Italy has been one of the most chosen destinations in Europe where academics are high, tuition fee is low and scholarships are generous. Students in Pakistan are moving towards Italy in 2026 due to cheap state-funded universities and comparatively easy visa procedure.
The Italian universities have globally accepted degrees, rich cultural setting and a good number of the English-taught courses. This renders Italy a great destination to international students who want to have good education at an affordable price.
This guide has all the information you require to know about studying in Italy in 2026: tuition, scholarships, visa requirements, and IELTS-free study options.
Italy Education System
One of the oldest and most revered Italian education systems in Europe is the Italian education system. The Italian universities are based on the Bologna Process, which guarantees the recognition of the degree in Europe and globally. This system ensures academic quality, mobility and transparency to the international students.
This is the division of Italian higher education into three levels. A bachelor degree normally occupies a period of three years then a master degree of two years. The students who are willing to go further with research are free to proceed with a PhD, which normally takes three to four years.
Numerous universities are currently providing English-based studies, particularly on the master level and therefore international students find it less cumbersome to undertake education without necessarily having to learn Italian first.
International student Universities in Italy
There are numerous state universities in Italy that accept foreign students and offer them reasonable tuition fees. These are universities which are ranked worldly and are reputable in terms of excellence in academics.
The University of Bologna, University of Padua, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, and Polytechnic University of Turin are some of the most popular Italian universities among international students. These institutions offer programs of engineering, business, medicine, information technology and social sciences on world standards.
International Student study cost in Italy
Affordability is one of the largest benefits of studying in Italy. Italy has a comparatively low study cost to international students, particularly in the state universities as compared to other countries in Europe.
Cost of Studying in Italy, average (2026)
- Expense Type Estimated Cost
- Tuition Fees (Public Universities) EUR 500 -EUR 3000/per year.
- Living Expenses EUR -EUR 6,000 -EUR 9,000/per year.
- Accommodation EUR 250 0 -EUR 500/month.
- Food & Transport EUR 150 -EUR 250/month.
In the case of students who receive scholarships, the tuition fees may be minimized by a large extent or even eliminated.
Italy Public Universities Fees
The fee structure of Italy’s public universities is income based, and is calculated using the ISEE system. This will enable low-income students to have lower tuition. Average bachelor programs are between EUR 500 and EUR 2,500 annually whereas the average master program is between EUR 800 and EUR 3,000 annually. There are also the use of the private universities where there is a higher tuition fee.
Study in Italy Without IELTS
The question that many students put before themselves is whether they can study in Italy without IELTS; the answer is yes. Other universities do not require IELTS when the student studies in English. They can take a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from the former institution or rather do an internal assessment of English. Nevertheless, IELTS or TOEFL are still favored by other universities, therefore one needs to look at specific requirements before submitting an application.
Pakistan Scholarship to study in Italy 2026
Italy has fully funded as well as partially funded scholarships to international students including Pakistanis. The best scholarship is the DSU Regional Scholarship, which pays the tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. There is the Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) and scholarships based on merit of individual universities. Of all these, the DSU scholarship is the most competitive and desirable as it will offer a broad financial support during the period of the study.
Italy Study Requirements 2026
The 2026 study requirements are also uncomplicated and differ a bit according to the university and program. As a rule, the students require academic transcripts, a legitimate passport, evidence of English proficiency or MOI, and an official admission letter of an Italian university. Both the admission and visa also need financial evidence either in the form of a scholarship award or a bank statement.
Italy Student Visa Process 2026
The student visa procedure is very systematic and transparent. After you have been admitted, you are required to go through pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal. Once you have sent a copy of your finances and obtained a visa appointment at the Italian Embassy, you can go to Italy. Once there you need to seek a residence permit as this is essential to remain legally in Italy. A full and authentic application stands a higher possibility of being approved for the visa.
FAQs – Study in Italy 2026
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Will Pakistani students study in Italy in 2026?
Yes, the Pakistani students are welcome in Italy and it is a good study place
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Is Italy a place that international students can afford?
Yes, Italy is one of the cheapest study places in Europe.
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Is it possible to study in Italy without IELTS?
Yes, there are numerous universities where MOI or internal English tests are accommodated.
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What is the DSU scholarship?
Fully funded regional scholarship including tuition, accommodation as well as living expenses.
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What is the lowest CGPA?
As a rule, a CGPA of 2.5 and more is satisfactory.
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Is the Italian degree accepted internationally?
Yes, Italian degrees are accepted all over the world.
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What is the duration of the Italian student visa?
Visa processing normally lasts 3-6 weeks.
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Is it possible to study in Italy and work at the same time?
Yes, the students may work up to 20 hours a week.
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What is the best intake to Italy?
The main intake is September.
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Is Italian a compulsory language?
No, there are numerous programs that are offered in pure English.
Conclusion
Study in Italy 2026 provides a great chance to international students, primarily Pakistanis. Who want to receive cheap education, international degrees, and full-paid scholarships. Italy is still among the most favored destinations where students can study in Europe with low tuition, English programs and with a friendly visa policy. It is not impossible and is not far-fetched to get to your dream of studying in Italy in 2026 with proper planning and guidance.