Study in Italy 2027: A Complete Guide to Undergraduate Programs in English

For ambitious global applicants looking toward 2027, Italy represents an unbeatable strategic value proposition in higher education. Combining historic academic prestige with modern industrial hubs in Milan and Bologna, the country delivers elite European degrees at a fraction of traditional Western tuition costs. Over the past decade, public and private Italian institutions have aggressively expanded their suite of fully English-taught undergraduate degrees. This evolution positions Italy not merely as a cultural icon, but as a premier, high-value launchpad for international students targeting competitive global careers across European markets.

Among the most sought-after fields of study are Fashion & Design, Medicine, and Business Studies. Each offers internationally recognised qualifications, strong industry connections and excellent career opportunities within Europe and beyond.

Why Choose Italy?

Studying in Italy offers far more than an internationally recognised degree. Students experience a unique combination of academic excellence, cultural heritage and practical learning. Public universities offer comparatively affordable tuition fees, while regional and university scholarships help make higher education accessible to international students. Whether designing the next luxury fashion collection in Milan, studying medicine at one of Europe's historic universities or preparing for a global business career, students benefit from world-class teaching, strong industry connections and a vibrant international community.

Crucially, Italy provides a structured post-graduation pathway that directly enhances your long-term return on investment. Through the Permesso di attesa occupazione (temporary job-seeking stay permit), international graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Italian university can legally remain in the country for up to 12 months to secure employment. This post-study option acts as a critical gateway into the European Union job market. It allows ambitious international alumni to transition smoothly from university coursework to professional positions within multinational corporations, innovative design studios, or European tech firms, turning a world-class degree into a springboard for long-term career advancement, competitive salary growth, and professional mobility across the entire continent and beyond. 

Fashion and Design

As the undisputed epicenter of luxury craftsmanship and high fashion, Italy provides design students with direct access to an unmatched commercial ecosystem. Iconic luxury conglomerates like Gucci, Prada, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino anchor a thriving industry where Milan and Florence serve as living laboratories for emerging trends. Pursuing an undergraduate design degree here offers students more than classroom theory; it provides hands-on mentorship from master practitioners, portfolio development, and immediate entry into global creative networks and high-impact industry internships.

English-taught bachelor's programmes in Fashion and Design are primarily offered by specialised design academies and private institutions. These programmes usually span three to four years and combine theoretical learning with studio-based practice, enabling students to build professional portfolios while developing technical and creative skills.

Students can specialise in areas such as:

• Fashion Design

• Fashion Communication

• Fashion Styling

• Fashion Business

• Fashion Marketing

• Luxury Brand Management

• Product Design

• Interior Design

• Graphic Design

• Visual Communication

  
  

Some of Italy's leading institutions offering bachelor's programmes in English include:

University	Years	English-Taught Bachelor’s Programmes	Approximate Tuition Fee (Per Year)
IED – Istituto Europeo di Design	4 years 3 years	Bachelor in Interior Design  Bachelor in Graphic Design	€20,800
Accademia Italiana	3 years	Bachelor in Educational Program in International Design	€16,000 – €19,000
Ferrari Fashion School	3 years	BA (Hons) Fashion Design BA (Hons) Fashion Styling & Creative Direction BA (Hons) Fashion Business & Digital Marketing BA (Hons) Fashion Business & Psychology	€10, 400 – €15,000
IUAD Academy	3 years	Bachelor in Fashion Design	€13,000 - €16,000
Domus Academy Milano	3 years	Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design	€16,800

Unlike Medicine, Fashion and Design programmes do not have a national entrance examination. Admission is generally based on the applicant's academic performance, English language proficiency, a portfolio showcasing creative work, a statement of purpose and an interview. Some institutions may also require a creative aptitude assessment to evaluate artistic potential and design thinking. This holistic admission process enables universities to assess both the academic preparedness and creative abilities of prospective students.

Graduates from these programmes are well prepared for careers in fashion houses, luxury brands, design studios, advertising agencies, retail management, product development and entrepreneurship. Italy's close links with the global fashion industry also provide valuable networking opportunities and internship experiences that enhance employability.

Medicine

Italy has emerged as one of Europe's most attractive destinations for international students aspiring to become doctors. Public universities offer a six-year single-cycle degree in Medicine and Surgery taught entirely in English, combining rigorous academic instruction with extensive clinical training in university hospitals. These programmes are recognised throughout Europe and many other countries, making them an excellent choice for students seeking an internationally respected medical education.

