Applying to several Italian universities can get expensive before you have even received an offer. Many public universities charge a non-refundable application fee of €30 to €60 for every programme you apply to. Apply to five courses and you could spend €150 to €300 just to be considered.
The good news: a large number of Italian universities have no application fee at all. We checked the admission pages and calls of all 61 Italian public universities for the 2027/28 intake. Below is the full list of universities that are free to apply to, the low-cost options, and what the most popular universities charge, so you can build a smart, affordable shortlist.
Key takeaways
- 27 Italian public universities charge no application fee for international students, including Politecnico di Milano (master’s), University of Naples Federico II, University of Palermo and University of Perugia.
- 11 more universities charge a small fee of just €10 to €20.
- Popular universities such as Padua, Turin, Bologna and Politecnico di Torino charge €50 to €60 per application.
- Universitaly pre-enrolment, the DSU scholarship application and most university portals are free, but admission tests, English tests and visa costs still apply.
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Full list: 27 Italian universities with no application fee (2027/28)
These public universities do not charge a fee to submit your application. The course numbers show how many English-taught degree programmes each university offers in our directory of Italian public universities, so you can see at a glance where you have the most choice.
| University | City | Region | English-taught bachelor’s | English-taught master’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano* | Milan | Lombardia | 12 | 43 |
| University of Naples Federico II | Naples | Campania | 7 | 28 |
| University of Palermo | Palermo | Sicilia | 7 | 28 |
| University of Cagliari | Cagliari | Sardegna | 3 | 18 |
| University of Perugia | Perugia | Umbria | 3 | 18 |
| University of Tuscia | Viterbo | Lazio | 4 | 11 |
| Roma Tre University | Rome | Lazio | – | 11 |
| University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli | Caserta / Naples | Campania | 3 | 7 |
| University of Eastern Piedmont | Vercelli / Novara / Alessandria | Piemonte | 3 | 7 |
| University of Naples Parthenope | Naples | Campania | 4 | 6 |
| G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara | Chieti / Pescara | Abruzzo | 1 | 8 |
| Politecnico di Bari | Bari | Puglia | 2 | 7 |
| University of Salento | Lecce | Puglia | 1 | 8 |
| University of Salerno | Fisciano | Campania | – | 9 |
| University of Sassari | Sassari | Sardegna | 1 | 7 |
| University of Insubria | Varese / Como | Lombardia | – | 7 |
| University of Macerata | Macerata | Marche | 2 | 4 |
| University of Urbino Carlo Bo | Urbino | Marche | 1 | 4 |
| University of Molise | Campobasso | Molise | – | 4 |
| University of Teramo | Teramo | Abruzzo | 2 | 2 |
| University of Foggia | Foggia | Puglia | – | 3 |
| Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria | Reggio Calabria | Calabria | 1 | 1 |
| University for Foreigners of Perugia | Perugia | Umbria | 1 | 1 |
| University of Naples L’Orientale | Naples | Campania | – | 1 |
| University of Rome Foro Italico | Rome | Lazio | – | 1 |
| University of Sannio | Benevento | Campania | – | 1 |
| University of Basilicata | Potenza / Matera | Basilicata | – | – |
*Politecnico di Milano does not charge an application fee for its master’s (Laurea Magistrale) programmes. Bachelor’s applicants take an admission test, which has its own cost.
Best no-fee universities for international students
Free to apply does not mean less prestigious. Some of Italy’s best-known universities are on the list above. Here are the strongest options for students from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
1. Politecnico di Milano (master’s)
Italy’s top technical university and one of the most recognised names in engineering, architecture and design worldwide. It offers around 43 English-taught master’s programmes and charges no application fee for them. Admission is competitive, so strong grades and a well-prepared portfolio or CV matter.
2. University of Naples Federico II
Founded in 1224, Federico II is one of the oldest public universities in the world. It offers 7 English-taught bachelor’s and 28 master’s programmes, with strengths in engineering, economics, agriculture and life sciences. Naples also has a lower cost of living than Milan or Rome.
3. University of Palermo
A large university in Sicily with 7 English-taught bachelor’s and 28 master’s programmes. It is a popular choice for international students who want a wide range of courses, no application fee and an affordable city.
4. University of Perugia
Founded in 1308, Perugia combines a historic campus with 18 English-taught master’s programmes and 3 bachelor’s. Perugia is a student city in central Italy with relatively low rent.
5. University of Cagliari
Located in Sardinia, Cagliari offers 18 English-taught master’s programmes and 3 bachelor’s, with no application fee. A good option if you prefer a calmer city by the sea.
6. University of Tuscia and Politecnico di Bari
Tuscia, in Viterbo near Rome, offers 4 English-taught bachelor’s and 11 master’s programmes, mainly in agriculture, environment, economics and biotechnology. Politecnico di Bari is a strong choice for engineering and architecture in southern Italy, with 7 English-taught master’s programmes.
