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Study in Italy for Indian Students

Study in the top ranked universities in Italy. Pathway to Overseas is the most trusted study abroad consultant to apply Italy student visa from India. We assist you in securing admission in top italian universities that offer need-based and merit-based scholarship for Indian students.

  • Extendable Visa
  • Minimum Income Requirements
  • High Success Rate
  • Leading to Post-Study Visa
Apply Italy Student Visa

Why Choose to Study in Italy?

According to a national research study conducted by Uni-Italia in collaboration with Bocconi University (2023), international students choose Italy mainly for affordable public university tuition, wide availability of English-taught programs, and access to need-based regional scholarships.

Italy offers Indian students affordable, high-quality education across popular study fields such as MBBS, engineering, data science, business management, architecture, and design.

Italian universities follow globally recognized academic standards and research-focused teaching. Study costs remain lower than many European destinations, with public universities offering controlled tuition.

Need-based regional scholarships such as DSU, eDISU support eligible Indian students through fee waivers and living allowances.

What are the Types of Italy Study Visa?

Italy student visa is divided into two main types, Type-C and Type-D visa.

Type-C Student Visa: Italy Type-C student visa is a short-tem visa meant to be applied by candidates who are travelling to Italy to study, train, intern or undertake volunteer work for less than 90 days.

Type-D Student Visa: Italy Type-D student visa is a long-term visa for students who are travelling to Italy to enrol into a programme with a duration exceeding more than 90 days.

What are the Top Universities to Study in Italy?

The table below shows the top universities to study in Italy.

Italian UniversityQS World RankingType
Politecnico di Milano98Public 
Sapienza University of Rome128Public 
University of Bologna138Public 
University of Padova233Public 
Politecnico di Torino242Public 
University of Siena607Public
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice660Public 
University of Pisa343Public
University of Milano Statale276Public 
University of Naples Federico II379Public 
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore409Private

What Are the Popular Degree Programs to Study in Italy?

Listed below are the popular programs to study in Italy as international student.

  • MBBS and Medical Sciences

  • Engineering and Technology

  • Business, Economics, and Management

  • Architecture and Urban Planning

  • Design, Fashion, and Digital Arts

  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

  • Social Sciences and International Relations

  • Humanities, History, and Arts

  • Tourism, Hospitality, and Culinary Management

  • Environmental, Agricultural, and Food Sciences

  • Language, Linguistics, and Literature

Contact us to Enroll

What is the Eligibility Criteria to Study in Italy?

public universities in Italy

The eligibility criteria to study in Italy for international students is listed below.

  • Complete Class 12 from a recognized Indian board for bachelor’s programs

  • Hold a recognized bachelor’s degree for master’s programs

  • Meet minimum academic scores, usually 70% for bachelor’s and 67–75% for master’s

  • Proof of English proficiency through IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80

  • Clear entrance exams for selective fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, and Design

  • Submit a portfolio for art, design, fashion, or architecture programs

  • Show relevant work experience for MBA and executive programs

  • Provide academic transcripts and required supporting documents

What Are Required Documents to Study in Italy?

Proof of Identity

We offer complete transparency by clearly explaining university options, costs, and visa steps.

Passport Size Photo

We show strong commitment by guiding students with consistent support and clear direction.

Academic Certificates

We build trust through honest guidance, clear communication, and reliable support.

Application Form

We offer complete transparency by clearly explaining university options, costs, and visa steps.

Letter of Recommendation

We show strong commitment by guiding students with consistent support and clear direction.

Proof of English language proficiency

Proof of Language Proficiency

We build trust through honest guidance, clear communication, and reliable support.

Learn in detail about the Italy student visa requirements for indian citizens.

What is the Study Visa Process of Italy for International Students?

International students must follow a structured admission process to study in Italy. Pathway to Overseas provide proper guidance from program selection to applying student visa. 

The study visa process of Italy includes the following steps.

  1. Program Selection: Assess academic background and interests to choose the most suitable bachelor’s or master’s program.

  2. Eligibility & Document Preparation: Collect and prepare academic records and language proficiency certificates to meet university requirements.

  3. Application Documentation: Prepare transcripts, SOP, recommendation letters, and language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).

  4. Application Submission: Submit applications on time, adhering to each university’s requirements and deadlines.

  5. Scholarship Guidance: Identify available scholarships to reduce tuition costs.

  6. Visa Application & Interview Prep: Assist in student visa applications and provide interview coaching for approval.

  7. Pre-Departure Preparation: Arrange hostel or private accommodation and provide cultural orientation for smooth adjustment.

  8. Post-Arrival Assistance: Offer airport pickup and ongoing support after arrival.

checklist for italy study visa process

How Long Does It Take to Get a Italy Study Visa?

The Italy study visa processing time typically ranges between 8 to 12 weeks, provided that all required documents are correctly submitted and complete. Processing times may vary depending on the Italian consulate, time of application, and individual case review.

