Italian public universities offer 3-year bachelor’s degrees (laurea triennale), many taught fully in English. Fees are set by each university and are linked to family income, and regional scholarships can help eligible students. Here is what Indian students need to know before applying.
3 years
standard bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS credits)
12 years
of schooling needed — Indian Class 12 meets this
20 hrs
a week you may work while studying (1,040 hours a year)
12 months
to stay and look for a job after graduating
Courses
Popular fields taught in English
Business
Economics & Management
Business administration, economics, finance and international management.
Technology
Engineering & Computer Science
Computer engineering, IT, mechanical and industrial engineering.
Health & Science
Biomedical & Life Sciences
Biotechnology, biomedical sciences and related lab-based degrees.
Creative
Architecture & Design
Architecture, fashion, product and interior design (portfolio often needed).
Society
Politics & International Relations
Political science, global governance and international studies.
People
Psychology & Social Sciences
Psychology, sociology and communication.
Course lists change every year. We check each university’s current English-taught offer for you.
Eligibility
Who can apply
- Class 12 pass — 12 years of schooling (10+2)
- Required subjects for the course, e.g. maths for engineering or economics
- English at about B2 level — most universities ask for a test such as IELTS or TOEFL; the score is set by each university
- An entrance test where the course requires one (for example SAT, TOLC or the university’s own test)
- Italian at B2 level only if the course is taught in Italian
Documents
What you will need
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and pass certificate
- Declaration of Value from the Italian consulate, or CIMEA Statements of Comparability and Verification
- English test certificate
- Statement of purpose and CV, if the university asks
- Passport-size photos
How to apply
Six steps from India to an Italian campus
1
Shortlist and check deadlines
Many universities open applications from January; some close as early as March or April.
2
Apply to the university
Apply on the university’s own portal for evaluation. Some charge an application fee.
3
Get your pre-acceptance
The university sends a letter of eligibility or conditional offer.
4
Pre-enrol on Universitaly
Upload your documents on the official Universitaly portal. This is required for the visa.
5
Apply for the study visa
Type D visa. Show at least €10,179.85 a year in funds. For 2027/28 the visa application deadline is 31 October 2027.
6
Arrive and get your permit
Apply for the permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of arriving, then complete enrolment.
Fees & scholarships
What it costs — honestly
Tuition
Linked to family income
Public universities set fees by family income (ISEE). Your exact fee depends on the university and your documents.
Regional
DSU scholarship
Can include money, meals and housing for eligible students. Decided on family income and property.
National
Italian Government scholarships
India is on the eligible-country list. For 2026/27 the deadline was 26 March 2026.
See Fees & Scholarships and Cost of Living.
Questions
Common questions
Is my state board Class 12 accepted?
Yes, if it completes 12 years of schooling and gives access to university in India. The Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement confirms this for the Italian university.
Can I apply without IELTS?
Some universities accept other English tests or English-medium schooling, but many require a test score. Check each course’s requirement before applying.
Is studying in Italy free?
No. Public universities charge fees linked to family income, and living costs are real. Scholarships can reduce costs for eligible students, but they are not guaranteed.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. A student residence permit allows up to 20 hours a week, a maximum of 1,040 hours a year.
Italy Campus is an admission guidance service by National Vidya Foundation. We are not a university and not an official Italian body. Admission is decided only by the university; visas are decided only by the Italian consulate. Official dates and rules can change every year — always confirm on Universitaly and your university’s own call.
Talk to the Italy Campus team
Send your name, Class 12 marks, NEET-UG or course interest and state on WhatsApp. We reply during office hours.