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Studying in Italy

Italy combines a large public university system, growing English-taught provision and regional student-support schemes, but non-EU students should plan carefully for Universitaly pre-enrolment, visa finances, residence-permit administration and city-specific housing costs.

16 of 16 sections confirmed against their official source. Last confirmed 2026-08-08.

Overview

Italy offers a large public university system alongside private and specialist institutions, with a growing range of programmes taught in English. Public-university tuition is often income-sensitive, but the method for international students varies: universities may use ISEE/ISEE parificato, country bands, flat fees or other institutional rules.

Regional diritto allo studio (DSU) systems can provide fee reductions, scholarships, meals or housing to eligible students, including international students who meet the documentation requirements. Compare the university's fee regulations and the relevant regional scholarship call before assuming a national tuition figure.

Source: https://www.universitaly.it/

Study System

The standard structure follows the Bologna system: a three-year laurea, a two-year laurea magistrale and single-cycle programmes in selected fields. Admission rules differ by course, and nationally or locally capped programmes can use entrance examinations or rankings.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, non-EU students residing abroad who need a study visa for the listed higher-education routes must complete the relevant Universitaly pre-enrolment process before the visa application. University validation of pre-enrolment does not guarantee the visa; the consulate makes the immigration decision.

Source: https://www.universitaly.it/studenti-stranieri

Visa & Immigration

Non-EU students who require a visa for university enrolment normally apply for a national type D study visa after their Universitaly pre-enrolment has been validated. The standard study-visa fee is EUR 50, subject to the consulate's local payment method and exemptions. For ordinary degree programmes in the 2026-2027 cycle, Italian missions publish 30 November 2026 as the national visa-application deadline, although university and appointment deadlines can be much earlier.

For 2026-2027, official Italian mission checklists use a minimum financial benchmark of EUR 10,179.85 for the academic year. The applicant must also show resources for return/repatriation and meet any tuition, accommodation and documentary requirements. Missions can assess the broader reliability and traceability of the student's or sponsor's finances, so the minimum balance alone does not guarantee approval. Follow the checklist of the consulate handling your application.

Source: https://consparigi.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/visto-di-studio-tirocinio/

Residence Permit

After entering Italy on the relevant long-stay study visa, apply for the permesso di soggiorno per studio within 8 working days. The normal route uses the postal kit at a Sportello Amico office followed by a Questura appointment for fingerprints and document checks. Keep the postal receipt: it proves that the application was lodged while the permit is being processed.

For an adult permit lasting more than three months and up to one year, the standard charges currently add to EUR 116.46: EUR 16 revenue stamp, EUR 30 postal submission, EUR 30.46 electronic permit production and EUR 40 permit contribution. A permit over one year and up to two years uses a EUR 50 contribution instead, bringing the standard total to EUR 126.46. Exemptions and future fee changes can apply, so verify the current schedule before submission.

Source: https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Altre-info/e/4/o/5///id/1/Il-permesso-di-soggiorno

Healthcare

EU/EEA/Swiss students with a valid EHIC can access medically necessary state-provided healthcare under the applicable European rules. Students who are not covered through those arrangements must maintain health cover that satisfies their immigration conditions.

Depending on status, a student may be able to enrol voluntarily in Italy's Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) by paying the contribution set under current rules, or use qualifying private insurance. Because contribution levels and administrative procedures can change, check the local ASL and current national guidance before deciding which option is best for the full academic year.

Source: https://www.salute.gov.it/

Insurance

Study-visa insurance requirements are implemented through the consulate processing the application. Several official 2026-2027 Italian mission checklists require medical cover including treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation with at least EUR 30,000 of coverage, but the required period and documentary wording can vary by mission.

Use the consulate's current checklist rather than assuming every travel policy qualifies. After arrival, ensure your cover remains valid until you are properly enrolled in the SSN or another compliant health-insurance arrangement.

Source: https://consnewyork.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/visas-to-enter-italy/study/

Housing

Housing availability and cost vary sharply between cities. University residences and regional DSU accommodation can be good-value options but are limited and often allocated through separate applications or scholarship rankings. Start early, especially in Milan, Rome, Bologna and other high-demand university markets.

If you rent privately, understand the contract, deposit, utilities and registration requirements before paying. A properly documented accommodation arrangement can also matter for immigration and local administration, so avoid informal deals that cannot provide the evidence you need.

Source: https://www.universitaly.it/

Bank Accounts

The codice fiscale is a central identifier for many Italian administrative and financial processes. International students can obtain it through the competent Italian authorities, and some universities help students with the procedure.

