Italy is a favored destination for international students due to its rich cultural heritage, reasonable tuition fees, and high-quality education. There are currently 72 listed universities in Italy offering 552 study programs.
Some of the top universities in Italy include:
- Università IULM Milan
- Luiss University Rome
- University of Pavia
Italy is home to a few of the best business academies in Europe. MBA programs in Italian universities are primarily on top ranking globally.
In Italy, the cost of living and university are inexpensive compared to other European countries. Currently, more than 500 English-taught study programs are open in Italy. And every year, more and more English-taught programs are available.
Language
English
Italy
Quality of Edu
#36
in the world
Study Cost
About 360 Euro
Monthly
Living Cost
About 1,000 Euro
Monthly
Table of Contents
Italy Student visa requirement
- Valid passport
- passport style picture
- Valid admission from a university in Italy
- Previous education degree and transcripts
- Proof of financial support
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Resume
- Proof of English proficiency
- Complete visa application
Is it possible to study in Italy without IELTS?
Yes, you can study in Italy without IELTS. Many universities in Italy accept students who don’t have IELTS. Such universities are mentioned below.
List of Universities in Italy without IELTS:
- University of Florence
- University of Bologna
- University of Milan
- University of Pisa
- University of Padua
- University of Trento
- John Cabot University
- Sapienza University of Rome
- University of Verona
- University of Naples Federico II
Cost of living in Italy
Studying in Italy is one of the cheapest countries. On average, tuition fees at public Italian universities can vary from $530 to $4,300 per year. They can vary depending on the type of course you register in and, most significantly, based on your family earnings. You will need to apply to have your household income assessed by the university to determine your fee level. Your costs could be considerably cheaper. Tuition fees can be higher at private universities or business schools.
It would be best to consider the expenses of living in Italy. The average residency costs for an international student in Italy are around $750-$1,000 monthly.
Here are the moderate monthly expenditures for an international student in Italy:
ExpenseAverage Monthly Cost (€)
- Accommodation: 250 – 600
- Food: 200 – 300
- Public Transportation: 30 – 50
- Local Travel: 50 – 100
- Entertainment: 50 – 100
Please remember that these are just estimations, and the precise prices may differ depending on your lifestyle preferences and city. For example, accommodation costs can be higher in cities like Rome or Milan compared to smaller towns.
Social life in Italy
Italy has a lively and welcoming student community, with many opportunities for socializing and making friends. Most universities have student associations and clubs that organize events, activities, and trips throughout the year. These include parties, cultural festivals, sports tournaments, and volunteer projects.
Here are some popular ones:
- Carnival of Venice: This is one of the most famous carnivals in the world, held annually in Venice.
- Opera at La Scala: La Scala is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world, located in Milan.
- Siena Palio: This horse race takes place twice a year in Siena.
- Ferrara Buskers Festival: This international street music festival is held annually in Ferrara.
- Florence Gelato Festival: This annual festival in Florence celebrates gelato, Italy’s famous ice cream.
You can also benefit from discounts on cultural events, museums, and public transportation. Italy is known for its vibrant nightlife with various bars, clubs, and pubs. You can also explore the country’s rich cultural heritage by visiting museums, art galleries, and historical sites.
Please note that the social life of an international student in Italy can vary depending on many factors, such as the city you are in, your interests, and your willingness to explore new things. However, Italy is a country that is rich in culture and history with a welcoming student community that is sure to make your stay memorable.
Economy
Italy provides financial support to students through economic transfers from the public to the private section and direct public financial assistance. In Italy, 38% of national tertiary students received financial support through general scholarships, grants, and student loans.
According to a report, over 60% of institutions in Italy are public institutions, which means there are opportunities for financial aid through various initiatives such as grants and bursaries, scholarships, and waivers. For the most part, offered assistance to international students is equal to that provided to Italians.
Italy is a favored destination for students because it has diverse programs, high-quality education, culture, and history. According to the OECD, global student mobility at the tertiary level has risen steadily. International students in Italy are mostly coming from China.
Culture
Italy’s rich cultural heritage has influenced the world in many ways. Italy has been the center of the Roman civilization and the Catholic Church and the starting point of movements with tremendous international influence, such as the Renaissance, Neoclassicism, Baroque, Futurism, and Fascism. Italy is considered a cultural superpower and one of the birthplaces of Western civilization.
