Study University in Italy

Study University in Italy

Why should you study university in Italy? Because Italy is the birthplace of many sciences and arts. When you say Italy, architecture, art, design, and fashion come to mind, but Italy is a country that has been deep-rooted in research and science.

The first modern university in Europe was established in Bologna in 1088. Since then, Italy has gained tremendous expertise in applied sciences, thanks to outstanding scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei, who are considered the fathers of the scientific method. In modern times, Guglielmo Marconi laid the foundations of wireless communication. The basis of today’s digital world is the first commercial desktop computer known as Italy P101 (Programma 101) and the first microprocessor discovered by Italian physicist Federico Faggin. This and many other groundbreaking examples are a clear indication that Italy’s contribution to world civilization is through the quality of education.

If you want to study university in Italy but do not know how to do it or where to start, this article is for you!

Education System in Italy

Italy has over 300 program options for international students at undergraduate, master, and doctoral levels, entirely in English. In Italy, undergraduate education (Laurea) and master’s education (Laurea Magistrale) take 3 and 2 years, respectively. In some programs, undergraduate and master’s education is given as integrated (Laurea a Ciclo Unico) and lasts 5 years.

Italian universities are grouped under 5 different titles according to their types. These:

• Public universities
• Private universities
• Regional universities
• Scuola Superiore Universitaria offering only master education
• Schools providing higher education programs in Music and Art Sciences named AFAM (L’Alta Formazione Artistica Musicale e Coreutica)

For more detailed information, you can take a look at our article “Education System in Italy“.

Language of Education in Italy

The language of university education in Italy is Italian, the official language of the country. However, there are more than 300 programs in English to be chosen at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

You can read our “Language Schools in Italy” article.

Requirements to Study University in Italy

There are some requirements for students who want to study at university in Italy. We can categorize the requirements to study in Italy as undergraduate and master’s.

For more detailed information, you can take a look at our “Requirements to Study University in Italy” article.

Requirements for Undergraduate Education in Italy

• Having completed 12 years of basic education
• To have a B2 level certificate from internationally valid exams such as TOEFL / IELTS
• Students currently in their final year of high school must have taken the national university entrance exam (e.g. YKS for Turkish students) or be currently enrolled at a university. Only passing the score threshold is required. Winning a placement at a specific university is not necessary.
• For Italian-language programs, B2-level Italian proficiency must be demonstrated through recognized exams such as CELI or CILS.

Requirements for Master Education in Italy

• To have an undergraduate degree related to the programs to be applied in Italy
• To have a B2 level certificate from internationally valid exams such as TOEFL / IELTS
• For Italian-language programs, B2-level Italian proficiency must be proven through CELI or CILS exams.
• There is no English foundation education in Italy! Students who want to study in English in Italy must have a language certificate. However, Italian foundation education is available at some universities and private courses.

Requirements for University Admission in Italy

As mentioned above, admission requirements vary according to the program and university you want to study.

Application Timeline for Italian Universities

These dates may vary depending on the program. For example, Medicine applications begin between May and August, while Engineering applications typically open from January onwards.

An important mandatory step in this process is completing your pre-enrollment via the UniversItaly portal. International students who require a visa must complete this step well before the application deadline of their chosen program.

University Education with DSU Scholarships in Italy

Italy offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to thousands of students every year. Schools have merit-based scholarships, research grants, talent scholarships, as well as scholarships provided by the Italian government. Scholarships are between 4.000-8.200 Euros per year. Even if it does not cover all your living expenses, it will contribute significantly to your budget. As a team trained in Italy, we handle many of our students’ scholarship applications every year and ensure that they receive scholarship education in Italy. 

The main scholarship program for students in Italy is the DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario), a regional need-based scholarship that covers tuition fees, dormitory accommodation, cafeteria meals, and provides an annual cash allowance of up to €6,800 per year (the exact amount varies by region and the student’s income level). DSU applications typically open in mid-July and close in early September, with final rankings published by end of November. Both EU and non-EU students are eligible to apply.

Universities also offer merit-based scholarships and talent grants. As a team trained in Italy, we handle many of our students’ scholarship applications every year and ensure that they receive scholarship education in Italy.

For detailed information, you can check our article “Study University on a Scholarship in Italy“.

Accommodation Opportunities in Italy

For accommodation in Italy, students have options such as dormitories, rental rooms, or rental apartments. Our students generally prefer dormitories in the first year. The monthly cost of the options varies from city to city. For example, living in the north of Italy is more costly than in the south. While dormitories in Italy are between 250-400 Euros per month, rented rooms usually start from 350 Euros. Apartments for rent begin from 400-450 Euros per person. We offer accommodation options according to your request.

For detailed information, you can check our “Accommodation Opportunities in Italy” article.

University Exams in Italy

For students who want to get a university education in Italy, universities accept students by exam for some programs, by methods such as Skype interviews for some programs and without examination for some of them. There is an admission exam for students who want to study university in Italy for several programs such as engineering, architecture, medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. It is possible to get admission without examination for other departments. There are specific exams such as the IMAT exam, TOLC exam, TIL exam and CEnT-S (It replaced the TOLC exams.) as entrance exams for universities in Italy.

