Wondering how to study in Italy as a student from Pakistan, India or Bangladesh? Italy is one of the most affordable places in Europe to earn an internationally recognised degree. Public universities offer more than 1,100 degree programmes taught fully in English, tuition is linked to family income, and the regional DSU scholarship can cover your fees and living costs.
The process is simple once you see it as a sequence: check your eligibility, shortlist programmes, apply, complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, get your visa, then secure your scholarship and housing. Each step has its own deadline, and most problems come from starting one of them too late. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step plan for the 2027–28 intake, with a month-by-month timeline.
Key takeaways
- Start about 10 to 12 months before your intake. For September 2027, that means autumn 2026.
- You need 12 years of schooling for a bachelor’s and a bachelor’s of at least 3 years for a master’s.
- Apply in the first rounds, as non-EU students need time for pre-enrolment and the visa.
- Many public universities charge no application fee, and the DSU scholarship can make your studies close to free.
How to study in Italy: the 7 steps at a glance
| Step | What you do | When (Sept 2027 intake) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check eligibility | Compare your qualification, grades and English level with entry requirements | Sept–Oct 2026 |
| 2. Shortlist programmes | Choose 4–6 English-taught programmes that match your profile | Sept–Nov 2026 |
| 3. Prepare documents | Transcripts, English test, CV, motivation letter, translations | Oct 2026–Jan 2027 |
| 4. Apply to universities | Submit applications on each university’s portal, first rounds | Nov 2026–Apr 2027 |
| 5. Universitaly pre-enrolment | Pre-enrol on the Universitaly portal after admission | Apr–July 2027 |
| 6. Study visa | Book your appointment and apply for a Type D study visa | May–Aug 2027 |
| 7. DSU scholarship and housing | Apply for DSU and arrange accommodation | July–Sept 2027 |
Step 1: Check your eligibility and academic fit
Italian public universities look at your previous qualification first. For a bachelor’s degree, you usually need 12 years of schooling, for example FSc or ICS in Pakistan, Class 12 in India or HSC in Bangladesh. Some universities also require an admission test such as TOLC, CENT-S or the SAT.
For a master’s degree, you need a bachelor’s of at least three years in a related field. A 2-year bachelor’s alone is usually not enough, but a 2-year bachelor’s plus a 2-year master’s is often accepted. Universities check your previous courses subject by subject, so your background must match the programme closely.
The quickest way to check where you stand is our free study in Italy eligibility checker. It takes one minute and shows the English-taught courses that match your profile.
Step 2: Shortlist English-taught programmes
Italy offers hundreds of degrees taught fully in English at public universities, with tuition that is usually far lower than in the UK, the US or Australia. Start with our directory of English-taught degrees in Italy, then narrow it down by subject, city and entry requirements.
Most successful students apply to 4 to 6 programmes: one or two competitive choices and three or four where their profile fits well. To keep costs down, include some of the Italian universities with no application fee.
Step 3: Prepare your documents and English test
Collect these early, because translations and attestations can take several weeks:
- Valid passport
- Transcripts and degree or school certificates
- English proof: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter where accepted
- CV and a motivation letter tailored to each programme
- Course descriptions or syllabus (for master’s applicants)
- Recommendation letters, if requested
After admission, you will also need a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA statement for your qualification. Ask your university which one it accepts. Hold A-levels or a UK degree? Read our guide: is a British degree in Italy accepted?
Step 4: Apply to universities in the first round
Each university runs its own application portal and deadlines. Many open between September and January for the following September. Non-EU applicants living abroad are often limited to the early rounds, because the visa takes time. Check our updated Italian university deadlines for 2027–28 to see which universities are open now.
Step 5: Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment
Once you have an admission letter, you register on the official Universitaly portal and submit your pre-enrolment. The university validates it, and the embassy uses that validation for your visa. Our Universitaly pre-enrolment guide explains every step and the most common mistakes.
Step 6: Apply for your study visa
With a validated pre-enrolment, you book an appointment with the Italian embassy or its visa centre in your country. You will usually need proof of funds, accommodation details, health insurance and your academic documents. Appointment slots fill quickly in the summer, so book as early as possible. Pakistani students can follow our Italy study visa guide.
Step 7: Apply for the DSU scholarship and arrange housing
The regional DSU scholarship can cover tuition and give you a yearly cash grant, meals and housing support, based on your family income. It needs the ISEE parificato, built from translated and legalised family documents, so start these early. Read our full DSU scholarship guide and our guide on how to get a scholarship in Italy.
Before you fly, use our moving to Italy checklist for students for housing, money, the codice fiscale and your residence permit.
How much does it cost to study in Italy?
| Cost | Typical range | How to reduce it |
|---|---|---|
| Application fees | €0–€60 per programme | Apply to no-fee universities |
| Tuition at public universities | Based on family income, often a few hundred to a few thousand euros a year | DSU winners are usually exempt |
| Living costs | Around €700–€1,100 a month, depending on the city | Choose smaller cities, apply for DSU housing |
| Visa and documents | Visa fee, translations, attestations, Declaration of Value or CIMEA | Prepare documents once for all applications |
Your study in Italy timeline (September 2027 intake)
- September–December 2026: shortlist programmes, prepare documents, take your English test and apply in first rounds.
- January–April 2027: receive admission results, apply in second rounds if needed, and start your DSU family documents.
- Spring–summer 2027: complete Universitaly pre-enrolment, book your visa appointment and apply for DSU when regional calls open.
- August–September 2027: travel to Italy, apply for your residence permit and enrol at your university.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Italy without IELTS?
Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter instead of IELTS for English-taught programmes, but many do not. Always check each programme’s call before you apply.
Is studying in Italy expensive?
Tuition at public universities is based on family income and is often low for international students. Many students also receive the DSU scholarship, which can cover tuition and give a yearly grant.
How long does the whole process take?
Plan for about 10 to 12 months from your first application to your arrival in Italy. Starting in the autumn of the year before your intake gives you the most choice.
Can I study in Italy with a 2-year bachelor’s degree?
A 2-year bachelor’s alone is usually not enough for an Italian master’s. A 2-year bachelor’s followed by a 2-year master’s is often accepted, or you can apply for an Italian bachelor’s.
Can I work while studying in Italy?
International students with a study residence permit can generally work part-time, within the limits set by Italian law. Check the current rules when you arrive.
Get help with your plan
Every profile is different. Book a free profile review with EuroPath and we will shortlist universities with you, check your scholarship chances and map out your deadlines. You can also see our full study in Italy services.
