Choosing among the public universities in Italy for Indian students 2027 can be a smart option for students seeking high-quality European education at comparatively affordable tuition fees. Italy has some of Europe’s oldest universities, specialised technical institutions and a growing number of programmes taught completely in English.
For Indian students, the main advantages include lower public-university tuition compared with many private institutions, English-medium bachelor’s and master’s programmes, regional scholarships and access to internationally recognised degrees. However, fees, admission rules and English-language requirements vary by university and course.
This guide covers some of the best public universities in Italy for Indian students, popular English-taught programmes and the latest available fee information to help you plan for the 2027 intake.
Why Choose Public Universities in Italy for Indian Students 2027?
Italy’s public higher-education system can provide strong academic value without the tuition levels commonly associated with private universities.
Many public universities in Italy for international students calculate tuition according to programme, economic circumstances, country of origin or a combination of these factors. Scholarships and regional right-to-study benefits may further reduce education costs.
Indian students can also find programmes across areas such as:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Business and Economics
- Management
- Architecture
- Medicine
- Psychology
- International Relations
- Biotechnology
The number of English taught courses in Italy is particularly strong at master’s level, although universities are increasingly expanding English-taught bachelor’s options as well.
1. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is one of the most established public universities in Italy for international students and offers programmes across business, economics, engineering, science, humanities and social sciences.
For 2026/27, Bologna’s tuition system includes a fixed first component of €157.04 plus a variable contribution determined by the programme and the student’s economic circumstances. Students with foreign family income can use specific documentation to request reduced tuition or exemptions.
For students comparing Italy university fees for Indian students, Bologna is important because the final amount can differ substantially depending on financial circumstances and eligibility for reductions.
Popular areas include:
- Economics and Management
- International Relations
- Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering
- Data Science
- Biotechnology
Students targeting 2027 should check the exact course page once the 2027/28 fee structure and admission calls are published.
2. University of Padua
The University of Padua is another major option among the best public universities in Italy for Indian students.
It already offers a wide selection of programmes taught fully in English. Current English-taught bachelor’s programmes include Information Engineering, Psychological Science, Economics, Governance and Decision-Making, and Biology of Human and Environmental Health. New programmes proposed for 2027/28 include Management, Finance and Business Analytics, Physics for Technology and Food Safety for Global Health.
Padua has also started publishing information for its 2027/28 international admissions. For applicants with foreign qualifications, the first application window opened on 15 September 2026 and runs until 15 November 2026 for many courses.
Current university fees range from zero to approximately €3,000 per year, depending on the student’s circumstances and applicable concessions.
For students looking for public universities in Italy with English courses, Padua deserves serious consideration.
3. Sapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome is one of Italy’s largest public universities and offers a broad range of programmes for international students.
For the 2026/27 academic year, Sapienza states that tuition for its bachelor’s and master’s programmers ranges from approximately €300 to €1,500 per year, depending on the student’s country of residence.
This makes Sapienza particularly relevant when comparing Italy university fees for Indian students.
The university offers English-medium programmes in areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business
- Economics
- Engineering
- Medicine
- International Relations
Applicants to English-taught programmers generally need to demonstrate the required level of English, and some courses may also have admission tests or additional selection procedures.
Among the English taught universities in Italy, Sapienza is attractive for students who want to study in a major European capital while keeping public-university tuition relatively controlled.
4. University of Milan
The University of Milan is another public institution worth considering among the top public universities in Italy 2027, particularly for students interested in science, healthcare, economics, politics and humanities.
For 2026/27, the university’s tuition is divided into two instalments. The first instalment starts at €146, while the second instalment varies according to the student’s country group, programme and financial circumstances. For some international students, the second instalment can range from a few hundred euros to more than €4,000 depending on the applicable category.
The university also provides fee exemptions and access to right-to-study benefits for eligible international students.
When comparing the best public universities in Italy for Indian students, Milan should be evaluated based on your specific course because both tuition and admission requirements differ by programme.
5. Politecnico di Milano
For students interested in engineering, architecture and design, Politecnico di Milano is one of the most prominent technical public universities in Italy for international students.
