Home to the oldest university in the world, Italy as a study abroad destination will serve you with some of the finest universities and colleges across the globe. Be it the quality education, excellent career opportunities, or outstanding infrastructure, Italy will give you all. Popular for offering numerous disciplines, international students especially get attracted towards Italy as a study destination because of its exclusive education in the field of arts, architecture, and fashion.

The tuition fee at a majority of universities in Italy usually costs between 80 lakhs to 1 crore. The living expenses in some cities like Bologna, Rome, and Milan can be high, as compared to other cities like Pisa, Turin, etc. Italy has around 90 universities, the majority of which are publicly funded. International applicants should also be aware that most of the programs taught at universities in Italy are in Italian, though the English language of instruction is gradually increasing.

Top Universities to Study in Italy

Let us now look at some of the most popular universities in Italy according to the QS World University and THE Rankings.

University QS World University Ranking 2021 QS World University- Top Universities in Italy Ranking THE World University- Top Universities in Italy Rankings
Politechnico Di Milano 137 1 8
University of Bologna 160 2 1
Sapienza University of Rome 171 3 4
Università Di Padova 216 4 5
University of Milan 301 5 8
Politechnico Di Torino 308 6 27
University of Pisa 383 7 11
University of Naples 392 8 11
Universita Vita 392 9 5
University of Trento 403 10 7

Why Study in Italy?

40 out of approximately 90 universities in Italy are featured in QS World University Rankings, let us understand what makes Italian universities so special:

  • Italian universities are famous for offering international students an education system that is excellent, along with the perfect infrastructure at its universities and colleges. From renowned scientists and researchers, the faculty at most universities is exemplary. Italy is also home to a lot of Nobel laureates.
  • Italy has to offer a lot to international students in terms of beautiful and scenic locations, and world-famous architecture, along with a cuisine that is popular and renowned across the globe.
  • Italy presents international students with wholesome career options and high pay scales. Also, studying in Italy will also open your doors to other European countries like Spain, France, etc.
  • Work-life balance is something which is of utmost importance in Italy. International students pursuing their studies in Italy are never under stress or pressure, as institutions never burden students with their academic designs.

Top Universities in Italy (By cities)

Milan has been known for having Italy’s largest student community, and Italy as a country has been recognized as the world’s best country. Let us explore some of Italy’s best universities by location:

Cities Universities
Rome Sapienza Di Roma Università Degli Studi Roma De
Milan Politechno Di Milano Universita Degli Studi Di Milano University of Milano- Bicocca Universita Commerciale Luigi Bocconi
Pisa Universita Di Pisa Scoula Normale Superiore Di Pisa
Bologna Universita Di Bologna Carpigiani Gelato University

Top MBA Universities in Italy

MBA is one of the most popular program all over the world. International students coming from diverse countries mostly look forward to MBA program in Italy. Hence, some top universities in Italy to study MBA are:

  • University of Podova
  • Polytechnico Di Milano
  • Rome Business School
  • SDA Bocconi School of Management
  • Bologna Business School
  • University Di Pisa

Top Engineering Universities in Italy

Engineering program is also popular in Italy and many top universities in Italy offer engineering programs. International students willing to study engineering in Italy can look for some top universities like

  • Istituto Marangoni
  • Istituto Europeo Di Design
  • Polytechnico Di Milano
  • Sapienza University of Rome
  • University of Padova

Top Fashion Universities in Italy

Italy as a study abroad destination is quite famous for its fashion courses. Some top universities to study fashion in Italy are:

  • Istituto Marangoni
  • Polimoda
  • Accademia Costume & Moda
  • Istituto Europeo Di Design
  • Domus Academy

Requirements to study at Top Universities in Italy

To study at some of the top universities in Italy, international students need to demonstrate their Italian proficiency and submit relevant documentation. The general requirements to apply at universities in Italy are:

  • Application form
  • Pre-enrolment form
  • Academic transcripts
  • Bachelor's degree (if required)
  • Italian proficiency proof
  • Passport size photographs
  • Additional documents

Student Visa to Study in Italy

International students willing to study in Italy are required to apply for an Italian visa, before starting their studies at the top universities in Italy. International students can apply for an Italian visa provided they have:

  • Sufficient funds (5,82,491 EUR precisely)
  • Certificate of payment at the chosen university
  • Proof of accommodation in Italy
  • Health insurance in Italy

Along with the visa application fee, international students are required to submit the following documents to start their visa application process to study in Italy:

  • Passport
  • Passport size photos
  • Visa application form
  • Italian proficiency proof
  • Evidence of fee payment (university and visa application)

Choosing the right university in Italy can be a hassle, but Italian universities are filled with innovation and extraordinary student life. Most universities in Italy are known for providing international students with an excellent education, work-life balance and smooth placements post-graduation. Before choosing the university, study abroad students can research the costs, scholarships, and academic excellence for top universities in Italy.