Top Public Universities in Italy for International Students

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Did you know that Italy has one of the largest economies in the world and provides ample job opportunities for graduates?

Studying in Italy allows students to learn Italian, a language spoken by over 85 million people worldwide.

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According to the QS World University Rankings of previous years, 21 Italian universities are ranked among the top 1000 universities in the world. 

Italy has a strong focus on research and development, with significant investment in innovation and technology. 

Italy is the third most popular study-abroad destination for Indian students after the US and Canada, with over 4,000 Indian students studying in Italy in previous years.

Why study in Italy?

With over 80,000 students choosing Italy as their study-abroad destination, it is clear that Italy is a popular choice among students worldwide.

These universities not only provide high-quality education but also offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and history. 

Here are a few reasons why Italy can be your top choice for studying abroad: 

Rich Cultural Experience: Italy has a rich history and culture that dates back centuries, and studying there will give Indian students a chance to immerse themselves in this unique experience.

High-Quality Education: Italy has some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, offering high-quality education that is recognised globally.

Affordable Tuition and Living Expenses: Compared to other popular study-abroad destinations, Italy’s tuition and living expenses are relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for Indian students.

Job Opportunities: Italy is home to many international companies, and graduates from Italian universities have ample job opportunities in various industries, including fashion, design, and tourism.

Language Learning: Studying in Italy provides Indian students with the opportunity to learn Italian, a language that is spoken by over 85 million people worldwide and can be a valuable asset in the job market.

Top 10 Public Universities in Italy

Italy is a popular destination for students from all over the world looking for high-quality education and a culturally rich experience, with approximately 61 public universities

The country boasts numerous prestigious universities that provide a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. 

Here is a list of Top Public Universities in Italy: 

Universities QS World Ranking 2024 
Politecnico di Milano #142
University of Bologna #166
Sapienza University of Rome #171 
University of Padua #242
University of Milan #316
Politecnico di Torino #334 
University of Pisa #388 
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University #390
University of Naples Federico ll#424
University of Trento #440 

Also Read: Study in Italy 2024 for Indian Students 

Here’s an overview of the Top 5 Public Universities in Italy: 

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Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano, founded in 1863, is one of Italy’s most distinguished public universities for overseas students. 

It is the biggest technical university in Italy, with roughly 42,000 students engaged in various fields such as engineering, architecture, and design. Politecnico di Milano has two primary campuses in Milan and five other campuses in different areas.  

Parameters Details 
Average Tuition Fees 89,520 EUR – 3,89,820/years
Top Courses Engineering 
Design 
Science 
Architecture and Planning 

University of Bologna

Public universities in Italy have faced many challenges over the centuries, with the rise and fall of empires. 

However, the University of Bologna has managed to maintain its position as the oldest university in continuous operation in the world, providing high-quality education to thousands of students since 1088. With 11 schools and approximately 86,500 students, this university is widely regarded as a centre of excellence.

Parameters Details 
Average Tuition Fees EUR 2925 – EUR 3295/year 
Top Courses Agriculture and food sciences 
Economics and Management 
Engineering and Architecture 
Humanities 

Sapienza University of Rome 

Sapienza University of Rome or the University of Rome is ranked among the top Italy public university list. It is a public research university and one of the largest European Universities by enrollment. 

Established in 1303, it is one of the ancient universities in the world!! Sapienza University has educated many Nobel laureates.

Parameters Details 
Average Tuition Fees 1600 EUR – 2924 EUR/year 
Top Courses Business Management 
Mechanical Engineering 
Computer Science Energy
Engineering 

University of Padua

The University of Padua is one of the best public colleges in Italy. Established some 800 years ago in 1222 by a group of students and teachers from Bologna, the university is the second oldest university to study in Italy and the world’s fifth oldest surviving university. 

Nicholaus Copernicus, the man who placed the Sun at the centre of the Solar system, is probably the most celebrated alumni of the university.

Parameters Details 
Average Tuition Fees EUR 2580/year
Top Courses Local Development Mobility Studies 
Astrophysics and Cosmology 
Computer Engineering

University of Milan

In Italy, public universities have emerged rather recently and have grown to great success. Such is the University of Milan established in 1924. 

Only a century old, this university has around 60,000 students and a huge fraction of international learners. Colloquially known as UniMi, the University of Milan offers 140 undergraduate, 32 doctoral, and 65+ specialisation courses. 

Parameters Details 
Average Tuition Fees 3500 EUR to 9800 EUR/year 
Top Courses Medicine Pharmacy 
Humanities
Political, Economic and Social Sciences 

Top Courses to Study in Italy 

Studying in Italy can offer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a lively and dynamic academic community while experiencing the beauty and charm of Italian culture.

Here is a list of top courses for studying in Italy: 

Master in Area & Cultural Studies Master in Architecture 
Master in Transportation Design Master in Economics 
Master in Automobile Design Bachelor’s of Arts in Tourism Management 
Bachelor’s of Arts in Sports ManagementBachelor’s in Business Studies 
Bachelor’s in Fashion Art Direction Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing 

Intakes in Italy 

In Italy, universities generally offer two major intakes for international students – February and September

The February intake is usually smaller and more competitive, while the September intake is larger and more popular. 

