Study in Italy: IELTS, Admission, Universities & Scholarships

Study in Italy: 7 Important Questions for Pakistani Students in 2026

Italy continues to attract Pakistani students looking for recognised higher education in Europe. Italian universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, single-cycle and other higher-education programmes, including a wide range of English-taught courses.

International students can also explore university scholarships, regional right-to-study support, tuition reductions and other financial opportunities depending on their university, region, academic profile and financial circumstances.

If you are planning to study in Italy for the 2026/27 academic year, it is important to understand the latest admission, language, financial, document, Universitaly, scholarship and student-visa requirements before beginning your application.

For 2026/27, students should rely on the latest information issued by their chosen university, the official Universitaly portal, the Italian diplomatic authorities and the applicable visa application centre. Requirements can vary according to the programme and the student’s individual circumstances.

Table of Contents

• Can I Study in Italy Without IELTS?
• What Are the Admission Requirements for Italian Universities?
• Which Universities in Italy Are Best for International Students?
• How Can Pakistani Students Get a Scholarship in Italy?
• What Is the DSU Scholarship in Italy?
• Can I Study in Italy with Low Tuition Fees?
• Can I Work While Studying in Italy?
• What Is the Universitaly Process for Pakistani Students?
• What Are the Important Italy Visa Updates for Pakistani Students?
• What Documents Are Important for Pakistani Students?
• What Is the Italy Student Visa Deadline for 2026?
• Study in Italy: Application Checklist
• Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Study in Italy Without IELTS?

Yes, it may be possible to study in Italy without IELTS, but this depends on the university, programme and applicable language requirements.

IELTS is not automatically required for every Italian university or programme. However, students should not assume that IELTS can always be waived simply because a programme is taught in English.

For programmes taught in a language other than Italian, the Italian Embassy in Islamabad’s current 2026 study-visa documentation guidance states that applicants must provide valid language certification at a level of at least B2, issued by an internationally recognised institution, such as IELTS or TOEFL, or an equivalent certification issued by the relevant Italian university where it meets the stated requirements.

Depending on the university and programme, acceptable evidence may include:

• IELTS or another recognised English-language qualification
• TOEFL or an accepted equivalent
• A university-issued language certification where permitted
• Previous education in English, where the university and applicable visa requirements accept it
• Other evidence specifically listed by the selected programme

For programmes taught in Italian, applicants may need to demonstrate appropriate Italian-language proficiency. The current Islamabad study-visa checklist specifies B2-level evidence for relevant Italian-taught courses.

Students should also distinguish between university admission requirements and student-visa requirements. Evidence accepted by a university does not automatically mean that the same evidence satisfies every requirement of the visa process.

The safest approach is to check both the selected university’s official programme requirements and the latest applicable Italian Embassy documentation before submitting an application.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Italian Universities?

There is no single set of Italy admission requirements that applies to every university and programme.

Requirements can depend on:

• University
• Degree level
• Programme
• Previous qualification
• Language of instruction
• Academic background
• Programme-specific entrance requirements
• Available places

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

For a bachelor’s programme, Pakistani students may generally need:

• A recognised secondary or higher-secondary qualification
• Academic transcripts
• A valid passport
• Proof of language proficiency where required
• Programme-specific entrance tests where applicable
• Required subject prerequisites
• Other documents requested by the university

The selected university evaluates the student’s previous education and determines whether the qualification provides the appropriate academic access for the chosen programme.

Some bachelor’s programmes can have competitive admission procedures, entrance examinations, limited places or additional academic requirements.

Master’s Degree Requirements

For a master’s programme, students may generally need:

• A recognised bachelor’s degree
• Academic transcripts
• Relevant academic background
• A valid passport
• CV, where required
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose, where required
• English or Italian language evidence, where required
• Specific academic credits or prerequisite subjects
• Additional qualification documentation where required

Some programmes may also require entrance examinations, interviews, portfolios, specific prerequisite subjects or additional assessments.

