Summary: Italy offers two main intakes in Italy for international students: Fall Intake (September/October) and Spring Intake (February/March). The Fall intake is the most popular, with more course availability, scholarships, and top university participation. The Spring intake is ideal for students who missed the Fall deadlines or need more preparation time. Application deadlines usually range from January to June for Fall and September to December for Spring. Learn how to apply, choose the right intake, and explore top universities and scholarships in this guide.
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is one of the top choices for international students because of its world-class universities, rich history, affordable education, and diverse courses. Whether you want to study fashion in Milan, engineering in Turin, or architecture in Rome, Italy offers high-quality programs in both English and Italian.
What Are the Major Intakes in Italy?
Italian universities offer two primary intakes for international students:
- Fall Intake (September/October)
- Spring Intake (February)
First, Let’s talk about each of the intakes to know when to apply and which one of the intakes will be more suitable for you.
Fall Intake in Italy (September/October 2025)
The Fall intake is the main and most preferred intake for international students. It has the widest range of courses, more scholarship opportunities, and better university selection.
Key Highlights:
- Application Window: January to April/June 2025
- Course Availability: High
- Popular Programs: Business, Engineering, Architecture, Fashion, Arts
- Top Universities: Sapienza University, Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna
Why Choose the Fall Intake?
- More programs in English
- Higher chances of receiving scholarships
- Better preparation time for visas
- Easier integration with academic calendar
Spring Intake in Italy (February/March 2026)
The Spring intake is a smaller session but still offers quality programs at select universities.
Key Highlights:
- Application Window: September to November/December 2025
- Course Availability: Moderate to limited
- Best For: Students who missed the Fall deadlines or need more prep time
- Popular Fields: Business, select Master’s programs, niche technical courses
Why Choose the Spring Intake?
- Less competition
- Additional opportunity to apply if Fall intake is missed
- Easier admission in specific programs
Important Dates to Remember
Here’s a general timeline for the 2025-2026 intakes in Italy:
- Fall Intake 2025: Applications begin in January 2025 and end in April through June 2025.
- Spring Intake 2026: Applications open in September 2025 and close by November or December 2025.
Italy Intake Timeline: 2025–2026
| Intake | Application Period | Classes Begin |
| Fall Intake 2025 | Jan – Apr/Jun 2025 | Sept/Oct 2025 |
| Spring Intake 2026 | Sep – Nov/Dec 2025 | Feb/Mar 2026 |
Note: Deadlines may vary by university. Always check the official university website.
How to Apply to Italian Universities
- Research Courses and Universities
- Use portals like Universitaly or individual university sites
- Top picks: University of Milan, University of Padua, Politecnico di Torino
- Prepare Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Valid passport
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Apply Online
- Use the university’s portal or common platforms like Universitaly
- Pay application fees (if applicable)
- Get Admission Offer
- Receive a conditional or unconditional offer letter
- Apply for Student Visa
- Apply through the nearest Italian embassy/consulate
- Submit offer letter, financial proof, passport, health insurance
Scholarship Opportunities in Italy
Italy offers many scholarships for international students, such as:
- Invest Your Talent in Italy
- EDISU Piemonte Scholarships
- University-specific grants
- Italian Government Scholarships
Always check deadlines and eligibility on scholarship websites.
Top Universities in Italy for International Students
Some leading universities in Italy for international students include:
| University | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Milan | Engineering, Design, Architecture |
| University of Bologna | Bologna | Oldest university in the world, diverse programs |
| Sapienza University | Rome | Humanities, Science, Research |
| Politecnico di Torino | Turin | Engineering, Architecture |
| University of Padua | Padua | Medicine, Law, Science |
Why Choose Italy as a Study Destination?
- Affordable Tuition: €1,000 – €4,000/year at public universities
- Low Living Costs: €600 – €1,000/month
- Globally Recognised Degrees
- Rich Cultural Experience
- Many English-Taught Programs
Conclusion
Studying in Italy offers a blend of high-quality education, affordability, and a culturally rich experience. Whether you choose the Fall intake (Sept 2025) or the Spring intake (Feb 2026), applying early is key to securing your spot, scholarship, and visa approval. Stay updated with deadlines, prepare all documents in advance, and explore funding options to make your Italian education journey successful.
Related Articles:
- Italy’s Best Universities for International Students Without IELTS
- Study at Tuition-Free Public Universities in Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
How many intakes are there for Italy?
Italy generally has two main intakes for international students:
1. September/October (Fall Intake) – Primary intake with most course availability
2. February/March (Spring Intake) – Limited programs offeredWhich intake is best for Italy?
The September intake is the best and most popular for international students. It offers a wider range of courses, scholarships, and smoother visa processing timelines.
Which course is in demand in Italy?
Popular and high-demand courses in Italy include:
1. Design & Fashion (Milan & Florence)
2. Architecture
3. Business and Management
4. Engineering (especially Mechanical and Automotive)
5. Culinary Arts & Hospitality
6. International Relations and Political ScienceIs 5.5 IELTS accepted in Italy?
Some universities in Italy accept IELTS 5.5 for foundation or pathway programs. However, most English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programs require IELTS 6.0 or 6.5.
What are the intakes in Italy for international students?
International students can apply for:
1. Fall Intake – Starts in September/October
2. Spring Intake – Starts in February/March
Fall is more competitive but also offers more options.How many intakes are there in Italy for bachelors?
For bachelor’s degrees, most universities in Italy offer two intakes:
1. September/October (main)
2. February/March (limited)What month does college start in Italy?
In Italy, the academic year for most universities starts in September or October. Spring intake programs usually begin in February.
Which intake is best for international students?
The September intake is best for international students because:
1. More universities and programs are available
2. Scholarships and funding options are open
3. Visa approvals are more streamlinedIs IELTS required for Italy student visa 2025?
IELTS is not mandatory for a student visa if your university confirms English as the medium of instruction. However, most universities require IELTS/TOEFL for admission to English-taught programs.
Are admissions open in Italy for international students?
Yes, Italian universities begin accepting applications for the September 2025 intake from December 2024 onward. It’s best to apply early due to high demand and visa timelines.
How many years stay back in Italy for international students?
After graduation, international students can get a stay-back period of 12 months (1 year) to search for a job under the Permesso di Soggiorno (temporary residence permit).
How much does it cost to study in Italy for international students?
Studying in Italy is affordable. Here’s a rough breakdown:
1. Tuition: €1,000 to €4,000 per year in public universities
2. Living costs: €600 to €1,000/month depending on the city
Scholarships can cover tuition and part of living expenses.