Studying in Italy as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In Italy, tuition at a public university is €300 to €4k for a master’s. For the student visa you must show €10,180 / yr, you can work 20 h / wk while studying, and you can stay 9 to 12 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | €300 to €4kEst., set by each university by income or country band, 2026–27 | €300 to €4kEst., set by each university by income or country band, 2026–27 |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | €10k to €20kPrivate universities, est. | €10k to €20kPrivate universities, est. |
| Money to show for the visa | €10,180 / yr2026–27 minimum, plus a return ticket | |
| Visa and permit fees | About €200, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ €24,600 | ≈ €36,800 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget), for the whole degree, plus visa fees once. Tuition ranges are estimates: each university publishes its own fees. Italian tuition ranges are estimates; each university sets its own fees. Health insurance (required) is not in the total.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | No visa |
| All other countries | Study visa (type D) before travel, after pre-enrolling on Universitaly; residence permit within 8 days of arrival |
Work rights
- While studying: 20 h / wk (Up to 1,040 h a year).
- After graduating: 9 to 12 months (Job-search permit after a degree).
Will my degree from Italy be recognized?
Public and private universities award legally valid degrees (laurea magistrale) only for courses the Ministry of University and Research accredits each year. Search the programme on Universitaly before you pay a deposit.
Check an institution: Universitaly (Ministry of University and Research): search degree courses
For a bachelor’s: Pre-enrol on Universitaly, the ministry’s portal, before applying for the visa. Visa applications close on 30 November 2026 for 2026–27 and on 31 October 2027 for 2027–28. Most bachelor’s programmes are taught in Italian.
By field of study
- No field-specific rules found for Italy. Some careers (medicine, nursing, teaching, law) are licensed: check the licensing body where you want to work.
Recent official changes for Italy
- No rule change for Italy has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare Italy
See Italy next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Italy?
Tuition at a public university is €300 to €4k a year for a master’s. With the money you must show for the visa, a 2-year master’s comes to about €24,600 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Italy?
€10,180 / yr (2026–27 minimum, plus a return ticket).
Can I work while studying in Italy?
Yes: 20 h / wk (Up to 1,040 h a year).
Can I stay in Italy after graduating?
9 to 12 months (Job-search permit after a degree).
Other destinations
Official sources
- Universitaly (Ministry of University and Research): international students
- MUR: 2026–27 procedures for international students (University of Ferrara copy)
- MUR decree 176 of 24 February 2026: low-income countries list
- INPS: residence permit for study and work hours
- University of Padova: 2026–27 fees
- Universitaly (Ministry of University and Research): search degree courses
Information, not legal or immigration advice.