International students should check the exact programme requirements because the university is responsible for evaluating an applicant’s previous qualifications for admission.

Pakistani students should therefore avoid relying on a generic list of Italy admission requirements. Always check the requirements of the exact university and programme you intend to apply to.

Which Universities in Italy Are Best for International Students?

There is no single “best” Italian university for every international student.

The right university depends on the student’s academic background, intended subject, budget, language ability, preferred city, career objectives and eligibility for financial support.

When creating a university shortlist, students should consider:

• Academic reputation
• Degree structure and course content
• Intended subject
• Tuition fees
• Scholarship opportunities
• City and living costs
• Language of instruction
• Admission requirements
• Internship opportunities
• Career opportunities
• International student support
• Accommodation availability

Italian universities offer programmes across areas such as engineering, business and economics, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, architecture, medicine, design, social sciences and finance.

For Pakistani students, university selection should be based on course suitability, admission eligibility, tuition fees, living costs, scholarship opportunities, location and career objectives, rather than rankings alone.

Students should also confirm whether their selected programme is taught in English or Italian and whether they meet all academic and language requirements.

For students requiring an Italian study visa, the university assessment and the Universitaly pre-enrolment process are particularly important.

How Can Pakistani Students Get a Scholarship in Italy?

Pakistani students can explore different scholarships and financial-support opportunities when planning to study in Italy.

Potential sources include:

• University scholarships
• Regional right-to-study scholarships
• Merit-based awards
• Need-based financial support
• Tuition-fee reductions
• Government scholarship programmes
• Other institutional financial-support schemes

Scholarship requirements can vary considerably.

Some awards focus mainly on academic merit, while regional or need-based schemes can consider financial circumstances, family income, assets, academic performance and other criteria.

Students applying for financial support may need documents relating to:

• Family income
• Family composition
• Assets
• Financial circumstances
• Academic performance
• Other information requested by the relevant authority

What Happened to the 2026/27 MAECI Scholarship?

Students planning their applications in September 2026 should note that the 2026/27 MAECI Italian Government scholarship application period has already closed.

The official MAECI call set the application deadline at 26 March 2026 at 14:00 Italian time. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Therefore, Pakistani students applying now should not treat the 2026/27 MAECI scholarship as an upcoming application opportunity.

However, this does not mean that all scholarship opportunities are closed.

University scholarships and regional right-to-study opportunities operate under their own rules and deadlines and may still be available depending on the university, region, programme and student’s eligibility.

Most importantly, university admission does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.

What Is the DSU Scholarship in Italy?

The term DSU scholarship is commonly used by international students when referring to regional right-to-study support in Italy.

However, DSU should not be treated as one single nationwide scholarship with identical rules throughout Italy.

Different regional authorities administer their own right-to-study schemes. Eligibility criteria, application procedures, deadlines, financial documentation and benefits can therefore vary between regions.

Depending on the region and the student’s eligibility, support may include:

• Tuition-fee assistance or exemption
• Meals
• Accommodation or housing support
• Financial assistance
• Other student services

Eligibility can depend on academic progress and financial circumstances.

International students may need to provide detailed financial and family documentation from their home country.

Pakistani students should therefore prepare their financial documents carefully and check the requirements of the specific regional authority before applying.

The name, rules, application procedure, deadlines and benefits can differ depending on where the student studies.

Therefore, qualifying for regional support in one part of Italy does not automatically mean that the same benefits will be available in another region.

Can I Study in Italy with Low Tuition Fees?

Yes, Italy can offer comparatively accessible higher-education options, but the total cost to study in Italy depends on the university, programme, city, accommodation, lifestyle and whether the student receives financial support.

Before applying, Pakistani students should calculate:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Food and daily living expenses
• Transportation
• Health or travel insurance
• Residence-permit costs
• Visa-related expenses
• Flight costs
• Books and academic materials
• Personal and emergency expenses

Public universities can have different tuition structures and may offer reductions or exemptions depending on the student’s circumstances and applicable university or regional policies.

