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Best universities in Italy for Indian Students 2024

Updated on 14 December, 2023

Italy is not just one of the most picturesque countries in Europe but is also known for some top universities and quality education at affordable fees. Like Germany and France, Europe offers some of the best universities in Italy for international students. There are many public and private universities offering a robust education system in Italy while the cost of living and tuition fees is comparatively reasonable. 

 

Here are a few reasons for enrolling in the best universities in Italy:

  • It is a popular destination for foreign students.
  • The benefit of learning Italian as a second language.
  • The possibility of selecting an Italian degree in English.
  • Affordable destination.

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These factors along with the best universities make Italy one of the preferred choices for international students. At several public universities in Italy, a student can easily find all the required courses, and the tuition costs are competitive with those at private universities. Tables below list some of the best universities in Italy for international students:

Top Universities in Italy

This table offers comprehensive information about the top colleges and universities in Italy.

Sr. No.Name of universityStatusAnnual tuition fee range (EUR)QS World University Rankings 2023Popular courses
1University of BolognaPublic500 – 3,000  167Archaeology, Agriculture and Forestry
2University of TrentoPublic1,000 – 6,000 457Industrial Engineering, Technical PhD programs
3University of TurinPublic475History, Philosophy, Economics
4University of PaduaPublic2,530 – 3,000 243Business Administration, Economics
5Sapienza University of RomePublic500 – 1,000 171Architecture, Design, Management
6University of MilanPublic200 – 3,840 169Data Science, Economics, Computer Engineering
7University of Naples Federico IIPublic416Biotechnology, Engineering
8University of PisaPublic400 – 2,400 404Computer Engineering, Agriculture, Physics
9University of FlorencePublic160 – 2,650 460Geoengineering, Arts and Humanities
10University of GenoaPublic651 – 700 Arts and Humanities, Physics, Astronomy

Best Universities in Italy for Engineering

Sno.University NameCourse NameQS Subject RankingTuition FeeDurationSession
1.Politecnico di MilanoMaster of Science in Management Engineering#13€3.891,59 (total)2 years2022-2023
2.Politecnico di TorinoMS in Engineering and Technology#33€921-€2601 (total)2 yearsNot disclosed
3.Sapienza University of RomeMS in Engineering#81€2.924 (total)2 years2021-22

Source: QS World Ranking and official university websites

Best Universities for Medicines in Italy

Sno.University NameCourse NameQS Subject RankingTuition FeeDurationSession
1.Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna

Combined Bachelor and Master in

 

Medicine and Surgery

#89€500-€1400 (total)5-6 years2022-2023
2.Sapienza University of RomeBSc in Nursing#104€1000 (annual)3 years2021-22
3.Catholic University of the Sacred HeartMedicine and Surgery#100-150€15,800 (total)6 years2021-22

Source: QS World Ranking and official university websites

Best Universities for Psychology in Italy

Sno.University NameCourse NameQS Subject RankingTuition FeeDurationSession
1.Sapienza University of RomeMaster Degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychological Rehabilitation#70€1000 (annual)2 years2021-22
2.Università di Padova

First cycle degree in

 

Psychological science

#101-150

€2626

 

(total)

3 years2022-23
3.University of Milano-BicoccaApplied Experimental Psychological Sciences#151-200€2100 (total)2 years2022-23

Best Universities for Accounting and Finance in Italy

Sno.University NameCourse NameQS Subject Ranking 2022Tuition FeeDurationSession
1.Bocconi UniversityPhd in Economics and Finance#15€20,000 (total)4 years2022-23
2.Alma Mater Studiorum – University of BolognaFinancial Statements Analysis and Cost Accounting#88€500-€1400 (total)2 modules2021-22
3.Luiss Business SchoolCorporate FinanceMaster in Financial Management#101-150€16,000 (total)1 year2022-23

Source: QS World Ranking and official university websites

Best Universities for Computer Science and Information in Italy

Sno.University NameCourse NameQS Subject Ranking 2022Tuition FeeDurationSession
1.Politecnico di MilanoMS in computer science and engineering#49€.3.891,59 (total)2 years2022-23
2.University of PisaMasters in computer science#139€ 2,400.00 (annual)2 years2022-23
3.Politecnico di TorinoMS in Computer Engineering#129€ 921-26012 years2021-22

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

Eligibility for international students

To acquire admissions in top-ranked universities in Italy, students must fulfill some established criteria.

Here are some of the standard parameters that require careful consideration:

  • High school diploma or bachelor’s degree holder
  • Entrance exams for specific universities
  • Established language proficiency in English or Italian
  • Documents like valid passport, academic transcripts
  • Proof of funding

The best universities in Italy follow a systematic process to evaluate an applicant on all these criteria. So, students need to ensure the availability of all the relevant details.

Intakes: 

There are two intakes for the best universities in Italy for international students::

  • First Intake – September
  • Second Intake – February
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How to Apply:

Following are the admission requirements and admission process to apply at some of the best universities in Italy:

  • Completion of senior secondary school (only Bachelors)
  • School leaving certificate (only  Bachelors)
  • TOEFL/IELTS English proficiency test results
  • Bachelor’s or equivalent degree (for masters)
  • Academic transcript of previous studies
  • University application form
  • A Letter of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Master’s or equivalent (for Ph.d.)

