Thinking about studying in Italy in 2026?
You’re in the right place.
Italy has become one of the top destinations for international students seeking quality education, affordable tuition, and a vibrant cultural experience. From fully funded scholarships to globally ranked universities, Italy offers everything an international student needs to thrive — both academically and personally.
This guide is your starting point, giving you an A-to-Z overview of the Study in Italy 2026 Intake — followed by detailed articles that explain every part of the process in depth.
Table of Contents
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is not just the land of art, architecture, and history — it’s also home to some of the world’s oldest and most respected universities. Whether you’re planning to study engineering, business, design, or the social sciences, Italy has world-class options at affordable costs.
Here’s why thousands of students choose Italy every year:
- Top Public Universities with strong academic reputations (University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Milano, University of Padua, etc.)
- English-Taught Programs for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
- Low Tuition Fees – often between €500–€4,000 per year
- Scholarships and Stipends – DSU, EDISU, and MAECI scholarships can cover tuition and living costs
- Schengen Access – freedom to travel across 26 European countries
- Post-Study Opportunities – work and settle within Italy or elsewhere in the EU
Types of Degrees in Italy
| Level | Duration | Language of Instruction | Tuition (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (Laurea Triennale) | 3 years | English or Italian | €500–€3,000/year |
| Master’s (Laurea Magistrale) | 2 years | English or Italian | €800–€4,000/year |
| PhD | 3–4 years | English (mostly) | Funded or partly funded |
Admission Timeline & Process Overview
Planning your 2026 study journey to Italy?
Here’s exactly when to start, what to do each month, and how the process flows from research to arrival.
This timeline covers all key milestones — from application openings to visa and enrollment.
1. August – November 2025: Research and Preparation Phase
This is the time to lay your foundation.
- Explore Italian public universities and English-taught programs.
- Shortlist your preferred courses (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
- Check eligibility requirements and admission criteria.
- Prepare key documents: passport, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or medium-of-instruction letter).
- If you plan to apply for scholarships like DSU or MAECI, start preparing your income and financial documents early.
Tip: Create a spreadsheet to track application deadlines, scholarship openings, and document status for each university.
2. November – December 2025: Application Portals Open
By late November, major public universities begin opening applications for Fall 2026 intake.
These include:
- Sapienza University of Rome
- University of Bologna
- University of Milan
- University of Turin
- Politecnico di Milano
During this phase:
- Register accounts on university admission portals.
- Gather notarized and translated documents (if required).
- Start submitting your first applications (especially for early intakes).
Find Complete List of Top Public Universities in Italy 2026 Here
Remember: Early applicants get priority consideration for scholarships and housing.
3. December 2025 – February 2026: Early Application Window
This is the best time to submit your applications.
Most universities accept international applications from December through February.
You should:
- Finalize and submit your university applications.
- Write and upload your motivation letter and CV (Europass format).
- Apply for early scholarship programs (DSU, EDISU, or MAECI).
- Keep an eye on emails for interview or document verification requests.
Goal: Have at least 3–5 strong applications submitted by February 2026.
4. February – April 2026: Main Admission Window
This is the peak admission period.
If you missed the early calls, don’t worry — many universities still accept applications during this time.
Focus on:
- Submitting remaining applications.
- Uploading any pending documents (degree, language certificate, etc.).
- Applying to additional scholarships that are still open.
- Preparing proof of funds for your visa application (you’ll need this later).
Note: Late February is usually the last chance to apply for competitive universities like Politecnico di Milano or University of Padua.
5. May – June 2026: Late Applications & Second Calls
Some universities announce a second call or late application round if seats remain.
You can:
- Apply to programs still open (mostly in smaller or regional universities).
- Focus on securing scholarship or accommodation confirmations.
However, late applicants may face tighter visa timelines — so apply early whenever possible.
6. April – July 2026: Admission Offers & Pre-enrollment
During this time, universities release their admission results.
Once you receive an offer:
- Accept your admission on the university portal.
- Register your details on the official Universitaly Portal for pre-enrollment.
- Receive your pre-enrollment confirmation, which you’ll need for your visa application.
Keep digital copies of all letters and documents — you’ll use them for your embassy appointment.
7. June – September 2026: Visa Application Period
It’s time to apply for your Type D Student Visa through the Italian Consulate in your country.
Prepare these essentials:
- University admission letter and pre-enrollment confirmation.
- Proof of sufficient funds (€6,000–€7,000 per year or scholarship proof).
- Proof of accommodation in Italy.
- Valid passport and recent photographs.
- Medical insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000).
Visa processing may take 4–8 weeks, so apply early.
8. August – September 2026: Travel and Final Enrollment
Once your visa is approved, book your flight and travel to Italy.
Upon arrival:
- Complete final university enrollment in person.
- Apply for your Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days of arrival.
- Attend orientation sessions and settle into accommodation.
You’re now officially an international student in Italy!
9. September – October 2026: Classes Begin
Most Italian universities start classes between mid-September and early October.