The university offers more than 70 programmes across engineering, architecture and design. All postgraduate programmes and some undergraduate programmes are available in English.
Current 2026/27 tuition can rise to approximately €3,943.04 per year for a standard study plan depending on financial status. International students admitted to master’s programmes with foreign qualifications may be required to pay the maximum contribution unless they qualify for scholarships or other benefits.
For students researching English taught universities in Italy, Politecnico di Milano is especially relevant for courses such as:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Management Engineering
- Architecture
- Design
English-language proof is required for programmes delivered in English.
6. Politecnico di Torino
Politecnico di Torino is another strong public technical university, particularly for engineering, architecture and technology.
The university operates a tuition system that includes reductions and exemptions based on the applicable student circumstances. Its 2026/27 regulations cover tuition amounts, fee reductions and payment deadlines.
For Indian students comparing the top public universities in Italy 2027, Politecnico di Torino can be a useful alternative to Milan, especially for students interested in automotive, mechanical, aerospace, electrical and computer engineering.
English-Taught Courses in Italy for Indian Students
The range of English taught courses in Italy continues to expand. Some of the most common subjects include:
Engineering: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental and Information Engineering.
Technology: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Cybersecurity.
Business: Economics, Management, Finance and International Business.
Science: Biotechnology, Physics, Environmental Science and Biomedical subjects.
Medicine: Selected universities offer Medicine and Surgery programmes in English, often with specific entrance requirements.
Students looking for public universities in Italy with English courses should check whether the programme is completely English-taught or only contains selected modules in English.
Language requirements can also differ. For example, Padua states that English-taught programmes may require B1 or B2 English depending on the course.
Italy University Fees for Indian Students
There is no single tuition figure that applies to all public universities in Italy for Indian students 2027.
Based on currently published 2026/27 information, examples include:
- Sapienza University of Rome: around €300–€1,500 annually depending on country category.
- University of Padua: approximately €0–€3,000 depending on circumstances.
- Politecnico di Milano: up to roughly €3,943 for a standard annual study plan.
- University of Bologna: fixed €157.04 component plus a variable programme- and income-based contribution.
These figures are useful for planning, but they should not be treated as final 2027/28 fees unless the university has already published that academic year’s tuition.
When calculating Italy university fees for Indian students, also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, visa costs and personal expenditure.
How to Choose the Right Public University in Italy
When selecting among the best public universities in Italy for Indian students, do not choose solely on the basis of ranking or low tuition.
Compare:
- Course curriculum
- Language of instruction
- Academic requirements
- Tuition fees
- Scholarships
- City and living expenses
- Internship opportunities
- Career relevance
The right choice among the public universities in Italy for Indian students 2027 is the institution that fits your academic profile, budget and long-term goals.
FAQs
Which are the best public universities in Italy for Indian students in 2027?
Popular options include the University of Bologna, University of Padua, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino. The best choice depends on your course, budget and eligibility.
Are there public universities in Italy that teach in English?
Yes. Several English taught universities in Italy offer complete bachelor’s and master’s programmes in English, particularly in engineering, technology, business, economics and science.
How much do public universities in Italy cost for Indian students?
Public-university tuition can range from a few hundred euros to several thousand euros annually depending on the university, programme and financial circumstances. Always verify the final 2027/28 fee directly with the university.
Are Italian public universities good for international students?
Yes. Many public universities in Italy for international students provide English-medium programmes, scholarships, international student services and comparatively affordable tuition structures.
Final Thoughts
The public universities in Italy for Indian students 2027 offer a strong combination of recognised education, English-taught programmes and relatively affordable public-university fees. Bologna, Padua, Sapienza, Milan and Italy’s major polytechnic universities provide options across business, engineering, technology, science and other disciplines.
However, 2027 applicants should check the exact course, tuition fee, admission deadline and language requirement before applying because university policies differ and can change annually.
For students planning Italy in 2027, Studies in Overseas can help with university shortlisting, course selection, scholarship guidance, admission applications and student-visa preparation.
