Number of Univeresities
Top 15+ Historic and Modern Institutions
Intake
Fall (Sept/Oct) - Primary, Spring (Feb/Mar)
Tuition Fees
€500 - €4,000/year (Varies based on ISEE/Income)
Scholarship
DSU Regional Scholarship (Need-based, often full tuition+stipend)
Reasons to Choose Italy for Education
Top Universities
Choose your university and program. Check the specific admission criteria, deadlines (which vary), and any entrance exam requirements (like IMAT for Medicine or TOLC tests). Submit your application and documents directly to the university.
If successful, the university will issue an Acceptance/Admission Letter. This is crucial for the next steps.
Non-EU students must register and complete the "Pre-enrollment" application on the official Universitaly portal. This confirms your intent to enroll and is validated by the university.
Depending on the consulate and university, you may need a Declaration of Value (DOV) or a CIMEA Certificate to evaluate your foreign qualification.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
€250 – €800
Transport
€25 – €50
Food
€150 – €350
Miscellaneous
€100 – €200
Work Options
Up to 20 hours per week (In a fortnight/week)
No national minimum wage; Average hourly pay is around €7 – €9 (determined by collective bargaining agreements)
Up to 40 hours per week (During university holidays)
No national minimum wage; Average hourly pay is around €7 – €9
Apply to an Italian Higher Education Institution: First, apply to your chosen Italian university or institute and receive an Admission Letter.
Complete Online Pre-enrollment (Mandatory): Non-EU applicants must carry out the pre-enrollment procedure through the UNIVERSITALY portal.
This step requires you to create an account and follow the online procedure, uploading your qualifications as agreed with the institution.
You will need to download the Pre-enrolment Summary from the UNIVERSITALY portal, which should show a "green status" (Immatricolazione Perfezionata) or not show "NON IMMATRICOLATO" (in red).
You will need to gather a comprehensive set of documents for the visa application, ensuring that all study certificates are attested and apostilled:
Passport: Must be valid for at least three months after the entire duration of the study program, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages.
Visa Application Form: Duly filled and signed (two passport-sized photographs on a white background are also required).
Covering Letter / SOP: A Statement of Purpose (max 1 page) clarifying your course choice, Italian institution, financial support, scholarship (if applicable), and intended accommodation.
Proof of Admission: The Admission Letter from the Italian institution and the Pre-enrolment Summary from the UNIVERSITALY portal.
Proof of Previous Education:
Final Degree/Final School Certificate, duly attested and apostilled.
Transcript/Marksheet, duly attested and apostilled.
Declaration of Value (DOV) or CIMEA Certificate (if required by the Italian institution).
CV of the applicant.
Language Proficiency: Proof of knowledge (Italian or English) of a minimum B2 level – CEFR (if required by the Italian Higher Education Institution).
Proof of Financial Support:
Proof of means of support of not less than €6079,45 for one year or €506,62 for each month of the entire intended stay (amounts are subject to change, check the latest checklist).
Original 6-month bank statement of the applicant, stamped and signed by the branch manager.
Documents proving the applicant's source of income (ITR for the last 3 years, etc.).
If sponsored, the sponsor's 6-month original bank statement (along with the applicant's), ID proof, and a sponsorship letter. Only parents and legal guardians can act as sponsors if you are resident in India.
Overseas Medical Insurance: With a coverage of at least €30,000, valid for the first 6 months of stay, including the "repatriation clause".
Air Ticket: A round-trip airline ticket reservation or a minimum of €2,000 on top of the minimum financial support proof.
Accommodation: Adequate proof of boarding and lodging in Italy for at least 30 days (e.g., hotel booking, rent agreement, or university accommodation).
Determine Jurisdiction: Identify the correct Italian Embassy or Consulate (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Kolkata) and its jurisdiction based on your place of residence for the past 6 months.
Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) that falls under the relevant Consulate/Embassy's jurisdiction. It is advisable to apply well in advance, as applications cannot be lodged earlier than six months before the start of the journey.
Submit Application: Attend the appointment in person to submit your complete documents and pay the application fees and VFS service charge.
Visa Interview (Mandatory): Students are required to attend a mandatory video interview upon submitting their visa application at the VFS center.
Visa Processing and Arrival in Italy
Processing Time: The processing time for a National D visa can take up to 90 days from the day it is received by the Consulate General.
Residence Permit: After arriving in Italy, holders of a Long-Term Study Visa (Type D) must apply for a Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight working days of their arrival.