Low-cost options: Italian universities with fees from €10 to €20
If your preferred course is not at a no-fee university, these universities charge only a small application fee:
| University | City | Application fee | English-taught bachelor’s | English-taught master’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marche Polytechnic University | Ancona | €10 | 9 | 11 |
| University of Calabria | Rende | €10 | – | 14 |
| University of Catania | Catania | €10 | 2 | 12 |
| University of Cassino and Southern Lazio | Cassino | €15 | 5 | 6 |
| University of Florence | Florence | €20 | 3 | 19 |
| University of L’Aquila | L’Aquila | €20 | 1 | 17 |
| University of Camerino | Camerino | €20 | 3 | 7 |
| University of Modena and Reggio Emilia | Modena / Reggio Emilia | €20 | – | 9 |
| University of Udine | Udine | €20 | 1 | 6 |
| University of Brescia | Brescia | €20 | 1 | 5 |
| University of Ferrara | Ferrara | €20 | 2 | 4 |
What popular Italian universities charge
For comparison, here is what some of the most popular universities among international students charge per application. Fees are usually non-refundable and paid separately for each programme.
| University | City | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Padua | Padua | €60 |
| University of Turin | Turin | €60 |
| Politecnico di Torino | Turin | €50 |
| University of Verona | Verona | €50 |
| University of Bologna | Bologna | Up to €50 (varies by course) |
| University of Siena | Siena | €49.90 |
| University of Trieste | Trieste | €40 |
| University of Pavia | Pavia | €35 |
| University of Milan | Milan | €30 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Rome | €30 |
| University of Milano-Bicocca | Milan | €30 (Master’s) |
| University of Trento | Trento | €30 |
| Ca’ Foscari University of Venice | Venice | €30 |
| University of Pisa | Pisa | €30 |
You can see the application fee for all 61 public universities, with search and region filters, on our Universities page.
How much can you save?
Most students apply to between four and six programmes to improve their chances. If you apply to five programmes at universities charging €30 to €60, you spend €150 to €300 on application fees alone. Choosing a mix that includes no-fee universities can cut that to almost zero, money you can put toward your visa, translations or first month’s rent instead.
That said, do not choose a university only because it is free to apply. Pick programmes that fit your background and career goals first, then use the fee as a deciding factor between similar options.
How to apply to Italian universities without an application fee
- Check your eligibility. Use our free eligibility checker to see if you meet the basic requirements and which English-taught courses match your profile.
- Shortlist programmes. Combine no-fee universities with one or two dream universities, even if they charge a fee.
- Read each university’s call for applications. Check the deadline, required documents and whether the programme asks for an admission test. Our 2027/28 deadlines guide lists the main dates.
- Apply on the university portal. Upload your transcripts, degree, CV, motivation letter and English certificate.
- Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment. Once admitted, non-EU students pre-enrol on the Universitaly portal, which is free. Follow our step-by-step Universitaly guide.
- Apply for the DSU scholarship. The regional DSU scholarship can cover living costs and waive tuition. See our DSU scholarship guide, and compare yearly tuition in our list of the cheapest universities in Italy.
- Apply for your study visa. Book your appointment early. Pakistani students can follow our Italy study visa guide.
Costs that still apply when the application is free
A free application does not mean the whole process is free. Plan your budget for:
- Admission tests for some programmes, such as TOLC, CENT-S or SAT for bachelor’s degrees, and occasionally GRE or GMAT for master’s.
- An English test such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo, unless the university accepts your English-medium instruction (MOI) letter.
- Document preparation: translations, attestation or apostille, and a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement for your qualifications.
- Visa costs, including the visa fee, the service fee of the visa centre and proof of funds.
- Tuition fees after enrolment. Fees at public universities depend on family income, and DSU scholarship winners are usually exempt.
Tips before you apply
- Fees can change every year. Always confirm the fee in the current call for applications before you pay or submit.
- Apply in the first call. Many universities have several rounds. Early rounds give you more time for pre-enrolment, DSU and your visa.
- Each programme is a separate application. At universities that charge a fee, you usually pay again for each course.
- Prepare documents once, use them everywhere. A complete set of translated and attested documents saves time and money across all applications.
Frequently asked questions
Which Italian universities have no application fee?
For 2027/28, 27 Italian public universities charge no application fee, including Politecnico di Milano (master’s), University of Naples Federico II, University of Palermo, University of Perugia, University of Cagliari, Roma Tre University and Politecnico di Bari.
Is it free to apply to Politecnico di Milano?
Yes, for master’s programmes. Politecnico di Milano does not charge an application fee for its Laurea Magistrale programmes. Bachelor’s applicants take an admission test, which has its own cost.
How much is the application fee at Italian universities?
Most Italian public universities charge between €0 and €60 per application. Popular universities such as Padua and Turin charge €60, Politecnico di Torino and Verona charge €50, and Sapienza and the University of Milan charge €30.
Is Universitaly pre-enrolment free?
Yes. Pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal is free. It is required for non-EU students who need a study visa.
Can I study in Italy without IELTS?
Some Italian universities accept an English-medium instruction (MOI) letter instead of IELTS, but many programmes require a recognised English test. Check each programme’s requirements before you apply.
Get help with your applications
Not sure which universities fit your profile? Try our free eligibility checker to see your matching courses in one minute, or book a free profile review with EuroPath. We are former international students and we help students from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh build a shortlist, apply and prepare for DSU and the visa.