• IMAT: Required for Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and (from 2025) Veterinary Medicine programs at public universities. Held once per year, typically in September. Registration takes place through the UniversItaly portal.
• CEnT-S (CISIA English Test – Sciences): As of November 2025, the CEnT-S has officially replaced all previous English TOLC versions (TOLC-I, TOLC-E, TOLC-F). It is now the standard entrance exam for English-taught programs in Engineering, Economics, Pharmacy, and other scientific fields at public universities. The exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions across 5 sections (Mathematics, Reasoning, Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and can be taken online at home or in person. It is offered across 4 testing windows per year, and students may sit it once per window.
• TIL-I (Test in Laib – Ingegneria): The specific entrance exam created by Politecnico di Torino for its English-taught Engineering programs. It is separate from CEnT-S and required specifically for PoliTo applicants.
• Test ARCHED: The entrance exam used by Politecnico di Milano for its English-taught Architecture programs.
• TIL-A / ARCHED: Required for Architecture programs. Held once per year; due to high demand, a second session is often organized the following day.

Most exams (except IMAT and ARCHED/TIL-A) can be taken multiple times throughout the year. However, non-EU students requiring a visa should prioritize the first or second testing window, as universities typically close international applications before the third window results are released.

Required Documents for University Application in Italy

When applying to Italian universities, the following documents are generally required:

• High school diploma or undergraduate diploma
• For undergraduate programs: national university entrance exam result (e.g. YKS) and high school transcript
• For master’s programs: undergraduate transcript
• Online application to the chosen university and program
• B2 language proficiency certificate (English or Italian)
• Valid passport and 2 passport photos
• Motivation letter (in English or Italian)
• CV and/or portfolio (mandatory for Design and Architecture programs)

Legalization, Apostille & DOV

Documents such as your high school diploma, undergraduate diploma, and transcripts must be officially legalized through an apostille stamp before submission. In addition, students must complete a DOV (Dichiarazione di Valore / Diploma Equivalency) application through the Italian consulate in their home country. This process can take significant time and should be started as early as possible. Most likely several months before your application deadline.

Best Universities in Italy

There is a wide choice of universities in Italy where you can study entirely in English. Here are some of the best universities to study university in Italy where you can study English:

• University of Bologna
• Politecnico Di Milano
• Politecnico Di Torino
• University of Milan
• Bocconi University
• University of Turin
• University of Naples Federico II
• Luigi Vanvitelli University of Naples
• University of Pisa
• La Sapienza University of Rome 
• Tor Vergata University of Rome 
• University of Pavia
• University of Siena
• University of Genova
• University of Padova
• University of Milan-Bicocca
• Florence University
• Venice Ca’Foscari University
• University of Bergamo
• Bari University
• Messina University
• Bocconi University
• Cattolica University
• Politecnico Di Bari
• Trento University
• Trieste University

For detailed information, you can check our “Best Universities in Italy” article.

Universities Providing Education in English in Italy

There are over 300 programs in Italy where you can study English. Most preferred programs for undergraduate education in many countries are possible to study entirely in English in Italy. In master’s education, the choice is much wider. The variety of English programs of universities in Italy is increasing every year. Education in English you will receive in a multicultural environment in Italy, which has the most established universities globally, will give you the competence to use this language at an academic level. Since you will use Italian as well as English in daily life, you have the opportunity to learn much faster.

Education Programs to Study in Italy

It is possible to study university in Italy entirely in English in over 300 programs. The most demanding programs in many countries can be studied entirely in English in Italy. Programs you can read in English in Italy:

• Study Medicine in Italy
• Study Engineering in Italy
• Study Genetics in Italy
• Study Astronomy and Space Sciences in Italy
• Study Architecture in Italy
• Study Psychology in Italy
• Study Dentistry in Italy
• Study Pharmacy in Italy
• Study Business-Economics in Italy
• Study Law in Italy
• Study Gastronomy in Italy
• Study Fashion-Design in Italy
• Study Fine Arts in Italy
• Study International Relations in Italy
• Study Political Science in Italy
• Study Artificial Intelligence in Italy

For detailed information, you can check our “University Programs to Study In Italy” article.

University Education without Admission Exams in Italy

It is possible to get a university education without an admission exam in Italy. Contact us to get a prestigious education at universities where you can study without an admission exam in many fields and to benefit from our professional consultancy services throughout the entire process!

Education Fees in Italy

University education in Italy means getting world-class university education with attractive opportunities. The annual tuition fee at public universities typically ranges between €156 and €3,500 per year, depending on the student’s country of origin, family income, and field of study. Fees are calculated using the ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) system; students who do not submit income documentation are automatically assigned the maximum fee bracket. At private universities, fees range between €7,000 and €25,000 per year.

There is a procedure you should follow to get discounts on tuition fees. You can reach our team with education and life experience in Italy to get professional support in this field.