- Join orientation week activities.
- Get your student card and university email access.
- Familiarize yourself with city transport, part-time work options, and student communities.
Welcome to your new chapter in Italy!
Quick Recap – Key Phases
| Period | What You Should Focus On |
|---|---|
| Aug–Nov 2025 | Research, gather documents |
| Nov–Dec 2025 | Application portals open |
| Dec 2025–Feb 2026 | Early application submission |
| Feb–Apr 2026 | Main application window |
| May–Jun 2026 | Late calls and second rounds |
| Apr–Jul 2026 | Admission offers and pre-enrollment |
| Jun–Sep 2026 | Visa process |
| Aug–Sep 2026 | Travel and enrollment |
| Sep–Oct 2026 | Classes begin |
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Italy?
Studying in Italy is far more affordable than many other European destinations.
Tuition Fees
- Public universities: €500–€4,000 per year (depends on income declaration and university).
- Private universities: €6,000–€20,000 per year (depending on field and ranking).
Living Expenses
Your living cost will depend on the city.
| City | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Milan | €1,000–€1,200 |
| Rome | €900–€1,100 |
| Bologna | €800–€1,000 |
| Turin, Pisa, Padua | €700–€900 |
Proof of Funds for Visa
To obtain a student visa, you’ll need to show proof of sufficient financial resources — roughly €6,000–€7,000 per year or scholarship proof covering living expenses.
Scholarship Opportunities for 2026
Italy offers several fully funded and partial scholarships for international students.
Here are the top options to look out for:
- DSU/EDISU Regional Scholarships – cover living costs, free meals, and sometimes accommodation.
- MAECI Italian Government Scholarships – €900 monthly stipend for Master’s and PhD students.
- Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship – for students from selected countries in Business, Engineering, ICT, etc.
- University-Specific Grants – each public university has its own financial aid programs.
You’ll find the complete list, eligibility criteria, and how to apply in Part 3: Scholarships and Funding in Italy 2026.
Step-by-Step Application Overview
Before you apply, it’s important to understand the key stages.
- Choose Your Program & University
Explore courses taught in English and shortlist your top 3–5 universities.- Italian Public Universities List
- Check Eligibility Criteria
Each course has different academic and language requirements. - Prepare Documents
Collect transcripts, degree certificates, passport, motivation letter, and recommendation letters. - Apply Online
Submit applications through university portals or centralized platforms. - Apply for Scholarships
You can apply for DSU or regional scholarships even before arrival. - Receive Admission Offer
Once accepted, you’ll receive a pre-enrollment letter. - Apply for Student Visa (Type D)
Schedule an appointment with the Italian consulate, submit documents, and pay visa fees.
The full admission process will be explained in Part 2: How to Apply for Italian Universities (Step-by-Step Process).
Documents Checklist (Basic)
Here’s what you’ll generally need:
- Valid Passport
- Educational Certificates (Matriculation, Intermediate, or Bachelor’s Degree)
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or university language proof)
- Motivation Letter
- Two Recommendation Letters
- Curriculum Vitae (Europass Format)
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Financial Statement or Scholarship Letter
- Admission Letter (for visa)
You’ll find a downloadable checklist and templates in Part 2.
Living and Working in Italy as a Student
Living in Italy gives you more than education — it’s a lifestyle experience.
- Students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week.
- After graduation, you can apply for a post-study work visa (Permesso di Soggiorno – Attesa Occupazione) valid for up to 12 months.
- Italy’s location in the EU allows you to explore nearby countries easily.
Part 4 of this series will discuss the Student Visa Process, Cost of Living, and Accommodation Options in detail.
Top Public Universities in Italy
Here are some of the best and most popular universities for international students:
- University of Bologna
- Sapienza University of Rome
- University of Padua
- Politecnico di Milano
- University of Pisa
- University of Turin
- University of Milan
- University of Florence
- Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
- University of Trento
You can explore program details in Part 5: Top Universities and English-Taught Courses in Italy 2026.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Italy in 2026 can be one of the best decisions you make for your education and career.
It’s affordable, internationally recognized, and offers countless opportunities to grow — both professionally and personally.
If you start preparing your documents early and follow the step-by-step roadmap in this series, your dream of studying in Italy can become a reality.
➡️ Next Article: How to Apply for Italian Universities (Step-by-Step Guide)
➡️ Part 3: Scholarships and Funding Opportunities in Italy 2026
➡️ Part 4: Visa, Living Cost, and Accommodation Guide
➡️ Part 5: Top Public Universities and English Programs in Italy 2026
Need Professional Guidance?
Applying to 80+ Italian universities, managing multiple calls, and preparing visa documents can feel overwhelming.
Our expert team at ScholyHub Consultants provides personalized support:
- University shortlisting and application assistance
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- Visa file preparation and interview coaching
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Let our team help you secure admission to your dream university in Italy for 2026.
Wish You Best of Luck!!