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Studying in Italy

Italy is one of the most popular study destinations for Iranian students. The high quality of education, the opportunity to study abroad, English-language courses and especially the provincial scholarship that covers a large part of the living and study expenses, make this country an ideal choice. With a reasonable cost of living and the possibility of residency after studies, Italy is a sure path to start a bright future in Europe.

Student living costs: From $900 per month
Annual tuition: From about $1000 at public universities
Student work opportunities: 20 hours per week
Post-study residency opportunity: 12 months

Why Italy? Advantages and Challenges

Italy is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, attracting 30% of international students. This appeal is due to top universities with specialized courses, hosting global brands and affordable living costs. Compared to countries such as the US, UK, Australia and Canada, the cost of living in Italy is around 40% lower, making it an attractive option for international students.

Challenges

Learning Italian
Cultural difference
Finding the right accommodation
Existence of financial challenges

Benefits

High-quality, internationally recognized academic programs.
Access to unique scholarships and financial opportunities.
Opportunity to continue your studies at any European university.

Italian education system

Bachelor's degree

Tuition: $1,000 to $5,000 per year
Age limit: 17 to 22 years old
Language: For English-language programs: minimum IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 70
Minimum GPA: 14
Test: SAT | ACT | GMAT | GRE
Student work permit: Allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during semester and 40 hours per week during vacation.
Companion visa: Possible
Post-study work permit: 1 year

Master's degree

Tuition : $1000 to $5,000 per year
Age limit: None, but suitable for those up to 35
Language: For English-language programs: minimum IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 70
Minimum GPA: 14
Test: SAT | ACT | GMAT | GRE
Student work permit: 20 hours per week during semester and 40 hours per week during vacation.
Companion visa: Possible
Post-study work permit: 1 year

Doctorate

Tuition : $1,000 to $5,000 per year
Age limit: None
Language: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90
Minimum GPA: 15
Test: GRE
Student work permit: Allowed to work up to 20 hours per week
Companion visa: Yes
Post-study work permit: 1 year

Schools

Tuition fees : $10,000 to $70,000 per year
Age limit: 6 to 18 years
Language: English, Italian, or a combination of both
Minimum GPA: 12
Test: ISEE and SSAT
Student work permit: No
Companion visa: None
Work permit after graduation: No
Studying in Italian schools
There are three levels of education in Italian schools . These three levels include primary, lower secondary and upper secondary, and the duration of study at each level is:

Elementary school: Starts at age 6 and continues until age 11.
Junior high school: Middle school is from age 11 to 14.
Senior high school: High school is from age 15 to 18.
Bachelor's degree in Italy
Students who want to study for a bachelor's degree in Italy must have a 12-year high school diploma. The duration of a bachelor's degree in this country is 3 to 4 years and the language of instruction is Italian and English . In addition, some Italian universities hold entrance exams or interviews for admission to a bachelor's degree. Tuition fees for public universities in Italy range from 400 to 900 euros ($465 to $1,047) per year, while tuition fees for private universities in Italy range from 6,000 to 20,000 euros ($6,980 to $23,269) per year.

To study in Italy, it is necessary to submit a resume, diploma and pre-university documents (translated), academic confirmation certificate, evaluation certificate from the Italian Embassy, ​​motivation letter, language certificate (English: IELTS 6 or TOEFL 80; Italian: B2), valid passport, and a personal photo in accordance with Schengen rules.

Studying a Master's Degree in Italy
To study for a master's degree in Italy, students must have a bachelor's degree. The duration of study at this level, like in Iran, is 2 years, and applicants are required to prove their proficiency in English or Italian. For this reason, they must provide an IELTS language certificate with a minimum score of 6.5 or an Italian language certificate at B2.

The average tuition fee for a master's degree at public universities in Italy is between €800 and €1,000 per year. However, private universities are more expensive, with tuition fees ranging from €6,000 to €20,000.

For a master's degree in Italy, in addition to undergraduate degrees, certified academic transcripts with official translations, letters of recommendation from professors, and a health insurance certificate are required.

PhD study in Italy
Doctoral studies in Italy are generally conducted in collaboration with professors on a research project. The language of study at this level is Italian and applicants for this level must have a high level of proficiency in this language. The duration of doctoral studies in Italy is 3 to 4 years.

