Free study in italy for pakistani students 2026 - Step by Step Guide

Studying in Italy is a golden opportunity and dream for 90% of Pakistani students. Every year, hundreds of Pakistani students choose Italy to pursue higher education, international degrees, and a better future. Italy is considered one of the most affordable and cheapest countries in Europe for higher studies. While Italy is globally known for its rich culture, historic cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, it is especially famous for its top-quality universities and prestigious academic programs. Studying in Italy for Pakistani students in 2025 is the best, most affordable, and practical option for those looking to study abroad, including courses like Engineering, Medicine (MBBS), Management, Computer Science, Fashion, Design, and Arts.

The IELTS test is generally not mandatory to apply to Italian universities. However, some universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 Band. Additionally, some universities may charge a small application fee of around 30 euros. Italy also offers a wide range of scholarships for Pakistani students, including regional scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and Italian Ministry of Education scholarships. Top-ranked Italian universities offering these scholarships include University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano.

Among these, Regional Scholarships are the most popular and widely accessible scholarships in Italy, which Pakistani students can easily obtain. The eligibility criteria for Pakistani students to apply to Italian universities include having a previous degree with at least 50% marks, valid English proficiency certificates, and academic transcripts. Italian universities such as University of Padua and University of Milan also provide specialized scholarships for international students in fields like Medicine (MBBS in Italy), Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management, and Arts.

For visa purposes, the required bank statement ranges from 6,000 to 6,500 Euros, covering 3 to 6 months. The visa acceptance rate for Pakistani students applying to Italy is around 90%, making it one of the safest destinations for higher education abroad. The total cost of studying in Italy, including tuition, living expenses, and visa fees, ranges from 3 to 5 lakh PKR, which is significantly cheaper than countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and USA. Italy offers affordable tuition, quality education, and world-class facilities for international students from Pakistan seeking undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Management, Arts, and Fashion.

Study in Italy for Pakistani Students

Feature	Details
Teaching Language	English
Top Courses	University of Padua, University of Sapienza Rome, University of Bologna, University of Milan, University of Naples Federico 2, University of Florence, University of Polytechnic di Milan
Course Duration	For a bachelor's degree, 3 years; For Master's Degree Programs 2 Years; For PhD degree Programs, 5 Years
Average Application fee	Some Universities Application fees are 30 to 50 Euros, but most Universities not Required
Minimum Education Required	For Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programs, 13 and 16 Years of Education are Required; PhD degree Programs require 18 years of Education.
Average Fee Structure	156 to 3000 Euros
Is IELTS Required or not	Not Required
Entry Test	No
Eligibility Criteria	Students must have an English Proficiency Certificate
Scholarships	Available
Part Time Job Working hours	20 hours per Week
After Study Work Permit	1 Year After study work permit
Embassy Location	Islamabad, Pakistan
Bank Statement	6200 Euros
Average Monthly Expense	400 to 600 Euros
Admission Processing Time	1 month
Visa Processing Time	2 months
Total Cost	2 to 3 lacs

Why Study in Italy 2025

Studying in Italy in 2025 presents a unique opportunity for Pakistani Students due to many changes, such as changes in the Environment, Education, and Research work.

• One of the best reasons to Study in Italy is the Introduction of Tuition-Free education for Pakistani Students.
• The Italian Government Provides a Regional Scholarship (Need-Based Scholarship) for Pakistani students. Ninety-nine percent of Pakistani Students can easily get this Scholarship because their CGPA does not matter; it depends on their Low Income.
• Italy is famous for its Prestigious Universities, such as the University of Bologna, the University of Milan, and the University of Padua.
• Italian Scholarships are mostly Fully Funded, Just Without Tickets, Cover tuition fees, monthly Stipend, and insurance.
• Italy is one of the best destinations for Study in Masters and PhD Students. Italy's education is top-class, and research is highly Recommended for research-based programs.
• The Affordable Tuition fees in Italy others than in the USA, Canada, and Australia
• Future Opportunities are Good, and the settlement option is also better than in other Countries

If you want a smooth admission process, Universities Page offers step-by-step guidance. Learn about how to study abroad after 12th/matric,  explore study MBBS in Italy for Pakistani students,  or check out Sapienza University of Rome programs. You can also find details on University of Bologna and University of Florenc. For Germany enthusiasts, we cover study in Germany without IELTS and top 5 cheapest countries for study in Europe.

