How many universities does Italy have for international students?
There are 96 active university profiles in Italy on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
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Rich academic heritage with affordable tuition and a 1-year stay-back visa
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For Indian students
Rich academic heritage with affordable tuition and a 1-year stay-back visa
Step-by-step process to get your Student Visa (Type D)
Use the current official immigration guidance for Italy to check when you can apply and any processing estimate for your application route. We have not verified a current processing time for this summary.
Plan university deadlines and any required pre-application steps separately from the visa decision. Confirm the documents and appointments that apply to your application, and do not rely on a generic preparation buffer or processing estimate as a guaranteed decision date.
| Planning area | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| University arrangements | Confirm offer, acceptance and enrollment deadlines with your institution. |
| Documents and appointments | Check the official requirements and appointment availability for your application. |
| Visa processing | Check any current official estimate, its scope, and when the processing clock starts. |
| Travel and accommodation | Check your visa status and booking cancellation or refund terms before committing. |
Funds must be traceable, sufficient, and consistent with tuition plus living cost requirements.
Your SOP should explain course choice, academic progression, career goals, and India ties.
Names, dates, marksheets, bank letters, and offer details must match across the file.
Students should be able to explain the university, course, budget, and post-study plan clearly.
Average salaries for international graduates in Italy
| Role | Average Salary | Growth Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | EUR 38,000 | +12% |
| Fashion Designer | EUR 35,000 | +5% |
| Architect | EUR 32,000 | +4% |
| Mechanical Engineer | EUR 36,000 | +6% |
| Food Scientist | EUR 34,000 | +8% |
In most cases, Indian students can work part-time in Italy if their student visa permits it. Common student jobs include campus assistant roles, hospitality, retail, tutoring, delivery support, and entry-level tech or admin roles. Students should always follow the work-hour rules printed on their visa conditions.
Part-time work should be treated as support income, not the main funding source. The stronger plan is to show full financial capacity first, then use part-time income for living flexibility, local experience, and networking.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Strong fit for students who combine relevant coursework, internships, portfolio projects, and local networking while studying.
Studying in Italy can support long-term settlement only when the student chooses an eligible course, maintains visa compliance, gains relevant work experience, and meets immigration criteria at the time of application. A degree alone should not be treated as a guaranteed PR pathway.
Residence Permit for Job Search gives graduates time to gain local work exposure. Students targeting settlement should compare occupation demand, salary thresholds, regional rules, language scores, and work visa conversion routes before choosing a university or city.
Monthly expenses breakdown for international students
| Expense | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Milan/Rome) | EUR 600-1,200/mo |
| Rent (1BR Smaller Cities) | EUR 300-500/mo |
| Groceries | EUR 200-300/mo |
| Transport | EUR 25-50/mo |
| Dining Out | EUR 10-18/meal |
| City | Average Rent | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | EUR 900/mo | Fashion, Business, Design |
| Rome | EUR 700/mo | Arts, History, Architecture |
| Bologna | EUR 500/mo | Engineering, Sciences |
| Turin | EUR 450/mo | Automotive, Engineering |
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Accademia Italiana is a prestigious private university located in Florence and Rome, Italy. Established in 1990, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and business. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Accademia Italiana has a strong international student body and offers numerous opportunities for cultural exchange and immersion in Italian language and culture.

📍 ROME AND MILAN, Italy
Accademia del Lusso is a prestigious private university located in Milan, Italy. It was founded in 1990 with the mission to provide high-quality education and foster innovation. The university offers a wide range of programs in various fields, including business, engineering, design, and humanities. Accademia del Lusso is known for its rigorous academic standards and strong industry connections, which help its graduates secure well-paying jobs in their respective fields.

📍 Como, Italy
Accademia Galli is a prestigious research university located in the heart of Italy. Established in 1990, it has grown to become a leading institution in higher education, known for its innovative research and commitment to academic excellence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and business. Accademia Galli is renowned for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and its collaborative approach to research.