Italian culture’s main elements are art, music, cinema, style, and meals. Italy was the home of Opera, and for many years, the language of Opera was Italian, irrespective of the composer’s nationality. Italy had a significant presence in developing Classical music, birthing Baroque music, and many forms of musical pieces, such as the Sonata, the Symphony, and the Concerto, as well as many vital songwriters. Italy is known for its cheerful folk dances. Italy has electronic dance music scenes consisting of Italian-born genres such as Italo disco, lento violento, and dream trance and foreign genres such as hardstyle. Before being exported to France, the Ballet dance genre originated in Italy.
Italian cooking is renowned worldwide for its variety and quality. Italian food is characterized by its simplicity and use of fresh ingredients. Some favorite Italian dishes include pizza, pasta, risotto, lasagna, and gelato.
Italy is also known for its fashion industry. Milan is one of the world’s fashion and style capitals and the motherland of well-known fashion designers such as Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Gucci.
Transportation
Transportation options for international students in Italy include buses, trains, and Vespas. Buses and Vespas are grand for short-distance travel within cities, while trains are ideal for long-distance travel between cities.
Here are some pros and cons of each mode of transportation:
Buses
Pros:
- Cheap and reasonable
- Comfortable to use
- Connects most regions of the city
Cons:
- It may become crowded during peak hours
- Not always punctual
Vespas
Pros:
- Easy to park
- Can navigate through traffic effortlessly
- It is a delightful way to get around the city
Cons:
- It can be treacherous if not driven carefully
- Not appropriate for long-distance trips
Trains
Pros:
- Quick and efficient
- Relaxing seats
- Connects most cities in Italy
Cons:
- It may be pricey if not reserved in advance
- Limited luggage space
In Italy, tickets for the train and bus can be obtained from many sources. Here are some possibilities:
- Online: You can buy tickets via websites.
- Ticket machines: You can purchase tickets from ticket machines located at train stations and bus stops.
- Newsstands: It is also possible to purchase tickets from newsstands and tobacco shops, known as “tabacchi” or “tabaccherie” in Italian.
It’s important to note that train ticket prices can vary depending on the time of day.
Weather
The weather in Italy differs depending on the province and the time of year. Italy has a Mediterranean climate, known for hot, dry, and cold summers and rainy winters.
Here is a brief overview of the weather in Italy by season:
Spring (March to May)
- Temperatures are mild and pleasant.
- Rainfall is expected, especially in April and May.
Summer (June to August)
- Temperatures are hot and dry.
- Coastal areas can be humid.
- Thunderstorms are common.
Autumn (September to November)
- Temperatures are mild and pleasant.
- Rainfall is typical, especially in October and November.
Winter (December to February)
- Temperatures are cool and rainy.
- Snowfall is expected in the mountains.
It’s important to note that weather conditions vary significantly depending on the area of Italy you are in. For instance, northern Italy is usually cooler than southern parts of Italy.
Working simultaneously with studying
As an international student in Italy, working part-time while studying is a great way to earn extra money and gain work experience. However, it can be challenging to balance work and study commitments.
According to Italian regulations, European students do not need a work permit to work in Italy. Still, they can work up to 20 hours weekly during the academic session. Non-European students will need a work permit to work while studying, and the allowed working hours are the same for Europeans.
It’s important to note that balancing work and study commitments can be challenging. It’s essential to manage your time effectively and prioritize your studies. Consider working part-time during the summer break when you have more free time.
Work after education
In Italy, there are many job opportunities available for them. The most relevant job openings include positions in the fields of healthcare, education, and engineering.
In addition to this, several major companies in Italy are often on the lookout for skilled international graduates. These include Pirelli, Fiat, Eni, Enel, Luxottica Group, UniCredit, and Generali Group.
The areas primarily in demand for international graduates in Italy include tourism, engineering, manufacturing, fashion, winery, and motor vehicle.
If you’re interested in studying and working in Italy after graduation, it’s essential to research the job market and identify the most promising sectors. You can also seek guidance from your university’s career services office or connect with alums who have worked in Italy to learn more about their experiences.
If you are an international student in Italy and want to work after your studies, you can apply for a post-study work permit. Students can apply for a work permit in Italy after finishing their master’s or PhD. They can stay in Italy for a year until they get a full-time job offer. In this case, international students can apply for a post-study work visa.
You can find job opportunities for international students in Italy on websites. Additionally, you can convert your student visa into a work visa in Italy after your studies.