Italy has a unique way of transforming the dream of studying abroad into a realistic opportunity.

Imagine attending lectures at centuries-old universities, living in cities rich with architecture and culture, enjoying delicious food without breaking the bank, and earning a European degree that can open doors beyond Italy. For international students considering their options in Europe for 2027, Italy should be at the top of your list.

The country offers well-respected universities, flexible tuition systems, regional scholarships, government-funded opportunities, and a range of English-taught degree programs. Additionally, the appealing lifestyle in Italy attracts students from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Another notable aspect of studying in Italy is that you don’t need to come from a wealthy family. Many Italian universities assess tuition based on students’ financial situations, and regional scholarships can provide significant financial support for eligible international students. For instance, the University of Bologna offers reduced fees for qualifying students from certain developing and non-OECD countries, while universities like Padua provide fee waivers and regional scholarships.

Currently, Italy’s official procedures for international students cover both the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years, making it especially appealing for those planning to start in 2027.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making the move. You’ll learn about the best universities in Italy, scholarship opportunities, admission requirements, tuition fees, student visa procedures, accommodation costs, monthly expenses, part-time work options, popular courses, and practical tips for international applicants.

Why Study in Italy in 2027?

Italy is more than a tourism destination.

It has a long academic tradition and is home to some of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities.

The country’s higher education system includes:

Public universities
Private universities
Polytechnic universities
Fine arts and design institutions
Research institutions
Higher education institutions specializing in particular disciplines

According to Universitaly, Italy has hundreds of higher education institutions and thousands of programmes available to students.

For international students, some of the biggest attractions include:

Globally recognized degrees
English-taught programmes
Relatively accessible tuition at many public universities
Regional financial aid
Government scholarships
Rich cultural experience
Large international student communities
Opportunities to work while studying, subject to immigration rules
Access to the wider European environment

Italy can be particularly attractive for students who want a European education without automatically committing to the much higher tuition costs associated with some universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.

Is Italy Good for International Students?

Yes.

Italy has become a popular destination for international students because it offers a combination that is difficult to ignore: established universities, diverse programmes, cultural richness, and financial support mechanisms.

For students from developing countries, the availability of income-based tuition reductions and regional scholarships can be especially significant.

However, there is an important distinction to understand.

Italy is not automatically “free” for every international student.

Tuition depends on the university, programme, nationality, financial documentation, and scholarship or exemption received.

That’s why your financial planning should begin before you apply.

Best Universities in Italy for International Students

Italy has many universities worth considering, but several stand out for international students because of their academic reputation, research activity, programme selection, or international profile.

1. University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is one of the most famous universities in Italy and is widely associated with Europe’s long academic tradition.

It offers programmes across areas such as:

Engineering
Computer Science
Economics
Medicine
Business
Law
Humanities
Social Sciences
Agriculture

One particularly interesting feature for international applicants is its financial support structure.

For the 2026/27 academic year, eligible students from certain particularly poor/developing countries and non-OECD countries can access reduced fixed fees, subject to the university’s conditions.

The university also works with regional scholarship structures that can provide additional support.

2. Sapienza University of Rome

Located in Italy’s capital, Sapienza University of Rome is another major destination for international students.

Its programmes cover:

Engineering
Computer Science
Architecture
Medicine
Economics
Political Science
Natural Sciences
Humanities

International applicants should pay close attention to programme-specific admission requirements.

For example, Sapienza states that non-EU students living abroad who require a study visa may need to pass a B2 Italian language test for degree programmes taught in Italian. Certain programmes taught in English or Italian also require online pre-selection.

This is why students should never assume that admission requirements are identical across Italian universities.

3. Politecnico di Milano

If you’re interested in engineering, architecture, technology, or design, Politecnico di Milano deserves a place on your shortlist.

The university is particularly attractive to students interested in:

Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Architecture
Design
Electronics
Mechanical Engineering
Telecommunications

International applicants should carefully review admission requirements because certain programmes have entrance tests or selection procedures.