📍 Ontario, Italy
The University of Brescia (Università degli Studi di Brescia) is a public research university located in the city of Brescia, Lombardy, Italy. Established in 1998, it has rapidly grown to become one of the leading institutions in the region, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as engineering, economics, humanities, and health sciences. The campus is situated in an urban setting and features modern facilities including a state-of-the-art library, sports complex, research laboratories, student housing, and a cafeteria that serves a diverse menu. The university is committed to fostering international collaboration and attracts a sizable cohort of international students, while maintaining strong ties with industry and academic partners throughout Europe.
📍 Venice, Italy
Ca' Foscari University of Venice is a public university located in Venice, Italy. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy, with a rich history dating back to 1868. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and political science. Ca' Foscari is known for its strong emphasis on research and its contributions to the fields of law, economics, and social sciences.

📍 MILANO & ROME, Italy
DOMUS ACADEMY is a private, research-focused university located in the heart of Italy. Founded in 1990, it has grown to become an important center for academic and scientific research, offering a wide range of programs that cater to both domestic and international students.

📍 Rome, Italy
The Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance (EIEF) is a research institution located in Rome, Italy, dedicated to advancing economic and financial research. It was established to honor Luigi Einaudi, a prominent Italian economist and former President of Italy. The institute focuses on theoretical and applied research in economics, finance, and related fields, often collaborating with academic and policy-making institutions. EIEF is known for its high-quality research output and contributions to economic policy debates.
📍 ALL ACROSS ITALY, Italy
International Education Partners (IEP) Italy is a private higher education organization that delivers English-taught foundation and master's programmes for international students across Italy. Rather than operating as a single traditional university, IEP partners with CIRPS (Inter-University Research Centre for Sustainable Development) and a network of Italian universities to offer accredited pathways in fields such as business, management, information technology, science, agriculture, transport, geothermal applications, and the agro-food chain. IEP Italy runs a multi-campus model spanning major cities and historic locations including Rome, Bari, Florence, Castellabate, and AcquaSparta, often in collaboration with Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages). Programmes emphasize sustainable development, international cooperation, and practical experience, with an all-inclusive package covering tuition, initial accommodation, visa guidance, welfare support, Italian language courses, internships, and cultural excursions. Admission is handled directly through IEP via online application or email submission of documents (application form, CV, passport, educational records, and work experience where applicable). Successful applicants receive conditional offer letters specifying the awarding university, campus location, programme dates, and fee details. IEP acts as a gateway for international students seeking quality higher education and progression routes to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies at partner Italian and EU institutions.

IULM University of Languages and Communication is a private university located in Milan, Italy. It was founded in 1990 and is known for its programs in languages, communication, and media. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional courses and executive education programs. IULM has a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning and has partnerships with numerous international institutions and organizations.
📍 Rome, Italy
Rome Business School (RBS) is a private international business school headquartered in Rome, Italy. Founded in 2011, it specializes in graduate and executive education in management, marketing, finance, human resources, fashion, food and wine, and related fields. Programs include MBAs, specialized master's degrees, and short executive courses, with instruction offered in English and Italian and a strong focus on practical, career-oriented learning. The school positions itself as a global institution, attracting students and faculty from many countries and maintaining partnerships with companies and academic institutions worldwide. Teaching emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and international business, supported by career services, networking events, and project-based learning tied to the Italian and European business environment. RBS operates from an urban campus in Rome and delivers many programs through blended and online formats, serving working professionals as well as full-time students. It is recognized as a private higher education provider rather than a public research university, with accreditation and memberships through relevant business-education quality networks.
📍 Milan, Italy
Bocconi University (Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi) is a prestigious private university in Milan, Italy, founded in 1902. It is internationally recognized as one of Europe’s leading institutions for economics, management, finance, business, and law. The university offers a wide range of programs including undergraduate, graduate, MBA, PhD, and executive education, and is known for its strong research output, close ties to industry, and highly international environment. Located in the heart of Milan, Bocconi attracts students and faculty from around the world. It emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and a global perspective, with numerous partnerships, exchange programs, and a diverse student body. Its graduates are highly sought after in finance, consulting, multinational corporations, and academia worldwide.
📍 Turin, Italy
Politecnico di Torino is a prestigious public university located in Turin, Italy, specializing in engineering, architecture, and industrial design. Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest and most respected technical universities in Europe. The university is renowned for its strong focus on research, innovation, and collaboration with industries, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It attracts students from around the world, providing a multicultural environment and cutting-edge facilities to support academic and professional growth.
📍 Pisa, Italy
The University of Pisa is a public research university located in Pisa, Italy. Founded in 1343, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. The university is renowned for its contributions to science, particularly in fields such as physics, mathematics, and engineering. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The University of Pisa is also known for its historic campus, which includes notable landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

