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.

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.
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. | Expense | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Application Fees | €0 – €50 per university | Many public universities charge no fee |
| 2. | Standardised Tests | IELTS: €210, TOEFL: €195 | Required for English-taught programmes |
| 3. | Declaration of Value (DoV) | €50 – €100 | Issued by the Italian embassy or consulate |
| 4. | CIMEA Statement of Comparability | €50 | Some universities ask for it |
| 5. | SOP & LOR Preparation | €0 – €90 | If using professional editing |
| 6. | Visa Application (National D Visa) | €116 | Required for international students |
| 7. | Proof of Funds | €6,000 minimum per year | Check the current visa figure with our Italy funds calculator |
| 8. | Health Insurance | €0 – €150 per year | Mandatory for all students |
| 9. | Flight Tickets | €450 – €1,200 | Varies 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 Institution | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Public Universities (ISEE-based) | €200 – €4,000 | Depends 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)
- Choose Universities: Shortlist by programme, city and budget.
- Check Requirements: Review eligibility, entrance tests and language scores.
- Prepare Documents: Transcripts, test scores, SOP, LORs and CV.
- Apply via Universitaly: Submit your pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal.
- Get Documents Legalised: Declaration of Value and certified translations.
- Receive Offer Letter: Conditional or unconditional admission.
- Arrange Finances: Proof of funds or a scholarship award letter.
- Apply for a Student Visa: At the Italian embassy or consulate.
- Arrange Accommodation: Student residence or private housing before arrival.
- Enrol at University: Complete enrolment and apply for the residence permit on arrival.
05 · Intakes
Student Intakes in Italy
| Intake Season | Application Period | Semester Start | Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | May – August (same year) | September/October | Most programmes available | Primary intake for nearly all universities |
| Spring | November – January (same year) | February/March | Very limited courses | Only 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.
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