Are you an international student looking for a bachelor degree taught in English? Do you want to study in Italy? You are at the right place. Here, you will find out about the most important things about studying in Italy.

Bachelor Courses in English in Italy

Praising Italy might be the most complicated thing in the world: where do you even start?. Do you mention a bunch of famous Italians, like da Vinci, Borgia, Versace, and Vivaldi? Or just mention the fields they revolutionised, like Architecture, Music, Engineering, and Fashion?

I could just focus on the brilliant landscapes and the UNESCO World Heritage sites, or how awesome Italian people are, with their pastas, wines, and signature hand gesture, but it would be redundant.

Bottom line is simply: Italy is awesome!

Why Study in Italy?

1. Italian universities are affordable

When compared to their Western counterparts, Italian public universities are incredibly affordable. If you come from an EU/EEA country, you won’t pay more than 4,000 EUR per year, and you can easily find much cheaper study programmes.

Non-EU/EEA citizens enjoy the same tuition rates in some cases, but in others they do pay more — which is why you should always check what tuition applies to students from your country.

2. Impressive higher education experience

The University of Bologna is the oldest university in Europe, having been established in 1088. That means it is almost 1,000 years old and still alive and kicking today!

Bologna is also the name of the process used by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to create a more coherent, uniform, and attractive education system.

Many European countries follow this system. If you study at one university implementing it, your diploma will be recognised in any other country that’s part of the programme.

All in all, we’d say that Italy knows a thing or two about higher education and has a long and rich experience in this field.

3. Italy is at the forefront of fashion and architecture

One visit to Italy is enough to understand why it is considered a leader in terms of fashion, arts, and architecture. Milan is the stand out city, as one of the 4 fashion capitals of the world.

As for architecture, going through the charming Italian cities will reveal to you the beauty and unique style of buildings, which seem to have been lost in the process of developing the modern architecture.

4. Enjoy the Mediterranean climate

The warm sun, the sea breeze, the tasty fruits and vegetables — all are essential elements of the Mediterranean lifestyle, which is highly regarded for its health and wellness benefits.

Sardinia, for example, is one of the few “Blue Zones” in the world, where people often reach over 90 years of age.

5. Visit amazing and time defying historic sites

When you’re not in classes, take the time to visit some of the oldest and most impressive historic sites in Europe. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, from the Valley of the Temples to Ostia Antica — all these places still carry their aura of former glory, an aura that can still be felt and explored nowadays.

Which universities to attend in Italy

If you’re the type of student who wants to go only to the best universities, disregarding the city you’re going to or the province best suited for you, you can always check out these highly-recommended universities:

• Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
• Istituto Europeo Di Design (IED)
• Politecnico di Milano
• SDA Bocconi School of Management
• Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

What is it like to study in Italy?

Everybody who gets to study in Italy says the same thing about the universities here: the professors and fellow students are friendly and helpful, the cultural landscape is very diverse, and the architecture of the universities is exquisite.

However, it might help if you study a bit of Italian before coming here: although they are warm and kind, it may be difficult to talk to them, because not everyone is fluent in English.

Also, although the tuition fees are rather low, you should check out scholarships in Italy: there are a lot of chances of discovering one that suits you and your study option.

What to study in Italy

Italy can be easily compared to that annoying colleague from high school who excelled at everything he or she did. Considering how many pioneers Italy has produced, there’s no wonder the list of “most sought-after” fields is so vast and comprehensive. Still, the most popular study options in Italy are:

• Masters in Economics in Italy 
• Masters in Area & Cultural Studies in Italy 
• Masters in Architecture in Italy 
• Masters in International Relations in Italy 
• Masters in Fashion Design in Italy 
• Masters in Business Administration in Italy 

Major cities in Italy

The greatest universities in Italy are usually located in the bigger cities. If you’re not sure which are those, or you’re simply searching for details about living costs and geography, you can always check out these cities in Italy:

• Study in Milan 
• Study in Rome 
• Study in Bolzano – Bozen 
• Study in Bologna 
• Study in Florence

How to apply

The application process in Italy can be complicated, but we’re here to help and trace the major lines.

