If you want a world-class degree without the heavy price tag of the US or UK, Italy is the best choice for 2026. Public universities here cost between €500 to €4,000 per year at most public universities (≈ ₹45,000 – ₹3.6 L†), depending on program and family income assessment.
Even better, most Indian students qualify for full scholarships (DSU) that cover all fees and provide a yearly cash stipend of up to €7,800 (≈ ₹8.2 Lakhs) to help with living costs.
By choosing public universities in Italy, you get a degree recognised across the world, can study entirely in English, and are allowed to stay for one year after graduation to find a job anywhere in Europe.
Why Choose a Public University in Italy?
Italy has emerged as a top destination for Indian students due to its social-welfare model of education, where public universities are viewed as a public good. Italy is becoming a favourite for Indian students for these simple reasons:
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- Top Rankings for Less: You can study at famous universities like Politecnico di Milano (Ranked #98 globally) for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
- Study in English: You don't need to know Italian. There are over 500 courses in Engineering, Business, and Arts taught fully in English.
- Scholarships for Everyone: Unlike other countries, where scholarships are only for "toppers," Italian scholarships (DSU) are based on your family income. If your family earns less than a certain limit, you can study for free.
- Low Entry Barriers: Many Master's programs don't require the GRE or GMAT, making the application process much smoother.
- Part-time Work: You are legally allowed to work 20 hours a week, which is enough to cover your monthly groceries and pocket money.
- Gateway to Europe: An Italian student visa allows you to travel freely across 29 European countries (Schengen Area).
Detailed List of Best Public Universities in Italy (2026)
1. Politecnico di Milano (Polimi)
Established in 1863, Polimi is Italy’s top-ranked technical university. It is a world leader in Engineering and Design, maintaining a massive network of corporate partners like Ferrari, Google, and IBM.
- Annual Tuition: €3,500 – €3,900 (≈ ₹3.68L – ₹4.10L)
- Top Scholarships: * DSU (Lombardy): Covers full fees + up to €7,800 stipend.
- Polimi Merit Grant: Platinum and Gold scholarships for toppers offering €5,000 – €10,000 per year.
- Requirements: Minimum 70% GPA, IELTS 6.0.
- 2026 Deadline: First intake usually closes in February 2026.
2. Sapienza University of Rome
Founded in 1303, Sapienza is Europe’s largest university. It is a research powerhouse with a legendary reputation in Physics, Aerospace, and Classical Studies.
- Annual Tuition: €1,000 – €2,500 (≈ ₹1.05L – ₹2.62L)
- Top Scholarships: * DiscoLazio (DSU): Regional scholarship for Rome-based students providing accommodation and cash stipends.
- Sapienza Merit Awards: Reduction in tuition fees for students with high entry scores.
- Requirements: Pre-selection letter required; IELTS 5.5 - 6.0.
- 2026 Deadline: Pre-selection runs from December 2025 to May 2026.
3. University of Bologna (Unibo)
As the oldest university in the Western world (est. 1088), Unibo is where the modern academic system was born. It is famous for its multicultural vibe and its "Alma Mater" tradition.
- Annual Tuition: €2,000 – €3,000 (≈ ₹2.10L – ₹3.15L)
- Top Scholarships: * ER.GO (DSU): The regional body for Emilia-Romagna, providing one of the most organised scholarship systems.
- Unibo Action 1 & 2: Merit grants of €11,000 gross for international students.
- Requirements: CV evaluation; IELTS 6.5.
- 2026 Deadline: April 2026 for scholarship priority.
4. University of Padua (Unipd)
Founded in 1222, Padua is the seat of Galileo and the first university in the world to award a degree to a woman. It remains a top choice for scientific research and human rights studies.
- Annual Tuition: €2,500 – €3,000 (≈ ₹2.62L – ₹3.15L)
- Top Scholarships: * ESU Padova (DSU): Regional aid covering meals and housing.
- Padua International Excellence: Full tuition waiver + €8,000 scholarship for highly talented students.
