How to study in Italy as an international student

Studying in Italy gives you a rare mix of strong universities, relatively low tuition, and a quality of life that's hard to beat.

With 99 universities, over 500 English-taught programs, and public tuition starting from around €900 per year, Italy is one of Europe's most accessible destinations for international students. Universities like Bologna (the oldest in the Western world), Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, and Sapienza consistently appear in global rankings.

But moving to Italy for university involves more than picking a program. You'll need to navigate visa applications, health insurance, housing, and a fair amount of Italian bureaucracy — often in a language you're still learning.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• The step-by-step process to move to Italy as a student
• Student visa requirements and the Universitaly pre-enrollment process
• Tuition fees and how to reduce them (including the ISEE system)
• Cost of living by city
• How health insurance works — private, SSN, and EHIC
• Work rights for international students
• How to find housing and avoid scams
• What student life is really like

For a broader overview of relocating to Italy, see our guide on how to move to Italy.

Why Study in Italy

Italy has one of Europe's oldest and most respected university systems. Here's what makes it stand out for international students:

• Low tuition: Public university fees range from €900 to €4,000 per year — significantly cheaper than the UK, US, or even many other EU countries. Students with low family income may pay nothing at all (see the ISEE section below).
• English-taught programs: Over 500 bachelor's and master's programs are available fully in English, particularly at universities in Milan, Rome, Bologna, Turin, and Padua.
• Top-ranked universities: Bologna, Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza (Rome), and Padua all rank among the world's top 200 in their respective fields.
• Affordable living: Outside Milan, monthly costs can be as low as €700–900 — manageable for most students, especially with part-time work.
• Culture and quality of life: This part needs no explanation. The food, history, art, and social life make Italy genuinely enjoyable to live in — not just study in.

Around 32,000 international students choose Italy each year, and that number is growing. Popular fields include engineering, architecture, design, economics, medicine, and — unsurprisingly — art history and cultural heritage.

How to Move to Italy as a Student

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Choose your program and prepare your documents: Most universities need your passport, high school diploma or bachelor's degree, transcripts, and certified translations if originals aren't in English or Italian.

2. Apply to your chosen program: Upload documents through the university's portal. Deadlines vary but typically fall between April and July.

3. Complete pre-enrollment on Universitaly: This step is mandatory for virtually all non-EU students applying from abroad who need a student visa. Without completing Universitaly pre-enrollment, you cannot apply for a Type D student visa at an Italian consulate. Missing the deadline makes obtaining a visa impossible for that academic year.

4. Receive your acceptance letter: Your university confirms enrollment once your application is approved. You'll need this letter for your visa appointment.

5. Prepare financial proof and insurance: Italian consulates require proof you can support yourself — currently €534.41 per month (€6,947.35 per year). This covers living expenses only — accommodation costs are assessed separately. Your bank statement must be dated within 30 days of your visa appointment. You'll also need valid health insurance (see the health insurance section below).

6. Apply for a student visa: Book your consulate appointment early. Visa processing takes 4 to 12 weeks, with a legal maximum of 90 days. During peak season (June–September), delays are common. Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date. For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to apply for an Italian visa.

7. Complete arrival steps: Non-EU students must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 working days of arrival (see details below). EU/EEA students should register with the local Comune (municipality) if staying more than three months.

8. Finalize enrollment: Your university requires your passport, visa, insurance proof, and any tuition payments. Once enrolled, you can access campus systems, libraries, and student services.

Student Visas for Non-EU Students

If you're from outside the EU/EEA and staying longer than 90 days, you need a Type D student visa for the full duration of your studies. For all visa types, see Italy's visa requirements explained.

Required Documents

Requirements vary slightly by consulate, but you'll generally need:

• Valid passport (expiring after your intended stay)
• Acceptance letter from an Italian university
• Universitaly pre-enrollment confirmation
• Proof of financial means: €534.41/month (€6,947.35/year), via bank statement dated within 30 days. Accommodation costs are assessed separately — some consulates require a signed rental agreement or university housing confirmation.
• Health insurance covering medical care and emergencies in Italy. Private insurance is required at the visa stage — you cannot register for the SSN until after arrival.
• Passport-sized photos (biometric format)
• Certified translations of diplomas and transcripts (if not in Italian or English)

The Universitaly Pre-Enrollment Process

Universitaly is the Italian Ministry of Universities' official portal. Pre-enrollment here is mandatory for virtually all non-EU students applying from abroad.

The process:

1. Create an account on universitaly.it
2. Select your university and program
3. Upload required documents (passport, transcripts, language certificates)
4. The university reviews and validates your application
5. The university transmits your file to your local Italian consulate
6. You book a separate visa appointment at the consulate

Deadlines vary by university but typically fall between April and July. Missing the Universitaly deadline means you cannot get a student visa for that academic year — there is no workaround.

