Study In Italy

Yes, you absolutely can. A number of Italian universities will accept Indian students based on their MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate from their previous school. Accordingly, if your past study was in English, you may not even need to provide the IELTS. Career Width helps you identify universities that will waive the IELTS, and ensures your supporting documents are in order and no gaps occur in the visa process.

To be able to study in Italy, Indian students generally need a valid passport, academic transcripts, a letter of admission from the university, evidence of sufficient funds, and a confirmation of pre-enrolment from Universitaly. You may need English language certificate (or MOI), SOP and CV depending on your course. Career Width will help you to fully meet the requirements to study in Italy for Indian students step by step.

On average cost of studying in Italy for Indian students is between €1,000 and €4,000 annually at public universities. Living expenses may add €5,000 to €7,000 annually depending on where you live and how you want to live. But remember that many students receive DSU scholarships which can cover tuition, accommodation and potentially food—making Italy one of the cheapest European destination for higher education.

Yes, there are many award-winning study in Italy scholarships available. The Italian Government or MAECI scholarship, the DSU Regional Scholarships and merit scholarships from each university, are all popular. Career Width assists students in locating, applying for, and following through with the entire process–greatly increasing the opportunity, to study in Italy, with little to no tuition fees.

If you are looking for study in Italy consultants near me , you can trust Career Width as your guide – no matter where you are in India. As one of the premier study abroad consultancies, we provide our students with tailored counselling, application support, and visa assistance and study in Italy for Indian students. You don’t have to visit our office, we can support you online with the same care, skills, and commitment.

If you’re asking, “What’s after graduation in Italy?”, you’re not alone. At Career Width, most students we advise ask this directly, and for good reason. A study abroad programme is an investment in your future, and it’s normal to want to know what career options will be there after your studies. 

The good news is, Italy has a structured and flexible post-study work opportunities available for international students (including Indian students too). Whether you’re looking for exposure to jobs worldwide, industry experience in Europe, or eventually permanent residency in the long-term, Italy will help you get there. 

Let’s break it all down in a practical and easily digestible way.

1. Stay Back Option – 12 Months After Graduation

Once you have finished your degree in Italy you would have the possibility to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione (Residency Permit for Job Seeking).

• Time Limit: 12 months
• Purpose: To allow you to legally reside in Italy as you search for work
• Eligibility: Must have completed a recognized degree from an Italian university

The period of extension gives you a margin of time instead of just getting on a plane and rushing home – you can stay in touch with your networks, apply for jobs, attend interviews and explore the European job market with the authority of a legal document, that gives you time to work it out. 

Career Width helps you plan for this stage long in advance, so you won’t just be trying to work something out at the final couple of days.

2. Work Permit & Conversion to Employment Visa

Once you get a job, you can switch your student permit or job search permit to a work visa (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato).

• Who can apply: anyone who gets a full-time job with an employment contract in Italy.
• Countries/fields in demand: engineering, IT, architecture, design, fashion, tourism, management, health care, and research.
• Bonus: many degrees from Italy qualify as shortage occupation which will give you better opportunities of getting an offer.

Our job is to help you to understand an employment contract, negotiate terms, and collect documents to apply for your work visa.

3. Work Opportunities Across Europe

One of the greatest advantages of studying in Italy is that you will be in the Schengen Zone. This has benefits for you and for your career in Italy because:

• You will be recognized across most EU countries for your Italian degree
• You can look for job placements in Germany, France, Netherlands and others
• You can participate in job fairs, build cross border networks and apply for multinational graduate roles

At Career Width, we have witnessed students being able to get placed in companies across Europe after their journey has started in Italy.

4. Part-Time Jobs While Studying (Build Experience Early)

International students are permitted to work 20 hours a week, even while they study. Most students will use these 20 hours to:

• Gain experience locally
• Learn how the Italian work culture works
• Build a strong CV for post-study application preparation

Our career advisers support you on how to find student jobs on campus in the hospitality sector, tech support, retail or so much more.

5. Long-Term Prospects: PR and Residency

If you plan to stay in Europe long term or build a life in Europe, then Italy is an option.

• After 5 years of legal residency, one is eligible to apply for EU long-term residency. 
• In fact, with continuous employment, this is even easier! 
• Italy is also looking for qualified professionals in a variety of fields, including technical fields for research, engineering or innovation.

You’ve gained your admission, petitions, paperwork, and studying in Italy is finally happening! You’ve reached one of the most crucial stages—getting your student visa. This could be a daunting part, but it is probably much easier than you think and we will help you every step of the way. 

At Career Width, we take Indian students through the Italy student visa process every day of the week, so you never wonder what you should do next or whether you are doing it wrong.

Let’s take you through each stage of the visa process for studying in Italy—clearly, simply, and in the order of the experience.

Step 1: Pre-Enrollment via Universitaly

Before applying for the visa to Italy, you have to pre-enrol on the official Universitaly website. 

