Study in Italy for Free

Team Anigdha

Update on - 16 Jan 2026

Do you want to study abroad but worry about high tuition fees? Are you looking for a country that offers quality education along with financial relief for international students? Studying in Italy for free opens doors to globally respected universities and a student friendly lifestyle. Today, Italy is known for its public universities that offer education at very low cost. Several institutions also adjust tuition fees based on the annual income of the student. Along with this, several government and university funded scholarships are available to cover tuition and living expenses. The education system focuses on strong academic learning supported by research, practical exposure and experienced faculty. However, studying in Italy means learning in modern universities, experiencing different cultures while gaining international exposure. It allows students to gain valuable qualifications while managing expenses wisely. If you are planning to study in Italy for free, this guide will help you understand every important step clearly.

Study in Italy: Advantages and benefits

There are many benefits for students choosing to study in Italy for free. Italian universities are known for providing excellent education and cultural experiences with low cost education. Here are some top reasons to consider studying in Italy:

Low tuition fees: Many public universities in Italy charge minimal tuition fees. This makes higher education very affordable for international students.
Scholarships and financial aid: Several scholarship programs are available for students who need financial support. It can cover tuition and living expenses, making it possible to study completely free.
High quality education: Italian universities follow strong academic standards with globally recognised degrees.
Career opportunities: After graduation, students can get various career opportunities such as design, engineering, fashion, hospitality and arts.
Affordable living: Living costs in Italy are reasonable for students. accommodation, food and transportation can be managed efficiently. This allows students to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while focusing on their studies.

Study in Italy for free: Eligibility Criteria

We will try to understand the eligibility criteria for both levels of courses in detail here. Read the following:

Bachelor's Eligibility Criteria

Educational requirements: You must have completed your secondary education with at least 70% marks to apply for a bachelor’s program.
Application requirements: Fill out the university application forms carefully with all accurate personal and academic details.
Other requirements: You should provide a letter of recommendation from a recognised official from your previous school or institute.
English proficiency requirements: If English is your chosen medium of instruction and you are a non-native speaker, you must show language proficiency at B2 level. Here are some accepted test scores:

IELTS:5 and above
TOEFL: 70 and above
Duolingo: 100 and above

Master's Eligibility Criteria

Educational requirements: You need a recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 75% marks to apply for a master’s program.
Application requirements: Submit fully completed application forms with accurate personal and academic details before the university deadline.
Other requirements: A letter of recommendation from a recognised official from your previous institute is required.
English proficiency requirements: If English is your chosen medium of instruction and you are a non-native speaker, show language proficiency at B2 level. Here are some accepted test scores:

IELTS:5 and above
TOEFL: 70 and above
Duolingo: 100 and above

Study in Italy for free: Documents Required

Here is the list of documents required to be attached to your application form for a Bachelor’s program in Italy:

A passport copy with both front and back
National ID such as Aadhar Card
Class 10th and 12th standard mark
A passport size photograph with white background.
A statement of purpose written by yourself.
English proficiency certificate such as IELTS or Medium of Instruction certificate from school
Two letters of recommendation from different teachers at your school.
Study plan or module outlining your course intentions.
Work experience certificate, gap justification or internship certificate if applicable.
Predicted 12th mark sheet if final marks are not yet available.

Here is the list of documents required to be attached to your application for Master’s programs in Italy:

A Passport copy with both front and back.
National ID such as Aadhar Card
10th and 12th standard mark sheet.
Bachelor’s degree certificate.
A passport size photograph with white background.
Statement of purpose written by yourself
Provisional or final degree certificate if pursuing
Academic transcripts from first to last semester.
English proficiency certificate such as IELTS or Medium of Instruction certificate from college
Two letters of recommendation from different faculty members
Detailed study plan or module available from the university
Work experience certificate, gap justification or internship certificate if applicable
Official certificate proving your name is the same on all academic documents and passport

Study in Italy for free: Popular Universities

Here is a table of the top 5 popular universities in Italy that are widely preferred by international students. These universities are known for affordable or free study options through scholarships and fee waivers:

Name of the University	Category	City
University of Bologna	Public	Bologna
Sapienza University of Rome	Public	Rome
University of Milan	Public	Milan
University of Padua	Public	Padua
University of Pisa	Public	Pisa

Study in Italy for Free: Fee Structure

It is important to understand the tuition fee structure of top universities before planning to study in Italy for free. Most public universities in Italy charge very low tuition fees while students can further reduce or completely waive these fees through government and university scholarships. Here is an overview of the approximate annual tuition fees for international students:

