Thinking about studying in Italy at an affordable public university? Italy offers international students the opportunity to study at established public universities, access a wide range of academic programs, apply for scholarships and experience European culture and education.
For Indian students planning to study abroad in 2026, public universities in Italy can be an option worth exploring because tuition fees can be influenced by the university, programme and family-income assessment. Italian universities and regional authorities also offer different scholarships, fee reductions and student-support benefits for eligible students.
At GlobalScholar Study Abroad, we help students understand university options, course requirements, documentation, applications and the Italy study process.
Why Choose Public Universities in Italy?
Public universities in Italy are part of the country’s established higher-education system and offer programmes across fields such as business, engineering, computer science, data science, architecture, healthcare, humanities and more.
Some important reasons international students consider public universities in Italy include:
1. Affordable Tuition Options
Tuition at Italian universities varies according to the institution, programme and other factors. Official Italian guidance states that public universities generally charge lower fees than private universities, while some institutions may provide exemptions or reductions based on eligibility.
The tuition range shown in the GlobalScholar flyer is approximately €900–€4,000 per year for selected Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. This should be treated as an indicative range rather than a universal fee for every Italian public university.
Always check the exact fee structure of your selected university and programme before applying.
2. Globally Recognized Degrees
Italian universities offer Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral-level programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Italy is also part of the European higher-education system, making it attractive to students looking for an international academic experience.
3. English-Taught Programmes
A growing number of Italian universities offer programmes taught fully or partly in English, particularly at Master’s and postgraduate levels.
Students should check the individual programme page carefully because language requirements, teaching language and admission conditions can vary between programmes.
4. Scholarship Opportunities
International students may be able to apply for scholarships and financial support offered by:
- Regional authorities
- Individual universities
- Merit-based schemes
- Need-based financial aid
- Government scholarship programmes
- Research and PhD funding
Universitaly provides information about regional scholarship bodies and university-specific scholarships. Eligibility and application deadlines vary.
5. Cultural and Academic Experience
Italy combines university education with a rich cultural environment. Students can experience historic cities, museums, architecture, food, art and European lifestyle while completing their studies.
6. Part-Time Work Opportunities
According to Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a study residence permit allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, with a maximum of 1,040 hours per year.
Part-time employment should be considered supplementary support and not treated as a guaranteed source of funding for tuition or living expenses.
Popular Public Universities in Italy
Italy has many public universities across different regions and academic disciplines. The GlobalScholar flyer highlights several well-known institutions, including:
University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is one of Italy’s historic universities and offers programmes across numerous academic fields.
Sapienza University of Rome
Located in Rome, Sapienza offers a broad range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and research programmes across multiple disciplines.
University of Milan
The University of Milan offers programmes covering areas including science, humanities, economics, healthcare and other academic fields.
University of Padua
The University of Padua is another established Italian university with a wide range of academic and research programmes.
University of Pisa
The University of Pisa offers programmes in areas including science, engineering, humanities and other disciplines.
University of Turin
The University of Turin provides a broad academic portfolio covering areas such as business, economics, science, medicine, humanities and social sciences.
These are examples rather than a ranking. Students should compare individual programmes, admission requirements, tuition fees, location, teaching language and scholarship opportunities before selecting a university.
You can use the official Universitaly portal to explore Italian higher-education institutions and individual programmes.
Tuition Fees at Public Universities in Italy
One of the most important questions for international students is:
How much does it cost to study at a public university in Italy?
There is no single tuition fee applicable to every public university.
According to official Study in Italy information, university tuition depends on factors such as:
- University
- Degree programme
- Family income
- Student’s circumstances
- Applicable fee reductions or exemptions
- Scholarship status
Public universities generally have lower fees than private universities. Some universities can also provide exemptions or reductions according to their regulations.
Indicative Tuition Range
The GlobalScholar flyer presents the following indicative range:
| Programme | Indicative Tuition |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Programmes | €900 – €4,000 per year |
| Master’s Programmes | €900 – €4,000 per year |
Important: These figures are not a universal national fee. Actual tuition can be higher or lower depending on the university, programme and student’s circumstances.
Before paying any amount, students should obtain the official fee information from the selected university.
Scholarships at Public Universities in Italy
Scholarships can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying abroad for eligible students.
Italy has several types of scholarship and financial-support opportunities.
1. Regional Scholarships
Regional authorities in Italy provide student-support schemes through regional right-to-study organisations.
Depending on the specific regional programme and eligibility, benefits may include financial assistance, accommodation, meals or other student services.
Universitaly provides a region-by-region overview of right-to-study organisations.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Individual universities may provide their own scholarships, tuition reductions or other benefits.
