ITALY

Italy is a country where education costs many times less than in the USA or the United Kingdom, while the quality of teaching in a number of fields (art, design, fashion, architecture, medicine) is recognised among the world's leaders. People come here not for a stable career as an engineer in a corporation, but for a distinctive way of life, for the culture, for a diploma that opens doors to the world of high fashion and global art — and for quality academic training at a very attractive price.

What people usually come to study

For school students. Unlike in the United Kingdom or Switzerland, boarding schools are not a mass phenomenon in Italy. It is a fairly niche product for very wealthy families from abroad. Schools generally offer studies under International Diploma programmes in English, so that graduates can apply to universities all over the world. The International School of Milan is the oldest continuous-education school in Milan. It admits children from 2 to 18 years of age, with around 850 pupils in total. St Stephen’s School in Rome is located in the historic centre of the city, literally ten minutes from the Colosseum. This boarding school for senior pupils (14–19 years) offers the American College Preparatory programme and the International Diploma. More than 95% of pupils take the full diploma, and the average score in 2025 reached 36, with almost 20% scoring 40+ points. H-FARM International School is set on an innovative campus specialising in digital technology and entrepreneurship, and is the only multi-certified boarding school in Italy.

For students. This is where the main goal for most foreigners lies. Italian state universities offer an incredibly high quality of education (especially in the humanities and natural sciences) for a token fee. According to the latest data, the number of international students in Italy is around 110,000, 14% more than in 2019. European students make up 44% of the foreign cohort (Romanians lead the way), Asia — 31% (about 34,000 people), and the fastest-growing region is Africa: +53% since 2015 (16,000 students). Russia holds a place in the top 10 with around 3,000 students. The growth is largely driven by a sharp expansion of English-language programmes. Of Italy's roughly 90 universities, about 60 offer such programmes. The number of programmes in English has grown by 30% since 2019, reaching 1,250 in 2024. That is the fifth-highest figure in Europe and the fastest growth among the top 10 countries after France. The most popular fields among foreigners are art and design, architecture, medicine, economics and management, and engineering.

Features of studying

Secondary education. In private schools, teaching is conducted either entirely in English or bilingually. The programmes include preparation for admission to the world's best universities: Advanced Placement (AP) and Cambridge International Examinations may be taught here. One of the key reasons why wealthy families from around the world choose Italy is its unique culture and history. Besides the standard subjects, schools offer immersion in world art, architecture and design right "on location".

Higher education. The Italian education system is divided into three cycles:

• Bachelor's (Laurea Triennale): lasts 3 years. To obtain the diploma, you need to earn 180 credits (CFU).
• Master's (Laurea Magistrale): lasts 2 years (120 credits).
• Doctorate (Dottorato di Ricerca): lasts 3-5 years.

There are several types of higher education institutions:

• Universities (Università): around 61 state universities across the country, including three polytechnics, as well as private institutions.
• Institutes of fine arts (AFAM - Alta Formazione Artistica, Musicale e Coreutica): these include the Academies of Fine Arts, conservatories and national academies of dance. This is Italy's calling card and a magnet for foreigners wishing to study fashion, design and music.
• Higher technical institutes (ITS): focused on practical skills and close ties with industry (technology, tourism, mechatronics).

Visa requirements

To enter Italy for long-term study (over 90 days), citizens of non-EU countries need a national type D visa.

The process of obtaining it:

• Pre-enrolment: The first and most important step. You need to register on the Universitaly portal. There you submit an application for your target course at a specific university. The application deadlines for most 2025/2026 programmes expired no later than 30 November 2025.
• University approval: Your Universitaly request must be approved by the institution.
• Submitting documents to the consulate: Only after receiving Universitaly approval can you book an interview at the Italian consulate in your country of residence.
• Arrival and residence permit: After arriving in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) for foreign students at the local police station (Questura).

Main requirements: A foreign-travel passport, proof of financial means (around €6,000–10,000 in your account, since confirmation of around €450–500 per month for the entire intended period of study is required), proof of accommodation and medical insurance. The consular fee is around €50–100. It is important to note that university approval does not automatically guarantee a visa — that is the exclusive prerogative of the consulate.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Very low cost. World-class education for €900–€4,000 per year is a unique offer in Europe.
• Strong specialisations. The best education in the world in design, fashion, architecture and restoration.
• English-language programmes. The number of programmes in English is growing rapidly (more than 1,250 across the country, +30%).
• Climate and culture. You study in a country with a unique history, cuisine and way of life that attracts thousands of students.
• Scholarships. The scholarship system can fully or partially cover the costs of tuition and accommodation.

Cons:

• Bureaucracy. The Italian bureaucratic system is notorious. Obtaining a tax number (Codice Fiscale), a visa and a residence permit (Permesso) is a long and nerve-racking process.
• Low graduate retention. Staying in Italy to work in your field after your studies is very difficult: the labour market is stagnant, youth unemployment is high, and salaries grow slowly.
• Language barrier. Outside the major tourist centres and university campuses, it will be hard without a knowledge of Italian. English-language programmes are a lifesaver in lectures, but you need the language for daily life.
• State of the infrastructure. Compared with Germany or the Scandinavian countries, some university buildings and dormitories may be old and in need of repair.