First of all, you should contact the university you’re interested in and check if your qualifications are eligible. This is represented by a prior assessment, after which the university will give you feedback and tell you if you meet all the standards.

After, you will have to submit a pre-application request at your Italian embassy or consulate, and let them manage your application afterwards.

By the end of August, students will find a list of admitted candidates on the embassy’s or consulate’s page.

Some of the documents you will need to deliver with your application are:

• Your ID
• A passport-type photograph
• Your academic transcripts
• Your university application form
• A detailed study programme or course description, which must contain the number of hours of the courses or training activities that you have completed, according to your academic curriculum
• Your CV
• A letter of recommendation
• A letter of motivation
• Language proficiency certificate (English or Italian)
• Your portfolio, if you’re applying to Architecture, Urban Planning, or Design programmes
• Official SAT or ACT scores

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for an Italian university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Italy, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures; some schools will require strong English or Italian skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

Italian universities have programmes that are taught either in English or in Italian. That’s why, in order to be accepted at one of their programmes, you will need to provide proof of either English or Italian proficiency.

The language tests accepted by Italian universities for English are:

• PTE Academic
• TOEFL
• IELTS
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Bachelor’s Degrees in Italy

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)65 programmes
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)58 programmes
• Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)8 programmes

Education initiatives created in the past years greatly encourage university international cooperation and academic exchange attracting Bachelors degree students and staff from all over the world. These policies also facilitate mobility of students, graduates and higher education staff. Specialized institutions help prepare students for their future careers and, most importantly, they offer broad global access to high-quality higher education.

The possibility to study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe or North America, opens up opportunities to see more of the world. Not just because you would have the opportunity to travel, but also because it is becoming increasingly easier to go abroad to follow a semester at a different university. There is a wide range of different study options, and one of them can prove to be your dream Bachelors degree programme.

The number of English-taught Bachelors degrees in the world has increased explosively in the last couple of years. Some of the countries with the most English-taught study programmes include Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. However, higher education is often delivered in English in many other countries as well. From highly ranked research universities to smaller, specialised universities, the choices are endless.

Bachelors Degree

A bachelors degree is an academic degree earned for an undergraduate course of study that could range in length of time. This depends on the country, discipline and sometimes the education institution. There is usually a difference between professional and academic bachelor programmes. A professional bachelor?s degree usually takes 4 to 5 years to complete, while an academic bachelor is 3 years long, in most countries. Although this is not always a general rule.

Bachelors degrees exist in almost every country in the world. The study programmes mainly lead to degrees such as: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Law (LL.B.), Bachelor of Business (B.BA), amongst others.

A one-year honours degree can be achieved after the completion of a regular Bachelors degree in the same field. Sometimes, this means one year of research culminating with a written thesis. It is usually available only to students who achieve high scores in their previous years of undergraduate studies.

At some universities, you have the option of a joint honours degree. This requires at least half of the credits required for each of the respective majors (two subject areas). The subject areas do not have to be highly related, but they usually overlap both faculties and subjects.

universities in italy for international students

While most people know that Italy is a popular destination for tourists, less are aware that this beautiful and sunny country is also an attractive destination for thousands of international students. 

If you consider studying in Italy, a couple of questions might pop up, such as: can you study an English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s in Italy? And which are the best Italian universities where you can study in English? 

Let’s find out! 

How many English-taught universities are there in Italy? 

No official database provides an exact number of English-taught universities in Italy. However, based on the study programmes listed on our portals, we can tell you that there are: 

• over 185 English-taught Bachelors in Italy    
• over 700 English-taught Masters in Italy    
• over 70 English-taught PhDs in Italy    
• over 150 English-taught distance-learning (online) courses    

Here are some universities we recommend in Italy: 

• SDA Bocconi School of Management    
• Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore    
• Tor Vergata University of Rome    
• University of Siena    
• University of Pavia    

How do I know if an Italian university teaches in English? 