Visa Processing Times

Visa processing realistically takes 4 to 12 weeks, with a legal maximum of 90 days. During peak season (June–September), wait times are longer.

New from January 2025: All Type D visa applicants must now appear in person at an Italian consulate for biometric fingerprinting (10 fingerprints and a facial photograph). Each student must book an individual appointment lasting 12–15 minutes. Appointment backlogs are common, especially from high-demand countries.

G7 nationals (Canada, France, Germany, Japan, UK, USA) are exempt from the biometric requirement. Biometric data is valid for 59 months.

This change has caused additional delays. Plan to apply for your visa at least 3 months before your intended travel date.

The Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit)

After arriving in Italy, non-EU students must apply for a residence permit within 8 working days.

How to apply:

1. Go to a Post Office (Poste Italiane) and request a Kit for Permesso di Soggiorno
2. Complete the form, attach required documents (passport, visa, acceptance letter, insurance, financial proof, photos)
3. Pay the fees: approximately €116.46 total (€30.46 postal fee + €40 electronic permit + €16 revenue stamp + €30 processing)
4. The Post Office schedules your appointment at the Questura (immigration police)
5. Attend your Questura appointment for fingerprinting and document verification

Important: The postal receipt (ricevuta) serves as your legal proof of status while waiting for the physical permit. Processing times range from 60 days to 6 months — this is normal. Your receipt is legally valid throughout and allows you to travel within Italy, open a bank account, and register for the SSN.

Common questions about the Permesso:

• "What if my Questura appointment is months away?" — This is common, especially in large cities like Milan and Rome. Your postal receipt is legally valid in the meantime. Carry it with your passport at all times.
• "Can I leave Italy while waiting?" — Technically yes if you have a multi-entry visa, but re-entry can be complicated. Avoid unnecessary travel until you have the physical card.
• "Can I live in an Airbnb while applying?" — Not recommended. The Questura requires a verifiable Italian residential address. A signed rental contract or university housing confirmation is needed.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Tuition at Public vs. Private Universities

Italy's public university tuition is among the lowest in Europe. But the system works differently depending on your nationality and documentation.

The ISEE System for Fee Reductions

The ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) is Italy's means-testing system. It determines your tuition bracket based on family income and assets.

For EU students: If your family's ISEE falls below the university's no-tax area threshold (typically €23,000–25,000), you pay zero tuition. Examples:

• University of Brescia: ISEE < €24,000 = zero tuition
• Ca' Foscari Venice: ISEE < €25,000 = zero tuition

For non-EU students: The process is more complex. You may need an ISEE parificato (an equivalent calculation using documentation from your home country). Not all universities accept this — some charge non-EU students a flat rate based on nationality. Check directly with your university's fees office (Segreteria Studenti).

Scholarships for International Students

• DSU regional scholarships (Diritto allo Studio Universitario): Awarded by each region based on ISEE. Can include a cash grant (up to ~€7,000/year), free housing, and free meals. Apply through your university or regional DSU office.
• MAECI government scholarships: The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships to international students through the Study in Italy portal. Typically cover tuition, a monthly stipend, and sometimes housing.
• University-specific merit scholarships: Many universities (Bocconi, Politecnico, Bologna) offer their own scholarships based on academic performance. Check each university's scholarship page during the application window.

Cost of Living by City

Monthly costs vary significantly depending on where you study. Here's a realistic breakdown:

The cheapest student cities overall are smaller university towns like Padua, Pisa, and Bologna — where you can live comfortably on €700–900/month including rent. Milan is the most expensive, but also offers the most part-time work opportunities.

Tips to reduce costs:

• University cafeterias: Subsidized meals cost €3–8, depending on your ISEE bracket. Most campuses have a mensa (cafeteria) open for lunch and sometimes dinner.
• Groceries: Shop at Lidl, Conad, or Esselunga. Buy seasonal produce at street markets — it's cheaper and better. Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out.
• Student transport passes: Most cities offer annual passes for €200–250. In Milan, the ATM Student Pass covers all metro, bus, and tram lines.
• Housing: DSU scholarship recipients often qualify for free or heavily subsidized university housing. Apply early — spots fill fast.

Health Insurance for Students in Italy

Health insurance is required both for your visa application and for daily life once you arrive. See our full guide to health insurance in Italy for a broader overview.

Private Insurance for Visa Applications

You need valid health insurance before applying for your student visa. The SSN (Italy's public health system) requires a residence permit to join — which you can only get after arriving. So private insurance is the practical starting point.

Your policy must cover medical care and emergencies in Italy for your entire intended stay. Travel insurance does not satisfy this requirement — Italy requires long-term residency health coverage.

Explore Feather's student health insurance packages for plans designed specifically for international students in Italy, or browse our expat health insurance options.