📍 Milano, Italy
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Catholic University of the Sacred Heart) is Italy’s largest private university and one of Europe’s largest Catholic higher-education institutions. Founded in Milan by Franciscan friar Agostino Gemelli, it offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across the humanities, social sciences, economics, law, medicine, psychology, education, agriculture, and related fields, with a strong Catholic intellectual tradition and close ties to professional and research networks. The university operates a multi-campus system anchored in Milan, with additional seats in Rome, Brescia, and Piacenza–Cremona. It combines teaching with applied and basic research through numerous departments, research centers, and affiliated healthcare and professional training pathways (notably in medicine and health sciences in Rome). International exchange, dual-degree options, and partnerships with universities worldwide support a substantial community of Italian and international students.
📍 Milan, Italy
The European School of Economics (ESE) is a private international business school with a campus located in Florence, Italy. Founded with a philosophy of integrating academic theory with practical business experience, ESE offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, finance, marketing, and management. The Florence campus is situated in the heart of the historic city, providing students with access to Italian culture and a dynamic European business environment. The institution emphasizes experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and international mobility, with students encouraged to study across its multiple European campuses.

📍 Venice, Italy
IUAV University of Venice is a private university located in Venice, Italy. It is known for its focus on architecture, design, and visual arts. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as research opportunities in these fields. IUAV is part of the IUAV University System, which includes other universities in Italy and abroad.

📍 Milano, Italy
Accademia del Lusso is an Italian private higher education institution specializing in fashion, luxury, design, communication, and management. Founded in 2005 and based in Milan’s fashion district, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs—including three-year degrees, master’s courses, and short professional programs—designed to prepare students for careers in the fashion and luxury sectors. The school maintains close ties with fashion houses and luxury brands, emphasizing practical projects, internships, and industry networking. As a private academy rather than a public research university, Accademia del Lusso combines creative, technical, and business-oriented training. Its main campus is located in the urban heart of Milan, providing students with direct access to one of the world’s leading fashion capitals.
The European University Institute (EUI) is an international postgraduate research university based in Fiesole, near Florence, Italy. Founded by the member states of the European Communities, it focuses exclusively on doctoral and postdoctoral education and research in the social sciences and humanities, including economics, history, law, and political and social sciences. It is not a conventional undergraduate university; its community consists mainly of PhD researchers, fellows, and faculty from across Europe and beyond. The Institute operates as an intergovernmental organisation with a strongly international academic environment and close ties to European institutions and scholarly networks. Its main seat is the historic Badia Fiesolana complex and surrounding villas in the hills overlooking Florence, which house departments, the Library, and research centres. Admission to its doctoral programmes is highly selective and typically funded through national or institutional grants. EUI is widely recognised for its European focus, multilingual research culture, and specialised library collections supporting advanced social-science research.

📍 Rome, Italy
Sapienza University of Rome (Università di Roma La Sapienza) is one of Europe's oldest and largest universities, founded in 1303. A leading public research institution in Italy's capital, it offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines including engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, architecture, law, and natural sciences. Sapienza is consistently ranked among Italy's top universities and is known for strong research output, historic academic traditions, and extensive participation in European and global academic networks. The university serves a very large and diverse student body, with a significant international community drawn to Rome and to English-taught and exchange programs. Its main hub is the Città Universitaria in the San Lorenzo district, supplemented by faculty buildings and research centers across Rome. Sapienza combines centuries of academic heritage with modern laboratories, libraries, museums, and sports facilities, supporting both teaching and high-impact research in fields from classical studies to aerospace engineering and medicine.
📍 Padua, Italy
The University of Padua, officially known as the University of Padua, is a prestigious public research university located in Padua, Italy. Established in 1222, it is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in the world. The university is known for its rich history, academic excellence, and contributions to various fields of study, including medicine, law, and the arts. It has produced numerous Nobel laureates and has been a hub for intellectual and cultural development in Europe.

