Italy has become an attractive destination for Indian students looking beyond the usual study-abroad options. It offers a wide range of public and private universities, internationally recognised qualifications, English-taught programmes and opportunities to experience European academic and cultural life.
But choosing Italy should involve more than its beautiful cities or relatively affordable public universities. Students need to understand admission requirements, application timelines, financial planning, scholarship conditions and visa procedures before making a decision.
If you are planning to study in Italy for the 2027–28 academic year, this guide will help you understand the process step by step.
Important: University deadlines, tuition fees, scholarship calls and visa-document requirements can change. Information for the 2027–28 intake should always be checked on the official university, government and consular websites before applying.
1. Why consider Italy for higher education?
Italy offers academic opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Architecture and urban planning
Engineering and technology
Business, economics and management
Fashion and design
Arts and humanities
Medicine and life sciences
Computer science and data-related fields
Many universities offer programmes taught in English, particularly at master's level. This can make Italy an option for students who want an international degree without initially studying in Italian.
Other reasons students consider Italy include:
Public university options: Public universities can offer comparatively accessible tuition structures, although the actual amount depends on the institution, programme and student's financial circumstances.
Scholarship opportunities: Regional right-to-study scholarships and university-specific financial support may help eligible students manage educational and living expenses.
International exposure: Studying in Italy gives students an opportunity to experience a different academic environment and connect with an international student community.
European location: Italy's location makes it convenient to explore other European destinations. However, travel should be considered an additional benefit, not the primary reason for choosing a degree.
2. Which degree can you apply for?
The right programme depends on your previous education and academic background.
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's programme is generally suitable for students who have completed their higher secondary education and meet the university's eligibility requirements.
Many Italian bachelor's degrees last three years, although certain professional and regulated programmes have different structures.
Master's degree
A master's programme is generally suitable for students who have completed a relevant bachelor's degree.
Many Italian second-cycle master's programmes last two years. However, admission depends on the previous qualification, subject background, academic credits and specific programme requirements.
For example, an engineering master's programme may require particular technical subjects, while an architecture or design programme may request a portfolio.
Single-cycle programmes
Some programmes, including medicine and certain other regulated disciplines, follow a single-cycle structure rather than the standard separate bachelor's and master's route.
Always check the official programme description before applying.
3. How to find the right Italian university
Choosing a university only because it is famous or located in a popular city is not a reliable admission strategy.
Start by identifying programmes that genuinely match your previous education and future plans.
Consider these factors:
Programme relevance: Read the curriculum and individual subject descriptions. Check whether the course actually teaches the skills you want to develop.
Language of instruction: Confirm whether the complete programme is taught in English or whether some compulsory subjects are delivered in Italian.
Entry requirements: Review academic eligibility, minimum credits, subject prerequisites, entrance tests and interviews.
Tuition fees: Check the university's official fee regulations and whether reductions or exemptions are available.
Scholarship opportunities: Research the relevant regional scholarship authority and the university's financial support options.
Location and accommodation: Compare housing availability, transport, everyday expenses and distance from the campus.
A practical approach is to create a shortlist of several suitable universities instead of relying on a single application.
You can explore official higher education information through the Universitaly portal.
4. Documents Indian students should prepare
Document requirements vary by university and programme. Nevertheless, preparing the following documents early can make the application process easier.
Common academic documents
Class 10 and Class 12 certificates and marksheets, where applicable
Bachelor's degree certificate for master's applicants
Academic transcripts or semester-wise marksheets
Passport
Updated CV or résumé
Statement of Purpose (SOP), if requested
Portfolio, where required by the programme
Language proficiency evidence, if required
Recommendation letters, if requested
Some institutions may request additional documents, such as course descriptions, proof of academic credits or an entrance examination.
Academic recognition and verification
Italian universities assess foreign qualifications according to their own admission regulations.
Depending on the university and programme, students may be asked for a Declaration of Value (DoV), a CIMEA document or other academic verification.
Do not assume that one document is compulsory for every university. Confirm the exact requirement with the admissions office before arranging translations, attestations or verification.
English language requirements
There is no single English-language rule that applies to every Italian university.
Some programmes require IELTS, TOEFL or another recognised language certificate. Others may accept alternative evidence, depending on their regulations.
A Medium of Instruction certificate may be accepted by certain institutions, but it is not universally accepted.
Always check the language requirements of your selected programme. Never assume that a university will waive an English test simply because your previous degree was taught in English.
5. Step-by-step admission process for 2027–28
The application process generally follows these stages.
Step 1: Select your programme
Identify suitable bachelor's or master's programmes according to your academic background, subject interests and career plans.
Check the programme's official page for entry requirements and language of instruction.
Step 2: Check application deadlines
Italian universities do not necessarily follow one common admission calendar.
Some institutions open applications early, while others have multiple application rounds. Deadlines may also differ for non-EU applicants who require a study visa.
