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Study in Italy: Your Complete Guide to Admission, Costs, Scholarships, and Student Life 2026

February 25, 2026•Scholarships Expert
Study in Italy: Your Complete Guide to Admission, Costs, Scholarships, and Student Life 2026

Planning to study in Italy? This complete 2026 guide explains admission requirements, tuition fees, cost of living, top scholarships like Invest Your Talent in Italy, part-time work rules, and the best cities and universities for international students.

Study in Italy
Tuition fees in Italy

Italy combines high-quality education, affordable tuition, and an amazing lifestyle. It is home to some of the oldest universities in Europe, vibrant student cities, and a unique mix of history, art, and modern life.

International students are increasingly choosing Italy because:

  • Public university tuition fees are relatively low compared to many other Western countries.
  • Many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes are available.
  • There are strong scholarship schemes for non-EU students.
  • The cost of living, while not “cheap”, can still be reasonable if you choose your city and lifestyle wisely.

2. Italian Higher Education System in a Nutshell

Italy follows the Bologna system, which makes degrees compatible and easily recognized across Europe.

Main types of institutions:

  • Universities – offering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in a wide range of disciplines.
  • Polytechnics and technical institutes – focusing on engineering, architecture, and applied sciences.
  • Fine arts and music academies – for students interested in art, design, music, cinema, and related fields.
  • Italian language schools – for students who want to improve their Italian before starting a degree.

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3. Degrees and Study Levels

  • Bachelor’s degree (Laurea Triennale) – usually 3 years.
  • Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale) – usually 2 years.
  • PhD (Dottorato di Ricerca) – about 3 years after a master’s degree.

Many master’s programmes, especially in business, engineering, and social sciences, are now fully taught in English and specifically targeted at international students.

4. Tuition Fees in Italy

Tuition fees depend on the type of institution and the programme.

  • Public universities
    • Typically €900–€4,000 per year for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
    • Fees are often income-based (using the ISEE system), and many students benefit from reductions or waivers.
  • Private universities
    • Usually €6,000–€20,000+ per year, depending on the institution and field of study.

This makes Italy more affordable than many other popular destinations like the UK, US, or Australia, especially if you choose a public university and apply for financial aid.

5. Cost of Living for International Students

Most estimates suggest that international students need around €700–€1,300 per month to cover:

  • Accommodation
  • Food and groceries
  • Transport
  • Utilities and internet
  • Personal and leisure expenses

Living in smaller or mid-sized cities like Bologna, Padua, or Pisa is usually cheaper than living in major metropolitan areas like Rome or Milan.

Typical ranges:

  • Student dormitory: ~€250–€300 per month.
  • Shared apartment: ~€250–€500 per person per month.
  • Food: €150–€300 per month.
  • Public transport: €25–€50 per month with a student pass.

6. Language of Instruction: Italian vs English

You have two main options:

  1. Study in Italian
    • Most traditional bachelor’s programmes are in Italian.
    • You’ll need at least a B2 level in Italian or an official language certificate.
  2. Study in English
    • Many master’s and some bachelor’s programmes in fields like engineering, business, and economics are fully in English.
    • You’ll usually need IELTS or TOEFL with a minimum required score.

Even if your programme is in English, learning Italian will be extremely helpful for:

  • Daily life
  • Part-time jobs
  • Internships and full-time work after graduation

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7. Scholarships and Financial Aid

7.1 Invest Your Talent in Italy

This prestigious programme targets talented international students who want to enroll in English-taught master’s programmes in fields like engineering, IT, management, and economics.

Benefits typically include:

  • Tuition fee waivers
  • A monthly allowance (around €1,000 for 9 months) for high-achieving students
  • Internship opportunities at leading Italian companies

7.2 MAECI Scholarships

Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for international students in various degree levels, these scholarships may include:

  • Full or partial tuition exemption
  • Monthly stipends
  • Health insurance

7.3 University and Regional Scholarships

Many universities and regional authorities provide their own grants, which can cover:

  • Tuition fee reductions
  • Housing support
  • Living cost contributions

To maximize your chances, you should always check the scholarship section of each university you are applying to.

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8. Part-Time Work While Studying

In Italy, non-EU international students are generally allowed to work:

  • Up to 20 hours per week during the academic year
  • Up to 1,040 hours per year in total

Key points:

  • Your student residence permit usually allows part-time work; you don’t always need a separate work permit, but you must respect the hour limits.
  • Common jobs: cafés, restaurants, shops, tutoring, or online work (as long as it doesn’t conflict with your visa conditions).

Part-time work can help you reduce expenses, but it should not be your primary funding strategy and must not interfere with your studies.

9. Best Student Cities in Italy

Each city has its own character and cost level:

  • Rome – historic capital, many universities, higher living costs.
  • Milan – financial and fashion hub, great for business and design.
  • Bologna – one of the oldest university cities in Europe, strong student atmosphere.
  • Florence – ideal for arts, architecture, and history.
  • Turin – strong in engineering and industry.
  • Padua, Pisa, Trento and others – student-friendly cities with lower costs than Rome/Milan.

When choosing a city, think about:

  • Your budget
  • Your major
  • How big or busy you want your city to be

10. How to Apply – Step by Step

  1. Define your degree and field of study
  2. Shortlist universities and programmes that match your profile
  3. Check admission requirements (grades, language, documents, deadlines)
  4. Prepare your documents
    • Translated diplomas and transcripts
    • Motivation letter / statement of purpose
    • CV and recommendation letters
  5. Submit online applications through university portals
  6. Apply for scholarships in parallel (Invest Your Talent, MAECI, regional/university scholarships)
  7. Once accepted, use your admission letter to apply for a student visa at the Italian consulate/embassy, including proof of funds and health insurance.

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11. Is Studying in Italy Right for You?

Italy can be a great choice if you want:

  • A recognized European degree
  • Reasonable tuition and living costs
  • A rich cultural and social life
  • Access to scholarships and part-time work opportunities

On the other hand, you should be ready to:

  • Deal with some bureaucracy
  • Learn at least basic Italian
  • Adapt to a different academic style and exam system

If you are willing to put in the effort, studying in Italy can be a life-changing experience and a strong addition to your academic and professional journey.

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