Study in Italy for Indian Students

Low public-university fees, Universitaly pre-enrolment before the visa, €10,179.85 a year in funds from 2026/27, DSU regional grants and a job-search permit after graduation.

Italy appeals to Indian students because its public universities charge comparatively low, often income-based fees and offer a widening choice of English-taught Master's degrees. Historic universities and leading polytechnics in Milan, Turin, Bologna, Rome and Padua teach engineering, computer science, architecture, design, economics and management.

This guide explains how studying in Italy works for students from India: the two-year laurea magistrale, universities and courses, tuition fees and living costs, admission requirements and the Declaration of Value, intakes, regional DSU support and other scholarships, Universitaly pre-enrolment and the Italian student visa.

Why Study in Italy?

Affordable public universities: Public universities set fees by band, often linked to family income, so many Master's students pay far less than in English-speaking countries.
Engineering, architecture and design: Italian polytechnics and universities are known for engineering, architecture, industrial and fashion design, and automotive and manufacturing links.
Regional student support: Regional DSU schemes can offer fee exemption, grants, meals or housing to eligible students, including international students where the regional call allows.
English-taught Master's degrees: A growing number of laurea magistrale programmes are taught fully in English, particularly in engineering, computer science, economics and management.
Post-study job search: Graduates of Italian degrees can apply for a residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business.

Masters in Italy for Indian Students

The standard Master's in Italy is the laurea magistrale: two years, 120 ECTS credits and a final thesis. Universities also run one-year specialist programmes called master universitario (first or second level), which are different qualifications and are often more expensive — check which one you are applying for.

Admission is decided by each university, usually through its own online portal with one or more application windows. Universities assess whether your Indian bachelor's degree covers the required subjects and credits. A three-year Indian bachelor's degree is generally comparable to the Italian first-cycle laurea, but each university decides. You may also need a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA statement of comparability.

English-taught programmes usually ask for English at about B2 level, shown through IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar test; some accept a medium-of-instruction letter. Most public universities do not require the GRE, while some private universities such as Bocconi ask for the GMAT, GRE or their own admission test.

Typical duration: 2 years (laurea magistrale, 120 ECTS)
Main intake: September / October; very few February starts
English tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (about B2)
Mandatory for the visa: Universitaly pre-enrolment
Proof of funds: €10,179.85 per year (from 2026/27)
Work after study: Job-search permit of 9 to 12 months

Popular Master's programmes in Italy

MSc Computer Science & Engineering
MSc Data Science
MSc Artificial Intelligence
MSc Mechanical Engineering
MSc Automotive Engineering
MSc Electrical / Electronic Engineering
MSc Architecture
MSc Design (Product, Interior, Fashion)
MSc Management / Economics
MSc Finance

Best Universities in Italy for International Students

Italy has public universities, polytechnics and a smaller number of private universities. The institutions below are among those Indian students commonly consider; check each programme page for language, fees and application windows.

Fees at public universities are usually set by income band, while private universities such as Bocconi charge substantially higher tuition.

Politecnico di Milano (Milan, Lombardy): Engineering, architecture, design
Politecnico di Torino (Turin, Piedmont): Automotive, mechanical and computer engineering
University of Bologna (Bologna, Emilia-Romagna): Engineering, economics, sciences, humanities
Sapienza University of Rome (Rome, Lazio): Engineering, computer science, sciences
University of Padua (Padua, Veneto): Engineering, data science, life sciences
University of Milan (Milan, Lombardy): Sciences, computer science, economics
University of Turin (Turin, Piedmont): Economics, sciences, humanities
University of Pisa (Pisa, Tuscany): Computer science, engineering
University of Florence (Florence, Tuscany): Architecture, design, sciences
Bocconi University (Milan, Lombardy): Economics, management, finance (private)

Popular Courses to Study in Italy

Engineering: Mechanical, automotive, electrical, civil and energy engineering at the polytechnics and major universities.
Computer Science, Data Science & AI: English-taught programmes in computer engineering, data science and artificial intelligence.
Architecture & Design: Architecture, industrial, interior and fashion design — a long-standing Italian strength.
Economics, Management & Finance: Programmes at public universities and private institutions with strong business links.
Life Sciences: Biotechnology, molecular biology and related research-focused programmes.

Cost of Studying in Italy

Studying in Italy is relatively affordable, but fees and living costs vary by university and city — Milan is the most expensive. Figures below are approximate for non-EU students.

Some public universities let international students apply for reduced fees using family income documents (such as ISEE parificato), so gather financial papers early.