For example, Politecnico di Milano’s international admission guidance states that applicants with foreign qualifications are subject to specific requirements concerning their previous education.

The university also provides tuition reductions and exemptions under specific financial conditions. For 2026/27, its published fee information shows that tuition can vary substantially according to financial status and study plan.

4. University of Padua

The University of Padua is another strong option for international students.

It offers programmes across:

Engineering
Medicine
Psychology
Computer Science
Economics
Agriculture
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences

One major advantage is the university’s financial support system.

For 2026/27, Padua states that degree programme fees range from zero to approximately €3,000 per year, with exemptions and incentives available to eligible students.

The university also runs regional scholarship competitions. For 2026/27, its published regional scholarship deadline was September 30, 2026.

5. Politecnico di Torino

Politecnico di Torino is particularly well known for engineering, architecture, and technology.

Popular areas include:

Mechanical Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Electronics
Computer Engineering
Architecture
Energy Engineering
Telecommunications

Its location in Turin also places students in a city with strong industrial and technology connections.

6. University of Milan

The University of Milan is a major public university with programmes covering sciences, medicine, humanities, economics, and other fields.

It can be a strong option for students who want to experience life in one of Italy’s major economic centres.

7. University of Pisa

The University of Pisa has a strong academic history and is particularly relevant for students interested in:

Engineering
Computer Science
Physics
Mathematics
Medicine
Natural Sciences

8. University of Trento

The University of Trento is well regarded for research and has developed a strong international profile.

Students may find programmes in:

Computer Science
Engineering
Economics
International Studies
Cognitive Science

9. Bocconi University

Students interested in business, economics, finance, and management should consider Bocconi University in Milan.

Unlike most public universities, Bocconi is a private institution, meaning its cost structure is different.

However, the university offers scholarships and financial aid for eligible students.

10. University of Milan-Bicocca

The University of Milano-Bicocca offers programmes in fields including:

Economics
Psychology
Biotechnology
Computer Science
Medicine
Social Sciences

It is another university worth exploring when comparing Italian study options.

Best Universities in Italy at a Glance

University	Known For	Location
University of Bologna	Broad academic programmes	Bologna
Sapienza University of Rome	Research, medicine, humanities, engineering	Rome
Politecnico di Milano	Engineering, technology, design	Milan
University of Padua	Science, medicine, engineering	Padua
Politecnico di Torino	Engineering and architecture	Turin
University of Milan	Science, medicine, humanities	Milan
University of Pisa	Engineering, science, mathematics	Pisa
University of Trento	Research and technology	Trento
Bocconi University	Business and economics	Milan
Milano-Bicocca	Science, economics, medicine	Milan

Scholarships to Study in Italy in 2027

This is where Italy becomes particularly interesting.

International students can explore several categories of financial support.

These include:

Italian Government scholarships
Regional scholarships
University scholarships
Tuition exemptions
Merit-based awards
Research funding
Need-based financial assistance

Let’s look at the major options.

1. Italian Government MAECI Scholarships

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships to eligible foreign students and Italian citizens living abroad.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the programme supported study, training, and research at Italian public or legally recognized institutions. Eligible programmes included master’s degrees, PhD programmes, AFAM programmes, research projects, and intensive Italian language and culture courses.

The application was handled through the official Study in Italy portal.

For the 2026/27 cycle, the deadline was March 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM Italian time.

Students planning for 2027 should monitor the official portal for the next call rather than assuming the previous deadline will remain unchanged.

Who Should Consider MAECI?

Students interested in:

Master’s degrees
PhD programmes
Research
Arts and culture
Italian language programmes
Science and technology

may find the programme particularly relevant.

2. Regional Scholarships

One of Italy’s biggest advantages for international students is its regional financial aid system.

Different regions administer their own scholarship programmes for eligible students.

Depending on the region and the specific call, benefits may include:

Financial grants
Accommodation
Meals
Tuition exemptions
Student services

The University of Padua, for example, directs eligible students to regional scholarship competitions and uses financial and academic requirements in its selection process.