To study for a PhD in Italy, in addition to previous qualifications, a language certificate (English B2 or Italian C1), a research proposal, a letter of motivation, and a scientific resume with documentation of academic activities are required.

There are about 90 research doctoral programs at Italian universities. Large public institutions host about 100,000 doctoral students annually.

The cost of studying for a PhD at public universities in Italy is €1,630 ($1,896) per year, and at private universities in Italy it can be up to €20,000 ($23,269) per year.

Cost of studying in Italy

Italy ranks third after Australia and Canada in terms of student acceptance. Free study in Italy is possible with some of the country’s popular scholarships, such as the DSU scholarship or the Italian provincial scholarship . This scholarship is available at all levels of study and is awarded to students with poor financial circumstances. The cost of studying and living in Italy is more affordable than in other European countries; therefore, the total cost of your study in Italy will be even less than free study in Germany and France.

Estimated monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, are $1,031.8 (€700). The cost of living in Italy is on average 158.6% higher than in Iran.

To live in Italy, you should budget around 700 euros per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation and entertainment. Living in Italy is much more affordable for students compared to other countries.

Apart from being affordable, students who go to study in Italy are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week. Italian universities allow you to work both on and off campus. Companies will pay you between 10 and 15 euros per hour and you can earn between 300 and 600 euros.

Although living in Italy is a wonderful experience, keep in mind that Rome, Milan, and Bologna are more expensive than other Italian cities.

Scholarships in Italy

The possibility of obtaining an Italian scholarship is one of the factors that has attracted many students to this country. For this reason, Italy is one of the popular countries that has become an immigration destination for many foreign students, including Iranians.

Italian universities, as well as the Italian government, offer numerous scholarships to eligible students each year. There are different types of Italian scholarships, each of which covers a certain percentage of tuition fees and living expenses, the amount of which will vary depending on the university of choice.

One of the most important scholarships in Italy is the DSU scholarship and the Milan Provincial Scholarship, and many students immigrate to Italy every year to receive these scholarships.

Italian universities have a good academic reputation worldwide, and hence studying at these universities helps in finding a suitable job in many countries of the world. There are a total of 30 universities in Italy. Out of the total 30 universities in Italy, 14 universities are in the list of the top 500 universities in the world .

The reputation of Italian universities is not limited to just a few fields. In the country’s universities, a variety of fields are offered with appropriate quality and up-to-date international standards. It should be noted that many of these fields are taught in English at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.

The following are the names of the top universities in Italy, along with their academic rankings in 2024, according to the prestigious QS ranking :

 

Steps for studying in Italy

1
Free initial consultation
Via call, online chat on the site or social networks
2
Method selection
Dedicated consultation and detailed review of methods by an immigration expert.
3
Contract conclusion
Increase your immigration chances by considering multiple countries in one file.
4
Start the process
Assigning a case follow-up force alongside the research and development team to accompany you.
5
Reviewing options and choosing
Providing you with all possible opportunities and guidance for making the final decision.
6
Collecting and completing documents
Guidance for collecting documents, translating, participating in interviews, and more.
7
Full flight and deployment
Visa pickup services, ticket purchase, assistance with complete accommodation, and legal matters in the destination country.

Requirements and documents required to study in Italy

The requirements for admission to Italian universities depend on the university you choose in the country. Students from other countries who want to study in Italy must provide documents and transcripts of their previous studies (diploma and above) and take entrance exams to Italian universities . It is usually easier to get admission to private universities than to public universities, but be sure to check that the university you choose is approved by the Ministry of Science in Italy.

Students may need to provide the following documents as part of their Italy student visa application:

 

