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.
According to a national research study conducted by Uni-Italia in collaboration with Bocconi University (2023), international students choose Italy mainly for affordable tution fee, wide availability of English-taught programs, and access to need-based regional scholarships.
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.
The table below shows the top universities to study in Italy.
| Italian University | QS World Ranking | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | 98 | Public |
| Sapienza University of Rome | 128 | Public |
| University of Bologna | 138 | Public |
| University of Padova | 233 | Public |
| Politecnico di Torino | 242 | Public |
| University of Siena | 607 | Public |
| Ca’ Foscari University of Venice | 660 | Public |
| University of Pisa | 343 | Public |
| University of Milano Statale | 276 | Public |
| University of Naples Federico II | 379 | Public |
| Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | 409 | Private |
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
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
Proof of Identity
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Academic Certificates
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Application Form
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Letter of Recommendation
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Proof of Language Proficiency
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Learn in detail about the Italy student visa requirements for indian citizens.
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.
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.
Italy offers need-based and merit-based scholarships to international students. Indian students are eligible for the following scholarship options in Italy.
| Scholarship | Yearly Amount | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| DSU Regional Scholarship | Up to €7,258 | Tuition waiver, free housing/meals, transport discounts |
| Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) | €9,000 | Tuition exemption, health insurance |
| Unibo Action 2 Scholarship | €11,000 gross | Tuition fee waiver (Action 1 variant) |
| Politecnico di Milano Scholarship | €5,000 – €10,000 | Tuition coverage, meals, accommodation |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy | €9,000 (€1,000/mo x9) | Tuition waiver, paid internships |
| MAECI – Italian Government Scholarships | €9,000 | Tuition waivers, health insurance |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | Up to €12,000 | Tuition fees, travel, installation costs |
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.
| Category | Bachelor’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 |
Listed below are the best and safest cities to study in Italy for Indian students.
Listed below are the affordable cities to study in Italy for Indian students.
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.