Study in Italy Guide
With long-established universities, affordable public-university fees and a growing number of English-taught programs, this is Italy for bachelor's, master's and language study; the Universitaly pre-enrolment, the student visa and the residence permit — all on one page.
- Student visa applications for bachelor's and master's programs must be made by 30 November 2026 at the latest.
- From the 2026/27 academic year, a minimum annual means of support of €10,179.85 must be shown with legal, traceable documents.
- The application process begins with the pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal; check the current procedure in the official notice published each year.
The Italian Higher-Education System
| Program | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Laurea (bachelor's) | 3 years (180 ECTS) | Universities and polytechnics. |
| Laurea Magistrale (master's) | 2 years (120 ECTS) | English-taught options are especially common in engineering, business and economics. |
| Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico | 5–6 years | Single-cycle programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law and architecture; most have an entrance exam. |
| AFAM (art, music, design) | Varies by program | Fine-arts academies, conservatories and design schools. |
| Dottorato (PhD) | Usually 3 years | Mostly funded positions; applied for through calls published by universities. |
The Application Process
- Step 1Program and university application: Many universities run their own pre-assessment process for international students; dates vary by university.
- Step 2Universitaly pre-enrolment: You pre-enrol on the Universitaly portal for your chosen program; the university confirms the application.
- Step 3Diploma assessment: For the value of your high school diploma (usually at least 12 years of education) in the Italian system, the university may ask for a Dichiarazione di Valore or a CIMEA statement. If your country has a university-entrance exam, its result may also be requested.
- Step 4Entrance exams: For capped subjects such as medicine and for some programs, an exam or additional assessment is held.
- Step 5Visa application: After the pre-enrolment is confirmed, apply to the Italian mission in Turkey.
The Italian Ministry of University and Research republishes the admission procedure for international students for each academic year. Confirm the document requirements from your application year's procedure and from your university.
Language of Instruction and Language Schools
Italian-taught programs
Italian proficiency (usually B2) is generally required; the university may also hold its own test.
English-taught programs
Common especially at master's level; IELTS, TOEFL or a certificate accepted by the university is required.
Language schools
Italian courses and summer schools; for courses longer than 3 months, the long-stay visa and residence-permit rules apply.
Fees and Scholarships
- Public universities: Tuition fees are generally low by European standards and at many universities are set according to family income; some universities apply a flat fee for international students.
- Private universities: Noticeably higher fees.
- Regional scholarships (DSU): The regions' student-services bodies can also give scholarships, accommodation and meal support to international students who meet the income and merit requirements. Application dates are usually in the summer.
The Italian Student Visa
| Visa type | Long-stay (D) study visa |
|---|---|
| Deadline (2026/27) | 30 November 2026 for bachelor's and master's programs |
| Means of support | At least €10,179.85 per year for 2026/27, from legal and traceable sources |
| Other documents | Universitaly pre-enrolment confirmation, passport, accommodation and health-insurance documents, and any additional documents the mission requests |
| Where? | The Italian mission responsible for the region where you live |
Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)
- Deadline: You must apply for the student residence permit within 8 days of entering Italy.
- Validity: Varies by type of study and is renewed throughout your studies.
- Courses longer than 3 months: The student residence permit is issued for courses lasting more than 3 months.
Working
While studying
A maximum of 20 hours per week, up to 1,040 hours per year.
After graduation
Those who complete a bachelor's, master's or PhD in Italy can register on the job-seekers list when their residence permit ends.
Switching to a work permit
Graduates who find a job can apply to convert the student residence permit into a work permit.
Sample Timeline: September/October Entry
- Autumn – winter of the previous yearProgram research, language exam, document translations and diploma assessment.
- January – MayUniversity applications (several rounds at many universities).
- Spring – summerUniversitaly pre-enrolment and university confirmation; DSU scholarship applications.
- SummerMeans-of-support documents, accommodation, insurance and visa application (deadline 30 November 2026 for 2026/27).
- ArrivalResidence-permit application within 8 days, university enrolment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Universitaly?
Universitaly is the official portal where international students applying to Italian universities complete their pre-visa pre-enrolment. The chosen university confirms the application through the portal, and then the visa process begins.
How much money do I need to show for an Italian student visa?
From the 2026/27 academic year, a minimum means of support of €10,179.85 per year must be shown with legal and traceable documents.
Can I study in Italy without knowing Italian?
Yes. There are many English-taught programs, especially at master's level. Italian-taught programs generally require Italian at B2 level.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, with a student residence permit you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week and up to 1,040 hours per year.
What should I do after arriving in Italy?
Within 8 days of entry you must apply for the student residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) and complete your university enrolment.
We're With You for Your Education in Italy
From choosing a program and university to the Universitaly pre-enrolment and IELTS preparation, we have supported students since 2009.
Information was verified on 17 September 2026 from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mission notices (esteri.it), Universitaly, the Italian government's immigration and integration portal and the Italian Police. The admission procedure is renewed each year; confirm the current information from official sources and your university before applying.