Several prestigious universities offer English-taught Medicine programmes, including:

University / Institution	English-Taught Medicine Programme	Approximate Tuition Fee (Per Year)
University of Milan	International Medical School (Medicine and Surgery)	€1000 – €4,000
Sapienza University of Rome	Medicine and Surgery	€1,000 – €4,000
Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna	Medicine and Surgery	€600 – €4,000
University of Padua	Medicine and Surgery	€500 – €3,000
University of Milan-Bicocca	Medicine and Surgery	€500 – €4,000
University of Naples Federico II	Medicine and Surgery	€500 – €3,500
University of Pavia	Harvey Medicine and Surgery	€500 – €4,500
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University	International Medical Doctor Program	€20,000 – €25,000
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart	Medicine and Surgery	€18,150

Admission to public universities is based on the International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT), a national entrance examination conducted in English. The IMAT assesses candidates in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and General Knowledge. Applicants compete for a limited number of seats through a national ranking system managed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. A single IMAT score can be used to apply to multiple participating universities, making it a central component of the admission process.

Private medical universities such as Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart also offer Medicine in English, although they conduct their own entrance examinations, which evaluate applicants on similar scientific and reasoning skills but are administered independently by each institution. Successful candidates are admitted directly by the respective university. These programmes combine classroom instruction with clinical placements, laboratory work and research opportunities, preparing students for medical practice and postgraduate training worldwide.

Italy's medical programmes are known for their affordable tuition fees at public universities, modern teaching hospitals and multicultural learning environments. Graduates receive a qualification that is recognised across the European Higher Education Area, providing access to postgraduate medical training and international career opportunities.

Business Studies

Italy is also becoming a preferred destination for students interested in Business, Economics, Finance and Management. The country's strong economy, internationally recognised companies and growing start-up ecosystem provide an excellent backdrop for business education. English-taught bachelor's programmes equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in an increasingly global business environment.

Most undergraduate business degrees are three years in duration and focus on developing analytical, managerial and entrepreneurial capabilities. Students can choose from a variety of specializations, including:

• Business Administration

• International Business

• Economics

• Economics and Management

• Finance

• Marketing

• Business Analytics

• International Economics

• Digital Business

• Management

  
  

Leading universities offering bachelor's programmes in English include:

University / Institution	Years	English-Taught Bachelor’s Programmes	Approximate Tuition Fee (Per Year)
Bocconi University	3 Years	Bachelor in Management and Computer Science                 Bachelor in Economics          Bachelor in Finance               Bachelor in Management       Bachelor in Management for the Arts and Cultures	€17,000
LUISS Guido Carli University	3 Years	Bachelor in Business Administration Bachelor in Economics and Business	€14,000
Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna	3 Years	Bachelor in Business and Economics   Bachelor in Economics and Management	€2,000 – €6,000
Ca' Foscari University of Venice	3 Years	Bachelor in Business Administration and Management                    Bachelor in Digital Management Bachelor in Economics and Business	€2,000 – €3,500

These institutions maintain strong partnerships with multinational corporations, financial institutions and consulting firms, enabling students to benefit from internships, company projects and international exchange opportunities.

Unlike Medicine, there is no single national entrance examination for Business programmes. Admission requirements vary according to the university. Many public universities require applicants to take the TOLC-E (Test Online CISIA for Economics), which assesses Mathematics, Logic, Reading Comprehension and Problem-Solving skills. The TOLC-E serves as a standardized assessment for economics and business-related programmes at several Italian public universities.

Private universities such as Bocconi University and LUISS Guido Carli University conduct their own admission tests. These examinations typically evaluate quantitative reasoning, logical thinking, verbal skills and analytical ability. In many cases, applicants may also submit SAT scores as an alternative to university-specific entrance examinations. Academic performance in secondary school and proof of English language proficiency are also important components of the admission process.

Graduates from Italian business schools pursue careers in consulting, banking, marketing, international trade, finance, entrepreneurship and multinational corporations. Many programmes also provide opportunities for international exchanges, internships and double-degree options that enhance graduates' global employability.

Engineering

Italy has earned a global reputation for excellence in engineering, innovation and industrial manufacturing. As home to internationally renowned companies such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Leonardo, Pirelli, FIAT and Ducati, the country offers an ideal environment for students aspiring to become engineers. Italian universities combine strong theoretical foundations with practical learning, research opportunities and close collaboration with industry, enabling students to develop the technical expertise and problem-solving skills demanded by employers worldwide.

