Italy has quietly emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for studying abroad for Indian students. With world-class universities, low tuition costs, English medium programs, and a rich cultural offering, more and more students are opting for studying in Italy.
So, if you are applying for 2026, knowing about the intakes in Italy is one of the most significant parts of your application process. Italy has a more organised process for intakes than many other nations, where timing plays a very significant role.
This article is about explaining intakes in Italy for Indian students and when is the best time to apply without having any unnecessary stress in planning for it.
The Italian universities have two major application windows:
- September (Fall) Entry
- February (Spring) Intake-limited
Not all institutions or courses accept both intakes, and this may change depending on whether the courses are in English or Italian.
Among Indian students, September remains the most in-demand intake, while for several candidates, it is the only feasible option.
Entry September 2026: The Main Admission in Italy
The main intake of Italy in an academic session is the September intake. Because, in many universities, September intake offers a maximum number of courses available in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
1. Why September is the Better Intake
If you are serious about studying in Italy, then this should be the intake you should aim at.
- Number of universities maximised available Courses
- Higher Chances of Admission
- Even better opportunities regarding scholarships
- Smoother visa processing
- Access to internships & academic events
2. Spring Intake (February)
The Spring Intake is a smaller intake of students who are unable to meet the Fall intake deadlines.
Main Features:
- Less programs and universities
- Fewer Competitors
- Easier Application Processing
Application Timeline:
- Visa Processing: From December 2025 to January 2026
- Classes Begin: February/March
Not all universities offer admission in the spring, especially for undergraduate programs.
3. Popular Courses Among Indian Students in Italy
Indian students opting for an education in Italy prefer courses which have relevance as well as employability.
- Engineering and Technology
- Architecture & Urban Design
- Medicine & Healthcare
- (Business, Economics & Management)
- Fashion & Luxury Brand Management
- Arts, Design & Humanities
These courses can be conducted entirely in English, so you can still be in Italy even if you do not understand Italian.
Eligibility Conditions for Indian Students
Undergraduate Programs
- 12 years of formal education
- 60-70% of Class 12th marksheet
- Subject-specific requirements for technical courses.
Postgraduate Programs
- Relevant bachelor’s degree
- Academic transcripts
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs
- Language Requirements
- IELTS: 6.0–6.5
- TOEFL or equivalent acceptable Language proficiency: Italian (for courses taught in Italian)
Expense of Studying in Italy
The first glaring difference between an Italian education and that of a country such as Canada is its high affordability.
Tuition Fees:
- Public universities: € 900-4,000 annually
- Private universities: from €6,000 to €20,000 per year
Cost of Living: €700 – €1,000 monthly, depending on the city
Cities like Milan and Rome are relatively costly, while smaller cities like Bologna or Padua are considerably cheaper.
Scholarship opportunities for Indian Students in Italy
Italy offers scholarship opportunities that are among the highest scholarships available in Europe:
DSU Regional Scholarships
- Scholarship provided by the Italian Government (MAECI)
- Merit awards are specific to each university
- Tuition Fee Waivers
These scholarships will cover tuition, accommodation, and food, plus a monthly allowance in some cases.
Application Process – Italy Intake
- Shortlist Universities & Courses
- Prepare academic and language documents
- Apply through University Portals
- Pre-enrolments on University
- Receive admission letter
- Apply for a student visa
- Organize hotel arrangements and travel plans
- Post-Study Work Opportunities
- After completion of studies, Indian students have the following
- Apply for a post-study residence permit
- Work in Italy or in other Schengen States
- Entry into EU job markets
With quality education, affordability, enriched culture, and global exposure, Italy should be in your top list for 2026. As many students consider traditional options like studying in Canada, Italy is a refreshing and more pragmatic alternative, particularly for Indian students looking for value for money with European opportunities.
Planning early, selecting the right intake, and a strategic application are the things that can help your dream to come true.
FAQs
1. How many intakes are in Italy?
Italy’s intakes are mainly Fall (September) and Spring (February).
2. Which intake is most suitable for Indian students?
The most preferred semester to join is the Fall intake, as they have more courses as well as scholarships.
3. Is it obligatory to have an IELTS to study in Italy?
Not always. Some universities waive IELTS if the previous education was in English.
4. What is the cost compared to studying in Canada?
The cost of studying in Italy is less compared to Canada.
5. Can Indian students in Italy work part-time?
Yes, for up to 20 hours a week during study.
6. Are Italian degrees recognised globally?
Yes, they are internationally recognised.
7. Can I apply without knowing Italian?
Many of the programs are taught in English. yes.
8. At what stage should I start preparing for the 2026 course?
Ideally, this should begin in mid-2026.
9. Is it a competitive process getting into universities in Italy?
While competition varies, in general, the competition is less than that of the hardest university to get into in Canada.
10. Can I stay back in Italy after graduation?
Yes, students may apply for work and residence permits.