Study in Italy

With low tuition fees, a regional scholarship system (DSU) and a rich cultural life, Italy is one of the most accessible European countries for international students. Many of our students study in Italy on regional scholarships.

Why Italy?

• At public universities tuition is calculated according to family income and is often symbolic
• Regional scholarships (ER.GO, ARDIS, DSU Toscana, EDISU Piemonte, DiSCo Lazio, etc.) offer tuition waivers, an annual grant and accommodation
• Many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes
• Historic universities such as Bologna, Padua, Milan, Pisa and Rome

Education system and levels

• Laurea (bachelor’s): 3 years
• Laurea Magistrale (master’s): 2 years
• Laurea a ciclo unico: medicine, law, architecture — 5–6 years

Admission to a bachelor’s in Italy requires 12 years of secondary education; with an Azerbaijani school certificate (11 years), 1 additional year of university study may be required. All international students must pre-enrol on the Universitaly portal.

Tuition and living costs

• Public universities: approximately €0–€4,000 per year (income-dependent)
• Private universities (Bocconi, LUISS, etc.): €12,000–€20,000+ per year
• Living costs: €700–€1,100 per month (more expensive in Milan and Rome)

Scholarships

• Regional DSU scholarships — based on income; the annual grant is usually several thousand euros, plus accommodation and meal discounts. Documents showing family income (for the ISEE parificato) are required.
• Invest Your Talent in Italy and Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) scholarships
• Universities’ own scholarships (e.g. Padua, Bologna, Politecnico di Milano)

Admission requirements and documents

• Diploma and transcript (with apostille and official translation)
• Evaluation of your degree: Dichiarazione di Valore or a CIMEA certificate
• English: usually IELTS 6.0–6.5
• Motivation letter, CV, reference letters
• SAT, GRE or TOLC for some universities

Student visa: step by step

1. Complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly — the university must confirm it.
2. Prepare your documents: acceptance letter, diplomas, language certificate, proof of accommodation, flight booking.
3. Proof of funds: at least €10,179.85 a year for 2026/27, plus documents showing stable family income (or a scholarship).
4. Buy health insurance with at least €30,000 cover.
5. Book an appointment at VFS Global in Baku and apply for a type D study visa.
6. Within 8 working days of arrival, apply for a residence permit (Permesso di soggiorno) at a post office.

Fees

• National visa fee: €116 (standard rate; VFS service fee separate)
• Permesso di soggiorno: €40 (up to 12 months) or €50 (12–24 months) + postal kit €30 + revenue stamp €16 + card €30.46

Can you work on a student visa?

You can work up to 20 hours a week, with a maximum of 1,040 hours a year.

Source: İtaliyanın Bakıdakı səfirliyi — təhsil vizası sənəd siyahısı, Universitaly. Checked: October 2026. Rules and fees can change — check the official website before applying.

Universities and programmes in Italy

Note: amounts are approximate and vary by university, programme and year. It is important to check the official source before applying. Last updated: October 2026.

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