Eligibility can depend on:
- Academic performance
- Programme
- Student nationality
- Family income
- Admission status
- University-specific conditions
Students should check the official scholarship page of their selected university.
3. Merit-Based Scholarships
Some institutions offer financial support based on academic performance or other merit criteria.
The requirements can vary significantly, so students should check each scholarship announcement before applying.
4. Need-Based Financial Aid
Financial circumstances can also be considered under certain Italian scholarship and fee-support systems.
For international students, documentation relating to family income may be required. Universitaly notes that international students may need an ISEE Parificato for certain benefits.
5. Research and PhD Scholarships
Students applying for doctoral programmes may find university-funded or other research-related scholarships.
Universitaly currently notes that doctoral scholarships are available for eligible students, including international students holding the required second-cycle qualification.
6. Italian Government Scholarships
Italy also offers government scholarship programmes for eligible international students. Government scholarship applications and university admission are separate processes, and eligibility depends on the specific annual call.
Entry Requirements for Public Universities in Italy
Admission requirements vary by university and programme.
The general requirements shown in the GlobalScholar flyer include:
- Relevant academic qualification
- Required academic marks or grades
- English-language proficiency where applicable
- IELTS, TOEFL or accepted alternative where required
- MOI where accepted by the university/programme
- Valid passport
- Statement of Purpose or motivation letter
- Letter of Recommendation where required
- Updated CV
- Additional university-specific documents
The exact requirements should always be checked with the university because Italian higher-education institutions are responsible for evaluating foreign qualifications for admission.
Is IELTS Required to Study at Public Universities in Italy?
IELTS requirements depend on the programme and university.
Some English-taught programmes may require recognised English-language evidence such as IELTS or TOEFL. Other institutions or programmes may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, including previous education in English, where their own rules permit it.
Therefore, students should not assume that IELTS is universally required or universally waived.
If you have studied previously in English, you can ask the university whether an MOI — Medium of Instruction certificate can be accepted.
The final decision depends on the institution and programme.
Popular Courses to Study in Italy
Public universities in Italy offer a wide variety of academic programmes.
Some popular areas for international students include:
Business & Management
Students can explore programmes in:
- Business Management
- International Business
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
Computer Science & IT
Possible areas include:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Information Systems
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Italy also offers programmes related to:
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Big Data
- Business Analytics
Engineering
Engineering programmes may include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Architecture & Design
Students can explore:
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Product Design
- Urban Planning
- Design-related programmes
Hospitality & Tourism
Italy’s tourism and hospitality environment also makes it an interesting destination for students considering:
- Hospitality Management
- Tourism Management
- Hotel Management
- Food & Beverage Management
- Tourism Business
Health & Life Sciences
Depending on admission requirements, universities offer programmes related to:
- Biotechnology
- Biological Sciences
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Life Sciences
Programme availability and admission conditions differ by institution.
How to Apply to a Public University in Italy
The application process can be divided into several important steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Course
First, identify the degree programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
Check:
- Course duration
- Tuition fee
- Teaching language
- Entry requirements
- Application deadline
- Language requirements
- Scholarship options
The official Universitaly course-search system provides information about Italian university programmes, tuition and scholarship opportunities.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Review your academic qualifications against the university’s requirements.
For Bachelor’s admission, your secondary qualification must meet the university’s requirements.
For Master’s admission, you generally need an appropriate Bachelor’s-level qualification or equivalent qualification accepted by the institution.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Common documents may include:
- Passport
- Academic certificates
- Mark sheets/transcripts
- Bachelor’s certificate for Master’s applicants
- English-language certificate, where required
- MOI, where accepted
- CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Recommendation letters, where required
- Passport-size photographs
- Other university-specific documents
Step 4: Apply to the University
Submit your application through the university’s official application system or the process specified by the institution.
Some universities have separate application portals and deadlines.
Step 5: Receive the Admission Decision
If your application is successful, the university may issue an admission or eligibility document.
Admission does not automatically mean that a student will receive a visa.
Step 6: Complete Universitaly Pre-Enrolment
For international students who require a visa, pre-enrolment is completed through the official Universitaly portal after following the university’s instructions.
Step 7: Apply for the Student Visa
After the relevant university validation and required documentation, the student can proceed with the visa application through the competent Italian diplomatic/consular authority.
The final decision on a study visa belongs to the relevant diplomatic or consular authority. University admission or Universitaly validation does not guarantee visa issuance.
Italy Student Visa for Indian Students
Indian students who require a visa should carefully prepare their documentation according to the applicable Italian consular requirements.
The process can involve:
- University admission
- Universitaly pre-enrolment
- Required financial documentation
- Accommodation information
- Health insurance where required
- Passport
- Academic documents
- Visa application
- Consular assessment
For the 2026/27 academic year, the official Italian procedures state that visa applications for ordinary degree courses should be submitted by 30 November 2026, although individual universities may establish earlier course-specific deadlines.
