As more Indian students look beyond the traditional Big 4 study-abroad destinations, Italy has rapidly risen to become one of Europe’s strongest value propositions. Talent mobility platform Leverage Edu recorded a 5x year-on-year jump in applications to Italian universities for the 2026-27 intake. In mid-2025, applications to the rest of Europe overtook the UK on the platform for the first time, a shift led by Italy, Germany, Ireland, and France.
Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO, Leverage Edu, says, “Tuition at Italian public universities typically ranges from €500 to €4,500 a year, a fraction of what students pay in the UK or the US. The Italian government’s Invest Your Talent in Italy programme offers selected Indian master’s students €10,800 a year and an internship with an Italian company, and its 2026-27 call added scholarships in design and architecture reserved for students from India. The number of English-taught programmes in Italy grew about 30% between 2019 and 2024 to around 1,250, making it Europe’s fifth-largest provider. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Politecnico di Milano climbed 11 places to 87th, the highest position ever held by an Italian university, while Sapienza, Bologna, Padua and Politecnico di Torino all recorded their best rankings to date. International enrolments at Italian universities have grown by about 10% a year since 2022, the second-fastest rate in Europe after Spain, and India is now among the top five countries sending students to Italy. Graduates can stay for up to 12 months to look for work and move to a work permit once they have a job offer. For Indian students, that window is backed by the India-Italy Migration and Mobility Agreement signed in November 2023, which also covers internships, professional training and the recruitment of Indian healthcare professionals.
“Demand is strongest for engineering, architecture and design, management, and data science and AI programmes, with Milan, Turin, Bologna, Rome and Padua the most sought-after cities,” saya Akshay, adding that the process involves course matching, pre-enrolment, help with education loans, payments and verified accomodation for prospective students. Experts attributes the growth to a mix of cost, access and quality. Means-tested regional (DSU) scholarships can cover full tuition along with an annual grant and, in many regions, housing and meals. Language and reputation, once the two biggest barriers, have also eased. The post-study pathway is a big part of Italy’s appeal. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.