How to Obtain a Residence Permit After Receiving a Italy Study Visa?

The Italian Residence known as Permesso di Soggiorno is granted to international students planning to study in Italy for more than 6 months. After obtaining a student visa, Permesso di Soggiorno is an immigration document that offers the right to stay, study and work in Italy.

To obtain a residence permit or Permesso di Soggiorno, follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Request the Residence Permit Application Kit at any local post office in Italy.

  • Fill out the forms for “Studio” (Study)

  • Attach copies of your documents

  • Pay the required fees (varies by permit duration)

  • A receipt (Ricevuta) is provided that includes the date of appoitment at local Questura (Immigration Office)

  • Provide finger prints on the day of appointment at local Questura (Immigration Office)

  • Wait for residence permit collection. Processing times vary by city and can take several weeks to a few months.

obtaining residence permit or permesso di soggiorno in italy

What Are the Reason Why an Italy Study Visa Gets Rejected?

The reasons why an Italy study visa gets rejected are listed below.

  • Incomplete documents
  • Incomplete application form
  • Educational background not meeting the course selected in Italy
  • Insufficient proof of funds

To avoid rejection of italy study visa, applicates must gather complete required documents and choose a course relevant to their previous study background. Further, students must provide complete proof of funds.

What Scholarships in Italy Are Avaialable for Indian Students?

Italy offers need-based and merit-based scholarships to international students. Indian students are eligible for the following scholarship options in Italy.

  1. DSU Regional Scholarship 
  2. Italian Government Scholarship
  3. Unibo Action 2 Scholarship
  4. Politechnico di Milano Scholarship
  5. Invest Your Talent in Italy
  6. MAECI – Italian Government Scholarships
  7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
DSU Toscana Scholarship in Italy
ScholarshipYearly AmountOther Benefits
DSU Regional ScholarshipUp to €7,258Tuition waiver, free housing/meals, transport discounts
Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI)€9,000Tuition exemption, health insurance
Unibo Action 2 Scholarship€11,000 grossTuition fee waiver (Action 1 variant)
Politecnico di Milano Scholarship€5,000 – €10,000Tuition coverage, meals, accommodation
Invest Your Talent in Italy€9,000 (€1,000/mo x9)Tuition waiver, paid internships
MAECI – Italian Government Scholarships€9,000Tuition waivers, health insurance
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master DegreesUp to €12,000Tuition fees, travel, installation costs

What is the Cost of Living in Italy for International Students?

Studying in Italy costs between €900 to €4,000 annually for tuition at public universities for both bachelor’s and master’s programs, with total annual expenses including living costs reaching €10,000-€17,000 depending on lifestyle and location. A 2024 Italian study reports average total costs at €10,293 for commuters and €17,498 for those living away, covering tuition, housing, and transport.

CategoryBachelor’s (Public Avg.)Master’s (Public Avg.)INR Equivalent
Tuition€900 – €4,000€900 – €4,000₹95,000 – ₹422,000
Accommodation (yr)€3,000 – €7,200€3,000 – €7,200₹317,000 – ₹760,000
Food (yr)€1,800 – €3,600€1,800 – €3,600₹190,000 – ₹380,000
Transport (yr)€400€400₹42,000
Books/Misc (yr)€300 – €600€300 – €600₹32,000 – ₹63,000
Total Annual€7,000 – €15,000€7,000 – €15,000₹739,000 – ₹1,583,000

What are the Best Cities to Study in Italy for Indian Students?

Listed below are the best and safest cities to study in Italy for Indian students.

  • Siena
  • Pisa
  • Verona
  • Bologna
  • Trieste
  • Milan
  • Padova

What are the Affordable Cities to Study in Italy for Indian Students?

Listed below are the affordable cities to study in Italy for Indian students.

  • Siena
  • Pisa
  • Bologna
  • Perugia
  • Padua
  • Bari

FAQs

The visa success rate of Italy student visa for Indians is higher than Germany, France, Norway, and other study destinations in Europe.

Visa processing time for Italy study visa (Type D) is between 6 to 8 weeks.

The minimum IELTS score required for Italy student visa depends upon the course you are enrolled in. In general, you need overall 6.0 bands in IELTS.

Generally, there are two annual intakes, Fall/September intake and Spring/February intake available to apply study visa of Italy.

Yes, you are allowed to work for 20 hours a week once you enter Italy on a student visa.

Yes, you can apply for post-study visa called “Permesso di soggiorno per ricerca lavoro” once your bachelors or masters degree is completed.

Yes, you can apply for Italy study visa with spouse under family reunification (ricongiungimento familiare) rules. However, you as the main applicant, must have a valid student visa before applying for your spouse. You have to obtain “Nulla Osta” (pre-approval) first and prove sufficient income and accommodation for both of you.

Yes, you can contact our qualified team of experts to get student visa assistance for Italy.

Apply Italy Student Visa By Filling The Form