Top Undergraduate Courses in Italy for Indian Students 2026 (With Scholarships)
- Haziq Shaikh
- Dec 24
- 5 min read
Introduction
Are you dreaming of studying abroad but worried about high tuition fees? Italy is the perfect solution. It is becoming the number one choice for Indian students because of its low education costs and high-quality education.
Unlike the USA or UK, Italy offers the DSU Scholarship, which can provide a 100% tuition fee waiver and a yearly stipend. This makes education almost free for eligible students.
In this blog, we will explore the top undergraduate courses in Italy for 2026, the admission process, and how you can apply for scholarships.
Highlights: Study in Italy 2026
Feature | Details |
Country | Italy |
Popular Intakes | September / October 2026 |
Tuition Fees (Public) | €156 – €3,000 per year (approx.) |
Scholarships | DSU (Income-based), Merit-based |
Language | English Taught Programs Available |
Living Cost | €500 – €900 per month |
Entrance Exams | TOLC / TIL / IMAT (for Medicine) |
Post-Study Work Visa | 12 Months |
Why Choose Italy for Bachelors in 2026?
Before looking at the courses, you must know why Italy is a smart choice for Indian students.
Affordable Education: Public universities are heavily funded by the government.
100% Scholarships: The regional DSU scholarship covers fees, accommodation, and meals for students with low family income.
World-Class Universities: Institutions like Politecnico di Milano and University of Bologna are globally ranked.
Travel Europe: A resident permit allows you to travel across the Schengen area.
English Courses: You do not need to be fluent in Italian to start your degree.
Top 10 Undergraduate Courses in Italy for Indian Students
Choosing the right course is crucial for your career. Based on job market trends and university rankings, here are the top undergraduate courses in Italy for 2026.
1. Fashion Design & Styling
Italy is the fashion capital of the world. Cities like Milan and Florence are hubs for luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Armani.
Best Universities: Politecnico di Milano, NABA, IED.
Career Scope: Fashion Buyer, Stylist, Textile Designer.
Confused between Milan and Paris for your fashion degree? Read our detailed guide on the Top 10 Universities in France for 2026 to make the right choice.
2. Architecture
Italy is famous for its history and infrastructure. Architecture degrees here combine technical skills with artistic history.
Best Universities: Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino.
Entrance Exam: TIL-A (Test in Laib for Architecture).
3. Automobile Engineering
Home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, Italy is the best place for automotive enthusiasts.
Best Universities: Politecnico di Torino, University of Bologna.
Focus Areas: Car design, engine mechanics, sustainable mobility.
4. Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
You can study MBBS in Italy in English at a fraction of the cost compared to private colleges in India.
Best Universities: University of Milan, Sapienza University of Rome.
Entrance Exam: IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test).
Fees: Very low (based on family income).
5. Mechanical Engineering
This is one of the most popular engineering branches in Italy due to the strong manufacturing sector.
Best Universities: Sapienza University of Rome, University of Padua.
Career Scope: Robotics, Manufacturing, heavy machinery.
If you are technically inclined and want to compare Italy's engineering standards with its neighbor, check out the Top Technical Courses in Germany for Indian Students 2026.
6. Interior Design
Similar to fashion, Italian Interior Design is respected globally. The courses focus on aesthetics, space management, and materials.
Best Universities: IED (Istituto Europeo di Design), Florence Institute of Design.
7. Business and Economics
Many Italian universities offer business degrees fully in English. These degrees are great for students looking for corporate jobs in Europe.
Best Universities: Bocconi University (Private), University of Bologna.
Career Scope: Finance, Marketing, International Trade.
8. Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Italy is rapidly growing its tech sector. Universities are updating their syllabus to include AI and machine learning for 2026.
Best Universities: University of Pavia, Sapienza University.
Requirement: Strong background in Mathematics.
9. Hospitality and Tourism
Italy is a top tourist destination. A degree in hospitality ensures you get practical exposure to world-class hotels and tourism management.
Best Universities: IULM University, University of Pisa.
10. Arts and Humanities
If you love history, art, or literature, there is no better place than Italy.
Best Universities: University of Venice (Ca' Foscari), University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
To apply for the top undergraduate courses in Italy, you must meet these requirements:
Education: Completion of Class 12th with at least 60-70%.
Years of Schooling: You must have 12 years of schooling.
Language Proficiency: IELTS (usually 6.0+) or TOEFL. Note: Some universities accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) letters, but IELTS is safer for visas.
Entrance Exams: specific exams like TOLC-I (Engineering), TOLC-E (Economics), or IMAT (Medicine).
The DSU Scholarship: How to Study for Free?
This is the most important section for Indian students. The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) is a regional scholarship.
What does it cover?
Full Tuition Fee Waiver.
Free Canteen Meals (one or two daily).
Accommodation (hostel) or rent support.
Cash Stipend (approx. €6,000 – €7,000 per year).
Who is eligible? It is based on family income. If your family income is less than approx. €23,000 (roughly 20 Lakhs INR), you can apply. You will need financial documents verified by the Italian consulate.
Documents Required for 2026 Admission
Start gathering these documents early:
Passport (Valid for at least 18 months).
Class 10th and 12th Marksheets (Apostilled).
IELTS/TOEFL Scorecard.
Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Letters of Recommendation (LOR).
Entrance Exam Scores (if applicable).
DOV (Declaration of Value) or CIMEA Statement.
Admission Process Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for a smooth process:
Select Course: Choose from the top undergraduate courses in Italy.
Check Requirements: Visit the official university website.
Pre-Enrollment: Register on the Universitaly portal (Mandatory for Italy).
Entrance Exam: Book and appear for TOLC or IMAT exams.
Apply to University: Submit your application online.
Visa Application: Once accepted, apply for a Study Visa at the Italian Embassy/Consulate in India.
Scholarship Application: Apply for DSU separately on the regional website (usually in June/July).
FAQs: Study in Italy 2026
1. What are the top undergraduate courses in Italy for Indian students?
The top courses include Fashion Design, Architecture, Medicine (MBBS), Mechanical Engineering, and Automobile Engineering.
2. Is education free in Italy for Indian students?
Education is not automatically free, but with the DSU Scholarship, you can get a 100% tuition waiver and a stipend if your family income is low.
3. Is IELTS mandatory for Italy?
While some universities accept a "Medium of Instruction" certificate, it is highly recommended to take IELTS (Academic) to ensure your Visa application is not rejected.
4. Can I work while studying in Italy?
Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week.
5. How much does it cost to live in Italy?
The cost of living ranges from €500 to €900 per month, depending on the city. Milan and Rome are more expensive than smaller cities like Pisa or Turin.
6. What is the intake period for 2026?
The main intake is in September/October 2026. Applications usually open around December 2025 or January 2026.
7. Is Italian language required for admission?
No, for English-taught programs, you do not need Italian. However, learning basic A1/A2 level Italian helps in daily life and part-time jobs.
Conclusion
Italy offers a life-changing opportunity for Indian students. By choosing one of the top undergraduate courses in Italy, you get European exposure, high-quality training, and the chance to study almost for free using the DSU scholarship.
Don't wait until the last minute. Start preparing for your IELTS and entrance exams now for the 2026 intake.
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