At the University of Bologna, the Emilia-Romagna region provides scholarships, accommodation in university residences, and catering contributions.

This means that choosing a university isn’t only about rankings.

The region where you study can also affect the financial support available to you.

3. University Scholarships

Individual universities offer their own scholarships and tuition reductions.

These can be based on:

Academic merit
Financial need
Nationality
Programme
Research potential
Previous academic performance

For example, the University of Padua provides scholarships, fee waivers, incentives, and other forms of student financial support.

4. Tuition Fee Exemptions

Some students may qualify for complete or partial tuition exemptions.

At Padua, for example, eligible students may receive full or partial exemptions depending on their circumstances.

Politecnico di Milano also provides full and partial exemptions under specific income conditions.

5. Reduced Tuition for Students from Developing Countries

This is especially relevant to students from Africa.

The University of Bologna provides a reduced fixed-fee system for eligible citizens of particularly poor/developing countries and certain non-OECD countries.

For 2026/27, the published reduced fixed fees began at:

€500 + €157.04 for eligible first/single-cycle students meeting specified conditions
€600 + €157.04 for eligible second-cycle students meeting specified conditions

Other circumstances can result in higher amounts.

The exact classification and eligibility rules should be checked directly with the university before applying.

Can You Study in Italy for Free?

Potentially, yes—but not automatically.

A student could have their tuition substantially reduced or fully waived through:

A scholarship
Regional financial aid
Income-based exemption
University scholarship
Merit award

However, even when tuition is waived, students still need to budget for:

Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Visa expenses
Residence permit costs
Health insurance
Flights
Personal expenses

“Fully funded” should therefore be understood according to the exact benefits of the scholarship.

Tuition Fees in Italy for International Students

Italian universities don’t have one national tuition price.

Fees depend on:

University
Degree programme
Student’s financial circumstances
Nationality
Academic performance
Scholarship status
Type of institution

Public universities are generally more affordable than many private institutions.

For example, the University of Padua states that degree programme fees for 2026/27 range from €0 to approximately €3,000 per year, depending on the student’s circumstances.

At Politecnico di Milano, the published 2026/27 fee structure shows that the amount can rise from a low fixed level to a maximum of about €3,943.04 for the specified standard study plan and financial conditions.

The University of Bologna also uses income-based calculations and reduced fixed fees for certain international students.

These examples show why students should not rely on a single “average Italian tuition fee.”

Estimated Tuition Fee Guide

University Type	Approximate Annual Tuition
Public university with financial aid	€0–€3,000+
Public university without major reductions	Varies by institution/programme
Private university	Often significantly higher
Fully funded scholarship	Potentially €0 tuition
Regional scholarship recipient	May receive full/partial exemption depending on rules

Important: These are broad planning ranges, not guaranteed 2027 prices. Always check the official fee schedule for your specific university and programme.

Cost of Living in Italy for International Students

Tuition is only half the financial equation.

Your biggest monthly expense will probably be accommodation.

The amount you need depends heavily on where you live.

Milan and Rome can be considerably more expensive than smaller university towns.

Average Monthly Student Budget

A realistic planning range for many students is approximately:

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost
Shared accommodation	€300–€700+
Food	€200–€350
Local transportation	€25–€60
Mobile phone	€10–€25
Study materials	€20–€60
Personal expenses	€100–€250
Utilities	€50–€150
Estimated total	€705–€1,595+

These figures are planning estimates rather than official national rates. Your actual expenses can be much lower or higher depending on the city, housing arrangement, lifestyle, and scholarship benefits.

Cost of Living by City

Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s most expensive student cities.

Accommodation can consume a large part of your monthly budget.

The upside?

Milan is a major economic and technology centre with strong connections to:

Finance
Fashion
Engineering
Technology
Design
Consulting

Rome

Rome offers an extraordinary cultural environment but can also be expensive in central areas.

Students can reduce expenses by choosing accommodation outside the most tourist-heavy districts.

Bologna

Bologna is a major university city with a large student population.