Name of the University	Bachelor's fees per year	Master's fees per year
University of Bologna	The annual tuition fee generally ranges between € 1,000 to € 3,000. Many students receive fee reductions or full waivers based on income and merit.	Master’s programmes usually cost between € 1,000 to € 3,500 per year. Scholarships can significantly reduce this amount.
Sapienza University of Rome	Bachelor’s tuition fees are usually around €900 to €2,500 per year, depending on the programme and student profile.	The yearly fee for master’s programmes ranges from €1,000 to €3,000, with strong scholarship support available.
University of Milan	The average tuition fee for bachelor’s courses ranges from €800 to €2,500 annually. Fee exemptions are common for eligible students.	Master’s tuition fees usually fall between €1,000 to €3,200 per year, depending on the course.
University of Padua	Bachelor’s programmes generally cost between €900 to € 2,700 per year. Many international students study at very low or zero cost through grants.	The tuition fee for master’s programmes ranges from €1,000 to €3,000 per year
University of Pisa	Annual bachelor’s fees are usually between €900 to €2,400. Regional scholarships can cover full tuition.	Master’s programmes typically cost between €1,000 to €3,000 per year.

Note: The fees mentioned above are indicative and may vary based on the programme, academic year, income category and scholarship eligibility.

Study in Italy for free: Language of Instruction

Italian universities use both English and Italian as the primary language of instruction for most courses. Students who are already fluent in either language do not need to submit additional proof. International students who wish to study in English must demonstrate their proficiency to ensure they can participate in discussions and complete assignments effectively. Universities accept globally recognized tests to measure language skills.

Here are the accepted tests with minimum scores:

IELTS: 7.0 and above
TOEFL iBT: 75 and above
Duolingo: 100 and overall

Scholarships Available to Study in Italy for free

Students need not worry about tuition fees when planning to study in Italy for free. Many universities and institutions offer scholarships that can cover tuition fees, living expenses and even accommodation costs. These scholarships are mostly merit?based or need?based. They usually help deserving international students who want to pursue their higher education without financial burden.

Below are some of the top scholarship opportunities available for international students to study in Italy:

Name of the Scholarship	Category
Merit and Government Scholarships by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs	Government merit selection
University of Bologna Unibo Action Scholarships	Merit and financial aid Padua
Excellence Scholarship Programme	Merit scholarship
Bocconi Merit and International Awards	Merit selection
Politecnico di Milano Merit based Scholarships	Merit selection

Note: It is advised to check the official university scholarship pages during their application process because scholarship availability, eligibility requirements and award amounts may vary by university and academic year.

Study in Italy for free: Admission Procedure

If you are looking to study in Italy for free, our team of Anigdha is here to support you at every stage. We want to share the detailed process of admission so that your journey becomes easier and stress-free.

Bachelor's Admission Procedure

Start your admissions process by browsing through all the universities and programs in Italy that offer free or low tuition study options.
Once you have a long list of programs, choose a specific program that fits your academic profile, interests and eligibility.
Start filling out the application forms using your personal and academic details.
Our team can help you gather all the necessary documents required for submission at the time of admission.
You may also need to appear for language proficiency tests or any entrance tests required by the specific university. Our team will help you prepare for these tests.
When your application is reviewed and accepted, the university will send you an approval or admission letter. Attach this letter with your student visa application form and proceed with the visa process.
Once your visa is approved, you can get HRD and apostille done on your important documents to complete the legalisation process.
Finally, find suitable accommodation near your university campus before beginning your semester in Italy.

Masters Admission Procedure

Begin your admission journey by searching through the postgraduate programs in Italy that allow free or minimal tuition study options.
Choose a course based on your interests, eligibility and academic background.
After this, download the application forms and start filling it carefully. Make sure you submit the forms before the deadline.
Once the application is submitted, gather all the required documents you need to submit at the time of admission. Our team can provide you with a complete checklist to make this easier.
Prepare for any language proficiency tests and university entrance tests that are part of the admission process. Our consultants will guide you through the preparation.
Once your application for studying in Italy is accepted and you receive your approval letter, attach it to your visa application form.
Your student visa may take around 45 days to arrive. After approval, you should get HRD attestation and apostille on your supplementary documents.
Finally, arrange comfortable accommodation either within or near your university campus so that you can start your study journey in Italy for free.

FAQs

What is the tuition fee to study in Italy for free?

Many universities in Italy offer very low or fully waived tuition fees for international students. The total cost depends on the university and program you choose.

Is Italy a safe country for international students?

Yes, Italy is considered safe for international students. Universities have safe and secure campuses, making it a comfortable place for students.

Do I need to know Italian to study in Italy for free?

Many programs are fully taught in English, so knowing Italian is not required. However, basic Italian can help in daily life but is not mandatory for studies.

Can I work while studying in Italy?

Yes, international students can work part-time during their studies. Italy allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while pursuing their courses.

What is the duration of bachelor’s and master’s courses in Italy?

Bachelor’s programs in Italy usually take 3 years while master’s programs typically last 1.5 to 2 years depending on the course and university.

Are scholarships available to study in Italy for free?

Yes, Italian universities and government programs offer scholarships and tuition waivers based on merit or need. It can cover tuition fees and living expenses.