Top Public Universities in Italy for International Students: Fees, Ranking & Popular Courses

Kasturika Samanta

5 min read

Updated On Aug 25, 2024

Italy offers top public universities ranked globally by QS, affordable fees, and scholarships for international students. With academic excellence, cultural immersion, and global recognition, Italy is a prime destination for higher education.

Top Public Universities in Italy for International Students

Top Public Universities in Italy as per QS Ranking 2025 with Fees
Top Courses Offered by Top Public Universities in Italy
Why Pursue Education from Top Universities in Italy?
Scholarships for International Students in Italy
General Requirements to Pursue Education in Italy for International Students

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20 out of 61 public universities in Italy rank globally according to the QS World ranking and are perfect for international students. The list contains priemer universities like the University of Bologna (oldest public university in Italy), Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, University of Pisa and many more.

In this blog, we'll discuss the QS 2024 rankings, fees, and scholarships of top public universities in Italy and we will learn why Italy is a premier destination for higher education and how you can benefit from studying in this beautiful country.

Top Public Universities in Italy as per QS Ranking 2025 with Fees

Here are the QS World Rankings for 2025 and estimated fees for top public universities in Italy for international students seeking quality education and cultural immersion abroad.

University	QS World Ranking 2025	Estimated Fees (in EUR)
Politecnico di Milano	111	3,500 - 3,900/year
Sapienza University of Rome	132	1,000 - 2,900/year
University of Bologna	133	2,100 - 3,200/year
University of Padua	=236	2,600 - 3,200/year
Politecnico di Torino	=241	2,800 - 3,500/year
University of Milan	=285	2,000 - 3,500/year
University of Naples Federico II	=347	1,000 - 3,000/year
University of Pisa	382	2,400 - 2,600/year
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University	=389	20,000 - 22,000/year
University of Trento	=506	1,000 - 6,000/year

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Top Courses Offered by Top Public Universities in Italy

Explore the diverse academic offerings of top Italy public universities. Here are the flagship courses available across various disciplines at these esteemed institutions.

University	Top Courses
Politecnico di Milano	B.Tech in Engineering Architecture Design
Sapienza University of Rome	B.Tech in Engineering MBBS B.Sc in Economics
University of Bologna	B.Sc in Economics MBBS B.Tech in Engineering
University of Padua	LLB B.Tech in Engineering B.Sc in Psychology
Politecnico di Torino	B.Tech in Engineering Architecture Design
University of Milan	MBBS B.Sc in Economics LLB
University of Naples Federico II	B.Tech in Engineering MBBS B.Sc in Biology
University of Pisa	B.Sc in Physics B.Tech in Engineering B.Sc in Computer Science
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University	MBBS B.Sc in Psychology B.Sc in Neuroscience
University of Trento	B.Sc in Economics LLB B.Sc in Computer Science

Why Pursue Education from Top Universities in Italy?

Universities in Italy offer a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and global recognition. Explore the compelling reasons to choose Italy for your higher education journey!

Academic Excellence: Italian universities are known for their rigorous academic standards and innovative teaching methods. The University of Bologna is considered the world's oldest university. It plays a significant role in the European higher education system through the Bologna Process. So, experience top-tier education across various disciplines, such as engineering, medicine, economics, humanities, and more.
Cultural Immersion: Studying in Italy provides a unique opportunity to live in a country where history blends seamlessly with modernity, offering a rich cultural tapestry that enhances your global perspective. Besides studying in world-class universities, one gets to immerse themselves in Italy's centuries-old culture in the Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa and enjoy art and architecture in Saint Mark's Basilica and Uffizi Gallery while relishing Italian cuisine like pizza and risotto.
Global Recognition: Degrees from Italian universities hold international prestige and recognition. Every year, they attract around 102,354 international students from all over the world. Moreover, graduates benefit from programs like ERAMUS that provide international exposure and strong alumni network, enhancing career prospects both locally and internationally.
Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Cost: In comparison to other Western European countries, Italy public universities offer low tuition fees. While the annual tuition fees of the Sapienza University of Rome for international students is just EUR 1,000 - 2,900 (INR 90,313 - 2.61 lakhs), the yearly tuition fees in most public universities in US ranges between USD 8,000 to USD 35,000 (6.67 lakhs - 29.2 lakhs).
Language Advantage: Studying in Italy allows you to learn or improve your proficiency in Italian, one of the most beautiful and widely spoken languages in the world. Proficiency in Italian enhances cultural integration and opens doors to job opportunities within Italy and other Italian-speaking regions.