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Scholarship in Italy

There are many Scholarships available in Italy. Some are need-based, some merit-based, and some are provided by the Italian Ministry. There are three main Types of Scholarships in Italy. The Following Scholarships are discussed here.

• Regional Based Scholarship
• Merit-Based Scholarship

1. Regional Based Scholarships

Regional-based scholarships are also Known as Need-Based Scholarships. The Italian Government provides need-based scholarships, especially for needy students with incomes lower than 22,000 Euros. Almost all Italian universities provide need-based scholarships to Pakistani students. The Italian need-based Scholarship is a Fully Funded Scholarship for Pakistani Students.

The benefits of a regional scholarship include tuition fees, monthly expenses, accommodation, and insurance. The eligibility criteria for this scholarship is that the student must have a low income of 22,000 Euros yearly. If your Income is Low, then your chances of winning this Scholarship

The documents required to apply for regional scholarships Are your income certificate, passport, and tax returns. The Application Process is Online to apply for this Scholarship. This Scholarship Starts in May, and the Last date is August 2025.

2. Merit-Based Scholarships

Universities provide merit-based scholarships. They depend on your CGPA and Overall profile. The average Merit-based Scholarship provided by Italian universities is 8,000 Euros annually. Some Merit Scholarships are listed there.

• University of Padua Excellence scholarships
• University of Naples Federico 2 Merit-based Scholarship
• University of Milan Scholarship
• University of Bologna Scholarships
• University of Calabria Scholarship

1. University of Padua Excellence Scholarship

The University of Padua offers Various Scholarships for Pakistani Students Pursuing Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programs. The Padua Excellence Scholarship is a Prestigious Scholarship in Italy. This Scholarship is for 59 Students with High Academic records in their previous degrees. The Yearly amount is 8,000 Euros for Pakistani Students. Another benefit is that this Scholarship Covers Accommodation two times, meals, and many more benefits.

The Application deadline is February 2 for some Programs and March 7, 2025, for Others. This university's Others Scholarship is need-based for Students whose income is lower than 22,000 Euros. It does not depend on your academic records. The application process for both Scholarships is to apply on Google. There is no need to send documents digitally.

2. University of Bologna Scholarship

The University of Bologna Merit Scholarship is one of the best Scholarships in Italy. Merit-based Scholarship of Bologna for those Students whose Academic records are highly Strong and who have research in Previous degrees; the amount of this Scholarship is 8,000 Euros and two times meals, Accommodation, and book charges. The University Selects auto Students for merit-based scholarships. Pakistani Students must meet the requirements of this Scholarship, have a degree equal to an Italian Degree, and be under 30.

The application process is below:

1. Complete the relevant SAT or GRE tests before the deadlines.
2. Submit your application through the university's online portal, including all required documentation (qualifications, test results, financial status documentation).
3. Ensure that you follow specific instructions for scholarship applications as outlined on the university's official website.
4. Prospective students can visit the University of Bologna's official website or the specific scholarship page for more detailed information about the scholarships and application procedures.

3. University of Milan Scholarship

The University of Milan is located in the second-largest city in Italy. It offers different types of Scholarships for Pakistani Students, including an Excellence Scholarship. The University of Milan 55 Students to Approach for Scholarship Their academic records are good and high.

The benefits of the Milan Excellence scholarship include Covering the Tuition fee, Monthly Stipend, and Accommodation. The Application Process requires no separate application for the scholarship; students will be automatically considered based on their admission application. Notifications regarding the scholarship status will be sent in July.

