Study in Italy

When you think of Italy, coffee, pizza, football and art might immediately spring to mind. But choose to live and study there and you'll experience much more, immersing yourself in Italian culture while furthering your education.

With many courses taught in Italian, you'll have the opportunity to improve your language proficiency, immerse yourself in everyday life and strengthen your employability.

Outside your studies, you could visit famous sights such as Rome's Colosseum, the ancient ruins of Pompeii or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can also hike in the Italian Alps, relax on the beaches, explore cities such as Milan, Naples and Venice, or watch a Serie A football match.

Italian universities

Italy has 100 universities, including:

• online institutions
• public
• private
• specialist .

You can also study at non-university institutions, including Alta Formazione Artistica, Musicale e Coreutica (AFAM) institutions, which specialise in art, music and dance, as well as those offering courses in areas such as language mediation and technical education.

Qualifications are divided into three main cycles, alongside several specialist programmes:

• Laurea Triennale - a three-year, first-cycle qualification similar to a UK Bachelors degree (180 credits).
• Laurea Magistrale - a two-year, second-cycle qualification equivalent to a Masters degree (120 credits).
• Master Universitario di 1° Livello - usually a one-year specialist Masters designed to develop professional knowledge (60 credits).
• Specializzazione di 2° Livello - a two-year postgraduate programme preparing you for particular professional sectors.
• Laurea Magistrale Ciclo Unico - a five or six-year Masters programme you can enter after secondary education (300 to 360 credits).
• Dottorato di Ricerca - a third-cycle, PhD-level programme typically lasting three years.

Italy is home to several universities that perform strongly in international rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, 47 Italian institutions are featured, including six in the top 300:

• Politecnico di Milano (87th)
• Sapienza University of Rome (111th)
• the University of Bologna (123rd)
• the University of Padua (204th)
• Politecnico di Torino (206th)
• the University of Milan (270th).

The academic year is typically split into two semesters: the first runs from September or October to December or January, and the second from February to July.

Degree courses in Italy

A Bachelors degree, otherwise known in Italy as the Laurea Triennale, is typically a three-year programme of full-time study. A range of subjects are available, but the country is highly regarded for its academic excellence in:

• art
• applied sciences
• architecture
• design.

Many courses in Italy are taught in Italian, although you'll also find a growing number of programmes taught in English.

To explore Bachelors degrees, use the Universitaly - Level 1 course search.

Masters degrees

A standard Italian Masters degree, known as a Laurea Magistrale, usually takes two years to complete and is divided into four semesters. You'll typically learn through lectures, tutorials and group work before completing a dissertation in your final semester.

You can study a range of subjects at Masters level, with some Italian universities offering programmes taught entirely in English.

The most popular Masters specialisations in Italy include:

• business and management
• computer science
• engineering
• fashion and design.

Some subjects, including dentistry, law, pharmacology, architecture and medicine, are offered as five or six-year single-cycle Masters degrees (Laurea Magistrale Ciclo Unico), which you can enter directly after leaving school.

You can also study a one-year professional postgraduate course (Master Universitario di 1° Livello) to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills in areas such as:

• education
• engineering
• law.

These qualifications are different from the standard two-year Laurea Magistrale and don't, by themselves, give you access to PhD-level study.

Browse Masters degrees using the Universitaly - Level 2 course search.

PhDs

If you want to continue into research, you can study for a Doctorate (Dottorato di Ricerca), equivalent to a PhD, at universities across Italy. These third-cycle qualifications typically take at least three years to complete and involve an individual project leading to a thesis based on original research.

PhD subjects available in Italy include:

• economics and management
• engineering and information technology
• life sciences and clinical research
• physics, mathematics and earth sciences.

To apply, you'll need a relevant Masters qualification and may also need to sit an admission exam. If your programme is taught in Italian, you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency in the language.

Student exchanges

If you're studying at a UK university, you may be able to spend part of your degree studying or completing a placement in Italy through an international exchange programme.

Opportunities vary between universities. For example, the University of Westminster has exchange partnerships with institutions including the University of Bologna and the University of Turin, while eligible London School of Economics (LSE) undergraduates can apply to spend a year at Bocconi University in Milan. What's available to you will depend on:

• academic requirements
• your degree
• your university's exchange agreements.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the Turing Scheme supports eligible international study and work placements. Your university will need to participate in the scheme and arrange your placement, so contact its study abroad or international office to find out what opportunities are available.

The UK is due to rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027. If you're considering studying in Italy in a later academic year, check with your university for the latest information on exchange programmes and funding.

Course fees

How much you'll pay to study in Italy depends on your:

• course
• financial circumstances
• university.

Public universities generally have lower tuition fees than private institutions, and you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption based on factors such as your household income.

As a guide, annual tuition fees at public universities typically range from €900 (£755) to €4,000 (£3,355), while private universities may charge €6,000 (£5,035) to €20,000 (£16,775) or more. Fees vary considerably between institutions.

