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Italy has more than 90 universities with most of them in the top 200 Global ranks. They provide affordable educational programs compared to their developed peers with national universities charging INR 150000 - 430000 per annum for international students. As of Dec, 2025, 109,681 international students are estimated to be studying here. You’ll get a valuable blend of old education traditions coupled with modern research facilities. Nobel prize winners Enrico Fermi and Carlo Rubbia studied here. The Bologna Process integration ensures degree recognition across Europe. Indians constitute a major chunk of the international student committee like elite names like Padua, Bologna, and Sapienza drawing thousands of students from India annually making Italy a prime region for affordable higher education in Europe.
Feature |
Details |
|
Number of Universities |
90+ public and private institutions |
|
Students- International |
109,681 enrolled recorded in 2024-2025 |
|
Oldest University |
University of Bologna founded in 1088 |
|
Largest University |
Sapienza University of Rome has 103,000+ students |
|
Tuition Costs - |
INR 1.5-4.3 Lakhs for international students |
|
QS Top Ranks |
Politecnico di Milano holds Rank 98 |
|
Language |
Italian and English-taught programs |
|
Scholarship |
20+ university-specific and government scholarships |
|
Living Costs |
INR 6,00,000 to INR 12,00,000 annually including rent |
|
Work Opportunities |
International students can work up to 20 hours a week |
|
Visa Type |
Type D student visa for non-EU citizens |
|
Bologna Process Member |
Full participant ensuring degree recognition |
|
UNESCO World Heritage Locations |
Several universities located in historic cities |
Politecnico di Milano is an A-listed university under the world’s Top 100 universities renowned globally for technological programs. It specializes in design, engineering, architecture, and computer science with a focus on innovation and research. State-of-the-art labs and partnerships with premier international organizations makes this institute offer exceptional practical education. Its campus drives student entrepreneurship via innovation hubs. Teaching faculty include award-winning industry and research experts. It attracts 8000+ students from over 120 nations building an international environment for learning. Its network of alumni has popular CEOs and innovators from the technology and design sectors.
QS Ranking-98
Established in-1863
Total Students : 42K
International Students- 8K
Located in : Milan in Lombardy
Website- www.polimi.it
University- Type: Public Technical University
MS Computer Science and Engineering
MS Mechanical Engineering
MS Architecture
MS Civil Engineering
MS Aerospace Engineering
2 years- Master's
3 years- Bachelor's
INR 2.6-4.1 Lakhs
Sapienza University Of Rome is the largest university in Europe with 103,000 students across various campuses. It dates back to 1303, making it one of the oldest institutions by continuous operations. Its extensive research results ranks it among the best internationally with humanities, social sciences, medicine and engineering as its strong programs. 144 programs are taught mostly in English. Career placement is excellent and comes from internships and potent connections in the industry. International students benefit from its accommodation and dedicated student support services. Multicultural learning is fostered through 10,000 international students studying here..
QS Ranks: 128
Founded in : 1303
Total Students : 103 Lakhs
International Students : 10K
Location: Rome in Lazio
Website- www.uniroma1.it
University Type- Public Research University
MS Computer Science
MS Engineering
MA International Relations
MS Physics
MBA International Business
2 years- Master's,
3 years -Bachelor's
INR 1.4 to 4.2 Lakhs
University of Bologna dates back to 1088 making it the oldest European University. For more than 9 centuries it is famous for academic excellence throughout multiple disciplines. It provides 260+ degree programs in English primarily for international students. The city Bologna is student -friendly and holds the ranks consistently of being one of the best cities for students in Europe. Its research output has a positive impact on international academic discourse. Solid programs for student exchange offers exposure to international academic standards. Career opportunities for graduates are excellent with companies valuing degrees from University of Bologna intensely in industries.
QS Ranks- 138
Founded in- 1088
Total Students- 96,945
International Students - 9,826
Location- Bologna in Emilia-Romagna
Official Website- www.unibo.it
University- Type- Public Research University
MS Environmental Sciences
MS Business Administration
MA Medieval History
MS Mechanical Engineering
MS Biotechnology
2 years- Master's
3 years- Bachelor's
INR 1.4 to 4.2 Lakhs
This University of Padua established in 1222 has an academic excellence spanning 800+ years. It focuses on research- focused education with modern infrastructure across several campuses. It is popular for engineering, science, and engineering programs and has stringent academic standards. It is a part of the Coimbra Group, a prestigious body known for its research focused European institutions. University of Padua provides students accommodation, advanced labs, and libraries on its campus. You get orientation programs, and language assistance. Padua city is affordable and gives you a good quality of life.
