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Public Universities in Italy: Admission Process, Fees & More

Updated on 10 February, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Students aspiring to forge global careers should consider Italy. Public universities in Italy are affordable options for Indian students. Moreover, the excellent quality of education makes public universities in Italy very appealing to international students. Besides, Indian students can stay in Italy for up to 12 months after completing their academic or vocational training there, making Italy a lucrative destination for attending a public university. 

Why Study in Public University in Italy

Italy provides quality education amidst a culturally enriched environment. Some of the benefits of studying in Italian public universities are:

  • Italian public universities' research and training capabilities are recognized throughout Europe and worldwide. It is possible to obtain a high-ranking degree in Italy at universities and academies ranked internationally by QS, THE, and ARWU.

The average tuition fees of Italy public universities (€900–€4,000) per year are significantly less than those of private universities (€6,000–€20,000).  

Italy Public University List For 2024

Please find below the top 10 Italy public universities list for the year 2024:

Country Ranking 2024

World University Rank 2024 

University

1

155 

University of Bologna

2

168 

Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa

3

181 

Sapienza University of Rome

4

201–250 

University of Padua

4

201–250 

Politecnico di Milano

4

201–250 

Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa

7

390

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

7

444

University of Naples Federico II

8

480

University of Trento

9

301–350 

University of Pavia

Source: Times Higher Education 

Cost of Studying at Public Universities in Italy

Studying in Italy combines academic excellence with a journey through rich cultural heritage. Here's a concise overview of the costs of studying at top public universities in Italy.

University 

Popular Courses

Average Annual Tuition Fee Range

University of Bologna

  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Engineering
  • Humanities

€150–€5,800 

Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
  • Humanities
  • Sciences
  • Political and Social Science

Free of charge

Sapienza University of Rome

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Humanities

€300€1500 

University of Padua

  • Information Engineering
  • Neurosciences
  • Cultural Heritage

€10143075 

Politecnico di Milano

  • Art and Design
  • Architecture
  • Engineering and Technology

€888–€3891

Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa

  • Business and Economics
  • Medical and Industrial Science

€6500–€7500

Humanitas University

  • Physiotherapy
  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Nursing

€15,000 –€23,156 

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

  • Philosophy
  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Psychology

€20,140 

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

  • Arts and Sciences
  • Business and Technology 
  • Nursing

€3800–€8500 

University of Pavia

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Physical Sciences
  • Engineering and Technology

€156 – €4600

Eligibility Criteria

For admission into a recognized institution in Italy, the general eligibility requirements include:

For Master’s and PhD Programs

  • You need to hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
  • You must provide proof of English or Italian language proficiency:
    • B2 level through TOEFL or IELTS scores for English. 
    • B2 level through CILS and CELI exams for Italian.
  • Master’s or PhD programs opted for must be relevant to your UG degree.
  • For any program with prerequisites, you must meet those prerequisites.  
  • You must have completed the necessary paperwork, such as passport, student visa, and translation of your undergraduate degree certificate

For Undergraduate Studies

  • You must have completed 12 years of formal education.
  • For courses taught in English, B2 level language proficiency on IELTS or TOEFL exams is mandatory.
  • B2-level language proficiency (CILS and CELI exams) is required for programs taught in Italian.
  • You must have achieved a minimum qualifying score in the university’s entrance test.
  • Consular procedures must be completed, such as passport issuance, student visa, etc.

Document Requirements

The documents required for admission include the following:

  • English Language Certificate (if required for the specific program)
  • EU or EU-equated ID card or passport (EU applicants)
  • Italian residence permit (Non-EU applicants residing in Italy)
  • Upper secondary school certificate (12 years of schooling)
  • Transcript of records (Academic history)
  • Curriculum Vitae in English language
  • Motivational Letter (Personal statement)
  • Certificate of entrance examination (If applicable)
  • Any other required documents (Check program requirements)

How To Apply 

1. Submit a pre-application request to your home country's Italian embassy/consulate with the required documents like a pre-enrollment form, passport photos, financial documents, etc.

2. The embassy will submit your application to the universities on your behalf.

3. Universities will evaluate your application and inform you if you are accepted.

4. If accepted, apply for a student visa by providing proof of finances, health insurance, etc.

5. Once you receive the visa, you can enroll at the university in Italy. 

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FAQs

Can I work while studying in Italy? 

Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.

How good is public transport for students in Italy?

Public transport in cities is usually fast, cheap, and well-connected via buses, trams, metros, and trains. Weekly public transport cards cost around €24.

How much funds do students need to show as proof of the student visa in Italy?

Indian students must show proof of €6,079 per year for living costs in a bank statement or letter from a legal sponsor.

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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