Non-Medical Courses in Italy

Italy is one of the most affordable and culturally rich destinations for Indian students — world-class universities, low tuition fees, scholarships, and a vibrant lifestyle!

Why Study Non-Medical Courses in Italy

  • Very affordable tuition fees (even free at times)
  • 500+ English-taught programs available
  • 1-year stay-back visa after graduation
  • Top-ranked universities (oldest in the world too!)
  • Scholarship opportunities for international students
  • Great for Arts, Design, Architecture, Fashion, Business, Engineering
  • Centrally located in Europe for easy travel
  • Blend of tradition, innovation, and lifestyle

Non-Medical Courses Offered

UG:
  • BSc (Computer Science, AI, Business Analytics)
  • BA (Arts, Design, International Relations, Literature)
  • Bachelor of Fashion Design, Architecture, Culinary Arts
PG:
  • MSc (Data Science, Civil Engineering, Biotechnology)
  • MBA (Luxury, Business, International Management)
  • MA (Fashion, Fine Arts, Political Science)

Course Duration

LevelDuration
Bachelor’s
Degree
3 Years
Master’s Degree2 Years

Medium of Teaching

  • Over 500 programs taught entirely in English
  • Italian language learning encouraged for local life & internships
  • Universities offer free Italian courses alongside

Intake & Deadlines

Main Intake: September/October

Minor Intake: February (few programs)

Apply: 8–10 months before the intake

Eligibility Criteria

  • UG: 10+2 with 60–75%
  • PG: Bachelor’s degree with 55–75%
  • IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL / PTE (may be waived sometimes)
  • Some courses (like Architecture) may require entrance exams (IMAT/TOLC)
  • Italian Language Certificate if opting for Italian-taught courses

Documents Required

  • Academic transcripts
  • Passport
  • English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose)
  • LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
  • CV/Resume
  • Portfolio (for design/arts courses)
  • Pre-enrollment via Universitaly portal

Top Universities

 

UniversityWorld Rank (approx.)
University of Bologna#154
Sapienza University of Rome#134
University of Milan#276
Politecnico di Milano (Engineering/Design)#123
University of Padua#242
Bocconi University (Business)#8 (Europe)

Admission Procedure

  • Choose courses/universities
  • Apply online via university websites or through Universitaly
  • Appear for entrance tests (if required)
  • Receive Offer Letter
  • Pre-enroll through Universitaly
  • Apply for Visa D (study visa)

Recognition

  • Degrees aligned with Bologna Process (EU standards)
  • Globally recognized
  • Strong partnerships with industries, design houses, and corporations

Fee Structure (Annual)

 

Course Type Tuition Fee/year
Public Universities€900–€4,000 (~₹80K–₹3.5L)
Private Universities€6,000–€20,000 (~₹5.5L–₹18L)

Key Considerations

  • Public universities are extremely affordable
  • Many universities offer fee reductions based on family income (ISEE form)
  • Knowing basic Italian helps for part-time jobs & internships

Visa Requirements

  • University Admission Letter
  • Pre-enrollment confirmation from Universitaly
  • Proof of funds (~€6,000–€7,000)
  • Health insurance
  • Passport, Photos
  • Visa fee (~₹6,000)

Scholarships

Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)

  • DSU (regional scholarships – cover tuition, living, meals)
  • University-specific scholarships (Bocconi, Politecnico, Bologna)
  • Erasmus+ programs

Education Loans

  • SBI, Axis, ICICI, HDFC Credila, Avanse offer up to ₹20–30L
  • Italy’s low tuition helps minimize loan burden

Safety

  • Italy is generally safe, especially student cities
  • Indian student associations active (e.g., Indians in Milan, Indians in Rome)
  • Affordable healthcare access

Career Opportunities

  • 1-year post-study work visa (can be extended with a job offer)
  • High demand for jobs in Fashion, Business, Architecture, Tech
  • Strong internship opportunities during and after study
  • PR pathway after 5 years of residence

Italy vs India for Non-Medical Courses

FactorItalyIndia
DurationUG: 3 yrs, PG: 2 yrsUG: 3 yrs, PG: 2 yrs
Tuition FeesVery Low Mandatory
Work While Study20 hrs/weekLimited
Post-Study Visa1 yearNo
Global Recognition HighModerate to High