Italy is not just one of the most picturesque countries in Europe but is also known for some top universities and quality education at affordable fees. Like Germany and France, Europe offers some of the best universities in Italy for international students. There are many public and private universities offering a robust education system in Italy while the cost of living and tuition fees is comparatively reasonable.
Here are a few reasons for enrolling in the best universities in Italy:
It is a popular destination for foreign students.
The benefit of learning Italian as a second language.
The possibility of selecting an Italian degree in English.
These factors along with the best universities make Italy one of the preferred choices for international students. At several public universities in Italy, a student can easily find all the required courses, and the tuition costs are competitive with those at private universities. Tables below list some of the best universities in Italy for international students:
To acquire admissions in top-ranked universities in Italy, students must fulfill some established criteria.
Here are some of the standard parameters that require careful consideration:
High school diploma or bachelor’s degree holder
Entrance exams for specific universities
Established language proficiency in English or Italian
Documents like valid passport, academic transcripts
Proof of funding
The best universities in Italy follow a systematic process to evaluate an applicant on all these criteria. So, students need to ensure the availability of all the relevant details.
Intakes:
There are two intakes for the best universities in Italy for international students::
Besides tuition fees and education costs, the overall expenses for international students vary per individual lifestyle and expenditure. However, here is an approximate and quick estimate for attending some of the best universities in Italy.
The cost of attendance will primarily depend on the university and the location of the accommodations. In Italy, one can anticipate spending between €750 and 1,100 per month on food, groceries, and transportation, as well as €250 to 700 per month on housing costs (excluding monthly utility bills). Additionally, students must monitor their pre-arrival expenses, which include:
The table below offers a chance to attain a scholarship for education in Italy. These are offered at some of the best universities in Italy for international students:
Sno.
Scholarship details
Duration
Eligibility
Award Size
Program
1.
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
6 to 9 months
Age limit – 28 years and 364 days for Masters, 30 years and 364 days for PhD and 40 years and 364 days for Research
Masters/PhD Degrees
2.
University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students
One Academic Year
Should not be a current student at the University of Bologna for First, Single or Second Cycle degree programs.
Not benefited with Unibo Action 2 study grant or from the Unibo Action 1 waiver.
Not over 30 years of age.
Unibo Action 2 grants up to €11.059.
Unibo Action 1 – full tuition waiver.
Bachelors/Masters Degree
3.
Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme
2 continuous years for Masters and 3 continuous years for Bachelors.
Apply for one or more English taught degrees.
Pay the pre-enrolment fee of €30.
A subsistence allowance of €8,000 and a tuition fee waiver.
Bachelors/Masters Degree
4.
Bocconi Merit and International Awards
Every year till course last
Outstanding international applicants with academic profiles amongst the top.
Merit award- full tuition fee waiver; €12,000 per year (bachelors), €14,000 per year (masters).
Bocconi award – 50% tuition reduction for both degrees.
Bachelor’s/Masters Degree
5.
UniversitàCattolica International Scholarships
Annual tuition fee
International students
€2.500
Masters
Visa process:
The steps listed below must be followed by all foreign students applying for visas to study at the best universities in Italy:
The University acceptance letter
Type of Visa – Type C (Short-stay), Type D (Long-stay)
Italy allows students to remain and work in the country after they have finished their education under the name “Permesso di Soggiorno,” often known as a residence permit. Depending on the course and university, it can be used for a period of six to twelve months. If a student is unable to find employment, they will be asked to return to their native country.
Italy has some of the world’s oldest colleges, in addition to being one of the most affordable nations to pursue education. As a result of the quality of education and highly rated amenities and facilities, it is slowly becoming a favorite destination for international students.
Top recruiters in the Italian education scene
After completing a course, it is vital to land a suitable job opportunity. Different companies are active in distinct Italian cities. Hence, the placements in Italy are quite subjective.
However, here is a list of top five organizations that hire individuals in different roles:
Amazon Italia
UBS
Siemens
Franke
Coesia
Students can also leverage the existing industrial connections of the top colleges in Italy for employment purposes.
Career prospects in Italy
This table includes five of Italy’s most trending career profiles, along with their approximate annual salary, as per Payscale.
Sr. No.
Career prospect
Average annual salary (EUR)
1
General Surgeon
50,900
2
Lawyer/Attorney
51,000
3
Marketing Director
93,000
4
Relationship Manager
75,000
5
Software Engineer
31,000
Overall, studying at the best universities in Italy can lead to such high-paying career prospects. However, the scope for other professions in this European nation is tremendous.
EU/EEA students do not need a visa, but international students need to apply for a student visa to study at some of the best universities in Italy.
Does the application process involve any fee?
Although there is a minimum amount that universities charge for applications, there are several public universities in Italy and some private ones where there may be no fee.
Are there any grants available?
A lot of scholarships are available in Italy, provided you apply early. You can check the university-specific website or refer to the document mentioned above.
What courses am I eligible to apply for scholarships for?
There are several universities in Italy for Masters, Bachelors, and PhDs, and scholarships are available for all the programs as per the university’s discretion.
Is Italy affordable for foreign students?
Compared to other European countries, Italy is affordable for international students. The top universities in Italy also offer plenty of options for fee waivers.
In addition, scholarship opportunities reduce tuition fees considerably. So, it can be cost-efficient to pursue higher education in Italy.
Which fields of study are best in Italian universities?
Students can explore various courses in fields like Science, Arts, Design, Education, Humanities, and Hospitality. The top colleges in Italy also offer high-quality education in agriculture and engineering.
What are the benefits of studying in Italy?
Italy is a scenic destination that offers top-notch food, cultural, and recreational experiences. Hence, along with pursuing higher education, students can learn about the new culture and become fluent in Italian.
Can one study in top Italian colleges without learning the native language?
Some of the best universities in Italy offer academic programs with English as the medium of instruction. In this case, students have to provide proof of English language proficiency.
However, if a specific course is available in Italian, one must have a decent understanding of the native language.