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Study in Italy: DSU scholarships, student visa funds, universities and costs for Pakistani students
A researched guide with 2026 figures from official and industry sources. Last verified 4 November 2026.
Book free counsellingWhy Pakistani students choose Italy
- Public universities charge low, income-based fees, and the regional DSU scholarship can cover tuition, a cash grant, meals and a bed for eligible students.
- Many English-taught master’s programmes accept a Medium of Instruction certificate from a Pakistani university instead of IELTS. Check each course.
- World-class study in engineering, design, architecture, fashion, business and medicine in Milan, Bologna, Rome, Turin, Florence and Padua.
- Schengen base, a student permit that allows part-time work, and a job-search permit after graduation.
Step by step: from offer to visa
- Choose course and pre-enrol on UniversitalyNon-EU students must pre-enrol on universitaly.it. Deadlines differ by university, most fall between February and April.
- Get admission and a CIMEA or Declaration of ValueUniversities check your Pakistani degree. Prepare attested transcripts and degree.
- Prepare funds and insuranceShow about €10,179.85 for the year from lawful, traceable sources, and arrange health cover (about €30,000 minimum).
- Apply for the Type D visaApply through the Italian Embassy in Islamabad or Consulate in Karachi with your pre-enrolment, admission and funds documents.
- After arrival: Permesso di SoggiornoApply for your residence permit within 8 days of arrival, then enrol and apply for DSU if eligible.
What it costs (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa fee | About €50 | Standard Type D rate. Confirm at the embassy or VFS. |
| Funds for the visa | €10,179.85 per year | Set for 2026–27 and 2027–28. Must be lawful and traceable. |
| University fees | From about €156 to around €3,000 per year | Public universities. Income bracket and region decide. Example: Pisa quotes €446 to €2,900 by country of origin. |
| Living costs | About €600 to €1,100 per month | Milan and Rome are higher than Padua, Pisa or Florence. Shared rooms often €350 to €650. |
| Residence permit | Paid in Italy | Postal kit and fees apply after arrival. |
Fees change often. Always confirm on the official government page before you pay.
Popular universities in Italy
| University | Known for |
|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Engineering, architecture and design |
| University of Bologna | Europe’s oldest university, very wide range |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Large public university, science and humanities |
| University of Padua | Science, medicine, engineering and business |
| Politecnico di Torino | Engineering and automotive |
| University of Pisa | Computing, engineering and physics |
| University of Florence | Arts, architecture, economics and DSU Toscana |
| University of Milan | Science, medicine and law |
Check the latest QS or THE rankings and subject rankings for your course.
Work rights, English and after graduation
- Student permit holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week, 1,040 hours a year. Confirm the current rule with your permit.
- After a degree, eligible graduates can apply for a permit to look for work for up to 12 months. Check the current rule.
- Many Italian-taught degrees need Italian at B2. English-taught master’s often accept IELTS 6.0 or an MOI certificate.
Scholarships and funding
- Regional DSU scholarships (for example DSU Toscana): tuition waiver, grant, meals and housing if awarded. Applications often close in the summer.
- MAECI Italian Government scholarships for international students.
- University merit awards and fee waivers at Politecnico di Milano, Bologna and others.
- The income test for non-EU students (ISEE Parificato) is the hardest step. We help you prepare it.
Frequently asked questions
How much money must I show for an Italy student visa?
For 2026–27 and 2027–28 the figure is €10,179.85 per year, raised from about €6,000. Funds should be lawful, traceable and preferably in the student’s own account.
Do I need IELTS for Italy?
Not always. Many English-taught master’s accept an MOI certificate. Italian-taught degrees need Italian instead. Check each university.
What is DSU?
Regional right-to-study funding. If awarded it can waive tuition and give a grant, meals and accommodation. You apply separately from your admission.
Is Italy cheap for Pakistani students?
Tuition is low, but visa funds and living costs are real. Plan the full year before applying.
Can I work in Italy as a student?
Yes, part-time within the permit limits, usually up to 20 hours a week.
Sources and how we verify
Figures checked on 4 November 2026 against these pages. This guide is general information, not legal or migration advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official authority before you apply.
Study in Italy with BlueZone Consultants
BlueZone Consultants guides students from Abbottabad, Mansehra, Hazara and across Pakistan through every stage of a Italy application: choosing the course and university, checking documents and attestation, preparing the offer and visa file, then planning money, housing and arrival.
Your first counselling session is free. Bring your transcripts, passport and English test result if you have one, and we will tell you honestly whether Italy fits your grades and budget.
Check your options for Italy
Talk to a counsellor, then use the guides below to prepare.