Study in Italy

Italy combines some of the world’s oldest universities with a growing number of degrees taught in English, especially in engineering, architecture, design and economics. Public university fees depend on family income, and regional scholarships can cover tuition, housing and living costs.

• Historic universities

  The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest in continuous operation, alongside modern technical universities.

• Design, architecture and engineering

  Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino are known worldwide for engineering and design.

• English-taught degrees

  Hundreds of bachelor’s and master’s programmes are taught fully in English.

• Regional scholarships

  DSU scholarships, run by each region, can include free tuition, a place in student housing and a yearly allowance.

Also on our list

• Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
• University of Camerino
• University of Florence
• University of Genoa
• University of Messina
• University of Milan
• University of Naples Federico II
• University of Pavia
• University of Pisa
• University of Siena
• University of Trento

• September

  Classes start

  September to October

  Apply

  January to May

  The main intake. Many universities close applications from outside the EU by spring.

• February

  Classes start

  February to March

  Apply

  September to November

  Offered for a small number of master’s programmes.

Public universitiesSet by family income. DSU scholarship holders usually pay no tuition.

€500 to €4,000 a year

Private universities

€10,000 to €20,000 a year

Living costsIncluding rent. Milan costs the most.

€700 to €1,100 a month

Proof of fundsThe minimum for the visa in 2026 to 2027: €10,179.85 for the year.

€783.06 a month

• English

  • IELTS Academic 5.5 to 6.5 for English-taught programmes
  • A certificate that scores all four skills, as the embassy in Dhaka requires

• Academic

  • Bachelor’s: HSC or equivalent; some universities set an admission test
  • Master’s: a relevant bachelor’s degree

• Student visa

  • Pre-enrolment on Universitaly, approved by your university
  • A CIMEA certificate or Declaration of Value for your qualifications
  • Proof of funds from you or a close relative

1. 01

   Choose programmes early

   Many Italian universities close applications from outside the EU between January and May.

2. 02

   Apply to the university

   Most assess your documents, and some hold an online interview or test.

3. 03

   Have your qualifications verified

   Through a CIMEA certificate or a Declaration of Value.

4. 04

   Pre-enrol on Universitaly

   Your university approves the pre-enrolment, which you need for the visa.

5. 05

   Apply for the study visa

   VFS Global in Dhaka emails you to book the appointment, using your Universitaly address.

6. 06

   Apply for your residence permit

   Within eight working days of arriving, through the post office.

• While you study

  Up to 20 hours a week on average, and no more than 1,040 hours a year.

• After you graduate

  A residence permit of up to 12 months to look for work, which can be converted to a work permit once you have a job.