4. University of Verona Scholarship

The University of Verona Scholarship is a Fully Funded Scholarship for Pakistani Students. Verona University has a Prestigious Scholarship for Pakistani Students. The eligibility criteria for this scholarship is that the university selects the candidates for the merit scholarship.

The Scholarship is fully funded, including Accommodation, Living Costs, and a Monthly Stipend. The Application Process is Online, and you fill out the application form and submit the documents, such as English Proficiency certificates, recommendation letters, and degrees. The application deadline for Pakistani students is 31 March.

5. University of Naples Federico 2 Scholarship

University of Naples Federico 2 is a Fully Funded Scholarship for Pakistani students. The University of Naples is the most famous in Italy, ranking highly. The University of Naples provides different types of scholarships for Pakistani students.

The University of Naples Scholarships benefits Cover your full tuition fee, monthly Stipend, insurance Charges, and books. The following courses qualify for marine biology, environmental management, and engineering merit scholarships. The application deadline for Pakistani students is 2 July.

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Universities in Italy

• University of Padua
• University of Sapienza Rome
• University of Bologna
• University of Milan
• University of Naples Federico 2

1. University of Padua

Category	Details
World Ranking	236
Fee Structure	200 Euros
IELTS require or not	Optional Some Courses Required
Average Tuition Fee	200 to 2700 Euros
Acceptance rate	70 to 80%

The University of Padua is highly ranked and top-ranked in Italy. This is a Public research university in Italy. To apply to the University of Padua, Pakistani students must have a 3.1 CGPA. The IELTS is not required to apply for this University. The Application Process is online, and the application fee is 30 euros.

2. University of Sapienza Rome

Category	Details
World Ranking	132
Fee Structure	200
IELTS require or not	Optional Some Courses required
Average Tuition Fee	200 to 2000 euros
Acceptance rate	70 to 80%

The University of Sapienza Rome is Located in Italy's biggest City and is highly ranked. The Acceptance rate for Pakistani students is very high. The application fee is 30 Euros, and the application process is online. The CIMEA Certificate is required to apply to this University. The Sapienza University of Rome is ranked in Italy, and many courses offer Computer Science, Control Engineering, MSc cybersecurity, Data Science, Economics, and Mathematics.

3. University of Bologna

Category	Details
World Ranking	133
Fee Structure	156 Euros
IELTS require or not	Not Required
Average Tuition Fee	1000 Euros to 1500 Euros
Acceptance rate	89%

The University of Bologna Provides Exchange Programs for Pakistani Students. It offers many Courses, such as Animal Sciences, Plant Sciences, Engineering, and Ecology Management. Pakistani students do not need a high CGPA or IELTS. The University of Bologna is famous for its research and high world ranking. This University Offers both merit-based and need-based Scholarships for Pakistani Students.

4. University of Milan

Category	Details
World Ranking	285
Fee Structure	1000 Euros
IELTS require or not	Not
Average Tuition Fee	156 to 1000 Euros
Acceptance rate	80%

The University of Milan is a Public University in Italy. It is Situated in the second-largest City in Italy. Milan University is highly ranked, and its research is top-ranked. The University of Milan Courses are research-based, and its Exchange Programs are Famous.

5. University of Naples

Category	Details
World Ranking	347
Fee Structure	156
IELTS require or not	Optional
Average Tuition Fee	156 to 700 Euros
Acceptance rate	95%

The University of Naples has a high acceptance rate in Italy. Naples University provides Fully Funded Scholarships, and the requirements are no IELTS, application fee, or University tuition fee. The Application Process is Online, and you do not need to send the documents digitally.