Both intakes offer a wide range of courses in various fields and provide opportunities for students to pursue their academic and career goals.

Intake Application Deadline 
September/Fall Intake May 
February/Winter November 

Documents Required to Study in Italy for Indian Students 

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Proof of admission to an Italian university
  • High school diploma or equivalent transcripts for undergraduate programs
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent transcripts for graduate programs
  • English Language Proficiency Exams: IELTS (6.5-7.0) TOEFL (100)
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Medical certificate and health insurance

Note: It is essential to check with the specific university you are applying to as the documents required may vary depending on the program and level of study.

Visa Requirements For Indian Students

Here are the visa requirements for Indian students To study in Italy:

  • A valid passport
  • Letter of acceptance from an Italian university
  • Proof of financial support for the duration of the study program
  • Health insurance coverage
  • A completed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photographs

It is recommended that Indian students who want to study in Italy opt for a Type-D visa, which is also known as a National visa. 

With this visa, students can stay in Italy for the entire duration of their study program, which is usually more than 90 days.

Note: If you plan to study in Italy for less than 90 days, you will need to apply for a C-VISA. It is crucial to understand the type of visa required for your course and apply for it in advance.

Cost of Studying in Italy 

You can find more information about the average tuition fees for public and private universities in the table provided below:

Average Public UniversityTuition FeeINR 82K – INR 3.6L

Cost of Living in Italy 

Living expenses for Indian students in Italy may vary based on their location and lifestyle. Typically, larger cities such as Milan and Rome have higher living costs than smaller towns or cities. 

Nevertheless, Italy provides various affordable accommodation and dining options for budget-conscious students. Moreover, students can take advantage of discounts on transportation, cultural events, and entertainment.

Here is the breakdown of the average cost of living in Italy for Indian and International students:

Average Cost Of LivingINR 76K
Average Rent ( One Bedroom Apartment)INR 61K
Transportation Cost (Monthly Pass)INR 3.2K
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) MonthlyINR 18K

Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students 

Italy offers various scholarships to international students, including Indian students, to help them pursue their academic dreams. 

These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance and other costs associated with studying abroad

In previous years, Italy offered over 9,000 scholarships to international students, making it an attractive destination for students seeking financial aid.

Below is the list of scholarships available for Indian students in Italy: 

  • Accademia del Design e della Moda (IUAD)
  • Accademia di Belle Arti di Sanremo – Istituto “I. Duncan”
  • Accademia di Costume e Moda
  • Accademia Italiana di Arte, Moda e Design
  • Accademia Nazionale di Arte Drammatica “Silvio D’Amico”
  • Centro di Lingua e Cultura Italiana “Torre di Babele”
  • Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Boito” di Parma
  • Conservatorio di Musica “Giacomo Puccini”
  • Conservatorio Statale di Musica “Arcangelo Corelli”
  • Conservatorio Statale di Musica “G. Verdi”

Also Read: Top 10 Italy Scholarships for Indian Students 2024

Eligibility Criteria For Italian Scholarships

Here are the eligibility criteria that you need to pass to get scholarships: 

  • Applicants should be international students.
  • Must have academic achievements and GPA.
  • Applicants must provide a well-written motivation letter.
  • After attending for at least two years, applicants must have a degree from an external institution or an Italian one outside the country.

Career Opportunities after studying in Italy 

An Italian degree opens doors! Italy’s STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) are booming, with more universities offering programs in English. Over 70% of graduates with Italian degrees find jobs within a year, and a 1-year job seeker visa lets you land your dream Italian career!

Part-Time Jobs In Italy For Indian Students 

Like many other Western countries, international and Indian students studying in Italy are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. 

The average hourly wage can vary between INR 630 and INR 912, which can result in a weekly income ranging from INR 12,775 to INR 18,250. Some jobs may also offer a higher hourly wage of up to INR 1,368.

Below is the list of top part-time jobs in Italy for Indian and International students:-

Part-Time Jobs Average Annual Salary In Italy
Receptionist  INR 17.5L
WaiterINR 20.6L
Sales AssistantINR 21.7L
Administrative Assistant INR 28.6L
Delivery AssociateINR 32L
Class TeacherINR 36L
Customer Service SpecialistINR 36.5L
Cab DriverINR 47.8L
Cashier  INR 51L
Production ManagerINR 59.5L

Top Recruiters In Italy For Indian And International Students

Top recruiters in Italy provide ample job opportunities for Indian students. The country is home to many international companies and prestigious universities.

Gi Group and Adecco are two such recruiters who help with job search, applications, and career development, increasing students’ chances of landing their dream job in Italy.