Housing can be competitive, but the city offers an established student environment.

Padua

Padua can be more manageable than Milan while still providing access to a major university and strong student infrastructure.

Turin

Turin is particularly interesting for engineering and technology students and can offer a more affordable alternative to Milan.

How Much Money Should You Budget Before Moving?

Your initial budget should include:

Visa application expenses
Flight ticket
First month’s rent
Rental deposit
University fees
Residence permit expenses
Health insurance
Food
Local transportation
Emergency funds

If you receive a scholarship, calculate exactly which expenses it covers before determining how much personal money you’ll need.

Student Visa Requirements for Italy

International students from outside the EU generally need an Italian study visa if they are coming to Italy for a course requiring a visa.

Italy’s official international student procedures state that the final decision on issuing a study visa belongs to the competent Italian diplomatic-consular authority. University pre-enrolment or validation does not itself guarantee visa approval.

For degree programmes, the application process normally involves university pre-enrolment through the Universitaly system.

What Is Universitaly?

Universitaly is Italy’s official portal for higher education information and international student procedures.

Students can use it to:

Search programmes
Explore universities
Begin pre-enrolment procedures
Access international student information
Follow study-related administrative procedures

The official procedures currently published on Universitaly cover both the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years.

Common Documents for an Italian Student Visa

Requirements vary depending on nationality, programme, and consulate, but students may be asked for:

Valid passport
Visa application form
Passport photographs
University admission/pre-enrolment documentation
Proof of accommodation
Proof of financial means
Health insurance
Academic documents
Travel documentation
Visa fee
Additional documents requested by the consulate

The Italian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence should always be treated as the final authority on the documents required for your application.

Student Visa Deadline for 2027

This is an area where prospective students need to pay attention.

Italy’s current official procedures state that for the 2027/28 academic year, the final deadline for study visa applications for ordinary degree programmes is October 31, 2027.

For the previous 2026/27 cycle, the deadline was November 30, 2026.

That means the deadline can change between academic years.

Don’t wait until the final date.

A university may have its own earlier admission or pre-enrolment deadline, and obtaining documents, appointments, translations, legalization, and visa processing can take time.

Student Visa vs Residence Permit

Getting the visa is not necessarily the end of the immigration process.

After arriving in Italy, students who require a residence permit generally need to follow the applicable procedure to obtain their permesso di soggiorno.

The exact procedure depends on the student’s circumstances.

Follow instructions from:

Your university
Italian immigration authorities
Local post office/Questura guidance
The relevant Italian diplomatic mission

Can International Students Work in Italy?

International students may be able to work while studying, subject to the conditions of their residence permit and Italian immigration and employment rules.

Before accepting employment, make sure you understand the legal limits that apply to your status.

Potential student jobs include:

Restaurant work
Retail
Customer service
Tutoring
University assistance
Hospitality
Digital freelancing where legally permitted

Don’t build your entire financial plan around part-time employment.

A job can help with living expenses, but it shouldn’t be the only money you have available.

Admission Requirements for Italian Universities

Admission requirements vary by institution and degree.

For undergraduate programmes, universities may require:

Secondary school certificate
Academic transcripts
Entrance examination for selected programmes
Language proficiency
Passport
Pre-enrolment documentation

For master’s programmes, applicants generally need:

Bachelor’s degree
Academic transcripts
Relevant academic background
Language proficiency
CV
Motivation letter or statement of purpose where required
Programme-specific documents

PhD applicants may additionally need:

Master’s degree
Research proposal
Academic CV
Recommendation letters
Publications or research experience where relevant

Do You Need IELTS to Study in Italy?

Not necessarily.

This is one of the most frequently searched questions by international students.

The correct answer is:

It depends on the university and programme.

Some English-taught programmes require recognized English-language evidence, while others may accept alternative proof or have their own assessment procedures.

For Italian-taught programmes, Italian language requirements may apply.

For example, Sapienza states that non-EU students residing abroad who require a study visa must pass a B2 Italian language test for its degree programmes taught in Italian.

