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Accountancy | 68,000 | 61.67 lakhs |
| Master of Business Administration | 51,000 | 46.18 lakhs |
| Master of Computer Science | 36,000 | 32.59 lakhs |
| Master of Civil Engineering; | 30,000 | 27.16 lakhs |
| Master of Education | 27,000 | 24.44 lakhs |
Top Paying Career in Italy;
Following are the top paying jobs in Italy as per salary explorer. The paying career in Italy being the surgeon/doctors with average salary of 166,800 (1.50 crores INR) per annum.
| Career/Job | Average Annual Salary (EUR) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeons / Doctors | 166,800 | 1.50 crores |
| Judges | 136,800 | 1.23 crores |
| Lawyers | 110,760 | 1 crore |
| Bank Managers | 104,280 | 94.31 lakhs |
| Chief Executive Officers | 97,680 | 88.34 lakhs |
| Chief Financial Officers | 91,200 | 82.48 lakhs |
| Orthodontists | 87,960 | 79.55 lakhs |
| College Professors | 78,120 | 70.65 lakhs |
| Pilots | 65,160 | 58.93 lakhs |
| Marketing Directors | 58,680 | 53 lakhs |
Studying in Italy is good choice for international planning to pursue higher education in science & technology, and health related courses at affordable cost. Moreover, international are also eligible for scholarships in Italy for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.