For the 2027–28 intake, check each university's official admission calendar rather than relying on deadlines from previous academic years.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Organise academic certificates, transcripts, passport, CV, SOP and any programme-specific documents.
If you need translations, attestations or academic verification, allow enough time for those procedures.
Step 4: Submit your university application
Most students apply through the university's own online admission portal or the application platform specified by the institution.
Complete the application carefully and upload the required documents in the requested format.
Some universities charge an application fee. The amount and payment procedure depend on the institution.
Step 5: Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment
For non-EU students who require a study visa, the Universitaly pre-enrolment procedure is an important part of the process.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that pre-enrolment through Universitaly applies to the relevant higher education programmes for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years.
Students should follow the instructions of their selected university and complete the required pre-enrolment procedure.
Visit Universitaly for the official portal.
Step 6: Apply for the student visa
After completing the required university and pre-enrolment steps, eligible applicants can proceed with the relevant student visa application through the competent Italian diplomatic or consular authority.
The visa decision is made by the competent authority, not by the university.
Remember: Receiving an admission offer does not automatically guarantee a student visa.
6. Scholarships in Italy for Indian students
Scholarships can make studying in Italy more financially manageable, but students should understand the different types of financial support available.
Regional right-to-study scholarships
Regional scholarship programmes are often an important option for international students.
They are administered by regional authorities and may offer financial support based on economic circumstances and, in some cases, academic merit or academic progress.
Depending on the relevant regional call, benefits may include:
Financial assistance
Accommodation support
Subsidised or free meals
Tuition fee exemptions or reductions
The eligibility rules, application dates, income documentation and benefits differ between regions.
For example, a student attending a university in Veneto should check the applicable regional and university procedures rather than automatically following scholarship instructions from another Italian region.
Italian Government MAECI scholarships
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers scholarships for eligible international students.
Applications are submitted through the official Study in Italy portal when the relevant call is open.
The published government scholarship information currently available for the 2026–27 academic year should not be treated as confirmation that the 2027–28 call has opened.
Check the official MAECI scholarship information and Study in Italy portal for updated calls.
University scholarships
Some universities also offer merit-based scholarships, fee reductions and other financial assistance.
These opportunities may depend on academic performance, programme, nationality and the university's own selection criteria.
Read the scholarship regulations carefully and check whether you need to submit a separate application.
A useful tip: Do not wait until receiving your admission letter to research scholarships. Some financial aid applications have separate deadlines and documentation requirements.
7. How much does it cost to study in Italy?
There is no single fixed cost for every international student in Italy.
Your total expenses depend on the university, city, accommodation arrangement, lifestyle and scholarship benefits.
Your budget should include the following:
Expense | What to consider |
|---|---|
Tuition fees | University-specific fees and possible reductions |
Accommodation | Student residence, shared flat or private room |
Food | Groceries and university canteen |
Transport | Local public transport and student passes |
Insurance | Applicable health coverage |
Study expenses | Books, materials, software and equipment |
Personal expenses | Mobile, clothing and everyday needs |
Cities such as Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice can have different accommodation and living costs. Even within the same city, housing prices vary significantly.
Financial requirement for the student visa
According to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance for academic years 2026–27 and 2027–28, applicants for a university-enrolment study visa must demonstrate minimum financial resources of €10,179.85 per year.
This is a visa-related financial requirement. It should not be confused with the actual total cost of studying and living in Italy.
Applicants must also follow the applicable consular instructions regarding financial evidence and supporting documents.
Check the latest official information before submitting your visa application.
8. Student visa process for Indian applicants
Indian students who are non-EU citizens and intend to pursue a full-time programme in Italy generally need the appropriate study visa.
For courses lasting more than 90 days, the relevant long-stay national study visa procedure generally applies.
The exact document checklist depends on the competent Italian Embassy or Consulate and its jurisdiction in India.
Commonly requested documents may include:
Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Recent photographs
University admission documentation
Universitaly pre-enrolment documentation, where applicable
Academic certificates and transcripts
Financial proof
Accommodation information
Medical insurance, according to the applicable checklist
Other documents requested by the competent consular authority
A Statement of Purpose or cover letter may also be requested or recommended.
Does admission guarantee a visa?
No.
The university evaluates academic admission, while the competent Italian diplomatic or consular authority decides the visa application.
A student must satisfy the applicable visa requirements even after receiving an admission offer.
For current instructions, consult the Italian Embassy in New Delhi and the relevant VFS Global Italy–India visa information.
9. What happens after arriving in Italy?
Arriving in Italy is not the final step.
International students must complete the applicable residence and university registration procedures.
Apply for a residence permit
Non-EU students who enter Italy with a study visa generally need to apply for a residence permit for study purposes (Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio).
The application should normally be submitted within eight working days of arrival.
Students can obtain the application kit from a designated post office and follow the instructions for submission.
