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Study In Italy- Cost of Living, Universities and more

Updated on 09 November, 2023

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

The backdrop of some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, home to 55 world heritage sites and the master of pasta and pizza – yes, this is about Italy! One of the most cultural countries in the world, Italy is a place that no tourist or local can stop fawning over.

It has the most impeccable architecture, and the food is to die for, but there is another thing it’s renowned for – international studies!

Italy is remarked as Europe’s ‘education hub,’ setting high academic standards. 

That, coupled with the fact that this country’s beauty, culture, and lifestyle are unmatched, makes it the best destination for higher education. 

Let’s look at the benefits of studying in Italy and why one mustn’t let go of an opportunity to experience Italian culture!

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Top reasons to study in Italy

Italy is a mecca for students worldwide, and rightfully so. Here are some reasons for choosing Italy to pursue higher education:

Top-notch study abroad programs in Italy

Italy is a country that boasts great art, historical sites, and delicious food. So, it is no surprise that the country offers the best academic programs, especially in creative writing, art, fashion, architecture, design, and media studies.

Italy’s culture promotes art and creativity that offers realistic experiences to students to accompany their theoretical education. 

Moreover, 41 of its universities are named under the QS World University Rankings 2023!

Learning the second language

Knowing a second language is a power- a leverage one holds over people who are limited in their communications

If a student chooses to further their education in Italy, it will allow them to immerse themselves in the Italian environment. This would inadvertently ensure that the individual learns fluent Italian. 

This second language will make them better candidates in the competitive job environment. They could even work in fields like tourism and foreign relations. 

Inexpensive country

Eurail in Italy expands over 10,000 miles. This includes high-speed rails of 600 miles. No wonder most people find them very convenient for traveling. Like if a person were to explore Pisa and they are in Florence, a Eurail can help them explore the city!

Good for historical buffs

Italy has over 58 landmarks and 40 odd locations under consideration for UNESCO world heritage sites. In fact, it happens to be the global leader in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Students applying to a French university will get a chance to visit everything from the Sistine Chapel to Colosseum. 

So, studying in Italy is easily the best option if someone adores historical heritages, art, and architecture. 

Work and study balance

One of the most impressive things about Italy is that it offers quality education and excellent work opportunities. That said, it’s also a country that emphasizes the importance of studying and exploring other extracurriculars.

The Italian study culture is very warm and laid back. Students are often found to excel in their education while also partying and enjoying the country’s culture and architecture. 

Study in Italy: Cost of Living in Italy | Universities in Italy

Best universities to study in Italy

Curious to know about the top universities in Italy? Here’s a quick list:

University QS World University Rankings 2023
Politecnico di Milano 139
University of Bologna 167
Sapienza University of Rome 171
Universita di Padova 243
University of Milan 324
Politecnico di Torino 325
University of Pisa 404
University of Naples – Federico II 416
Universita Vita – salute San Raffaele 436
University of Trento 457

Cost of study

Pursuing an undergraduate degree in a public university in Italy can cost a student anywhere between €900-€4,000 every year. On the other hand, private universities will require fees of around €6,000-€20,000.  Post-graduate courses range from €400 and go up to €3500 annually. Ph.D. or research-related degrees range close to €1500 per year.

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Scholarships

Study abroad plans always require plenty of funds. But, for prodigy students, such an issue can be put to rest, thanks to some great scholarships. 

Italy offers the following scholarships to international or Indian students.

  • Politecnico Milano Merit-Based Scholarships (Platinum, Gold, and Silver) 
  • Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme
  • ENI Project – Petroleum Engineering Scholarships
  • Invest Your Talent in Italy
  • UNIPI Scholarship
  • UniTrento Scholarships
  • MAECI Scholarships
  • Diritto Allo Studio Universitario Scholarships

Requirements to study in Italy

Let’s look at the general admission requirements to study abroad in Italy!

International students applying for bachelor’s programs in Italy would need to show:

  • A valid graduation certificate from a well-recognized school board in the applicant’s home country
  • English proficiency test results
  • A certain level of knowledge about the Italian language
  • Any other additional qualification course results as required by the course the applicant is applying for

For the master’s program, a student must hold a bachelor’s or diploma degree in the relevant field of study.

As for a Ph.D., a person must have both bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the appropriate area of study. 

Regarding knowing the Italian language, every student is expected to have minimum qualifications corresponding to the B2 level in the Europass Language Passport classification. 

The student must show proof of English language proficiency if the course is taught in English. 

Right cities to live and study in Italy

Curious about knowing which Italian city would be the best option to pursue higher education? Let’s look at the top 3.

  • Rome: It’s an excellent option, especially if the student is keen to learn about art, history, architecture, or design. The city’s architecture and ancient artwork are worth taking a plunge for.
  • Florence: This city is an obvious choice for anyone interested in liberal arts and art history. Florence is the place of the Renaissance. 
  • Milan: Known for being the economic hub of Italy, this city is best for students desiring to study international business and economics

 

Cost of living in Italy

Italy is in the top 4 cheap countries in all of Western Europe. A student living alone might spend approximately €1,706 per month. 

This cost of living in Italy includes food, housing, transportation, personal care, clothes, and entertainment.

Stay back options

If a student plans to stay back in Italy after completing their bachelor’s degree, they would need to pursue either a master’s or doctoral course. 

Individuals completing their master’s or Ph.D. course will need a residence permit of 12 months. They must secure a job or return to their home country during this time. 

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FAQs

Why study in Italy?

Italy is one of the most popular destinations for international studies due to the country’s historical sites, architecture, food, and scenery. The country offers the best programs for visual art, fashion, and creative writing. 


 

What’s the cost of studying in Italy?

As for public universities, it would cost a yearly average of €1,500. Private universities are more expensive, costing an average of €13,000. 


 

What are the most popular courses in Italy?

Italy’s best study programs are Hospitality, Art and Design, Health, Humanities, and Science and Technology. 


 

Can a student study and work simultaneously in Italy?

If an individual has a student visa, they can only work part-time, which is 20 hours every week. Once education is complete, a student can convert their visa to a work permit. 

 

 


 

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Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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