Historic universities and modern careers, at fees set by your family income
Italy offers English taught degrees at some of Europe's oldest and best known universities, public fees that are often a few thousand euros a year, and regional grants for students who qualify. We guide you through university applications, Universitaly pre enrolment and your visa file.
Westside Visa Consultants is an independent private advisory. We are not affiliated with any government, embassy or visa application centre and cannot influence a visa decision. Figures are the published ones or typical ranges at the time of writing; we confirm current numbers at your assessment.
Is Italy the right choice for you?
Italy suits students who plan early and prepare their family's income documents carefully. Here is who usually does well.
A master's at a public university
- Graduates in engineering, data, architecture or economics
- Students who want low fees at well ranked universities
- Families ready to document income for fee reductions
A private university
- Business, finance and fashion programmes in Milan and Rome
- Higher fees, with merit waivers at some schools
- Strong links with Italian industry
A last minute application
- Italy has no national spring intake
- Visa appointments follow your university's validation date
- Late applicants can miss the October visa deadline
Piazzas, coastlines and centuries of learning
Study in cities built around their universities, with espresso, history and the Mediterranean on your doorstep.
The Amalfi Coast and beyond
Trains connect Italy's student cities to coastlines, lakes and mountains for easy weekend trips.
An espresso at the bar, every morning
Venice, Florence and Rome by train
Six ways to study in Italy
Pick your route by level, budget and the city you want to live in.
Laurea Magistrale, a public master's
English taught master's in engineering, sciences, economics and more, with fees linked to family income.
Private university master's
Bocconi, Cattolica and other private universities, with higher fees and merit waivers.
Laurea, a bachelor's
English taught bachelor's, mostly in economics, engineering and international studies. Needs CIMEA or a declaration of value.
Medicine in English
Limited places with an admission test, at several public universities.
PhD and research
Funded doctoral positions at Italian universities, usually with a monthly grant.
Master's level 1 or 2
Shorter professional programmes. Check that the course qualifies for a study visa.
What happens after you graduate
After graduating, you can convert your study permit into a 12 month permit while you look for work, and a job lets you move to a work permit outside the annual quotas.
From Universitaly to boarding pass
In Pakistan, Italian study visas are collected by BLS International under the Embassy's supervision, and appointments follow your university's validation of your Universitaly request.
Free assessment
We check your grades, English and budget, and shortlist universities with realistic deadlines.
University application
Apply on each university's portal and receive your admission letter.
Universitaly pre enrolment
Submit your pre enrolment request on Universitaly, the only official channel.
University validation
Your university validates the request. Only requests validated without reservation qualify.
BLS appointment
BLS emails you an appointment in order of validation date. You do not book it yourself and it is never sold.
Visa and permit
Collect your visa, travel, and apply for your residence permit within 8 working days of arrival.
The budget, line by line
Fees are 2026/27 figures. Pakistan is not on Italy's list of countries whose students get automatic fee reductions, so reductions and DSU grants need legalised family income and asset documents. The visa deadline for Fall 2027 degree courses is 31 October 2027, a month earlier than this year.
What universities ask for
Where you could study in Italy
Milan and Rome are the famous names, but some of Italy's best universities are in smaller, cheaper cities.
Read more, and find your programme
Search Fall 2,027 programmes by subject, fee and intake, then apply through Westside.
Public universities from €2,902 a year, business schools and a year to look for work.
What changes at the border for Pakistani students and travellers.
Italy study questions we hear every week
Anything else, ask on WhatsApp and a counsellor will reply during office hours.
Ask your questionHow much are university fees in Italy for Pakistani students?
Public universities set fees by family income. At Politecnico di Milano they ranged from €157 to €3,943 a year in 2026/27. Private universities cost more, for example €18,550 a year for a Bocconi MSc at the ordinary rate.
How much money do I need for an Italian study visa?
At least €10,179.85 a year, in a bank account in your name or a family sponsor's with an apostilled affidavit. The Embassy in Islamabad looks at regular family income, not only the balance, and does not accept cash.
What is Universitaly?
Universitaly is the official portal where international students submit their pre enrolment request after applying to a university. Once the university validates it, BLS sends your visa appointment.
When is the deadline for the Fall 2027 intake?
Universities set their own application deadlines, often between January and spring. The national visa deadline for 2027/28 degree courses is 31 October 2027, but appointments follow validation dates, so applying early matters.
Does Italy have a spring intake?
Italy's academic year starts in autumn and there is no national spring intake for degree courses.
Can I get a scholarship to study in Italy?
Regional DSU grants are open to all nationalities based on family income, with a national minimum of €7,171.11 a year for students living away from home in 2026/27. Pakistani applicants need legalised income and asset documents.
Can I work while studying in Italy?
Yes, up to 20 hours a week, or 1,040 hours a year.
Can I stay in Italy after graduating?
Yes. Graduates can apply for a 12 month permit to look for work, and a job offer lets you convert it into a work permit.
