Introduction

Italy has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in Europe. Known for its centuries-old universities[NP1] , globally ranked business and fashion schools, and strong traditions of research and innovation, Italy offers the perfect blend of academic excellence, rich culture, and vibrant lifestyle.

While private universities in Europe often charge high tuition fees, Italy provides an attractive balance through its comparatively low-cost public institutions, a wide range of scholarships, and an active international student community. These factors make Italy not only affordable but also academically rewarding, opening doors for students to receive a world-class education without the heavy financial burden.

Why Study in Italy in 2026?

Italy has become a top choice for Indian students due to [NP2] its affordable tuition fees, low cost of living, and a wide range of scholarship opportunities—especially in public universities. With more than 500 English-taught programs across disciplines such as engineering, fashion, business, and design, the country is highly student-friendly and accessible to international learners.

Italian universities strike a balance between ancient academic traditions and modern, practical education, making them globally competitive. Beyond academics, studying in Italy also offers students the chance to immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences while enjoying easy travel across Europe through the Schengen visa.

The Education System in Italy

Italy follows the Bologna Process, ensuring its degrees are aligned with the European Higher Education Area[NP3]  and globally recognized. The structure of higher education is divided into:

●      Laurea (Bachelor’s Degree): 3 years

●      Laurea Magistrale (Master’s Degree): 2 years

●      Dottorato di Ricerca (PhD): 3–5 years

Italian higher education institutions include:

●      Public Universities – affordable tuition, strong research focus, and good quality education.

●      Private Universities – higher tuition fees, but often prestigious in specific fields such as business.

●      AFAM Institutes – specializing in art, music, and design.

In recent years, an increasing number of degree programs have been offered in English, making Italy even more attractive to Indian and other international students.

Top Universities in Italy for Indian Students (2026–2027)

Italy hosts some of the world’s leading universities, especially in the fields of art, design, architecture, business, and science. Below are some of the top choices for Indian students, along with their QS World Rankings (2026) and average annual tuition fees:

Note: Tuition fees vary depending on the course, program level, and currency exchange rates.

Leading Universities in Italy

The universities listed in the previous table offer internationally recognised education at affordable costs, particularly in public institutions such as Politecnico di Milano and the University of Bologna. These universities are especially well known for their programs in engineering, arts, and business.

Meanwhile, private universities like Bocconi University charge higher tuition fees, but are widely respected for their industry connections, networking opportunities, and international exposure. Overall, students studying in Italy benefit from high-quality teaching, research-driven programs, and excellent career opportunities both within Europe and globally.

Popular Courses to Study in Italy for Indian Students (2026–2027)

Indian students are increasingly choosing Italy for its world-class courses in design, fashion, architecture, and engineering, where traditional heritage is seamlessly blended with modern innovation. Below are some of the most popular courses to pursue in Italy in 2026–2027:

Note: Tuition fees may vary depending on the program level, institution, and currency exchange rates.

Popular Places to Study in Italy for Indian Students (2026–2027)

Italy offers several cities that combine academic excellence, cultural richness, and vibrant student life. Each city has its own strengths, ranging from fashion and business to science and the arts. Below are some of the most popular student destinations in Italy, along with their QS Best Student Cities Rankings (2026):

City Highlights

●  Milan – Italy’s capital of finance and fashion, home to leading universities and global industry connections. Best for business, design, and fashion studies.

●Rome – A hub for humanities, arts, architecture, and international affairs, with access to global institutions and history.

●Turin – Strongly associated with engineering, automotive, and industrial design, with Politecnico di Torino as a highlight.

● Bologna – One of Europe’s oldest student cities, home to the University of Bologna, offering a diverse student culture and rich tradition.

●Florence – World-renowned for art, design, and architecture, offering unmatched cultural and creative exposure.

●      Padua – Known for excellence in science, medicine, and research, with strong global recognition.

Intakes in Italy for International Students (2026–2027)

Italian universities typically offer two main admission cycles for international students. Choosing the right intake is crucial, as course availability and scholarship opportunities vary by semester.

For Indian students applying to competitive programs, the Fall intake is strongly recommended. Applications usually open in November and close by January, making it important to prepare documents and scholarship applications well in advance.

Admission Requirements for Indian Students to Study in Italy (2026–2027)

Admission requirements in Italy vary by course and university, but Indian students can expect the following general criteria:

For Bachelor’s Programs

●      Completion of 12 years of education (10+2 pattern)

●      Minimum 65% or above in Class 12 (requirements may vary by university and program)

●      English Language Proficiency:

○      IELTS 6.0+ or

○      TOEFL iBT 78+

●      Portfolio (mandatory for programs in design, architecture, or arts)

For Master’s Programs

●      A Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years, depending on university and course requirements)

●      English Language Proficiency:

○      IELTS 6.5+ or

○      TOEFL iBT 85+

●      Additional Documents:

○      Curriculum Vitae (CV)

○      Statement of Purpose (SOP)

○      Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Standardized Tests: GRE/GMAT may be required for specific programs (especially in business, economics, or management).

Application Process to Study in Italy for Indian Students (2026–2027)

Applying to universities in Italy involves a step-by-step process, with slight differences between public and private institutions. Below is the general application flow for Indian students:

Step 1: Shortlist Programs and Universities

●      Research courses and universities based on your field of interest.

●      Use platforms like Universality or official university websites for accurate details.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

●      Bachelor’s programs: 12 years of schooling (10+2).

●      Master’s programs: Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years)

●      Some programs may require minimum grade thresholds.

Step 3: Language Proficiency

●      For English-taught programs: IELTS / TOEFL scores.

●      For Italian-taught programs: B2 level Italian language certificate.

Step 4: Prepare Application Documents

●      Academic transcripts and certificates

●      Valid passport

●      Statement of Purpose (SOP)

●      Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

●      Curriculum Vitae (CV)

●      Portfolio (mandatory for design, architecture, and arts programs)

Step 5: Apply Online

●      Submit your application directly through the university portal or via Universitaly.

●      Pay any required application fees.

Step 6: Pre-Enrolment via Universitaly

Indian students must complete pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal, which is also required for the visa process.

Step 7: Receive Acceptance Letter

●      Universities typically respond within 4–8 weeks after submission.

●      Some highly competitive institutions may take longer.

Step 8: Apply for a Visa

Once you receive your official acceptance letter, apply for a Type D (National) Student Visa at the Italian Consulate.