Completing and signing the application form
A recent photo (no Photoshop) 40X35 on a white background
Pre-approval of admission to the chosen field through the university portal.
University acceptance letter and completion and signing of Form A.
A copy of the identification document (ID card), and a translation of the original into Italian (plus a copy) with the approval stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary.
Passport and a copy of its first page
Availability of accommodation: Hotel reservation (hotel cost must be visible)
Language certificate: Provide a copy of the certificate of language proficiency at level B2 and not lower (for English language courses, certificate of minimum scores of IELTS 6; TOEFL 78; FCE- 169. For Italian language courses, minimum level B2 and certificates approved by MUR to obtain the “Certificate of Italian Quality” (CLIQ) – CELI, CILS, Roma Tre and Dante Alighieri.
Translation of the latest secondary education certificate (original and copy) with at least 12 years of education, and four-year transcripts, with approvals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary.
Translation of the latest bachelor's degree (original and copy) and four-year transcripts (original and copy), with approvals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary for master's studies in Italy.
Translation of the latest bachelor's degree (original and copy) and four-year transcripts (original and copy) and master's degree, with approvals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary for doctoral studies in Italy
Provide proof of a minimum financial means for the period of residence equal to 467.65 euros per month, for the months of the academic year.
Bank statements for the last six months in English.
Health insurance for medical treatment and hospitalization.
Airplane ticket in the applicant's name (ticket reservation must coincide with the start of the academic year)

Please note that students are sometimes required to attend an interview (in person or via Skype) conducted by the university in order to gain admission to some Italian universities.

Cities suitable for studying in Italy

Several cities are recognized as top study destinations in Italy, attractive in terms of educational quality, job opportunities, cost of living, and student atmosphere. Below, we introduce some of these cities:

  • Bologna is considered one of the best student cities in Italy. It has a university with a long history and is known for its high quality of life and excellent public services. Its international and cultural atmosphere also attracts students.
  • As the economic and cultural center of Italy, Milan offers many career opportunities for graduates. With its prestigious universities and modern atmosphere, the city is a popular destination for international students.
  • Turin is a great choice for students, with its prestigious universities and relatively low cost of living. With its rich history and cultural atmosphere, the city provides a conducive environment for studying.
  • With a rich artistic and cultural history, Florence is an ideal destination for art and history enthusiasts. Its prestigious universities and beautiful atmosphere make it an attractive study destination
  • Rome , the capital of Italy, offers a great environment for studying, with prestigious universities and a rich history. Combining culture, history, and education, Rome is a popular destination for international students.

Student dormitories and residences in Italy

In Italy, students have a variety of accommodation options, including university dormitories, shared apartments and private apartments. University dormitories, run by universities themselves or regional institutions such as ESU, offer facilities such as single or double rooms, internet and amenities, and typically cost between €250 and €450 per month. However, these dormitories are limited in capacity and in high demand.

Another option is to rent a room in a shared apartment, which is suitable for students who want to keep their costs down. The cost of renting a room in large cities such as Rome and Milan usually ranges from 400 to 800 euros per month, and in smaller cities it is lower. Alternatively, students who prefer a more private space can rent studio or one-bedroom apartments, which cost between 700 and 1200 euros per month in large cities.

 

To find accommodation, websites such as Idealista, Immobiliare, HousingAnywhere and Uniplaces are good resources, as well as Facebook groups for international students in various cities in Italy.

Student work in Italy

Students often work in Italy to support their living expenses and gain work experience. Being fluent in Italian and having a practical skill will go a long way in helping you find a suitable student job. If your skills are relevant to your field of study, you will be in a better position.

Teaching English, caring for the elderly and children, interpreting, and working in some hotels are among the job opportunities in Italy for students. Also, during the summer season, many restaurants and cafes in Italian cities , especially in the cities of Rome and Milan, are looking for non-Italian employees.

If you are interested in taking on a student job to cover living expenses and gain experience and are looking for a job that is relevant to your field of study, it is best to consult with your university.

Many research institutions in Italy assign some tasks and tasks to students and ask universities to introduce them to applicants with the necessary qualifications.

 

Conditions for residence in Italy through study

To study in Italy as a foreign student, you must first obtain a study visa and, upon arrival, renew your student residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) in a timely manner.

To work in Italy, you need to find a suitable job position during your studies and work in it or work as an intern. After graduation, you need to receive a job offer from an employer and start working. In this case, you can convert your study stay into a work stay and take advantage of this opportunity. But you should remember that you have a limited time to achieve this goal.

By having at least five years of legal and continuous residence (a combination of study and work residence), proof of sufficient income, relative proficiency in the Italian language (level B1) and no criminal record, you will be able to apply for permanent residence in Italy.

 

After completing your study stay in Spain and within 12 months, you are not allowed to work, and you can only apply for a Spanish work visa if you find a job offer from a Spanish employer .