Study in Italy for Free: Top Public Universities for International Students 2025
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Italy has always been a hub for higher education, offering a unique blend of rich cultural heritage and academic excellence. The country is home to some of the world’s oldest universities that offer quality education at affordable costs. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the top public universities in Italy for international students in 2025. These institutions provide free or low-cost education, making Italy an attractive destination for students across the globe.
Top Public Universities for International Students:
Politecnico di Milano (Milan Polytechnic)
Founded in 1863, Politecnico di Milano is one of the most prestigious technical universities in Europe, particularly for engineering, architecture, and design. It is globally acclaimed for its research-intensive environment and collaborations with top international companies.
| Category | Details |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2025: #139 Engineering & Technology: Top 20 worldwide Architecture & Design: Ranked among the top 10 globally |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Undergraduate Programs: €900–€3,900/year Postgraduate Programs: €1,500–€5,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 35% |
| Eligibility Criteria | High school diploma for UG; bachelor’s degree for PG Language proficiency: IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (80+) Supporting documents: SOP, CV, and recommendation letters |
| Popular Courses and Fees | BSc in Mechanical Engineering- €3,900 approx. MSc in Architecture – €4,500 approx. MSc in Data Science- €4,000 approx. |
| Intakes | Fall Intake- September Spring Intake- February |
Sapienza University of Rome
Established in 1303, Sapienza University of Rome is one of the oldest universities in Europe and among the largest in terms of student population. It excels in diverse fields such as humanities, engineering, and natural sciences.
| Category | Details |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2025: #171 Best for Archaeology and Classics: Top 20 globally |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Undergraduate Programs: €1,000–€2,500/year approx. Postgraduate Programs: €1,200–€3,000/year approx |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 45% |
| Eligibility Criteria | Relevant academic qualifications (high school diploma for UG; bachelor’s degree for PG IMAT scores for medical programs Proof of English or Italian proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or B2-level Italian) |
| Popular Courses and Fees | BA in Classical Studies: €1,000 approx. MSc in Physics: €2,500 approx. MD in Medicine (IMAT-based): €3,000 approx. |
| Intakes | Main Intake: September Application Deadlines: Typically February to July, varying by program |
University of Padua
Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is among the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Italy. Known for its innovative teaching and research, it offers a wide range of programs across disciplines like medicine, law, and engineering.
| Category | Details |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2025: #249 Best for Medicine and Natural Sciences: Top 100 worldwide |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Undergraduate Programs: €900–€2,500/year Postgraduate Programs: €1,200–€3,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | 40%–50% |
| Eligibility Criteria | Academic transcripts and relevant qualifications English or Italian language proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or B2-level Italian) GRE/GMAT scores for specific programs |
| Intake | Fall Intake: September Application Deadlines: Typically February to June |
| Popular courses and Fees | BSc in Biotechnology: €2,000 approx. MSc in Environmental Engineering: €3,000 approx. LLM in International Law: €2,500 Approx. |
University of Bologna
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the oldest university in Europe and a pioneer in higher education. Renowned for its research and academic excellence, it offers a variety of programs in arts, sciences, and professional studies.
| Category | Details |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2025: #167 Best for Arts, Humanities, and Law: Top 50 worldwide |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Undergraduate Programs: €2,000–€3,500/year Postgraduate Programs: €2,500–€3,500/year |
| Acceptance Rate | 55% |
| Eligibility Criteria | Academic transcripts and relevant qualifications English or Italian proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or B2-level Italian) |
| Intake | Fall Intake: September Application Deadlines: Typically February to June |
| Popular Courses and Fees | BA in Law: €2,000 approx. MSc in Data Science: €3,000 approx. MD in Medicine: €3,500 approx. |
University of Milan
Established in 1924, the University of Milan is a hub for higher education in Italy, particularly in the fields of arts, sciences, and healthcare. Its vibrant campus and affordable education make it a favorite among international students.