Banks set their own account-opening, identification, residence and fee requirements. Compare current student or youth accounts rather than assuming all under-30 accounts are free. A SEPA account from another participating country can be used for euro payments, although a local account may simplify some practical tasks.

Source: https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/

Taxes

Paid employment and other income are subject to Italy's ordinary tax rules; being a student does not create a universal tax-free allowance for all student work. Employers normally handle withholding on employment income, while the final position depends on income type, annual income, deductions, tax credits and tax residence.

Keep your codice fiscale details correct and retain payslips and tax documents. If you have multiple employers, freelance income, foreign income or uncertainty about tax residence, use Agenzia delle Entrate guidance or qualified advice rather than relying on a single 'no-tax area' figure.

Source: https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/web/english

Transportation

Local student fares depend on the city and region, while Trenitalia, Italo and other operators run their own youth, advance-purchase and promotional fares. Check eligibility, age limits and route restrictions in the current operator terms before budgeting around a discount.

When choosing accommodation, compare the actual commute to your teaching campus, including late-evening service and transfers; a cheaper room far from campus can cost more in time and transport.

Source: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Phone & Internet

Italian mobile operators and virtual networks compete heavily on prepaid and SIM-only plans, so data allowances and prices change often. Compare coverage around your campus and accommodation as well as roaming and contract terms.

Identification is required for SIM activation and providers may request a codice fiscale. In shared housing, confirm whether fixed broadband is already active and how charges are divided before ordering a second connection.

Source: https://www.agcom.it/

Student Life

Student life varies by university and city, but faculty associations, sports, cultural groups and Erasmus Student Network chapters are common ways for international students to meet people beyond their course. Orientation weeks and recurring small-group activities are usually more useful for building a network than relying on one-off events.

Regional DSU bodies may also operate canteens, housing and other student-welfare services. Check the specific regional agency and university rather than assuming the same benefits apply nationwide.

Source: https://www.esn.it/

Language

Italy offers many programmes taught in English, particularly at master's level, while a large share of undergraduate provision remains in Italian. For Italian-taught programmes, universities and the visa/pre-enrolment procedure commonly require proof of language competence, often around B2, but the accepted certificate and exact level depend on the programme and current rules.

For English-taught programmes, the university may require its own evidence of English proficiency. Learning practical Italian remains valuable for housing, healthcare, work and residence-permit administration even when your degree is entirely in English.

Source: https://www.universitaly.it/studenti-stranieri

Part-time Jobs

A residence permit for study allows subordinate employment subject to a maximum of 1,040 hours per year. For employment spread across the year, the normal limit is 20 hours per week. Official labour guidance notes that hours can be concentrated into a shorter period—such as when teaching is suspended—even if a particular week exceeds 20 hours, provided the 1,040-hour annual ceiling is respected and study remains the primary purpose of stay.

If you want employment exceeding the permitted annual limit, you need the appropriate conversion to a work residence permit. Use a formal contract and ensure the employer completes the required employment notifications.

Source: https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Ricerca-news/Dettaglio-news/id/3085/-possibile-lavorare-con-un-permesso-per-motivi-di-studio-E-svolgere-un-tirocinio

Post-study Work

A non-EU graduate who completes an eligible Italian higher-education qualification can, when the legal requirements are met, apply at the end of the study permit for a residence permit to seek employment or start a business coherent with the completed studies. The statutory duration is not less than nine months and not more than twelve months. The procedure includes registering immediate availability for work with the employment services and meeting the applicable financial and health-cover requirements.

Italy also removed the annual quota restriction for converting valid study permits to subordinate or self-employment permits. Where the conversion requirements are met, it can therefore be requested during the year without waiting for a Decreto Flussi conversion quota. Check the current procedure before your study permit expires.

Source: https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Ricerca-news/Dettaglio-news/id/3301/Conversione-del-permesso-di-soggiorno-da-studio-a-lavoro-Cosa-e-cambiato-con-il-decreto-Cutro

Emergency Numbers

Dial 112 for urgent police, fire or medical assistance. It is the EU-wide emergency number and is free to call. Italy has also historically used separate service numbers such as 113 for state police, 115 for fire and 118 for medical emergencies, and local integration into the single-number system has developed over time.

When calling, give your location first and follow the operator's instructions. Language assistance can vary, so keep your address written down and save campus security and local emergency contacts as well.

Source: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/112

Focused Italy guides

Official resources

Student cities in Italy

Universities in Italy