Study in Italy from Dubai

Popular Courses to Study in Italy

International students in Italy choose degrees across engineering, business management, architecture, fashion design, and artificial intelligence.

• Engineering and Technology: High demand for mechanical, aerospace, civil, and computer engineering degrees.
• Business and Economics: Popular choices include international business, finance, management, and data analytics.
• Fashion and Design: World-recognized programmes in interior design, industrial design, and fashion management.
• Architecture and Built Environment: Specialized degrees covering urban planning, sustainable building, and historical preservation.

For medical studies, review our guide on MBBS in Italy to learn about IMAT entry exams and university requirements.

Visa Requirements for UAE students

UAE residents applying for an Italian study visa must hold a valid UAE residence visa. You must submit your Type D long-stay application through VFS Global in Dubai.

Required Documents

• Valid Passport: Must remain valid three months past visa expiry.
• UAE Residence Visa: Must maintain valid resident status.
• Universitaly Summary: Mandatory pre-enrollment confirmation document.
• University Acceptance Letter: Official admission letter from host institution.
• Academic Qualifications: Legalised transcripts translated into Italian.
• KHDA and MOFA Attestation: Certificates must show local UAE attestations.
• CIMEA Verification: Statement of Comparability or Declaration of Value.
• Language Proficiency Proof: Valid IELTS or B2 certificate.
• Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing minimum funding requirements.
• Accommodation Proof: Minimum 30-day confirmed housing booking.
• Schengen Travel Insurance: Minimum medical coverage of €30,000.

Academic Eligibility

• Bachelor’s Programmes: Applicants must hold a high school diploma after completing 12 years of continuous education.
• Master’s Programmes: Applicants must hold a recognized three-year or four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
• Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 for English-taught degrees.

IELTS and English Language Requirements

IELTS is not strictly mandatory for all Italian university applications or student visas. Many institutions accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate if your previous education was in English. Most English-taught programmes expect an IELTS Academic score between 5.5 and 6.5. Top universities and scholarship programmes often require a minimum score of 6.0.

Proof of Funds

You must demonstrate minimum financial resources of €6,947.33 per academic year (approximately AED 28,000). You must submit bank statements covering the last three to six months.  WSL consultant will verify your financial documents to satisfy official embassy requirements.

Medical and Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants must purchase comprehensive international health insurance covering at least €30,000 for emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, and repatriation. You must acquire this policy before submitting your visa application to cover your initial stay in Italy. Upon arrival, students can register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) for full medical coverage. 

Cost of Studying in Italy

Tuition fees in Italy range from €900 to €20,000 (AED 3,600 to AED 80,000) per year.

• Public Universities (Bachelor’s): €900 to €4,000 (AED 3,600 to AED 16,000) per academic year.
• Public Universities (Master’s): €1,000 to €4,500 (AED 4,000 to AED 18,000) per academic year.
• Private Universities (All Levels): €6,000 to €20,000 (AED 24,000 to AED 80,000) per academic year.
• Average Monthly Living Expenses: €700 to €1,200 (AED 2,800 to AED 4,800) for housing, food, and transport.

Public institutions calculate exact fees based on your family income assessment.

Living costs in Italy for International students

International students spend €700 to €1,200 (AED 2,800 to AED 4,800) per month on living expenses in Italy.

• Accommodation: €300 to €700 (AED 1,200 to AED 2,800) monthly for shared apartments or student dormitories.
• Food and Groceries: €150 to €300 (AED 600 to AED 1,200) monthly when cooking or using university canteens.
• Public Transportation: €25 to €45 (AED 100 to AED 180) monthly for student transit passes.
• Utilities and Internet: €50 to €100 (AED 200 to AED 400) monthly for shared bills.

Expenses vary by city. Living costs in Milan and Rome are higher than in Bologna, Turin, or Naples.

Scholarship for UAE students

UAE students can access regional DSU scholarships and Italian MAECI government grants. These awards cover full tuition fees, accommodation, and annual stipends up to €8,000 (AED 32,000).

• Regional DSU Grants: Offer full tuition waivers, accommodation, and €2,500 to €7,000 annual stipends.
• MAECI Government Grants: Provide €900 (AED 3,600) monthly for master’s and PhD students.
• University Merit Grants: Award €5,000 to €12,000 per year based on academic performance.

Italy student visa process

• Secure University Admission: Apply to an Italian university and receive your official letter of acceptance.
• Submit Universitaly Pre-Enrollment: Register on the official Universitaly portal and submit your pre-enrollment application.
• Gather Required Documents: Prepare your passport, educational certificates, IELTS score, health insurance, and financial evidence.
• Book a VFS Global Appointment: Schedule your visa appointment at the VFS Global Italy Visa Application Centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• Submit Application and Biometrics: Attend your appointment, submit your physical file, pay the visa fee, and provide biometric data.
• Collect Your Passport: Track your application online and collect your stamped passport once processed.
• Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno: Apply for your residence permit at a local post office within eight days of arriving in Italy.

Part-Time Work Rights for Students in Italy

International students in Italy can legally work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms, capped at 1,040 hours per calendar year. Your valid Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) serves as your official work authorization. Students can also transition to full-time work (up to 40 hours per week) during official semester breaks and summer holidays.

Why Choose WSL Consultants for Italy Study Visa in Dubai

WSL Consultants brings 14 years of direct experience and a proven 90% success rate to international education consulting. Having secured over 10,000 visas and university admissions across Europe, our specialists understand the distinct visa requirements for UAE residents applying from Dubai. We manage every stage of your journey, including university selection, pre-enrollment on the Universitaly portal, regional scholarship applications, and complete embassy documentation. Our team conducts thorough document checks to ensure your file satisfies strict VFS Global standards on the first submission.  

Contact WSL Consultants today to book your free profile assessment and start your application for studying in Italy.