Study in Italy: The Ultimate Guide for a Bachelor’s Degree in 2027

One of the first things you need to understand if you want to study in Italy in 2027 is that getting admission, securing a scholarship and obtaining a student visa are three different processes. You may qualify for admission without qualifying for a scholarship, and even after a university accepts you, you must still satisfy the Italian student visa requirements.

The good news is that Italy offers bachelor’s degrees in fields such as engineering, business, economics, computer science and international relations, with options taught in both English and Italian. However, the right route depends on your secondary school qualification, budget, preferred course and nationality.

In this ultimate guide, you are going to learn how you can apply for a bachelor’s degree in Italy for the 2027/2028 academic year, identify suitable universities, prepare your documents, find funding and avoid mistakes that can delay your admission or visa. If you are applying from Nigeria or another African country, you will also find practical guidance on qualification recognition, financial evidence and planning your application before deadlines become closer.

Why Italy Is Worth checking for Your Bachelor’s Degree in 2027

If you want a European university education without automatically committing to the tuition costs associated with some other popular study destinations, Italy may be worth your consideration. Public universities can be comparatively affordable, while regional financial-aid programmes may help eligible students with tuition, accommodation, meals or other study-related expenses.

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Here are some reasons Italy deserves a place on your shortlist:

English-taught undergraduate programmes: Some universities offer bachelor’s degrees in English, particularly in economics, business, engineering and technology-related fields.
Public university options: Public institutions often charge less than private universities, although the exact amount depends on the institution, programme and your financial circumstances.
Regional student support: Eligible students may qualify for regional need-based financial aid, commonly associated with the Italian DSU system.
Recognised academic pathways: Italian universities offer structured undergraduate programmes that can prepare you for employment or further study, subject to the recognition requirements of your intended destination.
Different university environments: You can compare large cities, smaller university towns, research-oriented institutions and specialist universities before deciding where to live.

However, do not choose Italy simply because you have heard that education is cheap or that scholarships are easy to obtain. Your real cost will depend on tuition, accommodation, food, transport, insurance, application expenses and whether you actually receive financial assistance.

Italian Bachelor’s Degree System

Italy generally uses a three-year first-cycle university degree called a Laurea. This is the standard undergraduate pathway for many academic subjects and is broadly comparable to a bachelor’s degree, although recognition depends on the qualification and the institution assessing it.

You may also encounter single-cycle degrees, which combine undergraduate and advanced study into one longer programme. These are common in certain regulated or specialist disciplines, including medicine and some law-related pathways.

When searching for a programme, distinguish between these options:

Three-year bachelor’s degree: Usually three academic years, commonly carrying 180 ECTS credits.
Single-cycle degree: A longer integrated programme, often five or six years depending on the discipline.
Foundation course: A preparatory programme that may help students who do not meet a university’s entry requirements, but does not automatically guarantee admission to a bachelor’s degree.

For the 2027/2028 intake, your first task is to confirm that the course you want is genuinely an undergraduate degree. Some international websites group bachelor’s programmes, integrated master’s degrees and foundation courses together, which can make comparisons confusing.

Can You Apply to an Italian University With African Secondary School Certificate?

If you are applying from Nigeria, Ghana or another African country, please do not always assume that every secondary school certificate automatically qualifies you for every Italian university. The university must assess whether your qualification satisfies the academic requirements for the particular degree and the applicable Italian rules for international qualifications.

For Nigerian applicants, WAEC or NECO results may form part of your application, but the university will consider the complete educational background and the documentation required for your qualification. Additional evidence of completed schooling, examination results or qualification comparability may be necessary depending on your circumstances and the university’s rules.

Before you pay any application fee, check these points:

Whether your secondary school qualification meets the university’s minimum admission requirements.
Whether the university requires a particular number of completed years of schooling.
Whether you must provide WAEC, NECO or other examination certificates alongside your school-leaving certificate.
Whether your documents need official translation, legalisation or additional verification.
Whether you must obtain a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA statement, if the university requires one.
Whether your intended course requires an entrance examination or evidence of specific subjects, such as mathematics, physics or chemistry.

Most importantly: A document may be accepted as evidence of your previous education, yet you may still need to meet course-specific academic requirements or pass a selection test.