English-taught bachelor's programmes in Engineering are increasingly available at leading technical universities and public institutions. Most programmes are three years in duration and combine classroom instruction with laboratory work, design projects and internships, giving students hands-on experience alongside academic learning.

Students can specialise in areas such as:

• Civil Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Electronic Engineering

• Information Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Automation Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Energy Engineering

• Engineering Science

  
  

Some of Italy's leading universities offering bachelor's programmes in English include:

University / Institution	Years	English-Taught Bachelor's Programmes	Approximate Tuition Fee (Per Year)
Politecnico di Milano	3 Years	Bachelor in Engineering Science Bachelor in Civil Engineering Bachelor in Industrial Engineering Bachelor in Process Engineering	€900 – €5,000
Politecnico di Torino	3 Years	Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering Bachelor in Civil and Environmental Engineering Electronic and Bachelor in Communications Engineering	€2,800 – €3,000
University of Padua	3 Years	Bachelor in Information Engineering	€2,000 – €3,000
University of Rome Tor Vergata	3 Years	Bachelor in Engineering Sciences	€1,000 – €3,000

Unlike Medicine, Engineering programmes do not have a single national entrance examination. Admission requirements vary depending on the university. Many public universities require applicants to take the TOLC-I (Test Online CISIA for Engineering), which evaluates Mathematics, Physics, Logic, Reading Comprehension and basic Scientific Reasoning. Some institutions, such as Politecnico di Milano, also accept alternative qualifications including the SAT or the CEnT-S (an English-language engineering entrance test), while Politecnico di Torino conducts its own admission test (TIL-I) for several engineering programmes. Applicants are also required to meet English language proficiency requirements and submit their academic transcripts.

Engineering graduates from Italian universities enjoy excellent career prospects in sectors such as automotive engineering, aerospace, robotics, renewable energy, manufacturing, construction, information technology and research. Strong partnerships between universities and leading international companies provide students with valuable internship opportunities, industrial projects and pathways to employment. With degrees recognized throughout Europe and beyond, graduates are well positioned to pursue careers or postgraduate studies in Italy and around the world.

Conclusion

For international applicants planning for 2027, Italy stands out as a high-yield academic destination that blends global prestige, cost efficiency, and long-term European career access. Whether targeting Medicine, Engineering, Business, or Fashion & Design, navigating competitive entrance exams and university applications requires early preparation and a deliberate strategy. By aligning your profile early, you can unlock world-class English-taught degrees at the heart of Europe’s leading hubs. 

Beyond the classroom, Italian universities provide strong connections with industries, practical learning opportunities, and exposure to an international environment. Affordable tuition fees at public universities, scholarship opportunities, and the availability of post-study residence options for eligible graduates further strengthen Italy’s appeal as a study destination.

Whether students aspire to become designers shaping the future of fashion, doctors contributing to global healthcare, engineers developing innovative solutions, or business professionals working in international markets, Italy provides the academic foundation and global exposure needed to build successful careers.

Choosing Italy is not only a decision to pursue a degree; it is an opportunity to become part of a country where centuries of knowledge meet modern innovation, creating pathways for students to learn, grow, and succeed in Europe and beyond.

------------------------------ THE END  ------------------------------------------------

Additional Articles

Stanford Admissions Tips 2027: Academic Excellence & Intellectual Vitality

Expert Strategies for Scoring 800 on SAT Math. Ivy League Admissions

Princeton Admissions 2026: SAT Scores, Academic Index & Tier 1 ECs

Best Undergraduate Business Schools in 2027

UCAS 2026 Personal Statement Preparation Section Hacks: 3-Prompt Guide

EZScholar is an expert university admissions consultant and test prep organization which works with bright and ambitious students seeking admissions to Ivy Leagues, Oxbridge, Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Toronto and other top global universities. Our experts have helped thousands of students with their profile building, research papers, extracurriculars, co-curriculars, test prep and admissions essays. We provide students with personalized support for applications, essays, and SOPs to ensure their unique voice shines through. Our comprehensive test prep helps students achieve their best possible SAT scores and impress their dream university. Our Bespoke Research Paper program helps differentiate students' university applications, demonstrating a high level of academic curiosity and rigor.