Is it possible to study at a university without tuition fees in Italy?

One of the most frequently asked questions about education in Italy is about university education without tuition fees. Studying at a university in Italy means low tuition fees for students. Although there are few tuition fees in Europe compared to other countries, education is not entirely free. Together with school fees and living expenses, the cost of 1-year education in Italy is around 7.000-9.000 Euros.

For more detailed information, you can check our article “Education Fees in Italy“.

Cost of Living in Italy

Italy is a country with a very vivid social life. Each city in the country is famous for its unique social activities. For, film festivals and river rides in Venice, shopping and fairs in Milan, the historical texture of Rome and many more … When this is the case, it is the basic expenses in our calculation of living costs in Italy, such as accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, education expenses. In addition, we added artistic activities such as concerts, museum visits, and entertainment expenses to the calculation. 

In addition, you can take a look at our “Transportation in Italy” article.

Considering all these costs, a student’s monthly expenditure in Italy is between 600-900 Euros. This corresponds to 7000-9000 Euros per year when calculated over the 10 months of the education period, and tuition fees are included.

For more detailed information, you can check our article “Living Costs in Italy“.

What to Do After Receiving Your Acceptance Letter

Once you have received your university acceptance, the following steps must be completed in order:

1. Start the visa and DOV (Dichiarazione di Valore) process. The student visa process in Italy generally runs from May to November. Begin as early as possible since both processes are time-consuming.
2. Complete your enrollment at the university, including paying tuition fees. Fees can typically be paid in three installments.
3. Arrange accommodation in your destination city before arriving.
4. Obtain your Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code). You can request this through the Italian consulate in your home country before departure, or book an appointment to receive it shortly after arrival.
5. Apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days of arriving in Italy. This is a legal requirement for all non-EU students.

Why Study University in Italy, Key Advantages

Beyond world-class education and affordable fees, studying in Italy offers several important long-term advantages:

• EU freedom of movement: As an EU member state, Italy allows you to travel and live freely across Europe during your studies and beyond.
• Bologna Process diploma: Most Italian universities issue degrees fully recognized across all of Europe. This means you can work anywhere in the EU with your Italian degree.
• Active Erasmus mobility: Italian universities have extensive Erasmus partnerships, giving you access to a wider range of destinations and higher funding than many other countries.
• Multilingual development: Living and studying in Italy lets you develop both English (academic) and Italian (daily life) simultaneously. It can lead  a significant advantage in the international job market.
• International network: Italy’s multicultural university environment helps you build a global professional and personal network.
• Cultural enrichment: Immersion in one of the world’s richest cultural environments broadens your perspective in ways classroom learning alone cannot.

Frequently Asked Questions About University Education in Italy

Is it necessary to know Italian to study in Italy?

There is no requirement to speak Italian in order to study university in Italy in English. However, suppose you are going to study in Italian. In that case, you must obtain an Italian language certificate at B1 / B2 level or a score at this level in the exams held by schools.

Can I get a foundation education in Italy?

There is no option for foundation education in English in Italy. Schools require an internationally recognized language certificate (such as TOEFL / IELTS) that proves your English proficiency at the B2 level.

However, if you want to study in your chosen department in Italian, you have the option of preparatory courses. Since undergraduate education in Italy lasts for 3 years, you will not lose a year even if you take +1 year of foundation education.

Please contact our expert team to get information about foundation education in Italy.

What are the requirements to study University in Italy?

In order to study university in Italy, you must meet certain conditions. It is necessary to complete 12 years of basic education for undergraduate education and be successful in the exam for programs that accept students with a language certificate and exam at B2 level. For the master’s degree, a diploma from the relevant undergraduate program and a language document at the B2 level are the basic requirements. 

Students in their final year of high school must also have sat the national university entrance exam of their country. For master’s programs, a relevant undergraduate degree is additionally required.

Is education without admission exams possible in Italy?

Yes, you have the chance to study without an admission exam in Italy. You can get detailed information from this article.

How much are education fees in Italy?

Public universities: €156–€3,500 per year (varies by income declaration and nationality).

Private universities: €7,000–€25,000 per year.

Students who submit an ISEE income declaration may qualify for significant reductions. You have the chance to get discounts on public universities’ fees. However, there is a process you should follow regarding this. Some private universities have various scholarship options for talented and successful students in specific fields. You can contact us to get information about the tuition fees and the services we offer in the whole process from application until you are ready for your education in Italy.

How many universities are there in Italy?

There are a total of 90 universities in Italy. Most of them are public universities. Private universities provide education in fields such as medicine, fashion design, interior architecture, gastronomy, and business economy.

When do universities open in Italy?

Education in Italian universities usually begins in mid-September and continues until the end of June. Although there are usually two terms, some schools and departments can be divided into 3 terms.

When do scholarship applications open in Italy?

The main DSU scholarship applications open in mid-July and close in early September. Final rankings are typically published by end of November. The exact dates vary by region and university, so it is important to check your specific institution’s DSU page each year.

Moreover, you can check our article on “Italy Education Consultancy“.