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Admission Requirements and Documents Checklist

The Admissions requirements are that Italian University students must have 2.5 CGPA, Previous degrees, and a transcript

• All documents should be in colored pdf format. No other format is acceptable.
• CNIC Front and Backside
• Passport First page
• Matric (Marksheet + Certificate)
• Intermediate (Marksheet + Certificate)
• University (Transcript {Front + Back} + Degree)
• Medium Of instruction
• Recommendation letter
• Formal passport-size photo (White or Blue background) in JPEG format
• Motivational Letter
• CV (Europass Format)
• Passport (with at least 1.8 left in months expiry)

Visa Requirements and Documents Checklist

• Summary of University
• F.R.C (Family Registration Certificate)
• Valid passport
• Letter of acceptance from the Italian institution (without IELTS)
• Completed visa application
• Clean criminal record (Police Clearance Certificate) optional
• Sufficient funds for living expenses (Affidavit)
• Medical insurance proof
• Accommodation confirmation in Italy
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of fee payment.
• DOV Form
• Visa form
• Universe Italy Summary
• Bank STATEMENT 6200 Euros

Cost of living

The Cost of Living in Italy is 400 to 600 Euros per month for a single Person. The cost of living is different for every city, like big cities, which have higher costs of living. The Following things have cost of Living

• Accommodation 150 to 200 Euros
• Two times meals, 10 euros
• Meat 15 Euros
• Vegetables 15 Euros
• Milk 10 euros

Part-time Working Hours and Income

Italy's part-time working hours are 20 hours, but you have 25 hours per week. Many jobs are available in Italy, such as Food jobs, Zoo jobs, Teaching jobs, Food Delivery jobs, and more.

After Study Work Permit and Future Opportunities

For Pakistani students, the study period after a work permit is one year. Students can work and contract with any company for one year, and the settlement option is very good. If you learn the Italian language, you have a chance to do any job in Italy, and students have more future opportunities.

FAQS

Q1) Is studying free in Italy for Pakistani students?

Studying in Italy is not entirely free for Pakistani students, but it is highly affordable compared to other European countries. Public Italian universities charge very low tuition fees, typically ranging from €150 to €1,000 per year, depending on the institution and family income. However, Pakistani students who are awarded the Italian Government MAECI Scholarship or university merit-based scholarships can study completely free of charge, as these scholarships cover full tuition fees, monthly living stipends, and accommodation. Additionally, most Italian scholarship programs do not require IELTS, further reducing the cost of applying. Students with low income may also qualify for DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) benefits, which include free meals, reduced transport costs, and subsidized housing.

Q2) How much is a study visa fee for Italy from Pakistan?

The Italian study visa fee for Pakistani students depends on the visa type. A long-term Italian student visa (Type D), which is required for programs longer than 90 days, costs €50 (approximately PKR 15,000–16,000) and must be paid in local Pakistani currency at the time of application. A short-term student visa (Type C) for programs under 90 days costs €80 (approximately PKR 24,000–25,000). The visa application must be submitted at the Italian Embassy in Islamabad or the Italian Consulate in Karachi. Note that visa fees are subject to change based on the current PKR to Euro exchange rate, so always verify the exact amount at the time of applying.

Q3) How can Pakistani students apply to study in Italy?

Pakistani students can apply to study in Italy by following these steps. First, select a university and program from the official Universitaly portal (universitaly.it), which is the Italian government's centralized application platform. Submit your online application along with required documents including attested transcripts, degree certificates, SOP, and language proficiency proof. Once conditionally accepted, apply for the Italian student visa (Type D) at the Italian Embassy in Islamabad or the Italian Consulate in Karachi. Biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) will be collected during the visa appointment. After arriving in Italy, students must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days of arrival. Document attestation from HEC, IBCC, MOFA Pakistan, and the Italian Embassy is mandatory before submission.

Q4) How much can a Pakistani student earn in Italy?

Pakistani students in Italy can earn a reasonable income through part-time work. The average hourly wage in Italy ranges from €7 to €10, depending on the job type and employer. Students are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official university breaks. Working 20 hours per week at the minimum wage, a Pakistani student can earn approximately €560 to €800 per month. Common part-time job opportunities for international students in Italy include restaurant and hospitality work, retail, campus jobs, tutoring, and delivery services. This income can significantly help offset monthly living costs, which average around €800 to €1,000 per month in most Italian university cities.