Public Universities in Italy for International Students 2024

Updated on 28 July, 2024

Akansha SemwalKeshav Garg

Akansha, Keshav

Public Universities in Italy for International Students 2024

When I first learnt about low-cost public universities in Italy, I was excited and overwhelmed. This is because Italy offers many affordable options for Indian students, with bachelor’s programs ranging from €200 to €384, which is significantly lower than other European countries.

If you're eager to explore Italy's rich academic and cultural landscape, but unsure where to start, read this article where I have listed my research on top public universities in Italy. It covers crucial aspects like the admission process, fees, eligibility, and scholarships at public universities in Italy. 

Let's get started!

Public Universities in Italy: Key Highlights 

Some information about public universities in Italy is summarized in the table below:

Admission Cycle

For Bachelor's degree: March to July (Every Year)

For Master’s degree: January to April 

For PhD: July 2024

Average Annual Tuition Fee

For a Bachelor's degree: € 200 - €384 

For Master’s degree:  €156 - €2650

For PhD: €156 - €2650

It is to be noted that the tuition fee depends on your ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente or Indicator of equivalent economic situation).

Popular courses
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Ancient Civilizations for the Contemporary World
  • Agricultural and Food Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Science and Technology
  • Political, Economic, and Social Sciences
  • Humanities
Scholarships
  • Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program
  • Scuola Normale Superiore PhD scholarships
  • Bocconi Merit and International Awards
  • TOPOLITO Scholarships

Why Study in Public University in Italy

Italy provides quality education amidst a culturally enriched environment. Some of the benefits of studying in Italian public universities are:

Internationally Recognized Research and Training: 

Italian public universities' research and training capabilities are recognized throughout Europe and worldwide. It is possible to obtain a globally-recognized degree in Italy at universities and academies ranked internationally by QS, THE, and ARWU.

Affordable Tuition Fees: 

The average annual tuition fees of Italian public universities (€900–€4,000) are significantly less than those at private universities (€6,000–€20,000).

Italy Public University List For 2024-25

The top 10 public universities in Italy for 2024-25 are as follows: 

University Name  Country Ranking 2024-25 QS World University Ranking 2024-25
Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna (University of Bologna) 1 =133
Sapienza University of Rome 3 132
Politecnico di Milano =4 111
Università di Padova (University of Padua) =4 =236
University of Milan =12 =285
University of Naples - Federico II =12 =347
University of Florence =12 =375
Politecnico di Torino (Polytechnic University of Turin) =18 =241
University of Turin =18 =371
University of Pisa =18 382

*Source: Times Higher education Rankings 2024

Cost of Studying at Public Universities in Italy

Studying in Italy combines academic excellence with a journey through rich cultural heritage. 

Here's a concise overview of the costs of studying at top public universities in Italy.

University 

Popular Courses

Average Annual Tuition Fee Range

University of Bologna

  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Engineering
  • Humanities

€150–€5,800 

Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
  • Humanities
  • Sciences
  • Political and Social Science

Free of charge

Sapienza University of Rome

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Humanities

€600–€3000 

University of Padua

  • Information Engineering
  • Neurosciences
  • Cultural Heritage
€150–€4000 

Politecnico di Milano

  • Art and Design
  • Architecture
  • Engineering and Technology

 

€3,500-€10,000

Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa

  • Business and Economics
  • Medical and Industrial Science

€3,000–€4,500

Humanitas University

  • Physiotherapy
  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Nursing

€4,000 –€23,000 

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

  • Philosophy
  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Psychology

€20,140 

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

  • Arts and Sciences
  • Business and Technology 
  • Nursing

€3800–€8500 

University of Pavia

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Physical Sciences
  • Engineering and Technology

€156 – €4600

Source: university websites

Admission Requirements at Public Universities in Italy

The entry requirements to the public universities in Italy may also differ depending on the level of study or the course of study. 

This is why it is crucial for the prospective students to acquaint themselves with these criteria to avoid any hitches in the application process and to meet the requirements of the field of their choice.

Eligibility Criteria

For admission into a recognized institution in Italy, the general eligibility requirements include:

For Master’s and PhD Programs

  • You must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
  • You must provide proof of English or Italian language proficiency:
    • B2 level through TOEFL or IELTS scores for English. 
    • B2 level through CILS and CELI exams for Italian.
  • The Master’s or PhD programs you choose must be relevant to your UG degree.
  • You must meet any specific prerequisites for the program you are applying to.
  • You must have completed the necessary paperwork, such as passport, student visa, and translation of your undergraduate degree certificate

For Undergraduate Studies

  • You must have completed 12 years of formal education.
  • For courses taught in English, B2 level language proficiency on IELTS or TOEFL exams is mandatory.
  • B2-level language proficiency (CILS and CELI exams) is required for programs taught in Italian.
  • You must have achieved a minimum qualifying score in the university’s entrance test.
  • Consular procedures must be completed, such as passport issuance, student visa, etc.