QS Ranks: 233
Founded in - 1222
Total Students- 50,648
International Students- 5,576
Located at- Padua in Veneto
Website- www.unipd.it
University Type: Public (research)
MS Industrial Engineering
MS Physics
MS Medicine and Surgery
MS Psychology
MS Economics
2 years -Master's
3 years -Bachelor's
6 years- Medicine
Medical Courses in Italy
INR 2,75,090 to 3,66,065
Founded in 1924, University of Milan extensively offers strong research programs in humanities, science, law, and medicine with strong partnerships with international universities, and research centers globally. Its prime location gives you potent opportunities for internships with MNCs and financial institutions. It provides 400+ programs instructed in English for international students. You’ll get modern facilities on campus and resources are available for diverse learning approaches. Employment rates post studies remain high for all programs.
QS Ranks: 276
Established in- 1924
Total Students- 45K
International Students- 4K
Location- Milan in Lombardy
Official Website- www.unimi.it
University Type- Public Research University
MS Molecular Medicine
MS Economics
MS Mathematics
MS Computer Science
MS Biotechnology
2 years -Master's
3 years Bachelor's
INR 83,672 to 4,18,360
Founded in 1859, Politecnico di Torino is popular for its extensive engineering and technology programs. It boosts potent connections with automotive and aerospace industries in Italy. Its advanced labs offer hands -on learning experiences in advanced technologies. It provides 30+ programs at the Master’s level taught in English. Employment prospects are lucrative due to internships available with prominent companies. Turin has a modern infrastructure and rich heritage giving you benefits as a student here. There are 7030 international students based here generating a cosmopolitan learning environment for you. Its research output positively contributes to European tech advancements consistently.
QS Ranks- 242
Founded in- 1859
Total Students- 37K
International Students- 7,030
Location- Turin in Piedmont
Official Website- www.polito.it
University Type-Public. It is a Technical University
MS Mechanical Engineering
MS Electrical Engineering
MS Civil Engineering
MS Aerospace Engineering
MS Architecture
2 years -Master's
3 years -Bachelor's
INR 93,044 to 4,07,901
Founded in 1343, University of Pisa is one of the oldest in Europe, popular for its excellent facilities for research and innovation hubs. Scuola Normale Superiore and Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, are associated with this university, boosting its research capabilities. Pisa has many notable Nobel Prize winners in its alumni like Enrico Fermi. It provides students with affordable programs with some starting at INR 37,690 per annum. Student entrepreneurship is supported with technological parks and modern incubators. The city is picturesque and has a supportive community making student life enriching. Overseas students appreciate the balance of academic and cultural experience here,
QS Ranks- 343
Founded in- 1343
Total Students- 50K
International Students- 3,000
Location- Pisa, Tuscany
Official Website- www.unipi.it
University Type- Public Research University
MS Physics
MS Engineering
MS Computer Science
MS Biology
MS Mathematics
2 years- Master's
3 years- Bachelor's
INR 37,690 to 3,66,065
Founded in 1979, University of Rome Tor Vergata, is a representation of modern higher education in Italy. It is younger than its other esteemed peers however it has quickly gained global recognition. Programs focus on research in engineering, science, and humanities. It gives you a modern campus infrastructure with solid partnerships with research laboratories, libraries, and student centers.Its strong association with technology parks and research centers help students enrolled here. This university actively takes in international students in programs fully taught in English. Student support services help in personal and academic development.
QS Ranks-355
Founded in- 1979
Total Students- 45K
International Students- 3,500
Location- Rome, Lazio
Official Website- www.uniroma2.it
University Type- Public Research University
MS Engineering
MS Economics
MS Physics
MS Chemistry
MS Biology
2 years- Master's
3 years- Bachelor's
INR 1,56,885 to 3,66,065
Established in 1224, The University of Naples Federico II is one of Europe’s ancient universities. It serves 69,910+ students across multiple academic programs. Naples offers affordable living costs helping overseas students with a limited budget. The University’s potent research output especially in science and engineering supports learning. The historical structures and contemporary infrastructure integrate tradition with modern education. Campus life is exciting thanks to the vibrant culture and Mediterranean lifestyle of Naples. Overseas students find housing and accommodation cheaper than other prominent cities in Italy. Programs in science and engineering draw international students worldwide.