📍 Milan, Italy
The Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, commonly known as Brera Academy, is a prestigious public academic institution located in Milan, Italy. Founded in 1776, it is one of the oldest and most renowned art academies in the country. The academy offers a wide range of programs in visual arts, including painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and new media, blending traditional techniques with contemporary practices. It is known for its rigorous curriculum and influential role in the Italian and international art scenes.

📍 Venezia, Italy
The Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia is a prestigious public institution dedicated to the study and promotion of visual arts, located in Venice, Italy. Founded in 1750, it is one of the oldest art academies in Italy, offering programs in painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and restoration. The academy is renowned for its historical significance, artistic heritage, and contributions to contemporary art education, blending traditional techniques with modern practices.
📍 Milan, Italy
The European School of Economics (ESE) in Milan, Italy, is a private higher education institution focused on business, management, finance, marketing, and related fields. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs designed to foster entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. ESE emphasizes a global perspective, with campuses in multiple international locations and a diverse student body. The Milan campus benefits from its location in one of Europe's financial and fashion hubs, providing students with opportunities for internships and networking in a dynamic business environment.
The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (unibz) is a multicultural, trilingual university located in the autonomous province of South Tyrol, Italy. It was founded to promote education and research in a multilingual and international environment, offering programs in German, Italian, and English. The university is known for its strong focus on applied sciences, economics, and social sciences, as well as its commitment to sustainability and innovation. With a modern infrastructure and a vibrant academic community, unibz attracts students and researchers from around the world, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and excellence in teaching and research.
Non-predictive planning guidance for Italy. This panel does not assess admission chances or rank universities. No program-specific requirements have been verified here.
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Check the official program requirements for your qualification, grades and subject prerequisites.
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Check accepted exams, overall and section requirements, result validity and exemptions. IELTS and PTE use different scales.
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Confirm the program, campus, intake and current application deadline.
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Verify tuition, program duration and living costs against your budget. Do not count unawarded scholarships as available funding.
Use the directory to explore options, then review current program evidence before deciding where to apply. Final eligibility and admission decisions are made by the institution.
Explore top student-friendly cities and their living costs
Planning prototype using the limited country-page dataset. Missing job, community, and immigration evidence is shown explicitly.
| Average rent | EUR 900/mo | EUR 700/mo |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Fashion, Business, Design | Arts, History, Architecture |
| Part-time job availability | Needs current local evidence | Needs current local evidence |
| Indian community | Check campus societies and neighborhoods | Check campus societies and neighborhoods |
| Immigration/job outlook | Needs occupation-specific evidence | Needs occupation-specific evidence |
Some universities in Italy may waive IELTS when the student has strong English-medium education proof, alternate tests such as PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo, or university-specific English assessments. Waivers are university-specific, so students should not assume every programme accepts a no-IELTS route.
The safest strategy is to shortlist universities by course first, then verify English waiver rules, visa acceptability, and scholarship impact. A low English score can sometimes be offset by a pathway or pre-sessional English programme, but it may increase visa or admission complexity.
MBBS in Italy should be evaluated carefully against recognition, licensing pathway, clinical exposure, total cost, language of instruction, and the student’s plan to practise in India or abroad. Students must verify current NMC and local medical council requirements before applying.
For medical applicants, NexStudy recommends a separate licensing checklist before deposits are paid: degree recognition, internship rules, exam pathway, hospital rotations, language requirements, and total living cost over the full programme duration.
MS in Computer Science in Italy is usually strongest for students with a solid quantitative background, coding portfolio, internship experience, and interest in software, AI, data, cybersecurity, or cloud roles. ROI depends heavily on university tier, city, tuition, and job-search execution.
Students should compare curriculum depth, co-op/internship access, alumni hiring, local tech clusters, and post-study work rules. A lower-cost university with strong employability can outperform a high-fee option with weak career support.