Italian National Health Service (SSN)

After arriving and receiving your residence permit (or postal receipt), you can register for Italy's public healthcare system. Learn more in our guide to how the Italian SSN works.

SSN enrollment costs €700 per year for students (since January 2024 — raised from €149.77). This covers a calendar year (January–December), not prorated by arrival date. If you arrive in September, you still pay for the full calendar year. Students holding a DSU scholarship may qualify for the reduced rate of €149.77/year.

Registration process:

1. Obtain your Codice Fiscale from the Agenzia delle Entrate
2. Pay €700 via Modello F24 at any bank or post office
3. Visit your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) with: residence permit or postal receipt, passport, codice fiscale, proof of address, and payment confirmation
4. Choose a GP (Medico di Base) and receive your Tessera Sanitaria by mail

What SSN covers: GP visits (free), specialist referrals, emergency care, hospital treatment, and some prescriptions (with small copays).

What SSN does NOT cover: Dental care (almost entirely private in Italy), repatriation, private practitioners, vision care, and mental health services beyond GP referrals.

EHIC for EU/EEA Students

If you're an EU or EEA citizen, your European Health Insurance Card gives you access to Italian public healthcare on the same basis as Italian residents. But the EHIC has significant limitations for long-term study:

• Dental care is not covered — dentists in Italy are almost entirely private and don't accept the EHIC
• Medical repatriation is not covered
• Private practitioners are not obligated to accept the EHIC
• Copayments (ticket) still apply — it is not free at point of service
• Prescription medicines and non-emergency ambulance transport are not reimbursed

The European Commission itself recommends supplementary insurance for students abroad.

For stays exceeding one semester, EU students should consider voluntary SSN enrollment (€700/year) or a private supplementary policy covering dental, repatriation, and private care.

Choosing a GP (Medico di Base)

After SSN registration, you'll choose a GP (Medico di Base) from a list at your local ASL. Your GP is your first point of contact for all non-emergency medical care — you need a GP referral to see most specialists.

Finding an English-speaking GP can be challenging outside major cities. Ask your university's international student office for recommendations, or check expat community groups for your city.

SSN vs. Private Insurance: Which Should Students Choose?

Our recommendation: Start with private insurance for your visa application and initial months. Once you have your residence permit, evaluate whether SSN enrollment makes sense for your situation. Many students keep private insurance as a supplement even after joining the SSN — particularly for dental care, which is almost entirely private in Italy.

Working While Studying in Italy

Non-EU students: You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week, 1,040 hours per calendar year. This cap applies year-round — you cannot redistribute hours to work full-time during holidays or summer breaks. Working over this limit risks visa revocation. Source: EU Immigration Portal.

EU/EEA students: No working hour restrictions under Italian law.

Common student jobs and typical pay:

Student job boards at your university, language schools, and platforms like Indeed Italy or Subito.it are the most common starting points.

Tax and contracts: Even for part-time work, you'll need a Codice Fiscale (tax code) and a proper contract (contratto di lavoro). Avoid informal "cash-in-hand" arrangements — they offer no legal protection, won't count toward your work history, and can complicate your permit renewal. If an employer asks you to work without a contract, look elsewhere.

Internships: Curricular internships (tirocini curriculari) arranged through your university don't count toward the 20-hour weekly limit. They may be paid or unpaid depending on the company and region.

Do You Need to Speak Italian?

Not necessarily for your program — but almost certainly for daily life.

English-taught programs: Over 500 bachelor's and master's programs are available fully in English, especially in Milan, Rome, Bologna, Turin, and Padua. These typically require B2 English (IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80+) as part of the application.

Italian-taught programs: Usually require at least B2 Italian, verified through a university placement test or a recognized certificate (CILS, CELI, or PLIDA).

The practical reality: Even if your degree is entirely in English, you'll encounter Italian everywhere else. Leases, utility contracts, bureaucratic appointments, medical visits, and daily interactions all happen in Italian. Students consistently report that basic Italian makes a huge difference in navigating housing, admin, and social life.

Options for learning Italian:

• University language centers (often free or subsidized for enrolled students)
• Italian cultural institutes (Istituti Italiani di Cultura)
• Local language schools
• Online platforms (Duolingo for basics, iTalki for conversation practice)

Finding Housing and Avoiding Scams

Housing is one of the biggest pain points for international students in Italy. Demand far outstrips supply in popular university cities, especially in Milan, Bologna, and Florence. Scams targeting international students are widespread — and most originate from unverified social media listings, not established platforms.

Verified Housing Platforms

Start your search on established platforms with payment protection:

• HousingAnywhere — verified listings, secure payment escrow
• Uniplaces — student-focused, verified landlords
• Erasmusu — Erasmus and international student housing
• Studapart — partnered with many Italian universities
• Casita — student accommodation search engine

Also check mainstream Italian real estate sites with licensed agencies: Immobiliare.it, Idealista.it, and Casa.it.