Students should therefore apply well before the deadline and follow the exact instructions of their university and the relevant Italian consular authority.
Cost of Living in Italy
Tuition is only one part of the overall study-abroad budget.
Students should also plan for:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Residence permit-related expenses
- Study materials
- Personal expenses
- Travel
- Emergency funds
Living costs can differ significantly between cities.
Large cities and major tourist destinations may have higher accommodation costs, while smaller university cities may offer different cost structures.
A realistic financial plan should be prepared before travelling to Italy.
Part-Time Work While Studying in Italy
International students with the appropriate study residence permit can work part-time.
According to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, students can work up to:
20 hours per week
and up to:
1,040 hours per year.
Students should not depend entirely on part-time employment to finance their studies. Employment availability, wages, schedules and job opportunities can vary by city, language ability, skills and individual circumstances.
Benefits of Studying at a Public University in Italy
Choosing a public university can offer several potential advantages:
Affordable Education
Public universities generally have lower tuition structures than private universities, although actual fees vary.
Scholarship Opportunities
Regional and university-level scholarships can provide financial support to eligible students.
Wide Range of Courses
Students can choose from programmes in business, technology, engineering, design, healthcare, hospitality, sciences and humanities.
European Academic Experience
Students can experience Italy’s academic and cultural environment while studying in Europe.
International Exposure
Studying alongside students from different countries can provide an international learning environment.
Part-Time Work
Eligible international students can work within the permitted student-work limits.
Why Indian Students Consider Italy
Italy can be particularly interesting for Indian students looking for:
- Public university options
- Potentially affordable tuition
- Scholarship opportunities
- English-taught programmes
- European education
- Diverse academic fields
- Cultural exposure
- International career experience
However, every student’s situation is different. University selection should be based on the course, eligibility, tuition, location, scholarship availability and long-term career plans.
Public Universities in Italy: Important Things to Check
Before applying, make sure you verify:
✔ University accreditation and recognition
✔ Exact programme name
✔ Teaching language
✔ Tuition fee
✔ Scholarship deadline
✔ Academic eligibility
✔ English-language requirement
✔ Application deadline
✔ Universitaly pre-enrolment requirements
✔ Student visa requirements
✔ Accommodation options
✔ Total living expenses
The official Universitaly portal allows students to explore institutions, courses, tuition information, scholarships and other study-related information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Italy affordable for international students?
Italy offers public universities with tuition structures that can be lower than many private institutions, but the actual cost depends on the university, programme and student’s circumstances. Scholarships and fee reductions may also be available for eligible students.
Can Indian students study at public universities in Italy?
Yes. International students can apply to eligible Italian higher-education programmes provided they meet the academic, language and other requirements of the selected institution.
How much is tuition at public universities in Italy?
The GlobalScholar flyer presents an indicative range of approximately €900–€4,000 per year for selected Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. Actual fees vary by university, course and student circumstances, so students must verify the official fee before applying.
Are scholarships available in Italy?
Yes. Italy offers regional, university-specific and other scholarship and financial-support opportunities. Eligibility varies by scholarship and institution.
Can I work while studying in Italy?
Eligible international students with a study residence permit can work up to 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year.
Is IELTS mandatory for every university?
No single IELTS rule applies to every programme. Requirements depend on the university and course. Some programmes may accept alternative proof of English, including MOI where permitted.
Is admission a guarantee of an Italian student visa?
No. The final visa decision is made by the competent Italian diplomatic or consular authority. University admission and Universitaly validation do not guarantee visa issuance.
What is Universitaly?
Universitaly is the official Italian Ministry of University and Research portal used to provide information about Italian higher education and, where applicable, international-student pre-enrolment procedures.
Study in Italy with GlobalScholar Study Abroad
Choosing the right university and programme is an important step in your international education journey.
GlobalScholar Study Abroad can assist students with:
- University and course selection
- Eligibility assessment
- Application guidance
- Document preparation
- Scholarship information
- Admission support
- Universitaly guidance
- Student visa documentation guidance
- Pre-departure guidance
If you are planning to study at a public university in Italy, our team can help you understand the available options and the application process.
Start Your Italy Study Journey
GlobalScholar Study Abroad
📍 2nd Floor, Ravi Studios Building, 45-1/6, Eluru Road, Opposite Axis Bank, Lurdhunagar, Gunadala, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – 520004, India
📞 +91 99662 55779
📞 +91 77991 55779
🌐 www.globalstudyscholar.com
📧 md.globalscholar@gmail.com
Study | Learn | Grow | Go Global