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    Italy · Study abroad

    Study in Italy: universities, fees, and scholarships

    To study in Italy, Indian students choose from some of the world’s oldest universities, with public tuition linked to family income and hundreds of English-taught programs. Public fees can fall close to zero with a regional DSU scholarship that also covers housing and meals, which makes Italy one of Europe’s best value study destinations.

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    Income-based fees
    DSU can cover all costs
    English taught options

    Data current as of June 2026

    Why study in Italy

    Italy combines centuries of academic tradition with modern, English-taught programs and an income-based fee system that makes a quality European degree genuinely affordable for Indian students.

    One thing to know early. Studying in Italy has no points test, unlike skilled migration to Canada or Australia. Admission depends on your academic record, your course requirements, and your language ability, while public fees and scholarships are set by your family income through the ISEE system.

    Italy is a world leader in engineering, design, fashion, and architecture, with strong industry links and hundreds of English programs. With a regional DSU scholarship, many students pay close to nothing for tuition, housing, and meals. We guide Indian students through the whole journey.

    Your study in Italy journey

    Italy’s process has a few extra steps that other countries do not, so the order matters. The diagram shows how it flows.

    Admission Offer and CIMEA

    Universitaly Pre-enrolment

    Student visa Type D, biometrics

    Study and DSU Work 20 hrs / week

    Job-search permit

    The main steps to study in Italy, including the Universitaly pre-enrolment unique to Italy. Source: Italian study and consular guidance, 2026.

    Best universities in Italy for Indian students

    Italy has dozens of universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The table shows leading choices and what each is known for.

    Leading universities in Italy, 2026
    University Known for QS 2026 guide
    Politecnico di Milano Engineering and design, top in Italy Around 98
    University of Bologna Oldest university, broad subjects Top ranked
    Sapienza University of Rome Humanities, sciences, very large Top ranked
    University of Padua Sciences, medicine, research Top ranked
    Bocconi University Business and economics, private Business leader
    Politecnico di Torino Engineering and architecture Top ranked
    University of Milan Research, sciences, humanities Top ranked

    Source: QS World University Rankings 2026 and university data. Ranking positions vary by source and year and can change. Confirm current entry requirements and the language of instruction with each university before you apply.

    Italian universities cluster by strength, with Politecnico di Milano leading engineering and design, Bocconi leading business, and Bologna and Sapienza strong across many fields. We help you shortlist the right ones to study in Italy.

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    Tuition fees, the ISEE system, and living costs

    Italy’s public fees are unusual, because they are based on your family income through the ISEE. The table shows the main numbers to plan for.

    Typical study costs in Italy for Indian students, 2026
    Cost Typical range Notes
    Public university tuition EUR 500 to 4,000 / yr Income-based through the ISEE
    With a DSU scholarship Near zero Plus housing and meals
    Private university EUR 6,000 plus Bocconi and similar cost more
    Living costs EUR 700 to 1,200 / mo Milan and Rome cost more
    CIMEA evaluation EUR 150 to 250 Credential check, often required

    Source: Italian university and consular guidance, 2026. Figures are typical ranges and change over time. The ISEE calculation sets your exact public fee. Confirm current figures before you apply to study in Italy.

    Because fees scale with income, many Indian students pay far less than the top of the range, and a DSU award can remove tuition entirely. We explain exactly how the ISEE works for your family.

    Scholarships to study in Italy

    Italy’s scholarships are unusually generous, with the regional DSU able to cover almost everything. Most have early deadlines, so plan ahead.

    Main scholarships for Indian students, 2026
    Scholarship Offered by Can cover
    DSU regional scholarship Each Italian region Full tuition, housing, meals, stipend
    MAECI scholarship Italian government Tuition and a monthly allowance
    Invest Your Talent in Italy Italian government program Stipend for selected courses
    EDISU Piemonte and regional Regional study agencies Tuition and living support
    University merit awards Individual universities Partial to full tuition

    Source: Italian government, regional agencies, and university scholarship pages, 2026. Eligibility, amounts, and deadlines change each year, and the DSU depends on your ISEE documents. Confirm current details before applying.