Eligible students may also benefit from regional or university financial support.

However, students should not assume that every Italian university or city is inexpensive.

A programme with comparatively low tuition can still result in a high overall budget if accommodation and daily expenses are expensive.

Students should therefore calculate their total first-year cost, rather than comparing tuition fees alone.

How Much Money Do I Need for an Italy Student Visa?

This is an area where Pakistani students should be particularly careful about outdated information published online.

The current 2026 study-visa documentation published by the Italian Embassy in Islamabad specifies annual financial means of €10,179.85 for the student’s subsistence. The checklist also makes clear that this is not assessed simply by looking at a one-time account balance or an unexplained deposit. The wider financial situation of the student or eligible sponsor is considered. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The Embassy’s documentation states that financial resources may involve the student’s own funds, parents or certain eligible relatives, as well as qualifying scholarship or institutional support.

Students may need evidence such as:

• Student or family bank statements
• Evidence of family income
• Employment or business documentation
• Proof of relationship with a sponsor, where applicable
• Scholarship documentation, if actually awarded
• Evidence supporting the source of funds
• Other financial evidence requested by the competent authority

The Islamabad checklist specifically warns that cash and one-time or ad-hoc deposits are not sufficient evidence of the financial requirement. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Students should therefore avoid relying on older online figures such as €6,079.45 as a universal current requirement.

Can I Work While Studying in Italy?

Yes. International students holding an appropriate study residence permit can work part-time in Italy, subject to Italian immigration and employment rules.

Italy’s official guidance states that a study residence permit allows students to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year.

Possible employment opportunities can vary depending on:

• Italian-language ability
• Location
• Previous experience
• Academic schedule
• Employer demand
• Availability of suitable positions

Students may find opportunities in areas such as hospitality, retail, restaurants and cafés, customer service, tutoring and other legally permitted part-time employment.

However, students should not depend on part-time employment as their primary source of funding.

Finding a suitable job can take time, and opportunities can depend heavily on Italian-language ability and the local labour market.

Learning Italian can therefore be useful for students who want to work and build professional relationships in Italy.

What Is the Universitaly Process for Pakistani Students?

Universitaly is the official Italian portal used for international student pre-enrolment.

For students requiring a study visa, the general process is:

1. Select an Italian university and programme.
2. Check the university’s admission requirements.
3. Apply to the university.
4. Receive the required admission documentation.
5. Complete the relevant Universitaly pre-enrolment application.
6. Provide the required information and documents.
7. Wait for the university to review and validate the application.
8. Follow the applicable student-visa procedure.
9. Complete the required residence formalities after arriving in Italy.

For the 2026/27 academic year, the Italian Embassy in Islamabad states that pre-enrolment applications must be submitted through Universitaly. It also states that only students whose pre-enrolment applications have been validated by their respective university are eligible to submit a study-visa application. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

The Embassy, through BLS-Intiana, is directly allocating study-visa appointments to eligible applicants whose university has validated their Universitaly pre-enrolment. Applicants are contacted at the email address used during Universitaly registration, with appointments assigned chronologically according to the university validation date. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

What Are the Important Italy Visa Updates for Pakistani Students?

Does Universitaly Validation Guarantee an Italian Student Visa?

No.

Universitaly validation does not guarantee visa approval.

It confirms that the university has validated the student’s pre-enrolment. The final decision on the visa remains with the competent Italian diplomatic or consular authority.

Students remain responsible for submitting a complete application that meets all applicable documentation and eligibility requirements.

What Documents Are Important for Pakistani Students?

The exact visa checklist depends on the applicant and programme, so students should always use the latest official checklist.

For the current Islamabad study-visa procedure, important documents can include:

• National visa application form
• Valid passport
• Recent photograph
• University admission documentation
• Universitaly pre-enrolment application validated by the university
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• CIMEA comparability/authenticity documentation or Declaration of Value, as applicable
• Proof of accommodation
• Financial documentation
• Language certification where required
• Other supporting documents requested by the Embassy

The current Islamabad checklist also states that relevant Pakistani academic documents must be Apostilled and translated into Italian. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Students should therefore avoid relying on an old document checklist, social-media post or another student’s previous visa file.