| Category | Details |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2025: #306 Best for Life Sciences and Medicine: Top 100 worldwide |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Undergraduate Programs: €900–€4,000/year Postgraduate Programs: €1,500–€4,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% |
| Eligibility Criteria | High school diploma for UG programs Bachelor’s degree for PG programs Language proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or B2-level Italian) |
| Intake | Fall Intake: September Application Deadlines: Typically February to June |
| Popular Courses and Fees | BA in International Relations: €900 approx. MSc in Biotechnology: €3,500 approx. MD in Medicine: €4,000 approx. |
University of Pisa
Founded in 1343, the University of Pisa is a prestigious institution known for its excellence in STEM fields and innovative research. Its historic campus offers a blend of academic rigor and cultural experiences.
| Category | Details |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2025: #414 Best for Physics and Computer Science: Top 150 worldwide |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Undergraduate Programs: €1,000–€2,500/year Postgraduate Programs: €1,500–€3,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% |
| Eligibility Criteria | Academic transcripts English or Italian proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or B2-level Italian) GRE/GMAT scores for specific programs |
| Intake | Fall Intake: September Application Deadlines: Typically February to June |
| Popular Courses and Fees | BSc in Computer Science: €1,500 approx. MSc in Physics: €2,000 approx. MD in Medicine (IMAT-based): €3,000 approx. |
Politecnico di Torino
Founded in 1859, Politecnico di Torino is Italy’s premier institution for engineering and architecture. Its strong ties with industries and focus on innovation make it a top choice for international students.
| Category | Details |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2025: #307 Best for Engineering and Architecture: Top 50 worldwide |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Undergraduate Programs: €2,500–€3,500/year Postgraduate Programs: €2,500–€4,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% |
| Eligibility Criteria | Academic qualifications IELTS 6.0+ or B2-level Italian Portfolio required for design-related programs |
| Intake | Fall Intake: September Application Deadlines: Typically February to June |
| Popular Courses and Fees | BSc in Civil Engineering: €2,500 approx. MSc in Aerospace Engineering: €3,500 approx. MSc in Architecture: €3,500 approx. |
University of Trento
Established in 1962, the University of Trento is a dynamic institution that excels in technology, social sciences, and cognitive sciences. Its interdisciplinary approach and cutting-edge research attract students globally.
| Category | Details |
| Rankings | QS World University Rankings 2025: #457 Best for Cognitive Sciences: Top 100 worldwide |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Undergraduate Programs: €1,000–€2,500/year Postgraduate Programs: €1,500–€3,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% |
| Eligibility Criteria | Academic transcripts IELTS 6.0+ or B2-level Italian GRE/GMAT scores for business programs |
| Intake | Fall Intake: September Application Deadlines: Typically February to June |
| Popular Courses and Fees | BSc in Sociology: €1,500 approx. MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience: €2,000 approx. MSc in Environmental Engineering: €3,000 approx. |
Conclusion
Studying in Italy is not just about academics; it’s about immersing yourself in a rich culture and history. With public universities offering free or low-cost tuition, it’s the perfect opportunity to pursue your dreams without financial strain. Whether you’re interested in engineering, medicine, or arts, Italy has something for everyone. Start your journey today and embrace the chance to learn and live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are public universities in Italy free for international students?
While not entirely free, public universities in Italy offer affordable tuition fees for international students. Fees typically range from €0 to €2,600 for Bachelor's programs and up to €3,100 for Master's degrees.
Is IELTS 5.5 accepted in universities in Italy?
Some universities in Italy accept an IELTS score of 5.5 for less competitive programs, especially for undergraduate courses. However, most institutions require a minimum score of 6.0, with 6.5 or higher preferred for postgraduate studies.
How can I get admission to public universities in Italy?
To apply to Italian public universities, you need:
- An identity document
- Academic transcripts
- University application form
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- Proof of English or Italian proficiency, depending on the program
What is the acceptance rate for public universities in Italy?
Public universities in Italy have an average acceptance rate of 34% to 45%. This means that even with average grades, you stand a good chance of securing admission.
Is Italy expensive to live in?
Italy offers a lower cost of living compared to most Western European countries, making it a budget-friendly choice for students. While living costs can be high in major cities like Milan, smaller towns and university-specific housing options help students save significantly.
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