Complete Guide to Studying in Italy 2025-26 for Indian Students: Scholarships, Visa and Work Options

Introduction

Italy is becoming a top choice for Indian students. The combination of affordable tuition, world-renowned universities, cultural richness, and career opportunities makes it a strong alternative to traditional destinations like the US or UK. The Italian government has also introduced clearer student visa rules, expanded English-taught programs, and created pathways for post-study work permits. Add to that generous scholarships and regional support systems, and Italy is positioning itself as one of Europe’s most welcoming study destinations.

But Indian students often ask:

• How much does the visa cost?
• What’s the annual budget including rent and living expenses?
• Which scholarships are available?
• What are the post-study work rules?

This guide will answer all these questions with the latest 2025-26 updates, plus practical budgeting insights and a list of Italy’s top universities and what they’re famous for. And remember, when it comes to funding your education, Lorien Finance partners with 17+ global lenders to provide study abroad loans with quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation.

Why Italy is Attracting Indian Students in 2025

Clearer Visa Rules

Since January 2025, new long-term visa rules for students are in effect. After arriving in Italy with a Type D student visa, you must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days. It’s valid for one year and renewable throughout your degree. This ensures that Indian students have a transparent legal pathway to remain in Italy for the full course duration.

Easier Transition from Study to Work

Graduates can now apply for a job-search residence permit after completing a bachelor, master’s, or PhD. Once employment is secured, this permit can be converted into a work permit. In many cases, this conversion is even exempt from immigration quotas, making it easier for Indian students to stay back and work.

Expanding English-Taught Courses

Italy offers 600+ English-taught programs, covering fields like engineering, management, design, and social sciences. This is a huge plus for Indian students who want global exposure without the immediate pressure of mastering Italian.

Rising Work Visa Quotas

For 2025, the Italian government announced 165,000 slots under the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) for non-EU workers. From 2026 to 2028, nearly 500,000 work visas are planned to be issued.

This directly benefits Indian graduates in Italy, making it easier to secure employment after studies.

Visa Costs for Indian Students

Applying for an Italian student visa is straightforward but comes with costs:

• Type D Student Visa fee: ~ €50 (~ ₹5,245)
• VFS service/consular charges: Additional, varies by center (₹2,000–₹4,000 approx.)
• Schengen short-stay visa (if required): ~ €80 (~ ₹8,390)

Always budget for additional expenses like courier, biometric, and translation fees, which can add a few thousand rupees.

Annual Budget for Studying in Italy (2025-26)

Here’s what you should expect to spend annually, calculated at €1 = ₹104.90.

Total Estimate:

• Minimum budget/year: ~ €8,000 ≈ ₹8,39,200
• Comfortable budget/year: ~ €12,000–€15,000 ≈ ₹12,58,800–₹15,73,500

This budget is what Italian consulates expect you to show as proof of funds during your visa application. A loan sanction letter from Lorien Finance is accepted as valid financial proof.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Studying in Italy is already affordable compared to many Western countries, but scholarships make it even better.

MAECI Scholarships

Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Covers tuition, monthly stipend (~€900), and sometimes insurance. Highly competitive for postgraduates.

Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT)

Offers tuition waivers, internships, and career mentoring. Focused on employability and open to Indian students.

Regional Scholarships

Regions like Lazio, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna offer need-based scholarships. These may cover tuition, housing, and meals.

University-Specific Grants

Universities like Politecnico di Milano and University of Bologna offer merit-based tuition waivers.

Pro Tip: Many scholarships in Italy are linked to family income documents. Indian students should prepare income certificates early.

Top Universities in Italy & What They’re Famous For

Here are some of the top picks for universities, particularly strong for Indian/international students, with reasons why they are well-regarded:

Working During and After Studies

While Studying

• Up to 20 hours per week during semesters.
• Jobs in cafes, retail, tutoring, and university research roles are common.