    The DSU is the headline award and depends on getting your income documents right, while government and university awards reward strong academics. We help you target the best mix.

    Want help securing a DSU or government scholarship?

    Get a free eligibility check and we will match you to the scholarships that fit your profile.

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    Popular courses for Indian students

    Italy is world-renowned in several fields, many with strong industry links and English-taught options.

    Technical

    Engineering and tech

    Mechanical, automotive, and data science, with strong industry heritage.

    Creative

    Design and fashion

    Global leadership in design, fashion, and architecture, centred on Milan.

    Business

    Business and economics

    Strong returns in finance, economics, and luxury brand management.

    Documents and steps unique to Italy

    Italy’s paperwork is more involved than some countries, and starting late is the main reason students miss their intake. This table explains the key steps.

    Key documents and steps for Italy, 2026
    Step What it is Why it matters
    Universitaly Mandatory online pre-enrolment Links admission to your visa
    CIMEA Statement of comparability of your degree Often required for enrolment
    MEA Apostille Legalisation of Indian documents Chain can take 6 to 8 weeks
    ISEE Parificato Income assessment for fees and DSU Sets your fee and scholarship
    Biometrics Fingerprints at the consulate Required for the Type D visa

    Source: Italian study and consular guidance, 2026. Requirements and timelines change, so confirm current rules. The attestation and apostille chain in particular should be started early.

    This is where good planning makes the difference. We map every step and timeline so your documents are ready before your visa window opens.

    Worried about the paperwork and timelines?

    We manage Universitaly, CIMEA, the ISEE, and your document apostille so nothing slips.

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    The Italy student visa process

    For courses longer than 90 days, Indian students need a Type D long-stay student visa. The steps below show the usual path.

    Step 1

    Get admission

    Receive an offer, and obtain your CIMEA statement where the university requires it.

    Step 2

    Complete Universitaly

    Finish the mandatory online pre-enrolment for your chosen course.

    Step 3

    Prepare documents and funds

    Arrange attestation, apostille, proof of funds, and health insurance.

    Step 4

    Apply at the consulate

    Submit your Type D visa application through VFS Global and give biometrics.

    Step 5

    Travel to Italy

    After approval, collect your visa and travel before your course start date.

    Step 6

    Residence permit and DSU

    Apply for your residence permit, and submit your DSU scholarship application.

    Want your visa file checked before you submit?

    A complete, correctly prepared file is the best way to avoid delays. We review everything with you.

    Start your check

    The Indian community in Italy

    You will be among one of the largest Indian communities in Europe, which makes settling in much easier for new students.

    Italy is home to over 200,000 people of Indian origin, the third-largest Indian community in Europe. The biggest numbers are in Lombardy and Milan, Emilia-Romagna, and the Rome area. The community is well integrated and well-regarded, with temples, gurudwaras, Indian food, and cultural events across the main cities.

    Scale

    A large community

    Over 200,000 people of Indian origin, one of the biggest Indian communities in Europe.

    Heritage

    Saviours of Parmesan

    The Punjabi Sikh community is central to Italy’s famous dairy and Parmesan industry.

    For students

    Familiar support

    Temples, food, and active community networks in Milan, Rome, and the north.

    Newer arrivals include technology professionals and students, alongside the established community. For an Indian student, this means a soft landing, familiar food, and ready support in the cities where you are most likely to study.

    An honest view for Indian students

    Italy offers outstanding value, but the paperwork and timing need real care, and financial documents are scrutinised closely.

    The biggest risk is the document timeline, since attestation and apostille can take six to eight weeks and the Universitaly and CIMEA steps add more, so start early. Consulates examine funds carefully, and weak proof is a common refusal reason. English programs are widely available, though some Italian helps daily life.

    Italy’s public universities set tuition on an income-based scale through the ISEE, commonly from a few hundred to a few thousand euros a year, with regional DSU scholarships able to cover tuition, accommodation, and meals, while a mandatory Universitaly pre-enrolment links admission to the Type D student visa.