QS Ranks- 379
Founded in- 1224
Total Students- 69,910
International Students- 1,000
Location- Naples, Campania
Official Website- www.unina.it
University Type- Public Research University
MS Engineering
MS Physics
MS Chemistry
MS Biology
MS Architecture
2 years -Master's
3 years -Bachelor's
INR 1,56,885 to 3,66,065
Founded in 1859, the University of Florence is popular for arts and humanities. It has 12 schools giving you multiple academic courses. This university has earned the status of a world cultural center that enriches the educational experience. It blends classical education with modern research. Potent programs in art history, architecture, and design draw students world-wide. Modern infrastructure supports practical and theoretical approaches to learning. Cultural diversity is supported by the international student community.
QS Ranks-404
Founded in- 1859
Total Students- 50K
International Students- 2,500
Location- Florence in Tuscany
Official Website- www.unifi.it
University Type- Public Research University
MA Art History
MS Architecture
MS Engineering
MA Medieval Studies
MS Economics
2 years -Master's
3 years Bachelor's
INR 1,04,590 to 4,18,360
The University of Turin, founded in 1404 blends progressive education with historic tradition. It services 72,000+ students across diverse disciplines. It provides extensive programs in economics, science, and law that attract overseas students. Recent modernization boosted campus infrastructure and student support. City life has an industrial advantage and rich cultural opportunities. The living costs and accommodation are affordable and appeal to students who are budget focused. Employment outcomes supported by business and economics programs.
QS Ranking- 408
Founded in- 1404
Total Students-72K
International Students: 3,500
Location: Turin in Piedmont
Official Website- www.unito.it
University Type- Public Research University
MS Law,
MS Economics
MS Science,
MS Engineering
MBA Business Administration
2 years -Master's
3 years Bachelor's
INR 1,56,885 to 3,66,065
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, was founded in 1921 and is a prominent Catholic university with multiple campuses across several cities. It focuses on academic excellence alongside ethical values. Its extensive programs cover humanities, law, business and medicine. Modern research infrastructure back investigative academic goals. Its Alumni includes famous personalities across several industries. The quality of teaching consistently receives positive student evaluations. With faith based values, the campus boosts personality development with intellectual exchange.
QS Ranks- 409
Founded in- 1921
Total Students-45,000
International Students- 3,000
Location- Milan in Lombardy and Rome, Brescia and Piacenza
Official Website- www.unicatt.it
University Type- Private Catholic
MS Medicine
MBA Business
MS Law
MS Economics
MS Psychology
2 years- Master's), 3 years -Bachelor's
INR 2,09,180 to INR 6,27,540
Founded in 1361, University of Pavia is the oldest operating institution in the world. It is prominent because of its years of academic excellence. Historic structures with modern facilities build a unique learning environment. It focuses strongly on research and benefits academic development. Career opportunities are excellent because of its global collaborations. The campus is student-friendly and compact in size.. The university offers a diverse program tailored for diverse career goals and interests.
QS Ranks: 423
Founded in : 1361
Students ( Total) -23,849
Students ( International)- 2,500
Located: Pavia in Lombardy
Website: www.unipv.it
University Type: Public Research University
MS Medicine
MS Physics,
MS Chemistry
MS Engineering
MS Economics
3 years -Bachelor's
INR 1,56,885 to 4,18,360
University of Trento, known for its research oriented programs, is the youngest in Italy founded in 1962 and has grown immensely worldwide. It combines traditional and modern academic approaches emphasizing on innovative education. It offers extensive programs in humanities, science, engineering, and social science. It attracts global students with English programs and student exchange contracts. There are 1500+ overseas students from multiple countries.Student life is good in this mountain city. Its research output has a positive impact on academic discourses across varied disciplines.
QS Ranks: 485
Founded in- 1962
Students ( Total) - 16,410
International Students- 1500
Located- Trento in Trentino-Alto Adige
Official Website- www.unitn.it
University Type-Public Research University
MS Computer Science
MS Engineering
MS Economics
MA European Studies
MS Physics
2 years -Master's
3 years -Bachelor's
INR 1.5-4.1 Lakhs
Established in 1481, University of Genoa in the Mediterranean region has over 32K students enrolled in multiple academic programs. Student life is good at this historic port with a unique learning environment.. It has potent engineering and maritime traditions displaying regional significance. The campus is known for its multi-culture with 3000 international students studying here. Its research output makes positive contributions to technological and science sectors in Italy. Modern infrastructure supports contemporary education. Student support services help international students to adapt and succeed. Accommodation is affordable and living expenses help overseas student budgets. Career opportunities are lucrative in local industries.