• Select your program and confirm your offer 
• Upload the offer letter, passport, and any certificates required from education to offer letter
• Select your local Embassy of Italy or Consulate (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru) 
• You will receive a validation email confirming your pre-enrolment. 

This is a compulsory stage before the next stage. Without the pre-enrolment you cannot proceed.

Do not worry – we will help with this process.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

You’ll need to create a full set of documents for your visa appointment. Here’s a list of what is usually required and recommended: 

• Completed visa application form (long stay – D type)
• Valid passport (2 blank pages and valid for a minimum 3 months beyond stay)
• University letter of admission (conditional or unconditional)
• Universitaly pre-enrolment confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Italy (rental agreement or university hostel)
• Proof of financial means (approximately €6,100–€7,000 for one academic year)
• Travel insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage (for medical emergencies)
• All academic certificates and transcripts
• Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or IELTS score
• Covering letter detailing your plan for academics and intention to return

We review all your documents carefully and can also assist with putting together a solid, mistake-free visa file.

Step 3: Book Your Visa Appointment

Next up, you are going to need to book a visa appointment at your local Italian consulate through VFS Global. We advise that you book this appointment well in advance, and it is even more important during peak travel season.

We help you:

• Find the earliest possible time slot
• Understand the format of the visa interview
• If necessary, prepare in confidence with a mock interview

During this appointment you will hand in your documents and submit your biometrics.

Step 4: Wait for the Visa Decision

Usually the Italy student visa processing time from India takes between 15 to 30 working days; this timeframe may change based on the consulate, the time of year, and your profile.

Meanwhile, Career Width is always connected to you, as we track your application and whenever there are delays we follow-up and also assist you on what to do after your visa approval.

Step 5: Fly to Italy & Apply for Residence Permit

Once your visa is granted, it’s time to book your flight. But there’s one final step when you land in Italy:

You’ll need to apply for a “Permesso di Soggiorno” (residence permit) within 8 days of arrival.

We’ll tell you:

• Where to go (usually a local post office or police station)
  
• What documents to carry
  
• How to complete the formalities

Once you have decided that Italy is the country you want to study in, the next thing is: How do I apply?

At Career Width, we are asked this question every day—we love to answer it. Because once you have the application process down to a science, it becomes so much easier to plan with confidence. So let’s take you step-by-step through the whole admission process to study in Italy from India. No confusion. No rushing. Just clarity.

We are going to break this down into seven stages—each one is important, but totally manageable when you have someone who can guide you through the process.

Step 1: Choose the Right Program and University

Italy has hundreds of English-speaking programs to choose from in fields like Engineering, Fashion, Business, Design, Architecture, and Medicine. This is how we start. 

At Career Width we sit down with you to: 

• Understand your academic history and future aspirations.
• Shortlist the best universities for you according your profile and preferences.
• Consider tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, city lifestyle, and potential occupations down the road.

We ensure you aren’t just selecting a program, but rather the one that is right for you.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents

This section can be complicated if you’re going solo – but with us, it’s all well-structured and stress free. 

What most Italian universities are looking for: 

• Academic transcripts (10th, 12th and if applicable, bachelor degree) 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP), or Motivation letters
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) 
• Updated resume or CV 
• Valid passport 
• Proof of English Language proficiency (IELTS, or MOI if applying without IELTS) 
• Portfolio (for design, architecture, or arts programs) 

We will help you with writing and reviewing of each document. Think of us as your editorial – and admissions team! 

Step 3: Apply to the University

You can apply to Italian universities by either: 

• Directly through the university portals, or
• Through the national portal for higher education in Italy, Universitaly.

We assist you with:

• Creating application accounts
• Uploading documents correctly
• Keeping university deadlines (most close between March–May for September intake).

We’ll help you track a university’s specific requirements (applications fees, additional forms, etc).

Step 4: Receive Your Offer Letter

Once your application is in, you are then awaiting evaluation. This process may take a few weeks or a couple of months depending on the university.

Here is what you may receive now:

• Conditional offer (subject to final results or missing docs)
• Unconditional offer (you´re good to go!)

Once you obtain your offer, we will go through it line by line with you so that you fully understand the terms and the next steps.

Step 5: Pre-enrolment via Universitaly

All non-EU students (like from India) must pre-enroll on the University portal. This process confirms your intention to study and allows you to apply for a visa.

We help you with:

• Completing the pre-enrolment form
• Uploading documents
• Choosing the Italian consulate in India for your visa

This is an important step—and one that Career Width handles with care in order to prevent mistakes or rejections.

Step 6: Pay Tuition Fees (if required) & Reserve Your Spot

Based on the university, you may have to: 

• Pay a small registration fee or first-year tuition fee
• Submit a signed acceptance letter 

This locks in your seat and prepares you for the visa portion.