    Factual overview, drawn from Italian study and consular guidance and QS rankings, current for 2026. Fees, scholarships, and visa rules are set by the relevant authorities and universities and can change.

    Meeting the requirements improves your chances, but admission and the final visa decision rest with the universities and the Italian authorities. We give you a realistic view and manage the timeline with you.

    Speak with BestMigrationConsultant.com about studying in Italy

    Our education experts guide Indian students through every step to study in Italy, from choosing universities and courses to the DSU scholarship, ISEE, Universitaly, documents, and the student visa. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com, and start with a free eligibility check today.

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    Study in Italy frequently asked questions

    Why study in Italy as an Indian student?
    Italy offers some of the world’s oldest and most respected universities, very low public tuition linked to family income, and hundreds of English-taught programs in fields like engineering, design, and business. Generous regional scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, and meals. There is also a post-study job-search route and Schengen access. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps Indian students choose the right course and university to study in Italy.
    What are the best universities in Italy?
    Leading choices include Politecnico di Milano for engineering and design, the University of Bologna, which is the world’s oldest, Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Padua, Bocconi for business, and the University of Milan and Politecnico di Torino. The right choice depends on your field and city. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you shortlist the best universities in Italy for your profile and budget.
    Is there a points system to study in Italy?
    No. Unlike skilled migration to Canada or Australia, studying in Italy has no points test. Admission is based on your academic record, the entry requirements of your course, and your language ability in English or Italian. Public university fees and scholarships are then based on your family income through the ISEE system. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the real admission, fee, and visa requirements so you can plan to study in Italy with confidence.
    How much are tuition fees in Italy for Indian students?
    Public universities use the income-based ISEE system, so fees commonly range from about 500 to 4,000 euros per year, and can fall close to zero for students from lower-income families. Private universities cost much more. Figures change, so confirm the current fee. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how the ISEE calculation works and gives you a clear fee picture for your course to study in Italy.
    What is the DSU scholarship?
    The DSU, or Diritto allo Studio Universitario, is a regional right-to-study scholarship awarded mainly on family income and academic progress. It can cover a full tuition waiver plus accommodation, meals at university canteens, and a cash stipend, often up to several thousand euros a year. It is one of the biggest reasons Italy is so affordable. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you apply for the DSU and other scholarships to study in Italy.
    What is the ISEE and ISEE Parificato?
    The ISEE is Italy’s measure of a family’s economic situation, used to set income-based tuition and scholarships. For an Indian family, an equivalent called the ISEE Parificato is prepared in Italy using your legalised income, property, and bank documents. Getting these documents right is essential for low fees and the DSU. BestMigrationConsultant.com guides you through the ISEE Parificato process to study in Italy affordably.
    What other scholarships are available?
    Beyond the regional DSU, Indian students can apply for the MAECI Italian government scholarship, the Invest Your Talent in Italy program, regional awards such as EDISU Piemonte, and university merit scholarships. These can cover tuition, living costs, or both, and most have early deadlines. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you find and apply for the right mix of scholarships to study in Italy.
    What is the Italy student visa for Indian students?
    For courses longer than 90 days, Indian students need a Type D long-stay student visa. You first complete the mandatory Universitaly pre-enrolment, then apply at the Italian consulate through VFS Global, give biometrics including fingerprints, and after arrival apply for your residence permit. BestMigrationConsultant.com guides you through the full Italy student visa process so your application to study in Italy is complete and on time.
    What is Universitaly?
    Universitaly is the official online portal where you complete a mandatory pre-enrolment for your chosen course before applying for your visa. It links your university admission to your visa application. Completing it correctly and on time is essential, as errors can delay your visa. BestMigrationConsultant.com completes and checks your Universitaly pre-enrolment as part of your plan to study in Italy.
    What is CIMEA and why do I need it?
    CIMEA provides a statement of comparability and verification of your Indian qualifications, which many Italian universities now require for enrolment. It usually costs a fee and takes time to issue. Starting it early is important, as it can hold up your admission. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you obtain your CIMEA statement and the other document legalisations needed to study in Italy.