What Happened to the Multan and Faisalabad Italy Visa Centres?

There has been a major visa-centre change in Pakistan.

The Italian Embassy in Islamabad announced that the Multan and Faisalabad Italy Visa Application Centres permanently ceased operations on 6 September 2026. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Following the closure:

• Appointment bookings and waitlist registrations are available only through the Islamabad and Lahore centres.
• Passport delivery and collection for applicants who previously used Multan and Faisalabad are handled through the Lahore centre.
• Applicants should follow the latest BLS-Intiana instructions before travelling to a centre.

The Embassy states that visa applications must be submitted at the BLS centre competent for the applicant’s permanent consular residence. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Should I Pay Someone for an Italy Visa Appointment?

No.

The Italian Embassy in Islamabad has specifically warned applicants about intermediaries illegally offering visa appointments in exchange for money.

For study visas, students must first complete their Universitaly pre-enrolment. Once the relevant pre-enrolment has been validated or confirmed, BLS-Intiana contacts eligible applicants according to the applicable procedure. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Students should never purchase an Italian visa appointment.

The Embassy has also stated that neither the Embassy nor BLS-Intiana has an official WhatsApp or mobile number for contacting applicants about study-visa appointments, and they do not request deposits, commissions or other payments in exchange for appointments. Suspected fraud should be reported through official channels. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

What Is the Italy Student Visa Deadline for 2026?

For the 2026/27 academic year, the Italian Embassy in Islamabad has stated that the deadline for submitting visa applications for the relevant ordinary higher-education courses is:

The Embassy’s 2026/27 procedure specifically sets 30 November 2026 as the visa-application deadline and advises students to prepare their documentation and preliminary steps promptly. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

The relevant ordinary higher-education category can include bachelor’s, master’s, single-cycle and other qualifying higher-education programmes. However, students should not assume that every type of course follows exactly the same procedure.

Different categories, including certain PhD, Erasmus, foundation, individual-course and other programmes, can have different procedures or timelines.

Students should therefore check the procedure applicable to their exact programme.

Should Students Wait Until November 2026?

No.

Today is 22 September 2026, meaning there are approximately 69 days remaining until 30 November 2026.

Students who have not yet completed their university admission and Universitaly process should begin immediately.

The process can involve:

1. University selection
2. Admission application
3. Academic-document preparation
4. Translation and Apostille where applicable
5. University admission
6. Universitaly pre-enrolment
7. University validation
8. Financial-document preparation
9. Visa application preparation
10. BLS-Intiana appointment process
11. Visa submission

Waiting until the final weeks can create serious problems if documents are incomplete, the university requests additional information, financial evidence needs clarification or corrections are required before visa submission.

Study in Italy: Application Checklist for Pakistani Students

Before moving forward with your 2026/27 application, use this simple checklist:

• Choose your programme: Confirm the course, degree level and language of instruction.
• Check eligibility: Review the exact academic and language requirements.
• Apply to the university: Submit all programme-specific documents.
• Plan finances: Calculate tuition, accommodation, living expenses and visa financial requirements.
• Research scholarships: Check university and regional opportunities separately.
• Prepare documents: Arrange translations, Apostille and qualification documents where applicable.
• Complete Universitaly: Submit the required pre-enrolment application.
• Obtain university validation: Students requiring a study visa must have the relevant Universitaly application validated according to the Embassy procedure.
• Prepare the visa file: Follow the latest checklist applicable to your circumstances.
• Follow BLS instructions: Do not purchase appointments from intermediaries.
• Submit before the deadline: For the relevant 2026/27 courses, the deadline is 30 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Italy

Can Pakistani students study in Italy without IELTS?

It can be possible in certain circumstances, but students must satisfy the language requirements of their university, programme and applicable visa procedure. The current Islamabad visa checklist requires appropriate B2-level language evidence for relevant courses, so students should verify the exact requirement before applying.

