Foundation
Page Sections
About Italy›
Why Study In Italy›
Programs›
Cost of Living & Visa›
Scholarships›
How to Apply›
Student Reviews›
FAQs›
Institutions in Italy›
Programs in Italy›
Study in Italy
Combine world-class education with la dolce vita - Italy offers affordable universities, rich artistic heritage, internationally recognized degrees, and a Mediterranean lifestyle that enriches both mind and spirit.
Cradle of Renaissance
Bologna Process Birthplace
Low Tuition Fees
Oldest Universities
autoInstitutions
autoPrograms
EUR 0-EUR 2,000/yrFrom/Year
150+Nationalities
100,000+Intl. Students
Free Italy Study Guidance
Expert advice on Italian universities, DSU scholarships, and student visa applications.
auto
Listed Institutions
auto
Study Programs
EUR 0-EUR 5,000/yr
Annual Tuition Range
EUR 500-EUR 1,000/mo
Monthly Living Cost
2-6 weeks
Visa Processing Time
About Studying in Italy
Italy, the birthplace of the Bologna Process, offers an academic experience like no other. With the University of Bologna founded in 1088 as the world's oldest university, Italy has a millennium-long tradition of excellence. Today, Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Padua, and Bocconi University excel in engineering, architecture, design, arts, business, and sciences.
Public university tuition is income-based and can be as low as EUR 0 for eligible students. Average fees range from EUR 500-3,000/year. DSU scholarships cover tuition, meals, and accommodation for qualifying students.
Italy offers an unmatched cultural experience. Study art history in Florence with the Uffizi Gallery as your classroom, explore ancient Roman ruins, and enjoy the world's finest cuisine. The Italian lifestyle emphasizes family, food, and beauty, creating a warm, welcoming environment. Italy's strategic location provides easy access to the rest of Europe.
Bologna Process Founder
ANVUR Accredited
CIMEA Member
MIUR Recognized
Capital
Rome
Language
Italian (500+ English programs available)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Academic Year
September - July
Intakes
September (main) & February (limited)
Intl. Students
100,000+
Work Rights
20 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks
Why Study in Italy?
Artistic Heritage
Study in the country that birthed the Renaissance, with living museums, UNESCO Sites, and artistic traditions spanning millennia.
Affordable Education
Public university tuition EUR 0-3,000/year based on income. DSU scholarships can cover tuition, housing, and meals.
Historic Universities
Study at the University of Bologna (1088), the world's oldest university, with centuries of academic tradition.
Italian Cuisine & Lifestyle
Enjoy the Mediterranean diet, world-famous cuisine, and la dolce vita every day.
Fashion & Design
Italy is a global leader in fashion, industrial design, architecture, and luxury goods.
Central European Location
Easy access to France, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, and the entire Mediterranean.
Italy by the Numbers
5+
Universities in Top 300
QS World Rankings 2025
#1
Heritage & Culture
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
#1
Fashion & Design Education
QS by Subject 2025
EUR 0
Min Tuition (income-based)
MIUR Statistics
Programs in Italy
See all 1+ programs →
Program Level:
| Program | Institution | Duration | Annual Fee | Intake | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Program in Fashion Design Foundation Arts, Design & Architecture | Milan Academy of Fashion and Design | 1 Year | EUR20,000 | Open |
No programs found
Try adjusting your search or filters.
Cost of Living & Visa
Monthly Living Costs
Accommodation
EUR 200-EUR 500/mo
Food & Dining
EUR 150-EUR 300/mo
Transport
EUR 25-EUR 60/mo
Phone & Internet
EUR 15-EUR 30/mo
Health Insurance
EUR 150/year (SSN)
Books & Activities
EUR 20-EUR 50/mo
Student Visa Guide
Student Visa (Type D)
Required for non-EU students for programs longer than 90 days. Apply at Italian embassy with admission letter.
Proof of Funds
Show approximately EUR 9,073/year in bank balance. DSU scholarship holders may be exempt.
Processing Time
2-6 weeks at the Italian embassy. Apply at least 2-3 months before program starts.
Permesso di Soggiorno
Within 8 days of arrival, apply for residence permit at the local Questura (police station).
88% Approval Rate
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarship information for universities in Italy coming soon.
How to Apply
1
Choose Program & University
Use Universitaly portal to search programs. Check requirements, language prerequisites, and ISEE certification.
2
Pre-Enrollment (Dichiarazione di Valore)
Non-EU students must pre-enroll through Universitaly and obtain Declaration of Value from Italian embassy.
3
Apply & Take Entry Test
Some programs require IMAT, TOLC, or other tests. English programs may require IELTS/TOEFL scores.
4
Apply for Visa
With pre-enrollment and admission, apply for Type D visa at Italian embassy/consulate.
5
Arrive & Register
Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days, get codice fiscale, enroll, and apply for DSU scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Public university tuition is income-based (ISEE) and can range from EUR 0-3,000/year, including for international students. DSU scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, and meals.
Yes! Over 500 English-taught programs are available, particularly at master's level. Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi, and several universities offer full English programs.
The DSU is a regional scholarship based on income and merit. It can cover full tuition, subsidized accommodation, free canteen meals, and a small stipend. Deadlines: July-September.
Italy