An MBA in Italy is best suited for students with clear career goals, leadership evidence, strong communication skills, and preferably work experience. Freshers should compare specialised business master’s degrees before choosing a general MBA.
The best MBA outcomes usually come from schools with strong employer networks, internships, career coaching, alumni access, and location advantage. Applicants should calculate ROI using tuition, living cost, opportunity cost, and realistic post-MBA salary ranges.
Engineering in Italy can be a strong pathway when the student chooses a discipline linked to local industry demand, such as computer, mechanical, civil, electrical, renewable energy, robotics, or biomedical engineering. Accreditation and internship access matter as much as rankings.
Students should compare lab facilities, capstone projects, industry placement, co-op options, and post-study work eligibility. For regulated engineering roles, verify local professional registration requirements before finalising the course.
Compare student residences, shared apartments, commute time, and lease rules before paying deposits.
Look for campus Indian societies, grocery access, festivals, temples/community groups, and peer networks.
Start LinkedIn, internships, faculty networking, and portfolio work in the first semester, not after graduation.
A user-input planning model for Italy, not a salary forecast or financial recommendation.
Model assumptions: 60% of gross salary is available before loan payments, loan repayment spans study plus five years, and 10-year earnings ignore tax, inflation, exchange-rate changes, unemployment, and salary growth.
Check off items you've completed to see your visa readiness score
Prototype suggestions from fixed subject templates. Salary, eligibility, accreditation, and immigration outcomes are not verified here.
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: High
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Difficulty: Moderate
Outcome: High salary potential
Budget: Good fit
Marks are planning context only. Every recorded option stays visible; this prototype does not determine eligibility.
Amount: Partial tuition
Deadline: Varies
Level: UG/PG
Amount: Need/merit based
Deadline: Before intake
Level: PG
Template-based guidance only; no live university, visa, or policy sources are queried by this tool.
Yes, Indian students can pursue undergraduate programmes in Italy after completing their 12th standard. Most universities require a minimum of 60% marks in 12th, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+), and valid financial documentation.
Popular undergraduate programmes include Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Nursing. Some universities offer foundation year programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Application deadlines vary by intake — check specific university pages on NexStudy for detailed eligibility.
Indian students typically need €EUR 600–€1,200 per year for tuition and living expenses, depending on the university, course, and city.
| Expense Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Milan/Rome) | EUR 600-1,200/mo |
| Rent (1BR Smaller Cities) | EUR 300-500/mo |
| Groceries | EUR 200-300/mo |
| Transport | EUR 25-50/mo |
| Dining Out | EUR 10-18/meal |
Italy offers strong ROI for Indian students, especially in STEM and business fields. The Residence Permit for Job Search (1 year) provides valuable work experience after graduation. Use the ROI Calculator above to calculate your personal return on investment.
| Hidden Cost | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Application and test fees | Multiple university applications, IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, score reporting, and courier costs add up. |
| Visa, medical, biometrics, insurance | These costs often come before the student receives the visa decision. |
| Housing deposit and setup | First month rent, bond/deposit, utensils, bedding, SIM, transport card, and winter clothing can be significant. |
| Course materials and placement costs | Software, lab kits, books, certification exams, and travel for interviews are often missed. |
| Expectation | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Part-time job will cover everything | Part-time work can support expenses, but visa compliance and academic performance come first. |
| Any university will give the same outcome | Course quality, city, internships, alumni network, and career services change outcomes. |
| Visa is automatic after admission | Admission helps, but financial proof, intent, documentation, and compliance still decide the case. |
| PR is guaranteed after study | Settlement depends on changing immigration rules, occupation demand, salary, work experience, and language scores. |
There are 96 active university profiles in Italy on NexStudy. Browse, filter and compare programs, fees, scholarships and admission requirements.
Most universities in Italy require IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for master's programs. Top-tier universities may require 7.0+ overall.
Yes — universities in Italy offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, plus government-funded awards. NexStudy's scholarship finder matches you to relevant scholarships based on your profile.
Monthly living costs in Italy vary by city. Rent (1BR Milan/Rome): EUR 600-1,200/mo. Rent (1BR Smaller Cities): EUR 300-500/mo. Groceries: EUR 200-300/mo. Transport: EUR 25-50/mo. Dining Out: EUR 10-18/meal.
Italy offers the Residence Permit for Job Search with a duration of 1 year. Completed degree from an Italian university.
You need the Student Visa (Type D). Application fee is EUR 50 with processing time of 4-8 weeks. Key documents include: Valid passport, University acceptance letter, Proof of accommodation, and more.
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