Studying in Italy: Enrollment, Costs, and Scholarships

Italy has universities with a rich tradition, relatively low tuition fees, and an increasing number of English-language degree programs. This guide will show you how to apply, how much it costs to study there, what scholarships are available, and what language proficiency level you need.

EU or non-EU students?

➤ EU citizens (including Germans and Austrians) and Non-EU citizens residing in Italy: You enroll directly with the university.

➤ Non-EU citizens from abroad (e.g., the U.S.): You'll first complete the preliminary application through the portal Universitaly and then applies for a Student Visa.

The Application: Universitaly and Immatricolazione

Non-EU students apply through the ministry's portal Universitaly one pre-registration (Pre-registration) – for a university and a degree program, usually up to July 31. Some fields of study (e.g., medicine) require an entrance exam (such as the IMAT). The actual enrollment process is called registration; with it, you officially become a student.

Recognition of Your Prior Education

To be admitted, you need to provide proof of your prior education: your high school diploma for a bachelor's degree, and your bachelor's degree for a master's degree. Often, a declaration of value (Certificate of value issued by the consulate) or an appraisal by the Italian CIMEA required – plus a certified translation.

Tuition: based on ISEE

Tuition (university mugs) are moderate—on average, about 750–1,000 € per year; at public universities, the amount is often lower. They consist of the revenue stamp (16 €), the regional tax (regional tax, starting at about 120 €) and an income-based contribution. The determining factor is your ISEE: Anyone who comes from a low-income family falls into the Tax-Free Zone and pays little or nothing. Foreign students, on the other hand, receive a ISEE Equivalent (adjusted ISEE).

Scholarships: the borsa di studio

The most important form of support is the scholarship the regional student aid organizations (DSU/EDISU). Depending on the region, it covers tuition, housing, and meals, and is available in the event of a ISEE of approximately 26,000 € and sufficient academic achievement—for both Italian and international students. To this end, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) Scholarships for international students.

Which language you need

For degree programs taught in Italian, you usually need Italian B2, as evidenced by a certificate (e.g., CILS or CELI). However, there are more and more English-language programs, especially in the master's program. To find out how to reach that level, read Learn Italian.

What You Need to Do Next

Choose a university and degree program, check the deadlines and (if you’re a non-EU student) the Universitaly pre-application, have your transcripts translated and evaluated, and get your Codice Fiscale as early as possible. Then determine your ISEE Parificato to qualify for reduced tuition fees and check for scholarships available in your region.