- Requirements: Strong academic credentials; IELTS 6.5.
- 2026 Deadline: Early deadlines in February 2026.
5. Politecnico di Torino (Polito)
The automotive heart of Italy. Polito is the gateway to careers in Mechanical, Automotive, and Aerospace engineering due to its proximity to the FIAT headquarters and the industrial hub of Turin.
- Annual Tuition: €2,600 – €3,200 (≈ ₹2.73L – ₹3.36L)
- Top Scholarships: * EDISU Piemonte (DSU): Very generous regional scholarship; covers nearly all costs for Indian students.
- TOPoliTO Scholarships: Merit-based awards specifically for international Master's students.
- Requirements: Entrance test (TIL) for Bachelor’s; IELTS 5.5.
- 2026 Deadline: March to April 2026 for non-EU applicants.
6. University of Milan (Statale)
Located in the city centre, "La Statale" is a leader in Biotechnology, Law, and Economics. It is the only Italian member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
- Annual Tuition: €2,000 – €2,500 (≈ ₹2.10L – ₹2.62L)
- Top Scholarships: * DSU Milano: Covers tuition, subsidised canteen meals, and housing.
- Excellence Scholarships: €8,000 per year for top-tier international students.
- Requirements: Bachelor’s in a related field; IELTS 6.0.
- 2026 Deadline: Most English programs close in May 2026.
7. University of Pisa
Officially founded in 1343, Pisa is one of the most prestigious scientific centres in Europe. It is famous for its elite "Scuola Normale Superiore" partnership.
- Annual Tuition: €2,400 – €3,000 (≈ ₹2.52L – ₹3.15L)
- Top Scholarships: * DSU Toscana: Regional aid known for its excellent food vouchers and subsidized housing across Tuscany.
- Unipi Merit Scholarships: Fixed grants of €6,500 – €8,000 gross for the first year.
- Requirements: Academic record and online interview.
- 2026 Deadline: Final deadline April 30, 2026.
8. University of Rome Tor Vergata
A modern, "American-style" campus university on the outskirts of Rome. It is highly ranked for Finance, Global Governance, and Economics.
- Annual Tuition: €950 – €3,000 (≈ ₹99k – ₹3.15L)
- Top Scholarships: * DiscoLazio (DSU): Access to the same regional scholarship body as Sapienza.
- Tor Vergata Merit Grants: Partial or total fee waivers for high-achieving students.
- Requirements: GRE (sometimes) for Finance; IELTS 6.5.
- 2026 Deadline: Multiple rounds; final one in February 2026.
9. University of Naples Federico II
The oldest public, non-sectarian university in the world (est. 1224). It offers a unique cultural experience in Southern Italy with very low living costs.
- Annual Tuition: €1,000 – €2,000 (≈ ₹1.05L – ₹2.10L)
- Top Scholarships: * ADISURC (DSU): Regional scholarship for the Campania region.
- Unina International Grants: Specific calls for foreign students are often released in the spring.
- Requirements: Pre-acceptance letter; IELTS 6.0.
- 2026 Deadline: May 31, 2026.
10. University of Florence (Unifi)
Located in the birthplace of the Renaissance, Unifi is world-renowned for Architecture, Design, and Social Sciences.
- Annual Tuition: €2,000 – €2,500 (≈ ₹2.10L – ₹2.62L)
- Top Scholarships: * DSU Toscana: Consistent with other Tuscan universities (Pisa/Siena), offering robust need-based aid.
- Unifi International Student Aid: Tuition reductions based on merit and financial status.
- Requirements: Portfolio for Design; IELTS 6.0.
- 2026 Deadline: First round closes in February 2026.