Document Requirements to Study in Italy for Indian Students

The documents required for admission include the following:

  • English Language Certificate (if required for the specific program)
  • EU or EU-equated ID card or passport (EU applicants)
  • Italian residence permit (Non-EU applicants residing in Italy)
  • Upper secondary school certificate (12 years of schooling)
  • Transcript of records (Academic history)
  • Curriculum Vitae in English language
  • Motivational Letter (Personal statement)
  • Certificate of entrance examination (If applicable)
  • Any other required documents (Check program requirements)

How To Apply at Public Universities in Italy

1. Submit a pre-application request to your home country's Italian embassy/consulate with the required documents, such as a pre-enrollment form, passport photos, financial documents, etc.

2. The embassy will submit your application to the universities on your behalf.

3. Universities will evaluate your application and inform you if you are accepted.

4. If accepted, apply for a student visa by providing proof of finances, health insurance, etc.

5. Once you receive the visa, you can enroll at the university in Italy.

Top Courses to Study in Italy 

Some of the top courses to study in Italy public universities are as follows:

Category Name of the course
Artificial Intelligence  Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Humanities

Masters in Mediterranean Archaeology

Masters in Cultural Heritage in the Near and Middle East, and in Africa

Masters in Development and International Cooperation Sciences

Bachelor in Global Humanities

Architecture Bachelor and Masters Degree in Architecture
Computer Science

Second cycle degree in

Computer Science

Economics and Management

Bachelor of Science in Management for Business and Economics

 

MSc in Economics

 

PhD in Business Administration and Management

Fashion Design Masters in Fashion Studies 
Hospitality Management Master in Tourism Management
International Relations Masters in International Relations

Intakes in Italy

The admission cycle for universities in Italy varies depending on the level of study. For bachelor's degrees, applications are typically open from March to July each year. For master's degrees, the application period runs from January to April. For PhD programs, the admission cycle for 2024 begins and ends in July.

Italy Visa Requirements For Indian Students

To apply for a study visa in Italy, Indian students need to prepare the following documents:

  1. Passport: A valid passport issued within the last ten years, with at least three months validity after the study program ends, and at least two blank pages.
  2. Visa Application Form: A duly filled and signed application form (minors must have it signed by both parents).
  3. Covering Letter: A one-page statement of purpose explaining the choice of course and institution, financial support, scholarships (if applicable), and intended accommodation.
  4. Proof of Admission: An admission letter from the Italian institution, a pre-enrollment summary from the UNIVERSITALY portal (if required), and a receipt of payment of enrollment fees.
  5. Proof of Previous Education: Colored copies of the final degree/school certificate and transcripts, both attested and apostilled. If required, include a Declaration of Value (DOV), CIMEA Certificate, or proof of applying for a DOV.
  6. Proof of Economic Background and Financial Support: Evidence of financial means of at least €6,079.45 per year or €506.62 per month, six months' original bank statements, and documents proving the applicant's or sponsor's source of income. Sponsors must also provide a sponsorship letter and proof of ID.
  7. Overseas Medical Insurance: Insurance coverage of at least €30,000, valid for the first six months in Italy, including a repatriation clause.
  8. Air Ticket: A roundtrip airline ticket reservation or proof of at least €2,000 in addition to the minimum required financial support.
  9. Accommodation: Proof of boarding and lodging in Italy for at least 30 days.

Read More: Student Visa for Italy

Cost of Living in Italy 

The cost of living in Italy varies by city and lifestyle. On average, students can expect to spend around €1314.76 per month, covering rent, food, transportation, and other expenses. Cities like Milan and Rome are more expensive, while smaller cities and towns are generally more affordable.

Read More: Cost of Living in Italy for Indian & International Students

Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students 

Some of the important scholarships in Italy for Indian students are as follows:

  • Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program
  • Scuola Normale Superiore PhD scholarships
  • Bocconi Merit and International Awards
  • TOPOLITO Scholarships

Eligibility Requirements for Italian Scholarships

The eligibility of the scholarships in public universities in Italy for international students are as follows:

Name of the Scholarship Eligibility
Padua International Excellence Scholarship Program
  • Must not possess citizenship of Italy, but if you have dual citizenship, including Italian, then you are eligible.
  • Non-Italian diploma from secondary school (for Bachelor's and the degrees for Single-cycle year).
  • Non-Italian Bachelor's degree (for Master's degree applicants).
  • Must not have Italian citizenship.
  • Must apply to more than one Bachelor's or Master's degree, taught in English medium at the university. One can choose a maximum of three programs.