If an promises that a WAEC certificate automatically guarantees admission or that every Italian university follows the same entry rules, do not pay them yet. Confirm your eligibility directly with the admissions office before spending money on document processing.

Choose Between English-Taught and Italian-Taught Bachelor’s Degrees

Your language choice can affect the number of programmes available to you, the tests you must take and how comfortably you will manage daily life after arrival.

English-taught programmes

If you are not fluent in Italian, an English-taught programme may be the more practical starting point. You should still expect to learn basic Italian for accommodation arrangements, public services, part-time employment and everyday communication.

Universities set their own English-language requirements. Some accept recognised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, while others may accept different forms of evidence or grant exemptions under specific conditions. A requirement of B2-level English is common in some programmes, but you must check the exact course rules rather than treating it as a universal requirement.

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Italian-taught programmes

Italian-taught courses may give you a wider selection of undergraduate options, but you need to demonstrate the language proficiency required by the university. Depending on the course, this may involve a recognised language certificate or another approved assessment.

Before applying, ask yourself three practical questions:

Can you study academic material in the language of instruction?
Can you meet the university’s language requirement before its deadline?
Will your language choice leave you with enough time to prepare your other admission documents?

Do not select an Italian-taught programme merely because you expect fewer international applicants. If you cannot meet its language requirements, that choice may create an avoidable obstacle.

When to Start Applying for the 2027/2028 Academic Year

You should begin preparing well before the academic year starts. Some universities open applications months before enrolment, and competitive programmes may use multiple application rounds. International applicants who need visas must also allow time for document checks, pre-enrolment and consular procedures.

The University of Padua, for example, announced that its first 2027/2028 application call would open on 15 September 2026 for most degree programmes. This means that, as of October 2026, you can already investigate the published opportunities rather than waiting until 2027 to begin your search.

Use this preparation schedule as a starting point, not as a substitute for each university’s official calendar:

October–December 2026: Shortlist universities, check eligibility, identify language requirements and prepare your academic documents.
January–March 2027: Apply to programmes whose calls are open, complete required tests and investigate scholarship deadlines.
April–June 2027: Continue with later application rounds where available, respond to university requests and prepare documents for pre-enrolment.
June–August 2027: Complete any remaining admission requirements, scholarship procedures and visa preparation according to the deadlines that apply to you.
Before travelling: Confirm that your visa has been issued, your enrolment instructions are complete and you have arranged suitable accommodation and arrival funds.

Some programmes close much earlier, and others have different schedules for applicants who require visas. Therefore, your actual deadline must come from the university’s 2027/2028 admission notice and the instructions of the Italian diplomatic mission responsible for your residence.

Italian Universities for a Bachelor’s Degree in 2027

Rather than applying randomly to every university you find online, begin with institutions that offer programmes matching your academic background, preferred language and budget. Then check whether they accept international applicants who need a student visa for the 2027/2028 academic year.

University of Padua

The University of Padua is a useful starting point if you want to explore a broad range of academic disciplines. It has an international admissions process and publishes programme-specific application calls.

Explore undergraduate programmes that match your previous subjects.
Check the 2027/2028 application call and whether your chosen programme has restricted admission.
Review the accepted qualifications, language requirements and application documents before submitting an application.

University of Pisa

The University of Pisa is another institution worth investigating if you are interested in science, engineering, computing or other academic fields. Its undergraduate admission rules distinguish between programmes with open admission and those with restricted places.

That distinction matters because open admission does not necessarily mean you can enrol without completing assessments or satisfying other requirements. You should read the admission rules for your specific degree rather than relying on the university’s general reputation.

University of Cassino and Southern Lazio

If you are interested in computer engineering, the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio provides an example of a university offering a bachelor’s programme taught entirely in English. Its published Computer Engineering requirements refer to a qualifying secondary school diploma and B2-level English proficiency.

Check its official admissions page for the opening of the 2027/2028 application process, since the publication of programme information does not necessarily mean applications are already open.

Bocconi University

If you want to study economics, finance, management or related disciplines, Bocconi University is worth considering. Its undergraduate offering includes several English-taught programmes, but you should assess the tuition and available financial support carefully before applying.

A private university can be academically attractive without being the most affordable choice for your circumstances. Compare the complete cost of attendance and do not assume that admission automatically comes with a scholarship.