Other Affordable Public Universities in Italy
| University Name | Yearly Tuition (approx. INR) | Monthly Living Cost (INR) | Highlights for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Messina | ₹26,900 (Fixed for India) | ₹40,000 – ₹55,000 | The cheapest fixed tuition in Italy. Great for Medicine & Engineering. |
| University of Calabria | ₹0 - ₹1.7 Lakhs | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 | Famous for "Unical Admission" which offers free food and housing to winners. |
| University of Siena | ₹38,000 - ₹58,000 | ₹55,000 – ₹75,000 | Located in a peaceful, safe city. Best for Business and Life Sciences. |
| University of Pavia | ₹42,000 - ₹3.5 Lakhs | ₹65,000 – ₹85,000 | Very close to Milan’s job market but with much lower rent. High research ranking. |
| University of Cassino | ₹1.05 Lakhs - ₹1.5 Lakhs | ₹45,000 – ₹60,000 | Ideal for MBA and Mechanical Engineering. Flexible admission criteria. |
| University of Catania | ₹32,000 - ₹95,000 | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 | One of the oldest in Sicily. Extreme affordability for food and housing. |
| University of Genoa | ₹1.2 Lakhs - ₹3 Lakhs | ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 | Strong maritime and robotics programs. Located in a beautiful port city. |
Step-by-Step Application Process for Public Universities in Italy for International Students
Step 1: Secure Your Admission (Jan – April)
Apply directly to Italian universities. Most students apply to 3–5 universities to maximise their chances.
- The Result: You receive a Pre-Admission Letter.
- Tip: Check if your course requires an entrance exam (like TOLC or IMAT).
Step 2: The Mandatory Government Portal (April – June)
Register on the Universitaly portal. This is a state-mandated step to link your university seat to your visa application.
- Action: Upload your passport and admission letter. Select the Italian Embassy in India (Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata/Bangalore) where you will apply for your visa.
- The Result: Once the university "validates" this, you download the Summary PDF.
Step 3: Document Legalization (May – July)
Your Indian degrees must be "translated" into the Italian system.
- HRD & MEA: Get your marksheets stamped by your State Education Department (HRD) and then Apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- CIMEA: Apply online for a CIMEA Statement of Comparability. It’s a digital certificate that confirms your Indian degree is equivalent to an Italian one.
Step 4: The Visa Submission (June – August)
Once your Universitaly portal says "Validated," book your VFS Global appointment.
- Category: National Visa - Study (Type D).
- Financial Requirement: Show a minimum of €7,000 (~₹7.4 Lakhs) in a bank account (yours or your parents').
- Insurance: Buy a travel insurance policy with €30,000 coverage (valid for the first 90–180 days).
Mandatory Document Checklist (The Indian “Income” Folder)
Since the DSU Scholarship is based on your family's income, you must prepare these specific documents from India. Do not wait until you arrive in Italy; these must be ready by June/July 2026.
- Family Income Certificate: Issued by the Zila Parishad, Tehsildar, or SDM for the financial year 2025.
- Property Certificate: Details of any house or land owned by family members (in square meters). If you have no property, get a "No Property Certificate."
- Bank Balance Certificate: A statement showing the closing balance for all family members as of December 31, 2025.
- Family Composition (Vanshavali): A legal document showing all members of your household (can use a Ration Card or a certificate from the local Municipal/Panchayat office).
Important Transformation Rule: All the documents above must be Apostilled by the MEA in India and then translated into Italian by an embassy-authorised translator to be accepted.
Top 3 Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students (2026)
Italian scholarships are what make studying in Italy a unique opportunity. Unlike many other countries where financial aid is only for the very top performers, the Italian system treats education as a public right. This means that if your family income falls below a certain level, the government provides significant support to ensure you can study without financial stress.
The three primary scholarship paths for 2026 are:
- Need-Based (DSU): Focused on your financial background.
- Merit-Based (MAECI): Focused on your academic excellence and potential.