Step 7: Get Ready for Visa & Travel Support

After finishing your university and pre-enrolment, you aren’t quite done just yet! The last step is obtaining the Italy student visa.

So, once you start thinking seriously about studying abroad the main question is going to be “Am I eligible?”, Something we get asked almost every single day at Career Width, by students from all over India, who are ready to take that next leap but want to make sure that they are eligible first! We are going to try and break down the actual requirements to study in Italy for Indian students with no fluff and no confusion.

Whether you are looking to do a BA, MA or PhD, Italy has options at all of these levels, and the eligibility requirements can be much simpler than you think!

For Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate Programs)

To apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Italy, here are the requirements you will generally need: 

• Completed 12 years of education, and you can have ICSE/CBSE/State Board 
• A higher secondary school certificate with a good academic performance 
• Some universities will require you to take an entrance exam or an aptitude test based on the course of study (this is sometimes true for programs in Architecture/Engineering) 
• Proof of English proficiency (more on this below)

Most Italian universities will have English-taught undergraduate programs as options, especially if you’re looking into Business, Design and Engineering which makes it easy for international students to transition into.

For Master’s Degree (Postgraduate Programs)

If you plan to pursue your postgraduation in Italy you will have to meet the following criteria: 

• A recognized Bachelors Degree equivalent to undergraduate qualifications in Italy
• Some minimum GPA or pass mark (typically 60% and above depending on the university)
• Some courses may also require relevant academic background (for instance, a B.Com for MSc Finance)
• Some programs may ask for Statements of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendations (LOR’s) or CV’s.
• At Career Width our career counsellors help you with every aspect of this application package, from picking the right program to preparing your SOP and more.

Do I Need IELTS to Study in Italy?

This is a recurring question, and the answer is: Yes, it is possible to study in Italy without IELTS exams. 

• Many universities in Italy will offer waivers for IELTS examinations if the following apply to you: 
• You have been educated in English medium institutions through your previous courses (Usually for at least 3-4 years).
• You can get a Medium of Instruction Certificate from your school or college.
• You are applying to certain programs / universities that accept other forms of evidence of English proficiency.

We at Career Width help you shortlist the universities that allow you to study in Italy without IELTS exams, and we also show you how to correctly present your MOI certificate. 

Additional Requirements for All Students

Regardless of the level of study, you may also need:

• A valid passport
  
• Proof of financial stability (for visa purposes)
  
• A strong motivation letter
  
• Basic understanding of your course content and university goals (sometimes assessed during interviews)
  

We ensure you don’t miss a single document. Our experts have helped hundreds of students compile the perfect file for their admissions—and we’re ready to do the same for you.

One of the main reasons Indian students are now increasingly favoring Italy over other study destinations is the affordability of study- without lacking global academic standards. The cost of education for Indian students in Italy for undergraduate, master’ or PhD programs, is much lower than those found in the USA, UK or even some countries in Europe. 

So how much do you realistically expect to pay?

1. Tuition Fees at Public Universities in Italy

Public universities in Italy provide state-funded tuition fees, meaning tuition costs are heavily subsidized, even for international students. The fees you pay depend on a range of things, like; family income, the country you are from and what university you study at. Typical tuition cost are, on average:

• Bachelor’s Programs: €1,000 – €3,000 per year
• Master’s Programs: €1,500 – €4,000 per year
• PhD & Research Programs: often under €2,000 per year

There is also a system called ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente), a financial document that can be submitted that can greatly reduce fees if you are from a low or middle-income background, which most Indian students are.

2. Private University Tuition Costs

While most universities in Italy are public, there are also private universities—primarily for design, fashion, and business. Those are usually more expensive: 

• €5,000 – €25,000 per year depending on the course and institution.

Some top universities such as Bocconi (Milan), Università Cattolica, and IED are competitive as private universities in international rankings, especially areas like business, marketing, and luxury brands.

3. Regional Fee Variations

Tuition can differ by region. Northern Italy is usually a little more expensive than Southern or Central Italy. For instance, it could cost more to study in Milan or Rome than it would in Pavia, Siena, or Bari. Yet, public universities in all regions are still much cheaper than universities in the West.

4. Scholarships That Offset Tuition Fees

There are many study in Italy scholarships available to Indian students–in many instances making tuition essentially free. The most common are:

• Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) 
• EDISU Regional Scholarships
• University Specific Merit-Based Scholarships
• Invest Your Talent in Italy (for Master’s students) 

Some of those scholarships even provide you with free accommodation, food, and travel allowances! So, your financial burden can be reduced to nearly nothing!

5. What Indian Students Should Know

Since you’re probably researching how to study in Italy from India, the first topic will most likely be budgeting. Here’s the quick answer: 

• You do not have to pay your full tuition in advance.  Most universities let you pay in installments. 
• Also, you can apply for scholarships and ISEE benefits before you arrive. 
• Career Width helps you with the fee structure, documents, and timelines so you do not miss out on reduced costs.