Study in Italy for international students, it’s a dream come true to study in Italy. You need to get a complete overview of Italy before you start your application for study Visa. This blog shares useful information about the education system, application process for university, Tuition fee in a university, scholarship details and settlement chances after graduation for international students. Check in this blog, six steps to apply for scholarship in Italy. There are nine scholarships in Italy which have been mentioned in this Blog.
What are the job opportunities during studies and after studies are also mentioned in this blog. Check how you can apply for a work permit in Italy. At last, Universities are mentioned, which offer courses to international students.
Let start to unfold following points one by one to discover Italy for International students.
Table of Contents
General Information about Italy
Italy is a country of south-central Europe. It is bounded by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north.
The capital is Rome, one of the oldest and world’s great cities. Rome is a favourite of visitors. Milan, Florence, Venice, Turin, Genoa and Naples are other big cities in Italy. Italy is also a member of the G8, as it has the eighth largest Gross Domestic Product in the world and 4th strongest economy of Europe.
Almost four-fifths of Italy is either mountainous or hilly. Over 50 million tourists a year visit Italy. Tourism is vital to Italy’s economy and provides nearly 63% of Italy’s national income.
Types of Italian Higher Education Institutions
The higher education system of Italy has 3 following types. Check details about these higher education institutions one by one here.
- Universities
- Higher Technical Institutes
- Higher Education for Artists
Universities
A total of 96 universities are working in Italy. In which 67 are public universities and 29 are private universities. The major focus of universities is on theoretical studies. Bologna process is implemented by universities.
Universities issue the following degrees.
Undergraduate Degree (Laurea): it is equivalent to a Bachelor of Science, which can be obtained in the 3-year programme of study.
Graduate Degree (Laurea Magistrale): It is equivalent to a Master of Science, which takes two years for completion.
After completing, Graduate Degree program you can apply to a Doctoral program.
Higher Technical Institutes
Major focus of higher technical institutes is on practical stuff. These institutions prepare students for professional life. Practical assignments and internship enhance the skills of students. Teachers from companies interact with students to share their experiences and knowledge.
Higher Education for Artists
Well, if you are an artist in any particular field, you can polish your skills in higher institutions of Italy. Courses about Dance, Music, Visual arts, Design and Drama are available in these Institutions.
Deadlines and Intakes for admission in Italy
Every university has its deadline for each intake. Preferably check admission deadlines on each university website well before.
So, you would have time to prepare an application and collect all relevant documents for admission.
Normally, the academic year starts in September and it ends in January or in February.
While the second semester starts in February and ends in July.
Application Process in University of Italy
The application process for a university is quite different in Italy as compared to other countries.
First of all You need to contact the Italian embassy to start your student application for a university. Student visas in Italy are issued by Italian Embassies or Consulate-General offices in your country of origin.
You should submit a pre-application request to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence and indicate what institution and program you’re applying to.
After acceptance of the pre-application form, the Consulate issues a document, which is the statement of validity.
The officials will forward your documentation to the institution, and you should confirm with your institution how and when the results will be posted.
Typically, results are either posted by the Embassy or the institution and they will contact you directly. After that you will consult the International Student Office of your chosen university online or in some cases the embassy can forward the application itself.
The university will send an email and ask for enrolment documents. The enrolment and merit requirements can be different according to your degree programme about which you can take information from the Italian University you have chosen for admission.
Admission Requirements for Italy’s student Visa
There are bachelor’s degree courses and master’s degree courses for international students in Italian universities.
Admission Requirements for Bachelor’s degree course:
Bachelor’s programmes with English as the medium of instruction are offered to international students. Each university can have different requirements.
These are general requirements to apply Bachelor’s degree course in Italy. It is also called Laurea (equivalent to bachelor degree) program.
You must hold a secondary school qualification released after a minimum of 12 years of schooling (overall).
A valid school-leaving certificate means you are eligible to qualify for higher education studies in your home country. Minimum 58% marks are required for the higher secondary certificate to secure admission in Bachelors.
Entry test for university is optional. You need IELTS or TOEFL for admission in the bachelor’s degree course.
Admission Requirements for Master’s degree course:
Admission requirements vary for each university for master’s programmes.
To study a master’s degree at an Italian university, you will need to have a relevant bachelor or equivalent degree certification.
Entry test from a university (if required).
Many Italian universities offer a lot of programs in English at the master’s level. IELTS or TOEFL is not compulsory for a master’s degree in Italy. If your previous studies were not in English, you need English language tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Documents Required for Italy’s Student Visa
These are general documents, you need to submit to get admission in a university for study in Italy. There can be additional documents for your application process, we recommend always double check university website to get information.