Tuition fees in Italy

Public universities — laurea magistrale: approx. €1,000 – 4,000 per year, often based on income band
Private universities: approx. €10,000 – 20,000+ per year
Master universitario (1st / 2nd level): approx. €3,000 – 20,000+ for the programme

Living expenses in Italy

Funds required for the visa: €10,179.85 per year (from 2026/27)
Accommodation: approx. €350 – 800 per month (highest in Milan and Rome)
Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month
Health cover and residence permit: health insurance or voluntary SSN enrolment, plus the residence-permit fee — check current amounts

Eligibility to Study in Italy

Italian universities decide admission programme by programme. Indian applicants for a Master's in Italy usually need:

Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree covering the subjects and credits the programme requires.
Grades: Universities set their own minimum grades or evaluate profiles competitively.
English proficiency: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (about B2) for English-taught programmes.
Italian proficiency: Required for Italian-taught programmes, often at B2 level.
Qualification assessment: A Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement if the university asks for it.
Motivation letter and CV: Commonly requested, along with references for some programmes.
Admission tests: Some private universities ask for the GMAT, GRE or their own test.

Documents usually required

Passport
Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
English test score report
Motivation letter and CV
Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement where required
Universitaly pre-enrolment summary
Proof of funds (€10,179.85 per year), accommodation and health insurance for the visa

Intakes in Italy

Italy has one main intake for Master's programmes:

Admission, Universitaly pre-enrolment, DSU applications and the visa each have their own deadline. Applying in an early round leaves time for the Declaration of Value and the visa.

September / October intake: classes start September or October; apply Many universities open applications for non-EU students from about November to April, often in several rounds
February / March intake: classes start February or March; apply Very few Master's programmes; check each university

Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students

Italy has several separate funding routes rather than one national scholarship. The main options for Indian students are:

Regional DSU support: Run by the regional authority linked to your university and based on family finances; may include fee exemption, a cash grant, meals and housing.
MAECI Italian Government scholarships: Government scholarships for eligible international applicants under an annual call on the Study in Italy portal — check that India and your programme are covered.
Invest Your Talent in Italy: Scholarship support plus an internship for selected Master's and postgraduate courses in engineering, architecture/design and economics/management.
University awards: Merit awards, fee reductions and international-student scholarships at universities such as Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, Padua and Sapienza.

How to Apply to Universities in Italy

1. Choose your course: Decide between a two-year laurea magistrale and other programmes, and pick your specialisation.
2. Shortlist universities: Compare language of instruction, fees, city and application rounds.
3. Check eligibility: Match your bachelor's subjects and credits to each programme's requirements.
4. Prepare language tests: Take IELTS or TOEFL, or an Italian test for Italian-taught programmes.
5. Submit applications: Apply on each university's portal with your transcripts, CV and motivation letter.
6. Receive your admission: Accept the offer and follow the university's enrolment instructions.
7. Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment: Submit your pre-enrolment on Universitaly so the university can validate it for the visa.
8. Apply for funding: Submit regional DSU, MAECI or university scholarship applications by their deadlines.
9. Apply for the study visa: Book a VFS Global appointment and submit your national (D) visa application with proof of funds.
10. Prepare for travel: Arrange accommodation, then apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) soon after arrival.

Italy Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students need an Italian national (D) study visa for a degree programme. You must first complete pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal, which your university validates. You then apply to the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi or the relevant consulate, submitting your application at a VFS Global Italy centre in India.

From the 2026/27 academic year, you must show means of subsistence of at least €10,179.85 per year from lawful, traceable sources, together with accommodation arrangements, health insurance and your academic documents. The ministry circular also sets a deadline for visa applications each year.

Within eight working days of arriving in Italy, you apply for a residence permit for study (permesso di soggiorno per studio), usually through the post-office kit, and attend a Questura appointment.

Visa rules, the funds figure and Universitaly deadlines change. Check universitaly.it, the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi and VFS Global before applying.

Visa document checklist

Valid passport and national visa form
Universitaly pre-enrolment summary validated by the university
Admission letter
Proof of funds (€10,179.85 per year)
Accommodation details
Health insurance
Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement where required

Working while studying in Italy

With a study residence permit you can work up to 20 hours a week, up to a maximum of 1,040 hours a year. The hours cannot be saved up for full-time work in the holidays.

Working after your studies

Graduates of Italian degrees, including the laurea magistrale, can apply for a residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business related to their studies, and can later convert to a work permit.

Living in Italy as an Indian Student

Accommodation: DSU residences are affordable but limited; most students share flats. Milan and Rome rents are high, so start early.
Food: Groceries and university canteens keep costs reasonable; Indian groceries are available in larger cities.
Transport: Cities offer discounted student and youth public-transport passes, and trains connect major cities.
Language: English is enough for English-taught programmes, but Italian helps with housing, part-time jobs and careers.
Student support: International offices help with enrolment, the residence permit and orientation.

Italy vs Germany for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business in Italy alongside engineering, applied sciences and public-university fee exceptions in Germany. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Italy, start with the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business; for Germany, compare engineering, applied sciences and public-university fee exceptions. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public universities — laurea magistrale: approx. €1,000 – 4,000 per year, often based on income band; Private universities: approx. €10,000 – 20,000+ per year

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €350 – 800 per month (highest in Milan and Rome); Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; Health cover and residence permit: health insurance or voluntary SSN enrolment, plus the residence-permit fee — check current amounts

Typical Master's duration: 2 years (laurea magistrale, 120 ECTS)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (about B2) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Regional DSU support; MAECI Italian Government scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree covering the subjects and credits the programme requires.; Grades: Universities set their own minimum grades or evaluate profiles competitively.