    How much money do I need for the Italy student visa?
    You must show proof of enough funds to support yourself for your stay, through bank statements, an education loan sanction, a scholarship letter, or sponsor income proof. Consulates scrutinise financial documents closely, and weak proof is a common refusal reason. The exact amount is set by the authorities and can change. BestMigrationConsultant.com confirms the current funds requirement for your Italy student visa before you apply.
    Do I need to attest and apostille my documents?
    Yes. Your Indian academic and personal documents usually need attestation and an MEA Apostille before they can be used in Italy, and this chain can take around six to eight weeks. Starting late is a common reason students miss their visa window. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you plan the attestation and apostille timeline early so your plan to study in Italy stays on track.
    Can I work while studying in Italy?
    Yes. International students can generally work up to 20 hours per week during studies and more during holiday periods, which helps with living costs. After your course, a job-search permit lets graduates stay to look for work for a period. Rules can change, so confirm the current limits. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the work rights attached to your student status so you can plan to study in Italy realistically.
    What is the cost of living in Italy for students?
    Monthly living costs commonly range from about 700 to 1,200 euros, with Milan and Rome the most expensive and cities like Bologna, Turin, Padua, and Naples more affordable. Major costs are accommodation, food, and transport, and a DSU scholarship can cover much of this. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you plan a realistic budget so you can study in Italy comfortably.
    Do I need to know Italian?
    Not for English-taught programs, of which Italy now has hundreds, especially at master’s level. However, learning some Italian helps a lot with daily life, part-time work, and settling in, and Italian-taught courses usually need a B2 level. Course language requirements vary, so check each program. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you find English-taught courses and plan any language needs to study in Italy.
    What courses are popular for Indian students in Italy?
    Popular fields include engineering, especially mechanical, automotive, and data science, fashion and design, architecture, business and luxury brand management, economics, and medicine. Italy is a world leader in design and engineering, with strong industry links. The best course depends on your goals. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you match your profile to the right course and university to study in Italy.
    Is there an Indian community in Italy?
    Yes, a large one. Italy is home to over 200,000 people of Indian origin, one of the biggest Indian communities in Europe, concentrated in Lombardy and Milan, Emilia-Romagna, and the Rome area. The Punjabi Sikh community is famously central to Italy’s dairy industry, including Parmesan cheese. This means temples, food, and a warm community for students. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you settle in well when you study in Italy.
    Does studying in Italy lead to permanent residence?
    Studying does not directly grant permanent residence, but it can be a first step. After your course, a job-search permit lets you look for work, and from there you can move to a work permit, with long-term residence possible over time under the rules that apply then. Rules change, so plan with current information. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how studying in Italy can fit into a longer plan toward residence.
    When should I apply to study in Italy?
    Start about a year ahead. Shortlist universities, apply for admission, then complete the mandatory Universitaly pre-enrolment, arrange your CIMEA and document apostille early, and apply for your visa in the summer window, with the DSU scholarship application around the same time. Missing the document timeline is the main risk. BestMigrationConsultant.com builds a clear timeline with you so your plan to study in Italy stays on track.
    What if my Italy student visa is refused?
    A refusal usually points to weak or poorly evidenced funds, incomplete Universitaly or document steps, missing attestation or apostille, or doubts about student intent. Many of these can be fixed and a fresh application submitted, and some decisions can be reviewed. Acting on the right reason matters. BestMigrationConsultant.com reviews the cause and helps you decide on the strongest next step for your plan to study in Italy.
    How can BestMigrationConsultant.com help me study in Italy?
    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian students through every step to study in Italy. We run an eligibility check, shortlist universities and courses, support your admission, Universitaly pre-enrolment, CIMEA, and DSU scholarship, confirm fees and funds, manage your document attestation and apostille timeline, and guide your student visa application. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com to start your free assessment and plan your studies in Italy with confidence.

    Written and reviewed by

    Author: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    Reviewed by: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian students and professionals on overseas study, work, and PR pathways. University fees, scholarships, and visa rules are set by universities and governments and can change at any time. This page is guidance and application support, not legal advice.

    Last reviewed: June 2026