Luiss University

Luiss is another option for students interested in areas such as business administration, economics, politics and law. It publishes specific admission procedures for international applicants, including applicants with foreign academic qualifications.

Before adding it to your final shortlist, verify the programme’s language, academic prerequisites, selection process, tuition and available funding.

How to choose between these universities: Compare the actual degree rather than the institution’s name alone. A university that offers your preferred course, accepts your qualification, fits your budget and provides a realistic admissions route may be a better choice than a more famous institution with unsuitable entry requirements.

How to Find Bachelor’s Degrees That Accept International Students

One of the easiest ways to waste time is to find a course advertised online and discover later that its international application window has closed or that it does not accept applicants requiring a visa in the relevant round.

Use this process instead:

Search for the degree: Start with the official university website and identify the bachelor’s programme you want.
Confirm the teaching language: Do not rely on a third-party website’s language label. Check the official programme page.
Open the international admissions section: Look for rules covering applicants with qualifications obtained outside Italy.
Check the available places: Find out whether international applicants who require visas have a separate quota or selection procedure.
Confirm the application deadline: Record the deadline for your specific applicant category and programme.
Check the next step after admission: Identify the documents required for university enrolment and pre-enrolment through Universitaly.

Keep a shortlist of around three to six suitable programmes. Include a mixture of options with different costs and admission requirements, but only retain programmes for which you can realistically meet the eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for a Bachelor’s Degree in Italy Step by Step

For the 2027/2028 intake, the process generally involves university admission, pre-enrolment where required, a student visa and final enrolment. However, the exact order and supporting documents depend on the institution and your circumstances.

Step 1: Check your eligibility before paying an application fee

Read the programme’s entry requirements and compare them with your secondary school qualifications. If you are unsure whether your certificate is accepted, email the admissions office and explain precisely which qualification you hold and when you obtained it.

Ask whether you need additional documentation or a particular entrance examination. Getting clarification early can prevent you from spending money on an application that cannot proceed.

Step 2: Prepare your application documents

Depending on the university and programme, you may need some or all of the following:

A valid international passport.
Secondary school certificate or diploma.
Official examination results, such as WAEC or NECO where applicable.
School transcripts or academic records.
Proof of English or Italian language proficiency, where required.
Passport-style photograph.
Entrance examination results, where applicable.
Official translations, legalisation or qualification assessments, if requested.
Other documents specifically listed in the admission call.

Use the university’s document checklist as your final authority. Do not assume every applicant needs a motivation letter, recommendation letters or a CV for a bachelor’s application; these are programme-specific rather than universal requirements.

Step 3: Submit the university application

Create an account through the university’s designated application portal and provide accurate personal and academic information. Upload documents in the required format and pay the application fee only through the institution’s authorised payment process.

After submission, monitor your application account and email. If the university requests clarification, respond before the stated deadline rather than waiting until the admissions process is nearly complete.

Step 4: Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment if you need a study visa

If you are a non-EU applicant living outside Italy and require a visa to enrol in a bachelor’s degree, you must complete the applicable pre-enrolment procedure through the official Universitaly portal. The university reviews and validates the pre-enrolment application in accordance with the applicable procedure.

Pre-enrolment is not a replacement for the university’s admission application. It is a separate part of the process for eligible international students who need a visa.

Step 5: Apply for the Italian student visa

Once you have followed the required university and pre-enrolment procedures, prepare your visa application according to the instructions of the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.

You must provide the documents requested for your case, which may include evidence of admission, financial resources, accommodation, health insurance and academic qualifications. The consular authority makes the final decision on your visa application.

Step 6: Complete enrolment and prepare for arrival

Receiving a visa does not remove the need to complete the university’s final enrolment requirements. Follow the institution’s instructions on registration, payment of any required fees, original documents and arrival arrangements.

After arriving in Italy, follow the applicable immigration and residence-permit procedures within the required time limits. Keep copies of your admission letter, visa, accommodation details, insurance and other important documents accessible during your journey.

Italian Visa Requirements for International Bachelor’s Students

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If you are applying from Nigeria or another country outside the EU, treat the visa process as a major part of your preparation, not as a final formality.

For a long-term university programme, you will generally need the appropriate national study visa. The exact document checklist and financial requirements must be confirmed through the official Italian consular instructions applicable to you.