- Visa Application Form.
- Two recent passport size photographs.
- Passport & CV & Motivation Letter.
- Work Experience (if any).
- Two Reference letters. From Teachers or previous Employers.
- IELTS or TOEFL
- English Proficiency Letter if previous studies are in English.
- Acceptance letter of the concerned Italian University/Institute.
- Proof of personal financial means or family resources.
- Proof of accommodation near university.
- Travel Insurance Policy, valid for all countries in the Schengen States.
What is total cost in Italy?
Italy is the most affordable country in Europe as per living Cost and tuition fee. Let’s have a look.
Tuition fee in Italy for International Students
Higher education in Italy is very reasonable and affordable for international students. While the education standard is also quite high in Italy.
Public Institutions get funds from Government and other organizations. Normally Public universities charge tuition fee from EUR 850 to EUR 1500.
Wait a minute, you do not have funds and can not pay your tuition fee?
The interesting point is that the tuition fee for a student depends upon his/her financial condition. It can be minimum of EUR 150.
If you want a reduction in your tuition fee, you have to present your case quite strongly. Your application should say, that you are in financial need and you have high ambitions and strong motivation for higher studies.
Private Sector of education charge high tuition fee in Italy. Private Universities charge EUR 5000 – EUR 10,000 per year.
What is Living cost in Italy?
Small towns are cheaper in terms of living as compared to big cities in Italy.
Big Universities offer accommodation to international students with affordable charges. Universities also assist to find cheap accommodation for students. There is a different kind of accommodations which includes hostels, shared room and private flats.
If you rent out the hostel, then your monthly rent should be around EUR 370 – EUR 650. While hostels are nearer to the location of the university.
For shared student room, you have to pay per month up to EUR 400 – EUR 700.
Private flats are more expensive and the cost can be between EUR 500 – EUR 1000.
You should prefer the hostel accommodation as compared to others. You can save time to travel and can make friends quickly in hostels.
While, You have to arrange accommodation before you apply for a visa. If you are lucky enough to get the desired accommodation, then you can add a document which is proof of your accommodation.
Otherwise, temporary accommodation can be a hotel booking or a letter from your sponsor (family or friend) showing an arrangement for accommodation.
Public transport is cheaper in Italy. You would have discounts as a student and monthly travelling pass can cost between EUR 30 – EUR 35.
Food expenses depend upon individuals and they make budget accordingly. The food expenses can vary from EUR 120 – EUR 300. If you can cook at home, you can reduce the cost of daily food charges.
How much bank statement is required to get student visa for of Italy?
During you stay as student, you have to pay for daily expenses in terms of food, rent, travelling and other expenses. Therefore, You have to show sufficient financial means to Italian embassy when you are applying for a student visa.
There should be funds equal to EUR 5000 in your account or in your sponsor account to get approval from the embassy. These funds cover one-year living expenses in Italy. This deposit should remain in a bank account till your application gets approval from the embassy.
You can attach a letter from the bank, which shows you have the desired amount in your account. If the current account is not in your name, you can add an account from your parents. Just attach one sponsor letter, signed by the account holder and stating that you have their consent to use this specific account.
If you receive a scholarship that covers your living costs, then you may exempt from the bank statement.
Scholarships for International Students in Italy
Italy provides student grants, student loans and scholarships to international students. You are a brilliant student, either an average student, you can get financial support.
You only have to make the right choice for yourself to get support during the study period in Italy.
There are different sources to get financial aid. It can be university, Government or Local Bodies.
Scholarships or financial aids are available in all fields of studies, including engineering, medicine, arts, humanities, business management and many more. You can get scholarships from university or government for bachelor’s course, master’s course and a doctorate course.
What you have to do, prepare a quite inspiring and ambitious application to get a scholarship or financial aid from university or government.
10 Scholarships to study in Italy
- Government Scholarships in Italy.
- Erasmus Scholarships for International students.
- Politecnico di torino scholarship for Foreign Students.
- Bocconi university scholarships.
- The University of Padua Scholarships.
- University of Pavia Scholarships.
- Bologna University Scholarships.
- EDISU Piemonte Scholarships.
- Organizational funds for International students.
- The University of Pisa Scholarships Italy
Six steps to apply scholarship for study in Italy
First of all, check which scholarships you can Apply in Italy. Scholarships in Italy can be different depending upon your country. So check if you are eligible for the scholarship you are aiming to apply.