Here’s a list of Top recruiters in Italy: 

Top Recruiters In ItalyIndustry
FerrariAutomotive
LuxotticaEyewear
EnelEnergy
LeanardoAerospace And Defence
Fiat ChryslerAutomotive
Prysmian GroupCables And Systems
GeneraliInsurance
UnicreditBanking And Financial Services
MediasetBroadcasting And Media
SaipemOil And Gas

Wrapping It Up

Italy is a top choice for Indian students seeking high-quality education, rich cultural experiences, and affordable tuition and living expenses

Italian universities offer a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities in various fields, including art, design, engineering, fashion, and business.

Compared to other popular study-abroad destinations, Italy’s tuition and living expenses are relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for students.

With various scholarships and job opportunities available, Italy provides a promising career path for Indian students, making it an excellent option for those seeking academic and professional growth.

Feeling overwhelmed by study abroad choices? Take a breath! Our counsellors at LeapScholar, with 50+ years of experience, can personalise your journey and make it smooth sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. What are the most affordable public universities in Italy for international students?

    A. The tuition fees for international students in affordable public universities in Italy range from €800 to €4,000 per year, which is approximately INR 70,000 to INR 3,50,000. However, the cost of living in Italy can be quite high, so it’s important to factor in additional expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation.

  • Q. Which are the top public universities in Italy?

    A. In Italy, the top public universities are the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Padua. These universities have a long history of academic excellence and are renowned for their high-quality education. Students from all over the world come to study at these universities to pursue their academic goals and advance their careers. Each university has its own unique strengths and areas of expertise, making them excellent choices for students seeking a world-class education.

  • Q. Which are the top 3 public universities in Italy for masters?

    A. According to the QS World University Rankings, the top three public universities in Italy for master’s programmes are the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Padua. These universities are renowned for their academic excellence, research facilities, and diverse student communities, making them popular choices among domestic and international students alike. Each university offers a range of master’s programmes across various fields, providing students with ample opportunities to pursue their academic and career goals.

  • Q. What are the average fees in top public universities in Italy?

    A. The average fees for top public universities in Italy vary depending on the course and institution. However, on average, undergraduate courses range from €1,000 to €4,000 per year, while postgraduate courses range from €1,000 to €5,000 per year. In Indian Rupees, this amounts to around INR 85,000 to INR 3,40,000 per year for undergraduate courses and INR 85,000 to INR 4,25,000 per year for postgraduate courses.

  • Q. Which are the best public universities in Italy for MBA?

    A. Italy has several top public universities offering MBA programs, including the Politecnico di Milano, Università Bocconi, and the University of Bologna. These universities are known for their excellent faculty, diverse student community, and rigorous academic coursework. The Politecnico di Milano is particularly renowned for its focus on technology and innovation, while the University of Bologna has a strong reputation for its research and international partnerships. Università Bocconi is known for its strong connections to the business world and its focus on hands-on learning.

  • Q. What is the tuition fee for public universities in Italy?

    A. The tuition fee for public universities in Italy varies depending on the university and the program chosen. On average, the cost of tuition ranges from €1,000 to €4,000 per academic year. This translates to approximately ₹88,000 to ₹3,52,000 in Indian Rupees. However, it is important to note that the fees may differ for international students and may also be subject to change. It is advisable to check with the specific university for the latest information on tuition fees.

  • Q. What are the top public universities in Italy?

    A. Italy has some great public universities that offer excellent education and research opportunities. Among the top public universities in Italy are the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Padua. These universities are recognised for their strong academic programs, research facilities, and experienced faculty. They offer a wide range of courses across various disciplines, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, attracting students from all over the world. Prospective students can explore their websites to learn more about their admission requirements and application process.

  • Q. What is the admission process for public universities in Italy?

    A. The admission process for public universities in Italy typically involves submitting an application form, academic transcripts, and other supporting documents. Some universities may also require applicants to take an entrance exam or attend an interview. It’s worth noting that entry requirements and application procedures can vary depending on the university and the course you’re applying for. It’s always a good idea to check with the individual institution for specific details.

  • Q.  What kind of courses do public universities in Italy offer?

    A. Public universities in Italy offer a wide range of courses in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and technology. From medicine to architecture, law to business, and arts to languages, there are plenty of academic options to choose from. Additionally, many Italian universities provide opportunities for international students to study in English, making it easier for non-native speakers to pursue higher education in Italy.

  • Q. How is the campus life at public universities in Italy?

    A. Campus life at public universities in Italy can be lively and enriching. Italian universities offer a range of social activities, sports clubs, and cultural events that cater to students’ diverse interests. Many universities have modern facilities, including libraries, sports centres, and cafeterias. However, campus life can vary depending on the location and size of the university. It’s always best to research a university’s campus life offerings before making a decision.

  • Q. What are the job prospects after studying at public universities in Italy?

    A. Public universities in Italy offer a wide range of courses and have a good reputation around the world. Graduates from these universities have good job prospects, particularly in sectors such as engineering, medicine, and technology. However, the job market in Italy is quite competitive, so it is important for graduates to have relevant experience and skills in order to stand out to potential employers. Additionally, proficiency in Italian language is often a requirement for many jobs in Italy.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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