- Professional-Based (IYT): Focused on career development and industrial ties
| Feature | DSU Regional Scholarship | MAECI (Govt. Grant) | Invest Your Talent (IYT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Regional Governments | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | MAECI + Trade Agency |
| Basis | Need-Based (Family Income) | Merit-Based (Academic) | Merit + Professional |
| Tuition Fee | 100% Waived | 100% Waived | 100% Waived |
| Cash Stipend | ₹5.5L – ₹8.4L per year | ₹95,800 per month | ₹1.05 Lakhs per month |
| Free Meals | 1–2 Free Meals/Day | No | No |
| Accommodation | Free Hostel or Rent Subsidy | No | No |
| Duration | Renewable every year | 6 or 9 months | 9 months (Renewable) |
| Key Deadline | July – Sept 2026 | May – June 2026 | Jan – Feb 2026 |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose DSU if your primary goal is to study for free and you belong to a middle-class background. It is the most accessible and generous.
- Choose MAECI if you have a very high GPA and want a prestigious government title.
- Choose IYT if you are a Master's student in Engineering or Business and want a guaranteed 3-month internship in an Italian company.
Average Salaries for Indian Graduates from Public Universities in Italy
For a typical 2-year Master’s degree, an Indian student’s total investment (if they don't get a scholarship) is roughly ₹15L – ₹20L. If you secure a DSU scholarship, your investment drops to almost ₹0 (excluding your initial flight and visa costs).
- Breakeven Time: Under 1 year (Public University) vs. 4–6 years (USA/UK).
- Stay-Back Value: You get a 1-year Post-Study Work Permit to search for a job across the EU.
- Schengen Mobility: Your degree and visa act as a passport to the entire European job market.
Average Graduate Salaries & ROI by Sector (2026)
While starting salaries in Italy are more "moderate" compared to the US, they come with a high quality of life and lower living expenses.
| Job Sector | Annual Gross (EUR) | Annual Gross (INR) | Monthly Net (Take-Home) | ROI Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT & Data Science | €32,000 – €42,000 | ₹33.6L – ₹44.1L | ₹2.1L – ₹2.8L | Highest |
| Engineering | €30,000 – €38,000 | ₹31.5L – ₹39.9L | ₹1.9L – ₹2.5L | Very High |
| Finance & Mgmt | €28,000 – €36,000 | ₹29.4L – ₹37.8L | ₹1.8L – ₹2.4L | High |
| Fashion & Design | €25,000 – €34,000 | ₹26.2L – ₹35.7L | ₹1.6L – ₹2.2L | Niche/High |
| Biotech & Health | €24,000 – €32,000 | ₹25.2L – ₹33.6L | ₹1.5L – ₹2.1L | Steady |
Conclusion
Italy is one of the few places where you can get a world-class education without the long-term burden of student debt. Between the €7,800 yearly stipends and the chance to live in some of Europe’s most historic cities, it’s a practical and high-value choice for 2026. If you want to study in English and open doors to the European job market, the Italian public university system is hard to beat.
Getting there does involve a fair bit of bureaucracy, from the Universitaly portal to the complex scholarship paperwork. If you want to make sure you don't miss a deadline or a document, LeapScholar can help you navigate the process and keep things simple. Book a free chat with us to see how we can help you get your application ready for the 2026 intake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Is Italy costly for Indian students?
The cost of studying in Italy depends on the city and university type. On average, an Indian student spends €8,000–€12,000 per year (₹8.4–12.6 lakh), covering tuition, rent, food, transport, and insurance.
-
Is IELTS compulsory for Italy?
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.
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Does Italy give a 100% scholarship?
Yes, Italy offers 100% scholarships for international students, primarily through need-based regional programs like the DSU Scholarship, which covers tuition, accommodation, food, and provides a stipend, and merit-based options such as the MAECI Scholarship and Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT), covering fees, living costs, and insurance, especially for Master's, PhD, and research programs, with deadlines often in spring.
-
Which university in Italy is the cheapest?
University of Milan.
University of Pisa.
University of Pavia.
Tor Vergata University of Rome.
University of Genoa.
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia - UNIMORE.
Ca' Foscari University of Venice.
Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. -
Are public universities in Italy free?
On average the governmental universities have a tuition fee ranging €5,00 to €3,000 Euros. Lower the family income is less the students has to pay as tuition fee. If family income is less than € 6,000 per person the tuition fee will be € 800 Per academic year.
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