After Graduation

• Apply for a job-search residence permit (valid up to 12 months).
• Convert to a work permit once employed.
• Many conversions are now exempt from quotas, making it easier to stay back.

Common Challenges & Tips

• Accommodation Crunch: Apply early for university dorms.
• Bureaucracy Delays: Residence permits can take weeks, so carry buffer time.
• Language Barriers: Basic Italian is helpful for part-time jobs.
• Financial Proof: Secure a loan sanction letter from Lorien Finance to avoid rejections.

Eligibility & Requirements for Indian Students

• Academics: At least 55–60% in bachelor’s for master’s entry.
• Language Proof: IELTS/TOEFL may be required; some universities accept MOI.
• Finances: Proof of €7,000–€10,000 for one year.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory.
• Accommodation Proof: Lease or university hostel booking.

Conclusion

Italy in 2025-26 is shaping up to be a golden opportunity for Indian students: low tuition fees, wide scholarships, English-taught programs, and clear post-study work rules. With smart planning and the right financial support, you can unlock Italy not just as a study destination, but as the start of a global career.

At Lorien Finance, we help Indian students secure quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided with complete verified documentation. From tuition to living costs, your study abroad loan can cover it all.

FAQs

How much does the Italy student visa cost for Indian students?
The long-stay Type D student visa costs around €50 (₹5,245), while short-term Schengen visas cost about €80 (₹8,390). In addition to this, Indian applicants must also pay VFS service charges and biometric fees, which usually add a few thousand rupees. Students should also budget for courier charges, document translation, and notarization. Overall, the visa application process can cost ₹7,000–₹10,000 depending on the consulate and service chosen.

What is the average annual cost of studying in Italy for Indian students?
The cost of studying in Italy depends on the city and university type. On average, an Indian student spends €8,000–€12,000 per year (₹8.4–12.6 lakh), covering tuition, rent, food, transport, and insurance. Public universities are very affordable, with tuition as low as €500 per year if family income documents qualify you for regional scholarships. Living costs, however, vary — Milan and Rome are expensive, while smaller cities like Bologna or Padua are more affordable.

Can Indian students study in Italy without IELTS?
Yes, several Italian universities allow Indian students to apply without IELTS if their previous education was in English. Instead, students can provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from their last institution. However, certain scholarships like Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) or competitive courses may still require IELTS or TOEFL. It’s always safer to check individual university requirements to avoid delays in application.

How many hours can Indian students work while studying in Italy?
International students on a valid residence permit can legally work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during semester breaks. Part-time work opportunities include hospitality, retail, university labs, or tutoring English. Knowing basic Italian increases your chances of finding a job faster. Students typically earn €7–€10 per hour, which helps cover living costs but is not enough to fully fund tuition and rent.

Can Indian students stay back in Italy after graduation?
Yes, graduates can apply for a job-search residence permit valid for up to 12 months after completing their degree. During this time, they can look for jobs or internships. Once employment is secured, the permit can be converted into a work permit, sometimes without being subject to immigration quotas. This makes Italy an attractive option compared to other European countries, as it provides a transparent pathway from student to working professional.

What are the top scholarships for Indian students in Italy?
The major scholarships include the MAECI scholarship (government-funded, €900 monthly stipend + fee waiver), the Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT) program (waivers, internships, employability focus), regional scholarships (income-based aid covering tuition and housing), and university-specific waivers at institutions like Politecnico di Milano or Bologna. Many scholarships are competitive, but regional schemes offer good chances if you submit income and academic documents on time.

Which are the best universities in Italy for Indian students?
Some of the top universities include Politecnico di Milano (engineering, design, architecture), Politecnico di Torino (mechanical and industrial engineering), Sapienza University of Rome (arts, social sciences, architecture), University of Bologna (law, humanities, oldest university in the world), and University of Padua (life sciences and psychology). These universities are globally ranked, offer English-taught courses, and have strong international student communities.