Cost of Attendance: 

Besides tuition fees and education costs, the overall expenses for international students vary per individual lifestyle and expenditure.  However, here is an approximate and quick estimate for attending some of the best universities in Italy.

The cost of attendance will primarily depend on the university and the location of the accommodations. In Italy, one can anticipate spending between €750 and 1,100 per month on food, groceries, and transportation, as well as €250 to 700 per month on housing costs (excluding monthly utility bills). Additionally, students must monitor their pre-arrival expenses, which include:

  • The TOEFL exam/IELTS exam costs around €186.
  • A visa fee of around €50 is required.
  • Application charges between €25 – €100 
  • One-way airfares start at €210.
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Scholarships for Universities in Italy

The table below offers a chance to attain a scholarship for education in Italy. These are offered at some of the best universities in Italy for international students:

Sno.Scholarship detailsDurationEligibilityAward SizeProgram
1.Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students6 to 9 months
 
  • Age limit – 28 years and 364 days for Masters, 30 years and 364 days for PhD and 40 years and 364 days for Research
 Masters/PhD Degrees
2.University of Bologna Study Grants for International StudentsOne Academic Year
  • Should not be a current student at the University of Bologna for First, Single or Second Cycle degree programs.
  • Not benefited with Unibo Action 2 study grant or from the Unibo Action 1 waiver.
  • Not over 30  years of age.

Unibo Action 2 grants up to €11.059.

 

Unibo Action 1 – full tuition waiver.

Bachelors/Masters Degree
3.Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme2 continuous years for Masters and 3 continuous years for Bachelors.  
  • Apply for one or more English taught degrees.
  • Pay the pre-enrolment fee of €30.
A subsistence allowance of €8,000 and a tuition fee waiver.Bachelors/Masters Degree
4.Bocconi Merit and International AwardsEvery year till course lastOutstanding international applicants with academic profiles amongst the top.

Merit award- full tuition fee waiver; €12,000 per year (bachelors), €14,000 per year (masters).

 

Bocconi award – 50% tuition reduction for both degrees.

Bachelor’s/Masters Degree
5.UniversitàCattolica International ScholarshipsAnnual tuition feeInternational students€2.500Masters

Visa process: 

The steps listed below must be followed by all foreign students applying for visas to study at the best universities in Italy:

  • The University acceptance letter
  • Type of Visa – Type C (Short-stay), Type D (Long-stay)
  • Fulfill the visa requirements
  • Look for visa application centers
  • IELTS/TOEFL exam
  • Collect all the necessary documents
  • Apply for a work permit

Post Study Work Permit (PSWP): 

Italy allows students to remain and work in the country after they have finished their education under the name “Permesso di Soggiorno,” often known as a residence permit. Depending on the course and university, it can be used for a period of six to twelve months. If a student is unable to find employment, they will be asked to return to their native country.

Italy has some of the world’s oldest colleges, in addition to being one of the most affordable nations to pursue education. As a result of the quality of education and highly rated amenities and facilities, it is slowly becoming a favorite destination for international students.

Top recruiters in the Italian education scene

After completing a course, it is vital to land a suitable job opportunity. Different companies are active in distinct Italian cities. Hence, the placements in Italy are quite subjective.

However, here is a list of top five organizations that hire individuals in different roles: 

  • Amazon Italia 
  • UBS
  • Siemens
  • Franke
  • Coesia

Students can also leverage the existing industrial connections of the top colleges in Italy for employment purposes.

Career prospects in Italy

This table includes five of Italy’s most trending career profiles, along with their approximate annual salary, as per Payscale.

Sr. No.Career prospectAverage annual salary (EUR)
1General Surgeon50,900
2Lawyer/Attorney51,000
3Marketing Director93,000
4Relationship Manager75,000
5Software Engineer31,000

Overall, studying at the best universities in Italy can lead to such high-paying career prospects. However, the scope for other professions in this European nation is tremendous.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for a student visa?

EU/EEA students do not need a visa, but international students need to apply for a student visa to study at some of the best universities in Italy.

Does the application process involve any fee?

Although there is a minimum amount that universities charge for applications, there are several public universities in Italy and some private ones where there may be no fee.

Are there any grants available?

A lot of scholarships are available in Italy, provided you apply early. You can check the university-specific website or refer to the document mentioned above.

What courses am I eligible to apply for scholarships for?

There are several universities in Italy for Masters, Bachelors, and PhDs, and scholarships are available for all the programs as per the university’s discretion.

Is Italy affordable for foreign students?

Compared to other European countries, Italy is affordable for international students. The top universities in Italy also offer plenty of options for fee waivers.

In addition, scholarship opportunities reduce tuition fees considerably. So, it can be cost-efficient to pursue higher education in Italy.

Which fields of study are best in Italian universities?

Students can explore various courses in fields like Science, Arts, Design, Education, Humanities, and Hospitality. The top colleges in Italy also offer high-quality education in agriculture and engineering.

What are the benefits of studying in Italy?

Italy is a scenic destination that offers top-notch food, cultural, and recreational experiences. Hence, along with pursuing higher education, students can learn about the new culture and become fluent in Italian.

Can one study in top Italian colleges without learning the native language?

Some of the best universities in Italy offer academic programs with English as the medium of instruction. In this case, students have to provide proof of English language proficiency.

However, if a specific course is available in Italian, one must have a decent understanding of the native language.

Shweta

Shweta is a content professional who has spent over a decade in the field and has experience working in varied industries and domains.

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