How much money is required for an Italy student visa from Pakistan?

The current 2026 Islamabad study-visa checklist specifies annual financial means of €10,179.85. The Embassy also states that the assessment is broader than simply checking the account balance and that financial evidence must demonstrate reliable means of support.

What is the Italy student visa deadline for 2026/27?

For the relevant ordinary higher-education courses covered by the Islamabad Embassy’s 2026/27 procedure, the visa-application deadline is 30 November 2026.

Can Pakistani students get a DSU scholarship in Italy?

Pakistani students may be eligible for regional right-to-study support, commonly referred to as DSU in some regions. Eligibility, documentation, deadlines and benefits depend on the relevant regional authority.

Is the MAECI scholarship still open for 2026/27?

No. The official 2026/27 MAECI scholarship application deadline was 26 March 2026 at 14:00 Italian time. Students applying in September 2026 should investigate currently available university and regional scholarship opportunities instead.

Can international students work in Italy while studying?

Yes. Students with an appropriate study residence permit can generally work up to 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year, subject to the applicable Italian rules.

Can I use a visa agent to buy an Italy visa appointment?

No. The Italian Embassy in Islamabad has warned against intermediaries selling study-visa appointments. Eligible applicants are contacted through the official process after the relevant Universitaly validation.

Are the Italy visa centres in Multan and Faisalabad still open?

No. The Italian Embassy announced that the Multan and Faisalabad centres permanently ceased operations on 6 September 2026. Appointment bookings and waitlist registrations are now available through Islamabad and Lahore.

Conclusion

Italy remains an attractive destination for Pakistani students who want to pursue higher education in Europe.

Students may be able to study in Italy without IELTS in certain circumstances, but language requirements depend on the exact university, programme and applicable visa requirements.

Similarly, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, financial requirements and living costs can vary considerably between institutions and regions.

The best approach is to:

• Select a suitable university
• Choose a programme that matches your academic background
• Check the exact language requirements
• Understand the complete cost of study
• Research university and regional scholarships early
• Prepare academic and financial documents carefully
• Complete the relevant Universitaly process
• Obtain university validation where required
• Follow the latest Italian student-visa requirements
• Avoid unofficial visa or appointment services

For the 2026/27 academic year, Pakistani students should pay particular attention to the latest visa procedures.

The Italian Embassy in Islamabad has set 30 November 2026 as the visa-submission deadline for the relevant ordinary higher-education courses. Students whose Universitaly pre-enrolment has already been validated by their university are being directly contacted regarding study-visa appointments through the applicable BLS-Intiana process. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Students should also be aware that the Multan and Faisalabad Italy Visa Application Centres permanently closed on 6 September 2026. Appointment bookings and waitlist registrations are now available through the Islamabad and Lahore centres, with passport services for previous Multan and Faisalabad applicants handled through Lahore. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

The 2026/27 MAECI government scholarship deadline has already passed, so students applying now should focus on currently available university and regional scholarship opportunities rather than the closed MAECI call. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Financial planning is equally important. The current Islamabad study-visa checklist specifies €10,179.85 per year for the applicable financial-means requirement and makes clear that the assessment is not based merely on a one-time account balance. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

If you are planning to study in Italy in 2026, start your preparation immediately and verify the latest admission, scholarship, Universitaly, financial, document and visa requirements directly with your chosen university and the relevant Italian authorities.

Study in Italy with HR Consultants

Official Resources for Pakistani Students

• Italian Embassy Islamabad – 2026/27 Higher Education Procedures
• Universitaly – Official Italian University Portal
• Italian Embassy Islamabad – Multan and Faisalabad Visa Centre Closure
• Italian Embassy Islamabad – How to Book an Italian Visa Appointment
• BLS-Intiana Italy Visa Application Centre Pakistan
• Study in Italy – Official Scholarship and Study Information
• MAECI – Italian Government Scholarships