Studying in Italy: Honest Pros and Cons for International Students

Yes, Italy is a good choice for many international students – if you can handle the paperwork. The big advantages are low public tuition, a wide range of English-taught programs, and a 9–12 month job-search permit after graduation. The big disadvantages are bureaucracy across three systems, high demand for visa appointments, document recognition, and the fact that daily life and most jobs need Italian.

We wrote this for students and families from countries like Pakistan, India, Iran, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt and Afghanistan who want a straight answer before investing time and money. Every point below is based on official sources – no rankings, no invented statistics.

The pros of studying in Italy

1. Low tuition at public universities

Each public university sets its own fees, and many have very low fees for citizens of particularly poor or developing countries. Examples from official pages: the University of Florence lists €156 a year for developing countries including Afghanistan; Sapienza lists €300 a year for its lowest band; the University of Pavia charges €390 a year in Bracket 1 for 2026/27. Even mid-range fees, like Padua's €2,790–€2,990, are modest compared with many English-speaking countries.

2. Many English-taught programs

FindUniPath currently tracks 88 Italian universities with 166 English-taught bachelor's, 908 master's and 710 PhD programs. Bologna, Padua, Sapienza and the two Politecnicos have the largest offer. You do not need Italian to be admitted to an English-taught program. See English-taught programs in Italy.

3. Clear national rules, published in advance

The MUR publishes one circular that covers both 2026/27 and 2027/28, with the visa funds figure, document rules and the visa deadline (31 October 2027 for 2027/28 degree courses). Few countries give you two years of rules in one document.

4. Scholarships based on income, not nationality

Regional DSU scholarships and housing are open to international students who meet income and merit rules, and PhD scholarships are listed at €16,243 a year. Read scholarships in Italy.

5. Work rights during and after study

A study residence permit allows up to 20 hours a week and 1,040 hours a year of salaried work. After graduating, you can request a 9 to 12 month permit to look for work or start a business, which can be converted into a work permit if you meet the requirements.

6. Support for students from conflict areas

A MUR note of 3 July 2026 asks universities and consulates to assess candidates from conflict areas with reasonableness, considering displacement and lost documents, and invites universities to offer language and academic support after admission.

The cons of studying in Italy

1. Three systems, many deadlines

You apply on the university portal, then pre-enrol on Universitaly for one course, then apply for a visa. Each university sets its own calls, often closing between February and May for a September start. Missing one step can cost a full year. Our application guide maps the timeline.

2. Visa decisions include a migration-risk check

The circular is clear: validation by the university does not guarantee an appointment or a visa. The consulate considers your family's socio-economic situation, your previous studies and whether your course makes sense. Demand for appointments is high, and the Tehran embassy urges students to book early. From 2026/27, each university can validate only its foreign-student places plus 20%.

3. Strict funds and housing rules

You must show €10,179.85 a year from traceable personal or family sources, and consulates look at account history, not just a balance. Real accommodation is required – a dorm application does not count. That means paying a deposit before you know if you have a visa.

4. Documents take time and money

You need CIMEA statements or a Declaration of Value, often translations, and an apostille or legalisation. Afghanistan is not part of the Apostille Convention, and CIMEA says verification may not be available for every country. See documents and legalisation.

5. Italian matters outside the classroom

Your degree can be fully in English, but residence permits, health registration, rent contracts and most part-time jobs involve Italian. Some universities even require Italian to graduate: Politecnico di Milano requires B2 Italian to graduate from its master's (with a free course offered), though not for entry.

6. Yearly renewals and exam requirements

Your study permit is renewed every year. You must pass at least one exam in the first year and two in later years, and you cannot renew for more than three years beyond the course length. If you are not enrolled on Universitaly by 31 January, your visa is revoked.

Pros and cons at a glance

What your first months in Italy really look like

Many students are surprised by how much admin happens after landing. Based on Universitaly's first-steps guidance and the MUR circular, expect this sequence:

1. 1.Week 1: request your residence permit at the post office within 8 working days, using the kit. Keep the receipt with your passport at all times.
2. 2.First weeks: get or confirm your codice fiscale (tax code). You need it for enrolment, a rent contract, a bank account and a phone SIM.
3. 3.Health: register with the national health service (SSN) – €700 per calendar year for voluntary student registration – or keep valid insurance. Then register at the local health office and choose a GP.
4. 4.Enrolment: the university checks your original documents and confirms enrolment on Universitaly, which must happen by 31 January.
5. 5.Later: the Questura calls you for photos and fingerprints; the permit card itself comes after that.

None of this is impossible, but it takes time and patience, and offices may not speak English. Universities with international desks help a lot – ask for their welcome service before you travel.

Five questions to ask before choosing Italy

• Can my family show €10,179.85 a year, plus rent and tuition, from traceable accounts with a clear history?
• Can CIMEA verify my certificates, or can I get a Declaration of Value in my country?
• Does my target program have a non-EU call that closes early enough for a visa from where I live?
• Is there an Italian embassy or visa centre where I legally reside, and how busy is it?
• Am I willing to learn some Italian for daily life and future jobs?

If you can answer yes to most of these, Italy is very likely to be worth it. If not, fix the weak point first – usually funds or documents – before paying application fees.

Who is Italy a good fit for?

• Good fit: master's students in engineering, economics, sciences or design with strong grades, organised documents and family funds that are clearly traceable.
• Good fit: students from countries that qualify for nationality-based fee exemptions who want low tuition.
• Good fit: PhD candidates, since many positions are fully funded.
• Harder fit: students who need to work many hours to pay living costs – the 20-hour weekly limit and the language barrier make this hard.
• Harder fit: applicants whose documents cannot be verified by CIMEA and who have no embassy DoV route; check this before you invest in applications.

How to reduce the downsides

1. 1

   Start a year ahead

   Apply in the first university round, so you have time for CIMEA, Universitaly and the visa.

2. 2

   Organise funds early

   Keep family money in traceable accounts for at least six months, with income documents ready.

3. 3

   Learn basic Italian

   Even A2 Italian helps with the Questura, landlords and part-time work.

4. 4

   Choose your city carefully

   Large cities have more jobs but higher rent; smaller cities often have lower fees and calmer life.

5. 5

   Track every date

   Track deadlines for free on FindUniPath so you see official and last year's dates in one place.

Our verdict: Italy rewards organised applicants.

Ready to decide? Read the complete study in Italy guide, compare budgets in cost of studying in Italy, and see career options in work and stay in Italy after graduation. More on the Italy hub.