The local Questura handles the subsequent residence permit procedure.
Complete university enrolment
Follow your university's instructions to finalise enrolment.
This may involve submitting original or verified academic documents, completing fee payments and activating your student account.
Arrange everyday essentials
Once you arrive, you should also organise:
Accommodation and housing documentation
Local transport arrangements
Health coverage and applicable registration
University email and student portal access
A local bank account, if needed
A working mobile connection
Make copies of important documents and keep digital backups in a secure location.
10. When should you start preparing for the 2027–28 intake?
Starting early gives you more time to compare programmes, prepare documents and understand scholarship requirements.
The following is a planning framework, not an official university deadline calendar.
November–December 2026
Research universities and programmes.
Identify academic eligibility requirements.
Check language requirements.
Prepare your passport, CV and academic documents.
Start planning your finances.
January–March 2027
Monitor university admission portals.
Prepare SOPs and portfolios where required.
Check application rounds and deadlines.
Research regional and university scholarships.
April–June 2027
Continue submitting applications according to university deadlines.
Respond to admission-office requests.
Follow the relevant Universitaly instructions when available.
Prepare scholarship documentation.
July–September 2027
Complete remaining admission and pre-enrolment procedures within the applicable deadlines.
Follow the competent consular authority's visa instructions.
Arrange accommodation and travel only after considering the status of your application.
These are suggested preparation periods, not guaranteed dates. Some universities and scholarship authorities may open or close their applications earlier.
11. Common mistakes Indian students should avoid
A successful application is not just about uploading documents. Students should avoid these common mistakes:
Applying without checking eligibility: A programme's name may sound suitable, but its academic prerequisites may not match your previous degree.
Relying on outdated deadlines: Previous-year application dates do not guarantee the same dates for 2027–28.
Assuming IELTS is always optional: Language requirements are determined by individual universities and programmes.
Ignoring scholarship documentation: Regional scholarships can have strict income-documentation and application requirements.
Underestimating accommodation costs: Tuition is only one part of the overall budget.
Treating admission as visa approval: University acceptance and visa issuance are separate decisions.
Paying without verification: Always confirm the official university, application platform and payment details before transferring money.
12. How N92 Edu-Italia can help
Choosing the right university and managing the application process can become complicated when students are dealing with different university portals, academic requirements, scholarship calls and visa documentation.
N92 Edu-Italia helps students organise their study-abroad journey through:
University and course shortlisting
Admission application guidance
Scholarship information and application guidance
Academic documentation support
Statement of Purpose guidance
Visa documentation guidance
Pre-departure preparation
Every student's academic background and financial situation is different. We encourage students to make informed decisions based on official university requirements rather than generic promises.
Important: Admission, scholarships and visa decisions remain with the respective universities, scholarship authorities and Italian diplomatic or consular authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Indian students study in Italy in 2027–28?
Yes. Indian students can apply to eligible Italian higher education programmes for the 2027–28 academic year, subject to the admission requirements and applicable procedures.
2. Is IELTS compulsory for every Italian university?
No. Language requirements vary by university and programme. Some accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, while others require recognised language certificates.
3. Can I get a scholarship to study in Italy?
Potential opportunities include regional right-to-study scholarships, university scholarships and Italian Government MAECI scholarships. Eligibility, deadlines and benefits vary.
4. Is university admission enough to get an Italian student visa?
No. Admission and visa issuance are separate decisions. Applicants must complete the applicable pre-enrolment and visa procedures and satisfy the consular requirements.
5. How much money must I show for an Italian student visa?
For university-enrolment study visas in academic years 2026–27 and 2027–28, the published minimum financial requirement is €10,179.85 per year. Always verify the current rules and supporting-document requirements before applying.
6. Can I apply to multiple Italian universities?
You can explore and submit applications to multiple institutions where their individual application rules allow it. Check each university's application procedure and any limits on applications or enrolment.
7. When should I start applying for the 2027–28 intake?
Start researching well in advance. University application windows differ, so monitor the official admissions pages from late 2026 onwards rather than waiting for a single common application date.
8. What is Universitaly?
Universitaly is the official Italian higher education portal. It provides information about institutions and programmes and is used for the required pre-enrolment procedure for relevant international students who need a visa.
Final thoughts
Studying in Italy can be a valuable academic and personal experience, but the right decision begins with proper research.
Understand your eligibility, compare programmes, prepare documents early, explore scholarships and plan your finances realistically. Most importantly, use official university and government information when making decisions about admission and visas.
If you are planning for the 2027–28 intake, start preparing now rather than waiting for the application season to become busy.
Want guidance for your Italy study plans?
Visit N92 Edu-Italia to explore university options and learn more about admission, scholarships and student visa guidance.
Contact: +91 9452532786
Official references
Last reviewed: 3 November 2026. Admission calendars, scholarship calls, visa rules and financial requirements may change. Verify the latest official information before applying.