All the study programmes listed by universities and colleges on our portals are taught in English, so that’s a good start. You can also check more information about language requirements for each degree. 

Italian universities (or other websites) might list additional English-taught programmes on their web pages. 

In that case, you’ll have to do a bit of research to find out if those programmes are taught in English or if international students are eligible to apply. Should you struggle to find this information, don’t hesitate to contact the university directly. 

To apply at English-taught academic institutions in Italy, you’ll have to pass one of the following widely accepted English language tests: 

• PTE Academic 
• IELTS Academic 
• TOEFL iBT 

Is English enough to live and study in Italy? 

Like Spain, Italy isn’t known for being an anglophone country. While the English language will be enough to study there, it won’t be enough to live or settle in Italy. 

Learning at least the basics of the Italian language will help you travel around, ask for help or find items faster while shopping. And, who knows, Italian can also open new opportunities for you depending on your future career plans. 

english universities in italy

The best English-taught universities in Italy 

Based on the latest QS Rankings, these are the best Italian universities where you can study in English: 

• Politecnico di Milano    
• University of Bologna    
• Sapienza Univeristy of Rome    
• University of Padua    
• University of Milan    
• Politecnico di Torino    
• University of Pisa    
• Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele    
• University of Naples – Federico II    
• University of Trento    

Affordable English-taught universities in Italy 

Want to study an affordable degree in Italy? In this case, public universities are the right choice. Their tuition fees usually range between 0 and 5,000 EUR per academic year.

Keep in mind that at some universities (or study programmes), these fees apply to all international students. At others, they only apply to EU/EEA citizens; so always double-check what tuition applies to you! 

Application requirements at English-taught universities in Italy 

To give you a broad idea of what to expect, here are some of the most common application requirements at Italian universities: 

• Previous diplomas: high-school, Bachelor’s, or Master’s 
• Academic transcript of records or grades 
• Proof of English language proficiency 
• Copy of ID or passport 
• Up to 4 passport-size photos 
• Letters of recommendation 
• Personal essay or statement 

Want to make sure your application is free of errors? Check out our guide on how to correctly fill in a university application form.

The Best Universities for Studying Abroad in Italy

Italy has become one of the most popular study abroad destinations, and with the impressive choices in Universities, it’s clear why. Here are the top universities to study abroad at in Italy, based on 6 popular categories.

Is La Dolce Vita calling you? Does the idea of waking up surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Romans or the Renaissance make you swoon? Then studying in Italy may be the perfect place for you spend your semester (or year) abroad.

Not only is it home to some of the best food and most unique culture in the world, but Italy is also very well known for its institutes of higher education. Can’t speak Italian? Don’t fret! Whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, or study abroad student, you’re sure to find something to suit your interests and language level. Although not all universities offer complete degree programs in English, many offer select English and Italian courses for international students.

Italy is a unique country, even within itself. Since it wasn’t unified until the mid 19th century, many regions have maintained some of their own flair, foods, traditions, and customs. With an extensive rail and bus system as well as numerous airports, you’re only a short trip away from the rest of Europe. Italy has proved timeless in its beauty and has a distinct personality unlike anywhere else in the world. You’re sure to discover something new every day along the ancient, windy streets and in the modern, cosmopolitan cities.

The first and the most daunting step is choosing a city that fits your needs). Consider what you want to study, your language proficiency, and the type of area you want to live in.

Depending on your study abroad goals, here are the top universities to study abroad in Italy, based on popular categories.

Best public university: University of Milan

Milan, Italy

The state-run University of Milan offers a wide variety of programs for international students, including three programs entirely in English: economics, informatics, and medical school. They also offer “entry-level” programs where students take their first 45 to 60 credits in English and then the remaining courses in Italian. However, the final thesis may be written in English. At the doctoral level, the University of Milan offers 21 programs across multiple disciplines.

Additionally, this school offers many extracurricular activities, including its own amateur sports association, orchestra, choir, theater, and cultural activities. The University of Milan has a large international student population, with 6% of students enrolled coming from outside Italy. According to the US News and World Report Global Universities in Italy rankings, the University of Milan is ranked 5th overall.