Prepare to address these areas:

Academic admission: Evidence that you have followed the required university admission and pre-enrolment procedures.
Identity and travel documents: A valid passport and the supporting forms or photographs requested.
Financial resources: Evidence that you can support yourself in line with the applicable visa rules.
Accommodation: Evidence of an appropriate place to stay, in the format accepted by the consular authority.
Health insurance: Coverage that meets the requirements for your visa and stay.
Academic documentation: Certificates, examination results and other qualification documents requested for your case.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, the Italian Foreign Ministry’s published guidance identifies an annual minimum financial-resource figure of €10,179.85 for university-enrolment study visas. You must nevertheless check the latest instructions for your actual application, because requirements can change and satisfying a minimum figure does not automatically guarantee a visa.

You can equally use our free STUDY COST CALCULATOR prepared to make budgets easy for you, to estimate your university cost fees.

Also, do not assume that university admission or Universitaly validation guarantees that you will receive a visa appointment or approval. The diplomatic-consular authority independently assesses the application.

Special Preparation Advice for Nigerian Applicants

If you are applying from Nigeria, start by identifying the Italian diplomatic mission responsible for your state of residence. The Italian Consulate General in Lagos publishes guidance for Nigerian students, while applicants from the Federal Capital Territory and certain northern states are directed to the Italian Embassy in Abuja.

Before submitting documents, verify the current consular jurisdiction and the official appointment procedure. Do not rely on an agent’s claim that they can guarantee an appointment or influence the visa decision.

It is also sensible to keep your financial records consistent. If your studies will be funded by a parent, guardian or another sponsor, establish what evidence the consular authority accepts for that arrangement. Do not submit borrowed funds, misleading statements or documents that misrepresent who is paying for your education.

Finally, allow time for any required qualification verification, translation or legalisation. These steps can take longer than expected, especially when several institutions or public offices are involved.

Scholarships for Bachelor’s Students in Italy in 2027

If you need financial support, start searching for scholarships as soon as you identify suitable universities. Italy has several forms of student assistance, but you need to understand who provides the funding, what it covers and whether you are eligible.

Regional DSU scholarships and need-based financial aid

One of the first funding routes to investigate is regional student financial assistance, commonly referred to as DSU or regional right-to-study aid. The arrangements differ by region, and eligibility is determined under the relevant programme’s rules.

Depending on the scheme, eligible students may receive assistance such as:

A full or partial tuition-fee exemption.
A financial grant to help cover living expenses.
Access to subsidised meals.
Accommodation assistance or access to student residences.

However, these benefits are not identical across Italy, and you should not assume that every scholarship includes all four. Some awards combine different benefits, while others provide only specific forms of assistance.

The detail many applicants overlook: university admission and regional scholarship applications may have separate deadlines. You might receive an admission offer and still miss the financial-aid application window if you wait for your enrolment to be completed before investigating funding.

When reviewing a regional call, check whether international applicants can apply using foreign household-income documents, what translations or legalisation are required, how financial circumstances are assessed and whether accommodation is guaranteed or subject to availability.

University-specific scholarships

Some Italian universities offer their own merit-based awards, tuition reductions or other funding opportunities. The eligibility criteria may depend on academic performance, programme, nationality, financial circumstances or the application round.

For every university on your shortlist, investigate:

Scholarships specifically open to international bachelor’s students.
Whether you must submit a separate scholarship application.
Whether admission and scholarship applications use different deadlines.
Whether the award covers tuition only or also provides living-cost assistance.
Whether the scholarship is renewable and what academic conditions apply.

Do not confuse a scholarship advertised for master’s students with one available for bachelor’s students. Also, check whether an award is open to students who require a visa, as some funding opportunities have specific eligibility restrictions.

Italian government scholarships

The Italian government publishes scholarship opportunities for eligible foreign students through its official channels. However, you must check the call for the relevant academic year to determine whether bachelor’s students are eligible for the particular award.

Do not assume that a government scholarship designed for master’s, postgraduate or research study will fund your first degree. If you are applying for a bachelor’s programme, confirm the eligible course levels before preparing an application.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Italy in 2027?

Your total budget should cover more than university tuition. Even if you receive a tuition-fee exemption, you may still need money for accommodation, food, transport, insurance, documents and the period before any scholarship payment arrives.