QS Ranks 530
Founded in : 1481
Total Students- 32K
International Students: 3K
Location: Genoa in Liguria
Official Website: www.unige.it
University Type: Public ( Research)
MS Marine Engineering
MS Engineering
MS Medicine
MS Economics
MS Biology
2 years -Master's
3 years- Bachelor's
INR 5.1-4.5 Lakhs
University -Type |
Characteristics |
Examples |
Tuition Range in INR |
|
Public Research Universities |
Government funded Research and teaching focused Diverse academic range Cheaper costs |
University of Bologna, Sapienza, University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano |
1.4-4.1 Lakhs per annum |
|
Public Technical Universities |
Focus in specialized engineering and technology strong industry partnerships; advanced labs |
Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino |
2.6-4.1 Lakhs per year |
|
Private Universities |
Independent funding; often smaller; competitive admission; sometimes the fees are higher |
, LUISS Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |
2.9-6.2 Lakhs per year |
|
Online Universities |
Distance learning delivery; flexible scheduling learn at your own pace |
Pegaso, Unitelma Sapienza |
1.4-2.9 Lakhs per annum
|
|
Specialized Institutes |
Focuses on specific areas research-oriented; advanced study |
Scuola Normale Superiore-Pisa Sant'Anna -Pisa |
Generally free - 1 Lakh per annum |
|
International Universities |
Multiple campus locations English instructed programs worldwide focus |
Various locations across Italy |
2.6-5.2 Lakhs per annum |
You should prioritize and evaluate universities in Italy according to the offered program accreditation and their career goals. You should also research faculty expertise in the fields you choose via industry and research recognition. Consider the location of the university according to your employment prospects and living costs, as they differ hugely between cities. Check the availability of programs in English as several universities provide courses in limited English, mostly for advanced programs.Verify your eligibility for scholarships targeted for Indian students, including university-based and MAECI scholarship. Placement networks and internship partnerships with industries should be assessed carefully for long-term career planning. Student support services for international aspirants must be checked for language compatibility and counselling. Compare tuition fees across different programs and note that public universities provide better value programs over their private peers. Consider processes for visa applications as universities vary with their requirements for supporting documents. Check the availability of work permit after your studies as your career continuity relies on work authorization post graduation. Check social integration via cultural programs boosting personal development and student clubs.
A1. English programs are offered by most Italian universities especially for the master degree programs. However, knowing Italian helps in daily life and social integration
A2. Costs, on an average are between INR 8 to 14 Lakhs per annum with tuition costs between INR 1.5-4.3 Lakhs, accommodation ranging from INR 3-6 Lakhs and living costs approximately costing you INR 2.4 to 5 Lakhs based on your city
A3. Yes, MAECI, university based scholarships, and regional DSU grants are available for Indians. Most of them give you full waiver of tuition costs with stipends every month in the range of 75K to 1 Lakh.
A4. Submit your Class XII marks, IELTS marks - at least a minimum of 6.0 and for the TOEFL test, a minimum of 78 is mandatory, and entrance exam test score for some cases. Mandatory submissions will be official translation and document apostille.
A5. The time for visa applications is 30-60 days after being accepted by your university. Early submissions through the UNIVERSITALY portal and VFS Global center in India hastens the process.
A6. You can take up part time jobs for 20 hours a week as a student and full-time during your holidays. Work experience gives you an edge and extra income to cover living costs.
A7. The average monthly costs are from 40-75K depending on the city. Rome and Milan are higher compared to smaller cities like Pisa giving you more affordability.
A8. Hostels on campus in Italy are limited. Most institutions help you in finding private accommodation. Private landlords and associations for student housing give you alternatives from INR 2.5- 5 Lakhs a month.
A9. After graduation, you can apply for the job search visa for 6 months or apply for a work permit. For the EU Blue Card eligibility, your salary and professional qualification is considered.
A10. Through the Bologna Process standard, Italian degrees are globally recognized. Professional recognition varies as per the field of study, needed AICE evaluation - Association of Indian Universities for employment verification.