Therefore, don’t choose a university simply because an article online says “Italy doesn’t require IELTS.”

Check the exact language requirements of your chosen course.

Popular Courses to Study in Italy

Italy offers programmes across virtually every major academic discipline.

Popular choices among international students include:

Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Industrial Engineering

Technology

Computer Science
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Cybersecurity
Information Technology

Business

Business Administration
Economics
Finance
International Business
Marketing

Medicine and Health

Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Biotechnology
Nursing
Public Health

Arts and Design

Architecture
Fashion Design
Industrial Design
Fine Arts
Graphic Design

Social Sciences

International Relations
Political Science
Sociology
Psychology
Development Studies

English-Taught Programmes in Italy

Students who don’t speak Italian should not assume that studying in Italy means learning entirely in Italian.

Many universities offer degree programmes taught partly or entirely in English, particularly at master’s and doctoral levels.

English-taught options are especially common in:

Engineering
Computer Science
Economics
Business
International Relations
Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Architecture

Still, programme availability changes.

Search the official university catalogue before applying.

Study in Italy from Nigeria

Italy can be an attractive option for Nigerian students because of its:

Public universities
Scholarship opportunities
Regional financial aid
English-taught programmes
Diverse academic disciplines
European location
International student community

Nigerian applicants should pay particular attention to:

Academic document requirements
Admission deadlines
Translation/legalization requirements
Financial documentation
Visa procedures
Scholarship deadlines

Do not wait until admission is secured before researching scholarships.

Some scholarship applications may have earlier deadlines than university admission.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply to Study in Italy in 2027

Step 1: Choose Your Course

Start with your academic and career goals.

Don’t choose a university merely because someone described it as “cheap.”

Look at:

Programme curriculum
Language of instruction
Career opportunities
Tuition
Scholarship options
Location
Admission requirements

Step 2: Shortlist Universities

Choose at least three to five realistic options.

Separate them into:

Ambitious choices
Competitive choices
Safer options

This creates a more balanced application strategy.

Step 3: Check Admission Requirements

Visit the official university page and verify:

Academic requirements
Language requirements
Entrance examinations
Application deadlines
Required documents

Step 4: Apply for Admission

Complete the university application.

Some programmes have application fees while others don’t.

Step 5: Apply for Scholarships

Don’t stop at one scholarship.

Explore:

MAECI
Regional scholarships
University scholarships
Tuition exemptions
Merit-based awards

Step 6: Complete Universitaly Pre-Enrolment

Non-EU students who require visas generally need to follow the applicable pre-enrolment procedure through Universitaly.

Step 7: Apply for Your Student Visa

Once the relevant university/pre-enrolment documentation is available, submit your visa application to the competent Italian diplomatic mission.

Step 8: Arrange Accommodation

Secure your accommodation before travelling if possible.

Ask your university about student residences and housing assistance.

Step 9: Travel to Italy

Once your visa is approved and you’ve completed your preparations, you’re ready to begin your Italian academic journey.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

Scholarships can be highly competitive.

Here are some practical ways to improve your application.

Start Early

Don’t wait until the university deadline is approaching.

Create a calendar covering:

Admission deadline
Scholarship deadline
Document preparation
Language test
Passport renewal
Visa application

Maintain Strong Academic Results

Your grades matter.

A strong academic record can improve your chances of admission and merit-based scholarships.

Prepare Strong Financial Documentation

For need-based scholarships, financial documentation can be extremely important.

International students may be required to provide documentation about family income and assets according to the specific scholarship’s rules.

Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Avoid writing:

“I have always wanted to study in Italy because Italy is a beautiful country.”

That’s not enough.

Explain:

What you want to study
Why that programme fits your career
What problem you want to solve
Why the university is relevant
What you intend to do after graduation

Make the scholarship committee see the person behind the application.

Common Mistakes International Students Make

Avoid these mistakes:

Applying Only to Famous Universities

Italy has excellent universities beyond the most famous names.

