Updated On: 03 July 2025
Study in Italy for Indian Students | Cost, Visas, Courses
For several decades, Indian students have been looking West for higher education, being more inclined towards the UK, the US, or Canada.
But fast forward into 2026, and an entirely new paradigm has been established, wherein more and more ambitious students opt to study in Italy. World-renowned for its history, culture, and cuisine, Italy is gradually making global waves with its superior yet affordable education system.
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If you're an Indian student exploring possibilities to study abroad for the academic year 2026, Italy certainly makes for a strong contender. Italy is not only home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities but also to some of the newest research centres.
Excellent in architecture, design, engineering, and business, this guide will take you through everything from costs and scholarships to visas and career paths after graduation, ready with the latest information for 2026 on Indian applicants.
But don't just rest on the sheer beauty of living in Italy. For Indian students, there are even more serious reasons for choosing the country. It has successfully carved out a niche as an elite yet budget-friendly study destination.
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Why Study in Italy? A Top Choice for Indian Students in 2026
While there is no denying Italy's charm, there are even more practical reasons for Indian students to study in Italy and set their Italian goals. While ensuring academic integrity, the country has positioned itself as one of the best countries to study abroad and as an excellent option in terms of cheap education.
A key reason is the fact that Italian public institutions charge extremely low tuition fees, especially compared to many Western countries. This makes a world-class European education accessible to more Indian families.
Moreover, in recent years, more and more universities in Italy have been offering a wide range of courses taught fully in English, especially at the Master's level, further easing entry for many. As such, the triad of top-quality education, affordable cost of living, and a rising number of English-language courses renders Italy a shrewd and strategic choice for your future.
See Also: Part time Work Opportunities in Italy for International Students
Top Universities in Italy for Indian Students
Italy's higher education system consists of both public and private universities, most of which are routinely counted among the global best. The newly published QS World University Rankings 2026 reflect the growing visibility of Italy's universities.
The Cost of Studying in Italy for Indian Students (2025-2026 Estimates)
Italy's greatest draw is its economic affordability. Having a clear picture of the costs of studying in Italy - the starting point for arranging your sojourn.
Explore Popular courses in Italy for International students
Tuition Charges in Italy for Indian Students
The economic difference between the public and private universities in Italy is large. Public universities are funded by the state, which enables them to provide quality education at a low price.
Public Universities: The tuition fees for Bachelor's and Master's courses are usually between €900 and €4,000 (around ₹90,000 to ₹4,01,170) per year. The actual fee often varies based on your family's income.
Private Universities: These universities are much more costly, with charges between €6,000 and more than €20,000 (around ₹6,01,750 to ₹20,05,840) annually.
Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students: A Monthly Expense Breakdown
Living expenses depend on the city and your living habits. Big cities such as Milan and Rome are costlier than small towns such as Pisa or Padua. A suitable monthly budget for an Indian student would be €700 - €1,200 (₹70,000 - ₹1,20,350).
Following is a typical monthly split for Indian Students studying in Italy:
- Accommodation: €300 - €700 (₹30,090 - ₹70,205)
- Food and Groceries: €150 - €250 (₹15,040 - ₹25,075)
- Public Transportation: €25 - €45 (₹2,510 - ₹4,515)
- Utilities & Personal Expenses: €100 - €200 (₹10,030 - ₹20,060)
Yearly, you would need to allocate around €8,400 to €14,400 (around ₹8,42,452 to ₹14,44,205) for your living costs in Italy.
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How to Apply to Study in Italy for Indian Students: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for universities in Italy is streamlined. Here is a step by step guide for Indian Students:
Step 1: Research and University Shortlisting (Fall 2025 for 2026 intake)
Start by researching courses and universities which meet your study goals and career aspirations. Take special care to note the language of instruction and specific admission requirements for each course.
Step 2: Getting Your Application Documents Ready
Collect the standard array of documents that most universities ask for. These are your recent academic transcripts (from Class XII or your Bachelor's degree), a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), two or three Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from faculty members, and a professional Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Step 3: The Pre-enrolment Procedure through UNIVERSITALY
Once you receive an admission offer, you need to submit the pre-enrolment application on the official UNIVERSITALY portal. This is a compulsory step for everyone who is not an EU citizen and applying for a visa.
Step 4: Application for the Italian Student Visa
With your admission and pre-enrolment summary ready, you can now start applying for your visa.
Read this also: Tips to Finance Your Education Abroad
Italy Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students (2026)
Indian students require a Type D (Long-Stay) National Visa for any course lasting longer than 90 days. The application is submitted through VFS Global centres in India. The core documents include:
- A valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond your intended stay.
- The completed visa application form.
- Your official letter of acceptance from an Italian university.
- The pre-enrolment summary from the UNIVERSITALY portal.
- Proof of financial means: You will have to prove that you can avail yourself of at least €6,947.33 for one year (according to the most recent guidelines). This is normally evidenced via a sponsor's bank statements.
- Proof of accommodation for at least the first duration of your stay.
- An acceptable health insurance policy with at least a coverage of €30,000.
- Your flight schedule.
Read Also: Italian Student Visa Application - 8 Most Important Things to Know
Can Indian Students Study in Italy Without IELTS?
Yes, definitely you can study in Italy without IELTS. This is a great boon for Indian students. Most Italian universities realize that Indian students tend to finish their earlier studies in English.
They easily accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate issued by your earlier college or university as adequate evidence of English proficiency, and you can skip tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Always verify the exact requirements of the intended university.
Life in Italy for Indian Students: The Brief Overview
Settling into life in Italy is a thrilling adventure. You'll be greeted by a friendly scene, although it's always a good idea to pick up some rudimentary Italian to settle in more seamlessly. Student support facilities at Italian universities are first-class to assist with accommodation and such niceties.
Part-Time Work Opportunities for Students in Italy
As an international student, you can work a maximum of 20 hours a week. This is a very good option to earn some extra money for your expenses and gain work experience. Part-time jobs common among students are in the restaurant, cafe, shop, and English language tutoring service sectors.
Post-Study Work Visa and Career Opportunities in Italy
Once you have finished your degree, you do not necessarily have to depart immediately. Italy grants non-EU graduates a residence permit for awaiting employment (Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione). The permit is legitimate for up to 12 months, providing you with sufficient time to find a full-time job.
Once you get a job, you can transfer this temporary permit to a work permit. Sectors with high demand in Italy's emerging economy are Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Engineering, Automotive, Fashion, and Tourism.
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Conclusion: Start Your Journey to Study in Italy in 2026
For the aspirational Indian student in 2026, Italy represents the ideal three: prestige, cost-effectiveness, and a lifestyle experience unmatched anywhere else. With its universities ranking higher on the world tables, it offers a quality education that is within one's budget yet stimulating at a mental level. By diligently planning your application, funding your stay, and being aware of the process, your dream of studying in the center of Europe is within easy grasp.
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