Study in Italy for International Students in 2024

Compared to other European countries, life in Italy starts late in the evening. At 8 p.m., the streets are filled with life, and it feels like the life of Italians has just started. In many other European cities, at 6 p.m., the town seems to shut down suddenly, and there is no one around, but this is definitely not the case in Italy! The streets are abuzz with parties, people hanging out with friends and family, eating good food, cultural events happening around and much more. Even if you take a walk around at 9 or 10 p.m. in the cities of Italy, you will constantly feel like you are in good company, surrounded by people, especially in spring-summer-fall and get to see and enjoy so many different things.

Additionally, international students who plan to study in Italy get the opportunity to explore a captivating cultural landscape. Students can immerse themselves in Italy's rich heritage and artistic legacy, from ancient ruins to Renaissance masterpieces.

Italy has many universities that are historic and internationally renowned for their excellent teaching methods and academic accreditations. Let us take a look at some of these top universities for international students to study in Italy.

• University of Bologna

• University of Florence

• Milan University

• Genoa University

• University of Cassino

• University of Bergamo

• University of Catania

• The University of Rome tor vergata

• University of Sapienza

• University of Macerata

• University of Pavia

Italy is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, where you'll have an opportunity to get up to 100% scholarship in tuition fees and living costs. Compared to other European countries, Italy has cheaper tuition costs. Compared to private universities, studying at public universities in Italy is far less expensive. As a result, public colleges in Italy are the first choice for many international students.

Let’s look at the average tuition and other costs that add to the overall study in Italy expenses.

• Average tuition for all degree courses: 850 to 1,000 EUR/year

• Average living cost: 300 to 700 EUR/month for housing, food, and transportation 

• Most expensive cities: Rome, Milan, and Bologna

• The least costly cities: Pisa, Padua, or Turin 

Italy is known for many famous courses that international students prefer to study at the renowned universities in the country. Some of these top courses to study in Italy for Indian students are listed below.

• International Relations

• Business Consulting

• Electrical Engineering 

• Computer Science 

• Architecture 

• Fashion Design

• Marketing Management

• Tourism Management 

• Food & Wine (MBA)

• Hospitality

• Humanities 

• Healthcare

• Art and Design

• Global Economy and Business 

• Destination Management 

• Data Analyst

Financial support through scholarships and grants is available for international students, easing the financial burden and making studying in Italy more accessible. Costly and financially draining, studying abroad is a big commitment. Scholarships come in handy in situations like this. Both merit-based and need-based scholarships are available to students wishing to study in Italy. Italian universities, the government, and private groups provide the majority of these scholarships.

Securing a study in Italy scholarship is mainly dependent on your academic level. Need-based scholarships consider an applicant's financial situation in addition to their academic achievement, whereas merit-based scholarships are awarded only based on the latter.

Italy has many work opportunities with a unique work-life balance for anyone wanting to study in Italy and later work there. Italian laws permit students to work 4 hours daily, a maximum of 20 hours weekly and 1040 hours yearly. Generally, Italian companies look to offer you the position of an intern to freshers, and they pay around 500 - 1000 EUR.

But, if you have relevant experience, you can easily get a well-paid job in the field of your study. You will have more options if you have the skill to speak Italian, as employers prefer candidates with lingual capabilities.

Some of the top working sectors in Italy include the ones listed below. 

• Hospitality

• Stock exchange

• Architecture

• Aviation

• Fashion

• Teaching English as a second or foreign language

• Estate agent

• Jewellery 

In conclusion, studying in Italy presents a remarkable opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in a country renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class education. International students who choose to study in Italy can benefit from access to esteemed institutions that excel in various disciplines, including fashion and design, architecture, art history, engineering, business and management, humanities, and social sciences. However, researching and choosing the option that best suits your needs and learning outcomes is pertinent.

We hope you enjoyed reading about how to study in Italy for international students and gained many great insights. If you’d like to know more about how to study in Italy, contact our expert study in Italy consultants at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC), who’ll help you in every step of your study abroad journey.

Visit our website for free online counselling, or contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011 for personalised support.

Q1. What are the benefits of studying in Italy for international students?

Ans. Studying in Italy offers several benefits for international students. These include access to renowned universities and academic programs, a rich cultural and historical heritage, vibrant student life, opportunities to learn the Italian language, exposure to diverse cuisines and art, and the chance to explore various European destinations during breaks.

Q2. What are the popular fields of study for international students in Italy?

Ans. Italy is known for its excellence in various fields of study. Popular choices for international students include fashion and design, architecture, art history, engineering, business and management, hospitality and culinary arts, humanities, and social sciences. However, Italy offers a wide range of programs across numerous disciplines to cater to diverse interests.

Q3. Are there scholarships and financial aid options available for international students in Italy?

Ans. Yes, there are scholarship and financial aid options available for international students in Italy. The Italian government, universities, and external organisations offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and specific criteria. It is advisable to research and apply for scholarships well in advance of the application deadlines.

Q4. What are the language requirements for studying in Italy as an international student?

Ans. The language requirements for studying in Italy depend on the language of instruction for the chosen program. Some universities offer programs taught entirely in English, while others may require a certain level of proficiency in Italian. It is important to check the language requirements of individual universities and programs before applying.

Q5. What is the process for obtaining a student visa to study in Italy?

Ans. International students planning to study in Italy must apply for a student visa. The process may vary depending on the student's country of origin. Generally, it involves submitting a visa application, providing necessary documentation (such as an acceptance letter from the university, proof of financial means, and medical insurance), and attending an interview at the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country. It is recommended to consult the official website of the Italian embassy or consulate for specific visa requirements and procedures.