Your university's housing office (Ufficio Alloggi) may also have partnerships with local landlords or offer university-managed residences.

Red Flags and Scam Prevention

• Never wire money before signing a contract and seeing the apartment (in person or via live video call)
• Never pay for an apartment you haven't seen — photos can be stolen from other listings
• Be skeptical of prices significantly below market rate — if a Milan studio is listed at €300/month, it's a scam
• Avoid unverified Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp listings — most scams originate here
• Watch for generic, copy-paste responses that don't answer your specific questions

Budget by City

Expect to pay for a single room in a shared apartment:

• Bologna, Padua, Pisa: €250–500/month
• Rome, Florence: €500–800/month
• Milan: €500–700+/month

University residences are cheaper (€150–350/month) but places are limited and often reserved for scholarship holders.

When to start looking: Begin your housing search at least 2–3 months before arrival. The best listings in popular cities are gone by July for September arrivals. If you can, plan a short trip to view apartments in person before signing anything. If that's not possible, always insist on a live video call with the landlord showing the apartment in real time.

Rental contracts: In Italy, standard rental contracts (contratto di locazione) must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate. If a landlord refuses to register the contract, that's a red flag. A registered contract protects your rights as a tenant and is required for residency registration.

What to Expect from Student Life in Italy

Academic calendar: The academic year typically runs from September/October to July. Most universities divide the year into two semesters with exams in January–February and June–July. A third exam session in September lets you retake or postpone exams.

Academic culture: Oral exams are far more common in Italy than in most other European countries — be prepared to present and defend your answers in front of a professor's panel. Grades are on a 30-point scale (18 is passing, 30 e lode is the highest). Attendance policies vary: some courses require mandatory attendance, while others let you study independently and just sit the exam.

Student discounts: Your university ID unlocks discounts at museums, theaters, and cultural events across Italy. Many restaurants and cafes near universities offer student pricing. Under-26 discounts apply widely — from trains (Trenitalia's Carta Giovani) to museum entries (free at many state-run museums on the first Sunday of each month). The Carta della Cultura Giovani gives 18-year-olds a €500 credit for cultural activities.

Social life: Aperitivo is the social cornerstone of Italian student life — a pre-dinner drink that often comes with free snacks or a buffet (€5–10). Student clubs, Erasmus networks, and university associations organize regular events, trips, and language exchanges. University cities like Bologna, Padua, and Pisa are especially known for their student atmosphere.

Getting around: Most Italian university cities are walkable. Public transport is affordable with student passes (€200–250/year in most cities). For longer trips, high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) connect major cities in 1–3 hours. Book train tickets on Trenitalia or Italo well in advance for the best prices — last-minute tickets can be three to four times more expensive.

Banking: You'll need an Italian bank account for paying rent, tuition, and receiving any scholarship payments. Traditional banks (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit) work but may require Italian documents to open. Digital banks like N26 or Revolut are often easier for international students to set up initially.

Key Organizations You Should Know About

• Universitaly: The national portal where non-EU students complete mandatory pre-enrollment. Also a useful program search tool.
• Study in Italy (MAECI): The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' portal for international students — scholarships, program info, and official guidance.
• Italian Consulates: Handle student visa applications. Requirements vary slightly by location — always check your specific consulate's website.
• Questura: Where non-EU students apply for their residence permit after arrival. Appointments are scheduled through the Post Office process.
• Comune / Anagrafe: EU/EEA students staying more than three months register their residence here.
• ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale): Your local health authority — where you register for the SSN and choose a GP.

Final Checklist

Before Applying to University

• Research programs and confirm English-language availability
• Check application deadlines (typically April–July)
• Prepare language certificates (B2 English or B2 Italian as required)
• Get transcripts and diplomas translated and certified

Before Your Visa Appointment

• Complete Universitaly pre-enrollment (mandatory for non-EU students)
• Receive your acceptance letter
• Arrange health insurance (private — Feather's student plans)
• Prepare financial proof: bank statement showing €6,947.35/year, dated within 30 days
• Secure accommodation or housing confirmation
• Book your consulate visa appointment at least 3 months before travel
• Prepare for biometric fingerprinting appointment (non-G7 nationals)

While Traveling

• Carry copies of all documents (passport, visa, acceptance letter, insurance)
• Keep originals in a separate bag from copies

After Arriving

• Apply for your residence permit at a Post Office within 8 working days (non-EU)
• Register at the Comune / Anagrafe if staying 3+ months (EU/EEA)
• Obtain your Codice Fiscale from the Agenzia delle Entrate
• Register for SSN at your local ASL (€700/year) or confirm private insurance
• Finalize university enrollment
• Set up a student transport pass
• Open an Italian bank account (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, or digital banks like N26/Revolut)