The city of Milan is a major tourism destination. Along with being the second-largest city in Italy, Milan is one of the world’s four fashion capitals and boasts the third-largest economy in Europe. The university is located in Ca’ Granda’s historical complex in the city center, perfect for students to immerse themselves in Italian culture.

Best university for the foodie: University of Bologna

Bologna, Italy

University of Bologna is the top-ranked university in Italy and top 50 in all of. Europe, according to US News. Additionally, it is the oldest university in existence, open since 1088! The University of Bologna is a leader in Europe’s push to make academic systems and qualifications more compatible across Europe. Most courses are taught in Italian, but some courses can be found in English. They also offer Italian language courses for non-native speakers.

The University of Bologna has been ranked in the top 50 for the world’s best law schools, so students with a knack for the courtroom will be hard-pressed to find a better Italian university to extend their studies!

Bologna is a city that is still etched by the Renaissance with stunning towers and porticoes. Bologna considers itself Italy’s culinary capital and has the largest student population in Northern Italy. Additionally, Bologna has a renowned cuisine culture, including as the birthplace of Bolognese sauce. Vegans and vegetarians will love Bologna as it was ranked as the top vegan-friendly Italian city in Italy by La Repubblica. In the year 2000, Bologna was named the cultural capital of all of Europe! There’s plenty to see and do there… affrettatevi!

Best university for fashion and design: Accademia Italiana

Florence, Italy

With campuses in both Florence and Rome, the Accademia Italiana is a top fashion and design school with options for a three-year degree or short-term study options, authorized by the Italian Ministry of Public Education. The bachelor’s degrees are jointly issued from the University of Wales and the Accademia. Courses are taught in both English and Italian, with some offered exclusively in Italian. That said, all the faculty speak English. In addition to design and fashion, students can also take language classes.

Accademia Italiana offers internships and initiatives during the year to provide students with a more diverse and comprehensive experience in the fashion and design industry. This focus on providing real-world, hands-on exposure gives students at Accademia Italiana an exceptional opportunity to affirm what they learn in the classroom.

Best international university: Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute

Florence, Italy

Don’t know Italian but still craving the life of a Florentine? Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute may be the place for you. This is the largest international school in Florence, with students from all over the world attending for a semester, year, or their entire degrees.

Courses are taught in English, and there are opportunities for language and culture study through unique avenues such as cooking or art courses. Though there won’t be locals in your classes, you can still connect to Italian student networks and integrate yourself into the Florence student scene.

The campus is in the city center, with classes held just minutes from the Duomo and the Arno River. Students can immerse themselves in the Italian culture while pursuing course credits or a US-accredited bachelor’s degree taught in English. Lorenzo de’ Medici also has smaller campuses in Tuscany and Rome.

Best American university: John Cabot University

Rome, Italy

As an alternative to the traditional Italian system, there’s John Cabot University, the only American University in Italy. Courses are taught solely in English, with both four-year degrees and study abroad opportunities. The university is small—1,000 students from 55 countries and they offer everything an American university would from dorms and meal plans to clubs and organizations.

With thirteen different degree programs, students have the opportunity to earn both an American BA and a UK BA degree. There are also numerous opportunities for language study and international internships to facilitate travel across the world.

Located in Rome, this small institution has nearly 1000 international visiting students each year, in addition to its 700 full-time students. Students at John Cabot University can pursue degrees in Art History, International Affairs, and English Literature.

Where will you study?

There are programs and schools to fit everyone, spanning both the length of study and degree discipline. Whenever preparing for a study abroad opportunity, talk to your study abroad office as they are a great source of information, especially if you are looking to get course credit.

Make a plan for what you want to get out of your program and what is important to you in a school. But most of all, keep an open mind and don’t get frustrated by the process of searching. There are a lot of options, which can seem overwhelming. Stick with it, and you’ll have the best experience living the Italian life, no matter where you choose.