As a broad planning reference, the European Education Area’s Italy profile gives indicative annual tuition ranges of approximately €900–€4,000 for public universities and €6,000–€20,000 or more for private institutions. It also gives a typical living-cost estimate of around €700–€1,100 per month, depending on the city. These are general estimates rather than guaranteed 2027 prices.

Build a realistic student budget

Calculate your likely expenses under these categories before accepting an offer:

Tuition: Check the actual programme fee and any income-based reductions or exemptions.
Accommodation: Compare university residences, shared apartments and private rentals in the city where you will study.
Food and household expenses: Estimate what you will spend each month based on your living arrangements.
Transport: Include local transport, travel between your accommodation and campus, and occasional longer journeys.
Health insurance: Budget for coverage that satisfies the relevant visa and residence requirements.
Application and documentation: Allow for application fees, language tests, translations, qualification assessments and document legalisation where required.
Travel and arrival expenses: Include flights, initial accommodation, deposits and essential items you need after arrival.
Emergency funds: Keep a reserve for unexpected expenses and delays in receiving financial assistance.

For example, using the published living-cost range as a planning reference, twelve months of living expenses alone could amount to approximately €8,400–€13,200. This excludes tuition, travel, documentation and other one-off costs.

Calculate your own budget using the city and university you have selected. A lower tuition fee does not necessarily mean the cheapest overall experience if accommodation is expensive or you cannot access suitable student housing.

Can You Work While Studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Italy?

Part-time work may help you manage some of your living expenses, but it should not be the foundation of your entire financial plan.

Under the usual rules for non-EU students holding the relevant Italian study residence permit, employment is generally limited to 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year. You must confirm the rules applicable to your permit and circumstances before accepting work.

Before travelling, consider these practical points:

Look for realistic part-time opportunities in your university city.
Learn enough Italian to improve your ability to communicate with employers and customers.
Check whether your timetable leaves room for employment without affecting your studies.
Do not assume you will find a job immediately after arrival.
Make sure you have sufficient initial funds without relying on future wages.

Working part-time can provide useful support, but your priority should be securing a financially sustainable study plan before leaving your home country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Italy for 2027

Many avoidable problems arise because applicants focus on getting an admission letter without checking the requirements that come before and after it.

Applying without checking qualification eligibility: Confirm that your secondary school credentials meet the requirements for your chosen degree.
Waiting until 2027 to begin: Some 2027/2028 application rounds are already being announced, so delaying your search may leave you with fewer options.
Assuming every course is taught in English: Verify the language of instruction and the accepted proficiency evidence.
Confusing admission with a scholarship: Treat university admission, scholarship applications and visa approval as separate decisions.
Missing the regional financial-aid deadline: Investigate the relevant scholarship call early and prepare foreign-income documents in advance.
Using an unofficial agent as your only source: Confirm requirements and payments directly with the university and relevant government authorities.
Underestimating visa preparation: Allow time for financial evidence, accommodation arrangements and document processing.
Depending entirely on a future part-time job: Prepare enough funding to cover your initial expenses before expecting employment income.

Official Websites for Studying in Italy in 2027

Use these official resources to verify programme requirements, admission procedures, scholarships and visa information before spending money or submitting documents.

Scholarship Source	Official Link
Universitaly — international student pre-enrolment and procedures	Visit Universitaly
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — study and scholarship guidance	Read official guidance
Italian Consulate General in Lagos — guidance for Nigerian students	Read Nigerian student guidance
University of Padua — international admissions	Check admissions
University of Pisa — international undergraduate admissions	Check undergraduate requirements

Your Next Steps for a Successful 2027 Application

If studying in Italy is your goal, you need a clear plan that connects your academic qualifications, a suitable degree, a realistic budget and the official admission and visa procedures.

Start by selecting three to six programmes, confirm that your secondary school qualification is acceptable, and record the deadlines for admission and financial aid separately. Then prepare your documents and follow the university’s instructions for pre-enrolment and your student visa.

If you need a scholarship, make that part of your plan from the beginning rather than treating it as an option to investigate after admission. Most importantly, verify every important requirement through an official source, because the rules for your chosen course and the 2027/2028 academic year take precedence over general advice.

Your best next step: Choose your preferred course and identify the universities that accept your qualification. Once you know those two things, you can build an application plan around real admission requirements instead of relying on general promises about studying in Italy.