Study in Italy
Private design, fashion and architecture academies and private universities that teach in English, with pre-enrolment through the Universitaly portal.
For students starting in 2027. Last checked October 2026.
Key facts
- Tuition
- About €15,000 to €25,000 a year at private design academies
- Money for the visa
- €783.06 a month, €10,179.85 for the academic year (rule for 2026–27 and 2027–28), plus money for your journey home
- Student visa
- National (D) study visa, €50
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3 years
- Master’s degree
- 1 to 2 years
- Main intake
- October 2027 (some in September or February)
- Work during study
- Up to 20 hours a week, 1,040 hours a year
- How you apply
- Directly to the school, then pre-enrolment on Universitaly
- After you graduate
- Permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work
Each figure is explained in full further down this guide.
Intakes and deadlines for 2027
Applications
Private academies admit on a rolling basis from autumn 2026; portfolio reviews and scholarship competitions mostly run in the first half of 2027.
Universitaly and visa
Pre-enrol as soon as you are admitted. For 2026–27 the visa deadline is 30 November 2026; expect a similar date for 2027–28.
Main intake
October 2027. Some academies start in September or February.
Why students choose Italy
Design, fashion and architecture
Milan, Florence and Rome have private academies focused on fashion, product, interior and visual design.
Taught in English
Private academies and universities teach full bachelor’s and master’s programmes in English.
Portfolio-based admission
Design schools decide mainly on your portfolio and interview, not only on grades.
Work and stay
You can work up to 20 hours a week, and after graduating stay 9 to 12 months to look for work.
How degrees and applications work
UniPal places students at private, English-taught institutions. A bachelor’s takes three years and a master’s one to two. Design academies award first- and second-level academic diplomas, which count as a bachelor’s and a master’s.
Public universities also exist and set fees by family income; they are not our focus.
You apply to the school directly. Once admitted, you pre-enrol on Universitaly, the Ministry of University and Research portal. The school validates your pre-enrolment, and the visa centre then invites you to apply for the visa.
Entry requirements
- IGCSE and A-Level
- Italy asks for 12 years of schooling. With British qualifications that usually means three A-Levels.
- IB Diploma
- The IB Diploma is accepted.
- American Diploma
- Usually the diploma with AP exams (often three at grade 3 or above) or a year of college; schools confirm what they accept.
- Portfolio
- Design, fashion and architecture schools ask for a portfolio and an interview.
- English
- Level B2, for example IELTS 5.5 to 6.0; the visa also asks for B2 proof.
Tuition and living costs
- Tuition
- About €15,000 to €25,000 a year at private design academies; private universities vary.
- Money for the visa
- €783.06 a month, €10,179.85 for the academic year (rule for 2026–27 and 2027–28), plus money for your journey home.
- Health insurance
- At least €30,000 of cover for the whole stay.
National (D) study visa
- What you need
- A validated pre-enrolment on Universitaly, proof of funds, accommodation, health insurance and B2 language proof. Within eight days of arriving you apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
- Fee
- €50, paid in local currency.
- Work during study
- Up to 20 hours a week, 1,040 hours a year.
- After graduation
- A residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for work or start a business, after a bachelor’s, master’s, academic diploma or PhD obtained in Italy.
We prepare your visa file as part of our visa service, which is separate from your free first consultation. About visa services
Applying for a master’s
Master’s programmes at private universities and design academies take one to two years. Design subjects ask for a portfolio even at master’s level.
Scholarships
Private academies run scholarship competitions, usually judged on a portfolio or project, which reduce tuition. Regional study grants mainly support students at public universities.
Across all our destinations: $15M+ in scholarships secured for our students over eight years. Your counsellor tells you which awards fit your profile and when to apply.
Sources: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Study in Italy, Embassy of Italy), Ministry of University and Research (Universitaly) and Italian immigration law, October 2026. Ranges are typical and vary by university and course.
Common questions about studying in Italy
How long is a degree in Italy?
How do I apply to university in Italy?
How much does it cost to study in Italy?
Which student visa do I need for Italy?
Can I stay and work in Italy after I graduate?
Talk to a counsellor
Thinking about Italy? Your first consultation is free, in one of our offices or online. Bring your latest grades and we will tell you where you stand.
We reply within 24 hours.