Ignoring Regional Scholarships

This can be a costly mistake.

Regional financial aid can make a major difference to your overall budget.

Waiting Until Admission to Research Scholarships

Some scholarship deadlines may arrive before or around admission deadlines.

Assuming Every Programme Is Taught in English

Always confirm the language of instruction.

Treating a Scholarship as Guaranteed

A scholarship opportunity is not the same as a scholarship award.

Ignoring Visa Timelines

Admission and visa applications are connected, but they are not the same thing.

Italy Study Abroad Budget Checklist

Before leaving home, calculate:

University tuition
Scholarship contribution
Visa expenses
Flight
Accommodation deposit
First month’s rent
Food
Transportation
Health insurance
Residence permit expenses
Emergency funds
Personal expenses

A scholarship can reduce this burden dramatically, but you still need a realistic financial plan.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying in Italy

Advantages	Potential Challenges
Affordable public universities	Some programmes require Italian
Scholarships and regional aid	Scholarship competition
Historic universities	Bureaucratic procedures can take time
English-taught programmes	Housing can be expensive in major cities
Rich cultural experience	Visa documentation can be demanding
European degree	Part-time work should not replace financial planning
Strong research opportunities	Admission rules vary by programme

Is Italy a Good Choice for African Students?

For many African students, Italy can be an excellent study destination.

The combination of relatively accessible public university fees, regional scholarships, government funding, and reduced tuition arrangements at selected universities makes Italy particularly worth investigating.

The key is preparation.

A student who researches scholarships, understands financial documentation, applies early, and carefully follows university and immigration instructions can approach the process with far more confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study in Italy in 2027?

Costs vary by university and programme. Public university tuition can be relatively affordable, particularly when students receive fee reductions or scholarships. For example, the University of Padua currently lists degree fees from €0 to approximately €3,000 for 2026/27, while other universities have different fee structures.

Is education free in Italy for international students?

Not automatically. International students may receive full or partial tuition exemptions through scholarships, regional aid, income-based reductions, or university-specific programmes.

Can I study in Italy without IELTS?

Possibly. IELTS is not a universal requirement for every Italian university or programme. Requirements depend on the course and institution.

What is the main scholarship for international students in Italy?

The Italian Government’s MAECI scholarship is one of the major national scholarship programmes for eligible international students. Regional and university scholarships are also important funding routes.

Can I work while studying in Italy?

International students may be allowed to work subject to the conditions of their immigration status and applicable Italian law. Check the current rules before accepting employment.

Which Italian universities are best for international students?

Strong options include:

University of Bologna
Sapienza University of Rome
Politecnico di Milano
University of Padua
Politecnico di Torino
University of Pisa
University of Trento
University of Milan

The “best” university depends on your chosen course, budget, language, and career objectives.

How long does it take to get an Italian student visa?

Processing times vary according to the applicant’s country, consulate, season, completeness of documentation, and individual circumstances.

Apply as early as possible rather than planning around the maximum deadline.

Official Resources to Explore

Universitaly – Official Italian Higher Education Portal

Study in Italy – Official Portal

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Scholarships for Foreign Students

University of Bologna

Final Thoughts: Is Studying in Italy in 2027 Worth It?

Italy is an affordable option for students considering a European study destination, despite challenges like housing and scholarship competition. The benefits are significant, including respected universities, diverse academic programs, English-taught degrees, regional financial aid, and tuition reduction schemes.

For students from Africa and developing regions, financial support is crucial. The University of Bologna offers reduced fees for eligible students from certain countries, while the University of Padua provides tuition exemptions and scholarships, allowing some students to pay as little as zero tuition based on their circumstances.

Additionally, the MAECI scholarship supports eligible international students for master’s, PhD, and other programs. When planning for 2027, it’s essential to ask targeted questions such as which universities offer your course, available scholarships, and financial requirements.

Start researching early, keep your documents organized, and stay informed through official university and scholarship portals. The 2027/28 academic year offers an opportunity for effective planning, making studying in Italy achievable.