For example, the University of Pisa sets a maximum annual tuition fee of €2,900 (£2,430) for eligible students on standard-duration programmes in 2026/27, while fees at the University of Perugia typically range from €150 (£125) to €2,200 (£1,845), depending on factors including family income and academic merit.

If you're applying from the UK, your nationality and residence status may also affect how much you pay. Check your chosen university's latest fee schedule before applying.

Funding to study in Italy

As well as tuition fees, you'll need to budget for accommodation, food, transport and other everyday expenses. How much you spend will depend on where you study and your lifestyle, so check your university's estimates when working out your budget.

Costs can vary considerably between destinations. For example, the University of Pisa estimates that you'll need around €800 (£675) to €850 (£720) a month if you rent a room in a shared flat, including:

• accommodation
• food
• other housing expenses.

In Milan, Bocconi University estimates that a private single room costs €600 (£505) to €1,100 (£930) a month, while the University of Bologna estimates a single room in Cesena at €250 (£210) to €350 (£295) a month, excluding bills.

You may be able to work part time alongside your studies. If you're a non-European Union student with a valid study residence permit, you can generally work for up to 20 hours a week, with a maximum of 1,040 hours a year.

A part-time job can help you earn extra money and gain work experience, but don't rely on your earnings to cover all your living costs. Check the latest employment rules that apply to you before accepting a job.

Start researching accommodation as early as possible. Depending on where you study, your options could include:

• private student accommodation
• rooms in shared flats
• university residences.

Your university may be able to help you find somewhere to live. For example, the University of Pisa directs students to CercoAlloggio, a verified accommodation service run in partnership with regional right-to-study agencies.

The Italian government also offers scholarships to eligible international students through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Check the official UniversItaly scholarship portal for eligible countries, courses and application deadlines.

If you're applying from the UK, contact your chosen university's international office and check the relevant regional authority's website to find out what funding you could be eligible for.

Student visas

If you're a UK citizen planning to study in Italy for more than 90 days, you'll generally need a national study visa. If you're an EU citizen, you don't need a student visa, although you may need to meet registration or residence requirements depending on how long you stay.

When applying for a long-term study visa, you may need to provide:

• an acceptance letter from your Italian university or institution
• appropriate health insurance
• a valid passport and completed visa application form
• evidence that you have enough money to support yourself
• proof of accommodation in Italy
• proof of language proficiency, where required
• other documents requested by the relevant Italian consulate.

Check the latest requirements before you apply, as visa fees, financial requirements and supporting documents can change.

If you're a non-EU student staying for more than 90 days, you'll generally also need to apply for a residence permit within eight working days of arriving in Italy. Check the latest guidance from the Italian authorities for the application process and required documents.

Give yourself plenty of time to organise your visa before travelling. Receiving an offer from an Italian university doesn't automatically give you permission to enter or remain in the country.

If you'd like to remain in Italy after graduating, start researching your options before your student residence permit expires. What you'll need to do will depend on factors, including your:

• employment circumstances
• nationality
• qualifications
• residence status.

You may need to meet specific requirements to move from a student residence permit to one that allows you to work, so start exploring opportunities while you're studying. Your university's careers service or international office may also be able to provide guidance.

For the latest visa and immigration requirements, check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation's Visa for Italy portal or the Italian Embassy in London.

How to apply

Application requirements in Italy vary by:

• course
• level of study
• nationality
• university.

Some courses also have entrance exams or additional selection requirements, so start by clarifying your chosen university's admissions information.

You may need to provide documents, including:

• academic certificates and transcripts
• identification
• proof of language proficiency
• translated or officially verified copies of your qualifications.

If you're applying with UK qualifications, check that they meet your chosen course's entry requirements, including any specific subjects. Before paying for translations or certification, find out exactly which documents your university accepts and in what format.

Start researching your application well before you plan to study. Deadlines vary and you may need time to complete pre-enrolment requirements and arrange a student visa.

If you're applying from the UK and need a student visa, you'll generally need to complete the UniversItaly pre-enrolment procedure and follow the instructions provided by your university and the Italian consulate.

See the Italian Embassy in London's consular guidance if you're applying from the UK.

Language requirements

The language requirements you'll need to meet depend on your course and university. If your programme is taught in Italian, you'll generally need to demonstrate that your language skills are good enough for your studies. If you're taking a course taught in English, you may need to provide evidence of your English proficiency instead.

Even if you study entirely in English, learning some Italian can help you settle into everyday life, meet new people and make the most of opportunities outside your studies.

You can start developing your language skills before you travel or check whether your university offers Italian language courses for international students.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Italy is part of the Bologna Process, which helps make higher education qualifications more comparable across Europe. However, whether your Italian qualification is recognised in the UK depends on the qualification and how you want to use it.

If you're planning to work in the UK after graduating, check the requirements for your chosen career before starting your course. This is particularly important for regulated professions, which may have specific requirements for recognising international qualifications. Universities and employers may also have their own requirements.

For advice on how international qualifications compare with UK qualifications, visit ENIC-NARIC.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to work in Italy.