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Scholarships for International Students in Italy

Italy offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students pursuing higher education at its top universities.

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Description
Italian Government Scholarships	Tuition fee waiver, monthly allowance	Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to promote Italian culture and language abroad.
University-specific Scholarships	Partial or full tuition coverage	Offered by individual universities to attract talented international students based on academic merit or financial need.
Erasmus+ Scholarships	Tuition fees, travel, and living costs	EU-funded program supporting international student mobility and collaboration among European universities.
EDISU Piemonte Scholarships	Financial aid	Regional scholarships for students enrolled in universities in the Piedmont region, covering tuition fees and living expenses.
Politecnico di Milano Scholarships	Partial tuition coverage	Scholarships offered by Politecnico di Milano are based on academic achievement and specific criteria.
Bologna Welcome Scholarships	Tuition fee waiver, living allowance	Scholarships are provided by the city of Bologna to promote internationalization and cultural exchange.

Check out - 5 Best Countries to Study Abroad in 2024

General Requirements to Pursue Education in Italy for International Students

To study in Italy as an international student, certain eligibility criteria must be met. Let's explore the requirements and qualifications needed for pursuing higher education in Italy.

Criteria	Details
Academic Qualifications	Completion of secondary education equivalent to Italian high school diploma (for undergraduates) or bachelor's degree (for graduates).
Language Proficiency	Proficiency in either Italian or English, depending on the program's language of instruction. (Required language test scores like IELTS exam, TOEFL for English programs.)
Financial Means	Show you have enough money to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs in Italy.
Visa Requirements	Apply for a student visa (type D visa) if staying more than 90 days.
Health Insurance	Have adequate health insurance for your time in Italy.
Residence Permit	Get a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) if you'll be in Italy for more than 90 days. (Apply within 8 days of arrival)
Proof of Accommodation	Provide evidence of where you'll stay in Italy, like a rental contract or dorm reservation.

We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the top public universities in Italy for international students. From prestigious QS rankings and affordable fees to diverse scholarship opportunities, Italy offers a compelling choice for your higher education journey. Embrace the cultural richness, academic excellence, and global recognition that studying in Italy can offer, setting the stage for a successful and enriching experience abroad.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are public universities in Italy free?

Public universities in Italy are not entirely free for international students. While tuition fees for EU students are generally lower, international students often pay higher fees. However, there are scholarship opportunities and financial aid options available.

Which is the cheapest university in Italy?

Generally, universities in smaller cities or less renowned institutions may have lower tuition fees compared to major cities or prestigious universities like those in Milan or Rome. For example, universities in cities like Padua, Bologna, or Perugia may offer relatively lower costs compared to universities in Milan or Rome.

How much does a public university in Italy cost for international students?

The cost of attending a public university in Italy for international students varies widely depending on the university and the program of study. On average, tuition fees can range from €1,000 to €4,000 per year for undergraduate programs.

Is IELTS 5.5 accepted in universities in Italy?

Admission requirements for universities in Italy vary by institution and program. While some universities may accept IELTS scores of 5.5 for undergraduate studies, many programs require higher scores (typically 6.0 or above). It's essential to check the specific requirements of the university and program you're interested in.

What are the visa requirements for international students studying in Italy?

International students typically need a student visa (type D visa) to study in Italy for programs longer than 90 days. Requirements include proof of acceptance into a university, financial means to support oneself, health insurance, and sometimes a certificate of proficiency in Italian or English.

Are there scholarships available for international students in Italy?

Yes, there are various scholarships available for international students in Italy, including government scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and regional scholarships. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.

What is the language of instruction in Italian universities?

The language of instruction varies depending on the program and university. While some programs are taught in Italian, many universities offer courses in English, especially at the postgraduate level. It's advisable to check the language requirements of your chosen program.