Intakes and planning: September / October intake: starts September or October; apply Many universities open applications for non-EU students from about November to April, often in several rounds; February / March intake: starts February or March; apply Very few Master's programmes; check each university

Student visa: Italy Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport and national visa form; Universitaly pre-enrolment summary validated by the university

Post-study graduate route: Graduates of Italian degrees, including the laurea magistrale, can apply for a residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business related to their studies, and can later convert to a work permit.

Germany — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Public university — most programmes: no tuition; semester contribution approx. €150 – 400 per semester; Baden-Württemberg public universities (non-EU): €1,500 per semester plus semester contribution

Germany — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €350 – 750 per month (higher in Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg); Health insurance (students): approx. €120 – 140 per month for public insurance; Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; semester ticket often included in the contribution

Germany — Typical Master's duration: 2 years (4 semesters, 120 ECTS)

Germany — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic or TOEFL for English-taught programmes English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Germany — Funding routes (not guaranteed): DAAD scholarships; Deutschlandstipendium Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Germany — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree whose content closely matches the Master's programme (module and credit match matters).; Grades: Universities set their own minimum grade; many convert Indian marks using the modified Bavarian formula.

Germany — Intakes and planning: Winter semester: starts October; apply Many deadlines fall between January and 15 July (earlier at some universities); Summer semester: starts April; apply Many deadlines fall around 15 January

Germany — Student visa: Germany Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; University admission letter

Germany — Post-study graduate route: After graduating, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job related to your qualification.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Italy vs Hungary for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business in Italy alongside English-taught programmes and Central European study options in Hungary. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Italy, start with the two-year laurea magistrale and engineering, design or business; for Hungary, compare English-taught programmes and Central European study options. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Typical Master's duration: 2 years (laurea magistrale, 120 ECTS)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (about B2) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Regional DSU support; MAECI Italian Government scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Student visa: Italy Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport and national visa form; Universitaly pre-enrolment summary validated by the university

Hungary — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's at public universities — most subjects: approx. €4,000 – 9,000 per year (e.g. BME MSc approx. €2,200 – 4,000 per semester); Business and specialist programmes: approx. €5,000 – 10,000+ per year

Hungary — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €250 – 500 per month (highest in Budapest); Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; Health insurance: comprehensive health insurance required for the residence permit

Hungary — Typical Master's duration: 2 years (120 ECTS); some 1.5 years

Hungary — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or equivalent (often B2) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Hungary — Funding routes (not guaranteed): Stipendium Hungaricum; University scholarships and fee discounts Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Hungary — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree in a field related to the Master's programme.; Grades: Universities review transcripts; some set minimum grades or credit requirements in core subjects.

Hungary — Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Self-financed deadlines often fall between spring and early summer; Stipendium Hungaricum closed on 15 January for 2026/27; February intake: starts February; apply Limited programmes; deadlines usually in the preceding autumn

Hungary — Student visa: Hungary Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; Letter of admission or student status certificate

Hungary — Post-study graduate route: After completing their studies, graduates can apply for a residence permit for job-seeking or starting a business for up to nine months. It cannot be extended, and you must apply at least 15 days before your study permit expires.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Italy

Is Italy good for Indian students?

Yes. Italy offers affordable public universities, strong engineering, architecture and design programmes, English-taught Master's degrees, regional DSU support and a 9–12 month post-study job-search permit.

How much does it cost to study in Italy?

Public universities charge roughly €1,000–4,000 a year, often based on family income, while private universities charge more. For the visa you must show at least €10,179.85 per year from 2026/27.

What are the fees for a Master's in Italy?

A laurea magistrale at a public university usually costs about €1,000–4,000 a year. Private universities such as Bocconi charge roughly €10,000–20,000+ a year.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Italy?

A relevant bachelor's degree with the required subjects and credits, English at about B2 for English-taught programmes, a motivation letter and CV, and a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement if requested.

What is Universitaly pre-enrolment?

Universitaly is the Italian ministry's portal where non-EU students submit pre-enrolment for their chosen programme. The university validates it, and it is required for the study visa.

What are the intakes in Italy?

Almost all Master's programmes start in September or October. Many universities accept applications from non-EU students between about November and April in several rounds.

How much proof of funds is needed for an Italy student visa?

From the 2026/27 academic year, the minimum is €10,179.85 per year, shown through traceable funds such as bank statements, a sponsor's documents or a scholarship award.

Can I work while studying in Italy?

Yes. A study permit lets you work up to 20 hours a week, to a maximum of 1,040 hours a year.

Can I stay in Italy after my Master's?

Yes. Graduates of Italian degrees can apply for a residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in Italy?

Yes. The main routes are regional DSU support, MAECI Italian Government scholarships, Invest Your Talent in Italy and university awards, each with its own rules and deadlines.