- Choose a course at an Italian university or AFAM institution and check its admission requirements.
- Submit a pre-enrolment application on Universitaly and wait for the institution to validate it.
- Obtain a CIMEA Statement of Comparability with Statement of Verification, or a Declaration of Value, for your qualifications.
- Get your documents apostilled and, where needed, translated into Italian.
- Prepare proof of funds (at least EUR 10,179.85 per year), health insurance and accommodation.
- Apply for the national (D) study visa at the Italian Embassy in Islamabad before the deadline.
- Within 8 working days of arrival, apply for your residence permit using the post office kit.
Study in Italy from Pakistan
Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources
Italy is home to Europe's oldest university and offers a wide choice of public universities and AFAM arts institutions. Pakistani students are drawn by affordable public universities, government scholarships and more than 300 courses taught in English. Applications for a study visa go through the Ministry of University's Universitaly portal, followed by a visa application at the Italian Embassy in Islamabad.
Money to show (visa)10,180 EUR / yearabout PKR 3,160,463
Student visa feesabout PKR 27,300
Why Pakistani students choose Italy
- Over 300 courses are taught in English, according to the Foreign Ministry's Study in Italy portal
- 67 public universities, 19 private universities and 144 AFAM arts institutions
- Pre-enrolment for a study visa is done only through the free Universitaly portal
- For 2026-27, visa applications for degree courses must be submitted by 30 November 2026
- MAECI government scholarships are open to students from eligible countries
What it costs
| Subsistence funds for the study visa Held in a bank account in the student's name; the Italian Embassy Islamabad also assesses regular monthly availability of funds |
10,180 EUR per year about PKR 3,160,463 |
|---|
Living costs: Milan · Rome (daily food, transport and rent estimates).
Work out the money to show in PKR → · Tuition is listed on each university page below.
Universities in Italy
All 4 →Politecnico di Milano
Milan
Income-based (2026/27): first instalment EUR 880.04 plus second instalment EU...
Sapienza University of Rome
Rome
EUR 300-1,500 per year depending on country of residence/income (Pakistan: Ba...
University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum)
Bologna
Income-based (2026/27): fixed EUR 157.04 plus a variable part up to a maximum...
University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova)
Padua
Same fixed fee for non-EU citizens not resident in Italy (2026/27): EUR 2,790...
Scholarships in Italy
All 3 →
Check official site
Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards
Bocconi's merit awards give top first-year MSc applicants a full waiver of Bocconi tuition and fe...
Check official sitePolitecnico di Milano Merit-Based International Scholarships (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze)
Politecnico di Milano offers merit scholarships to international applicants to its English-taught...
Check official sitePadua International Excellence Scholarship
The University of Padua gives up to 76 scholarships to brilliant international students on Englis...
Student visa and English
- Italy student visa: requirements, documents and fees (No fixed processing time for national visas; each applica...)
- Over 300 courses are taught in English; for programmes taught in a language other than Italian, the Islamabad embassy asks for B2-level proof such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- The visa requires health insurance of at least EUR 30,000 valid across Schengen; in Italy you need health insurance for the residence permit, or you can register with the national health service (SSN).
Steps to study in Italy
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance do I need for an Italian study visa?
The Italian Embassy in Islamabad requires subsistence funds of at least EUR 10,179.85 per year in an account in the student's name. It looks at the wider financial situation of the student or sponsor, not just one-off deposits, and does not accept cash or bank guarantees.
Can I study in Italy without IELTS?
For programmes taught in a language other than Italian, the Islamabad embassy asks for a certificate proving at least B2 level, such as IELTS or TOEFL, or an equivalent certificate from an Italian university covering all four skills. For Italian-taught programmes you need B2 Italian. Check your university's own rules too.
What is Universitaly and do I need it?
Universitaly is the free official portal of the Italian Ministry of University and Research. International students who need a study visa must submit their pre-enrolment application only through Universitaly, and the institution must validate it before you can apply for the visa.
What is the deadline to apply for an Italian student visa?
For the 2026-2027 academic year, visa applications for bachelor's, master's and single-cycle degree courses must be submitted by 30 November 2026. Universities may set earlier dates for their own courses, so check each programme.
Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.
Plan your application
Embassy & visa centres in Pakistan
- Consulate of Italy Karachi
- Embassy of Italy Islamabad