On the second stage, shortlist University which offers a particular course, you are interested in.
Thirdly, Check if there is any scholarship or fund allocated to course, you want to Study.
On the fourth step, you submit Application for admission to shortlisted University for your desired course.
On the fifth stage, you need to submit Application for the scholarship if required. If the same University is offering the scholarship, then you do not need to submit a new Application. But if you have applied for Govt Financial Aid or scholarship, Any Organization provides a scholarship for your course of Study. Then you have to make a new Application with all documents.
Lastly, check all notifications list on given dates. If you get selected in the Final Results, you will receive an email also from University or Organization.
Job opportunities for International students in Italy
Students need to do part-time jobs to support their studies and fulfil daily expenses. You are allowed to work 20 hours per week in Italy. There are part-time jobs like food delivery, restaurant related jobs, newspaper distribution, bars and many more.
References help to get part-time jobs in Italy. If you have any reference, it’s your plus point to survive in Italy during your stay as a student.
You can work as a freelancer and can teach any skills you have. It can be English language teaching or any other knowledge you can transfer to Italian people.
You should have wonderful command in English to get a full-time job in Italy after graduation. If you can communicate in the Italian language also, your chances are double for a permanent job. You can earn a reasonable salary.
The job vaccines easily available in Italy, are in mechanical, textile, chemical, technology, food and wood furniture sectors.
Settlement Possibilities after Study in Italy
Once you complete your degree, you would like to settle down in Italy. There are possibilities for international students. Italy extends residence permit for 6 to 12 months after completing a degree or course. This is also called a job search visa.
During this time, you can try to find a job which fulfils the requirements of the work visa. You can also start your own business.
The job search visa is offered to those students, who have completed a master’s degree or doctorate.
You should have studied 3-year bachelor’s degree to get a job search visa in Italy.
You should have completed 2-year master’s degree to get a job search visa in Italy.
For doctorate, you must have been in university for the last 3 years to get a job search visa in Italy.
Well, if you have found a job contract, you can change your student status during your studies also.
You can start your own business during your studies or after finishing your studies. You can change your student visa or job search visa into a business visa.
How to Apply for Work Permit in Italy?
Once you have found a job, you should apply for a work permit before your previous visa expires. A work permit is also called permesso di lavoro in Italian.
Sometimes the employer starts the work permit application by himself for job holder. In that case, the employer will collect all necessary documents and will submit at the migration board of Italy.
Normally application for work permit is submitted online. If you have to initiate a work permit application by yourself, then you need to submit the following documents at the migration board to change your student visa into a work visa.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Attach Job offer letter from employer.
- Attach Insurance letter from employer.
- Attach contact details of the employer.
- Attach Housing agreement.
- Attach Proof of residence (current student visa).
- Annual income should be around EUR 8500 in the employment agreement.
Universities in Italy
Many universities in Italy offer courses for international students. Few of them are mentioned here.
- University of PAVIA
- University of Milan
- University of Padova
- University of Rome
- University of Pisa
- University of Macerata
- University of Turin
- Bocconi University
- University of Florence
- University of Palermo
Why to Choose Italy for studies?
Italy is a country of diverse beauty, culture, and history. You can visit quite old and historical places in Italy.
Part-time job opportunities are easily available to students.
The most affordable country in Europe as per living Cost and tuition fee.
High ranked universities in terms of quality of education and are quite old in Italy. Many English taught programmes for international students at Italian Universities.
Well connected with the whole of Europe through buses, trains or plane. You can visit the top spots in Europe with quite reasonable transport charges.
Italian Pizza is very famous. You can find real pizza only in Italy, not in other parts of the world.
Italy has some of the best weather in Europe. It is much warmer than its northern neighbors and the skies are always clear.
Services by Consult Studies Abroad
Consult Studies Abroad provides special attention to student course selection procedure by highlighting their past academic records to avoid error-free application. Consult Studies Abroad assists students in choosing the right course as it can change their whole life! With this intention, Consult Studies Abroad always suggests the best courses to all Their students to study abroad.
As our trained counselors have the latest information on job prospects and other required details, we help students to select the right career path for studying abroad. All the Students look for a course that relates to their past academic records and work experience. We fulfil their requirement by providing them with several options available. We always believe to suggest students all the options so they can make a satisfactory choice.
You can approach Consult Studies Abroad for Guidance about scholarships, University admissions and many more useful information. We Prepare strong Scholarship Application by emphasizing on Personal statement and Motivation Letter. While, We Prepare Scholarship Applications for all countries.
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