Politecnico di Milano
Milan
Official website of Politecnico di Milano (opens in a new tab)
Study in Italy
Italy’s universities include some of the oldest in the world and leading schools for design, architecture and engineering. Public university fees are often linked to family income.
- Main intakes
- Most programmes start in September–October
- Student visa
- Type D study visa
- Region
- Europe
- Country
- Italy
The education system in Italy
Laurea (bachelor’s) degrees take three years and Laurea Magistrale (master’s) two. Some fields, such as medicine, use single-cycle degrees.
Why students choose Italy
- Leading programmes in design, fashion and architecture
- Income-based fees at many public universities
- Regional scholarships for living costs
Popular courses and study areas
These fields are well established in Italy. Availability, language of instruction and entry requirements still vary by university and level.
- Architecture
- Fashion & Design
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Medicine
- Arts & Humanities
Universities in Italy
A few of the well-known universities students often consider. Drag or swipe to see more.
University of Bologna
Bologna
Official website of University of Bologna (opens in a new tab)Sapienza University of Rome
Rome
Official website of Sapienza University of Rome (opens in a new tab)University of Padua
Padua
Official website of University of Padua (opens in a new tab)Politecnico di Torino
Turin
Official website of Politecnico di Torino (opens in a new tab)University of Milan
Milan
Official website of University of Milan (opens in a new tab)Bocconi University
Milan
Official website of Bocconi University (opens in a new tab)University of Pisa
Pisa
Official website of University of Pisa (opens in a new tab)
Listed for reference only — this is not a list of partner institutions. We shortlist from all recognised universities in Italy based on your profile, budget and goals.
Choosing a university in Italy
Rankings are a starting point, not the answer. When we build a shortlist for Italy, we compare:
- Course modules, teaching style and any placement or project components
- Entry requirements against your marks, backlogs and test scores
- Total cost — tuition, living costs in that city and visa funds
- Intake dates and deadlines that fit your timeline
- Recognition of the institution and what your final certificate will state
See how we approach this in course and university selection.
Admission requirements
Apply to the university, then complete pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal for visa purposes. Some programmes need entrance tests such as IMAT for English-taught medicine.
Typical documents are listed in our guide to preparing university application documents.
Language requirements
English-taught programmes ask for IELTS or TOEFL; Italian-taught programmes require proof of Italian, often B2.
Not sure which test to take? Compare IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test.
Tuition fees and living costs
Many public universities set fees based on family income (ISEE parificato); private universities set fixed fees.
Fees and required funds change, so we don’t publish fixed figures here. We confirm current costs for each programme on your shortlist using the university’s and government’s own websites.
Scholarships and funding
Regional scholarships (DSU)
Regional bodies award scholarships based on income and merit, sometimes covering accommodation.
Italian Government scholarships
Offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for selected programmes.
Eligibility, amounts and deadlines are set by each provider and change yearly. Read more about scholarship planning or ask about education loan guidance.
Student visa: Type D study visa
Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, then apply at the Italian visa centre. Apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within eight days of arrival.
Official resources
Application timeline
Most programmes start in September–October. Application windows can open early in the year.
- 110–12 months before
Research & tests
Profile review, destination and course research, book language or admission tests.
- 28–10 months before
Shortlist & documents
Finalise your shortlist, prepare statements and request recommendations.
- 36–9 months before
Apply
Submit applications and scholarship applications.
- 43–6 months before
Offer, funds & visa
Accept an offer, arrange funds and apply for the Type D study visa.
- 51–2 months before
Get ready to fly
Accommodation, travel and our pre-departure briefing.
- Intake
Start your course
Information on this page was last reviewed in October 2026. Always confirm requirements on the official websites linked above.
FAQs about studying in Italy
Many universities use an income indicator (ISEE parificato) based on your family’s income and assets, so fees can be lower for some students.
It’s an online step that sends your application to the university and the Italian visa office. It’s required for the student visa.
Yes. We help you shortlist programmes in Italy, prepare your documents, submit applications and plan your Type D study visa application. Book a free consultation to start.
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