Scuola Normale Superiore scholarships for PhD

 

 

  • Must have earned a master's degree or other equivalent qualification outside Italy within the last five years prior to the deadline. 

 

  • Interviews and academic evaluations are used to make the selection.

 

Bocconi Merit and International Awards

 

  • The student must be a first-year undergraduate applicant for the academic year 2023-2024.
  • Merit-based financial aid- focuses primarily on academic performance and the complete dossier submitted to the Admissions Office.
  • Selection is made by a committee that includes the Dean of the Undergraduate School and the Dean for International Affairs.
TOPOLITO Scholarships

For Bachelor's Degree:

  • Non-EU students living abroad who need a study visa.
  • Has obtained the diploma from Secondary High outside Italy or is attending the final year
  • Passed the admission test of (TIL I-D-P-A) with 70 marks or more
  • Paid the first tuition fee installment at the time of application.
  • First-time enrollment in a Bachelor of Science program at Politecnico di Torino in the 2023/2024 academic year.
  • Born on or after January 1, 2002.

For Master's Degree:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent academic qualification from a foreign education system outside Italy.
  • Admitted to a Master’s Degree program at Politecnico di Torino for the 2023/24 academic year.
  • First-time enrollment in the 2023/24 academic year at Politecnico di Torino.
  • Valid GRE General Test or GRE®General at home with minimum scores:
    • Verbal Reasoning: 156/170
    • Quantitative Reasoning: 157/170
    • Analytical Writing: 3.5/6 (obtained not earlier than 5 years before the scholarship application deadline).
Read More About Scholarships in Italy:
Top 7 Scholarships for Italy Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students

Job Opportunities After Studying in Italy

Exploring job opportunities in Italy after completing your studies can pave the way for a rewarding career in one of Europe's most vibrant and diverse economies. 

Part time jobs in Italy for students

In Italy, international students can work part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Popular part-time jobs for international students include PR & Event Management, Marketing intern, IT Helpdesk, PMO manufacturing, Media intern, and serving as tour guides. 

Top Recruiters in Italy 

Company Job Profile Average Annual Salary
Accenture Management Consultant €36T - €42T 
Amazon Marketing Manager €40T - €58T 
Deloitte Manager/Senior Manager - Procurement/Supply Chain - Deloitte Business Solution  €43T - €67T 
EY Senior Consultant  €35T - €43T 
Capgemini Full Stack Engineer  €26T - €35T 

Source: Glassdoor, July 2024

More Related Articles:

Study in Italy Reasons to study in Italy Top Medical Universities in Italy for Indian Students

Conclusion

Studying in Italy offers a wealth of opportunities, from prestigious scholarships and diverse part-time job options to promising career prospects post-graduation. 

With its rich academic traditions, vibrant cultural experiences, and a range of top-ranked public universities, Italy is an excellent choice for international students seeking to enhance their education and career in Europe.

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FAQs

Can I work while studying in Italy?

Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.

How good is public transport for students in Italy?

Public transport in cities is usually fast, cheap, and well-connected via buses, trams, metros, and trains. Weekly public transport cards cost around €24.

How much funds do students need to show as proof for the student visa in Italy?

Indian students must show proof of €6,079 per year for living costs in a bank statement or letter from a legal sponsor.

Are public universities in Italy free?

No, most of the public universities in Italy are not free. However, some universities like Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa allow international students to be admitted free of cost.

Which is the cheapest university in Italy?

Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa allows international students to study there for free.

Can I study in Italy without IELTS?

Yes, you can study in Italy without IELTS, but you have to pass other English language tests like TOEFL or PTE to be admitted successfully.

Is Italy expensive for Indian students?

Studying in Italy can be expensive for Indian students due to tuition fees and living costs, which are around $1423 (€1314.76)  per month. 

However, the high quality of education and numerous job opportunities offer excellent ROI, making Italy a worthwhile investment for long-term career growth.

What is the rejection rate for student visas in Italy?

The rejection rate of visas in Italy is 11.5% for India.

Which Italy fully-funded scholarship 2024 without IELTS?

The University of Bologna is offering several fully funded scholarships where IELTS is not required.  

What are the fully-funded master's and  PhD programs to study in Italy for Indian students?

Italian government scholarships are fully-funded scholarships for master’s and PhD programs for Indian students.    

Did you find this article helpful?

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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