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Rome · Italy

Study in Italy from India: universities, scholarships & student visa

Europe's lowest public-university fees, well-known design, fashion and engineering schools, and a rich cultural life.

Public uni tuitionfrom €200/yr
Stay back1 year
Visa success98%
CounsellingFree
India RomeThe Colosseum in Rome, Italy, framed by trees at sunset

Bachelor’s in Italy

Study a Bachelor’s in Italy from India

Italy’s public universities teach three-year Bachelor’s degrees (laurea triennale) in English and Italian, with fees linked to family income. Your Class 12 counts as the 12 years of schooling Italy asks for.

Course length3 years (180 ECTS)
Main intakeSeptember / October
Public tuitionIncome-based (ISEE)
Taught inEnglish or Italian

01Who can apply

  • 12 years of schooling with a school-leaving certificate that gives access to university in India — Class 12 (CBSE, ISC or state board) meets this.
  • Some courses set a minimum Class 12 percentage or ask for specific subjects (for example Maths for engineering).

02Tests and language

  • Many courses admit on Class 12 marks; others run an entrance test such as a TOLC (engineering, economics) or the IMAT for English-taught medicine.
  • English-taught courses usually ask for B2 English (IELTS, TOEFL or a medium-of-instruction certificate where accepted); Italian-taught courses ask for B2 Italian.

03Fees and documents

  • Public universities charge fees linked to family income (ISEE), so most Indian students pay a few hundred to a few thousand euros a year; regional DSU scholarships can cover fees and living costs.
  • Your Class 12 marksheet needs a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA statement.

04How to apply

  • Apply to the university first (most windows open in spring and close in summer), then complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly before the visa.
  • Apply for the national D study visa once the university accepts your pre-enrolment.

Checked October 2026. Rules change from year to year, so we confirm the current requirements for your course during your free counselling session.

Sources: University of Palermo – admission of non-EU students to Bachelor’s degrees · Universitaly

Study in Italy – Affordable Public Universities with Expert Support

Our Bangalore consultants help with university shortlisting, scholarship applications, document legalisation and your Italian student visa file.

01 · Why study

Why Study in Italy?

  • Affordable Education: Public university fees are linked to family income (ISEE) and are among the lowest in Europe.
  • World-Class Programmes: Strong schools in design, fashion, architecture, engineering and the arts.
  • Generous Scholarships: Regional DSU scholarships and university awards can cover fees and living costs.
  • Globally Recognised Degrees: Italian qualifications are respected by employers across Europe and beyond.
  • EU Mobility: Travel and explore Europe easily while you study.
  • Rich Cultural Life: Historic cities, food, art and a lively student scene.

02 · Costs

Cost of Studying in Italy

Cost of Admission

S.no.ExpenseEstimated Cost (EUR)Notes
1.Application Fees€0 – €50 per universityMany public universities charge no fee
2.Standardised TestsIELTS: €210, TOEFL: €195Required for English-taught programmes
3.Declaration of Value (DoV)€50 – €100Issued by the Italian embassy or consulate
4.CIMEA Statement of Comparability€50Some universities ask for it
5.SOP & LOR Preparation€0 – €90If using professional editing
6.Visa Application (National D Visa)€116Required for international students
7.Proof of Funds€6,000 minimum per yearCheck the current visa figure with our Italy funds calculator
8.Health Insurance€0 – €150 per yearMandatory for all students
9.Flight Tickets€450 – €1,200Varies by location and season
10.Total Estimated Cost€1,500 – €9,000+Before tuition and living expenses

03 · Tuition

Tuition and Living Costs in Italy

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

S.no.Type of InstitutionEstimated Cost (EUR)Notes
1.Public Universities (ISEE-based)€200 – €4,000Depends on family income
2.Private Universities (e.g. Bocconi, LUISS)€6,000 – €20,000+Business, design and specialised schools
3.MBA & Specialised Programmes€10,000 – €35,000+Varies by institution

04 · Process

Admission Process in Italy (Step-by-Step)

  1. Choose Universities: Shortlist by programme, city and budget.
  2. Check Requirements: Review eligibility, entrance tests and language scores.
  3. Prepare Documents: Transcripts, test scores, SOP, LORs and CV.
  4. Apply via Universitaly: Submit your pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal.
  5. Get Documents Legalised: Declaration of Value and certified translations.
  6. Receive Offer Letter: Conditional or unconditional admission.
  7. Arrange Finances: Proof of funds or a scholarship award letter.
  8. Apply for a Student Visa: At the Italian embassy or consulate.
  9. Arrange Accommodation: Student residence or private housing before arrival.
  10. Enrol at University: Complete enrolment and apply for the residence permit on arrival.

05 · Intakes

Student Intakes in Italy

Intake SeasonApplication PeriodSemester StartAvailabilityBest For
AutumnMay – August (same year)September/OctoberMost programmes availablePrimary intake for nearly all universities
SpringNovember – January (same year)February/MarchVery limited coursesOnly select institutions

Free Italy study tools

Plan your Italy application with our free tools: a scholarship finder, an ISEE parificato estimator, an Italian grade converter, a funds and cost calculator, and IMAT and TOLC practice tests.

Open the Italy study tools →

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