Introduction
The short answer is yes. Italy is one of the few countries in Europe where you can get a high-quality degree without spending crores of rupees. In fact, if you know the right strategies, you can study in Italy for less than what you would pay for a private engineering college in India.
Here is the reality check: Most Indian students spend ₹20-40 lakhs per year in countries like the US, UK, or Canada. In Italy, you can complete your entire 3-year Bachelor’s degree for ₹15-20 lakhs total—including tuition, rent, food, and travel.
This guide will show you exactly how to make the study in Italy in the September intake on a low budget. We will cover:
- Which universities charge the lowest fees
- How to get the DSU scholarship that gives you free accommodation + cash
- Part-time job opportunities to cover your monthly expenses
- Visa requirements and financial proof
- A complete timeline from application to arrival
Let us dive in.
Why September is the Right Time to Apply
The Italian academic year typically begins in September or October. For the 2026 intake, most universities will open their applications between January and April 2026.
Key Dates for September 2026 Intake
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| University applications open | January – March 2026 |
| Pre-enrolment on Universitaly portal | April – July 2026 |
| Scholarship applications (DSU) | July – September 2026 |
| Visa application | July – August 2026 |
| First instalment payment | By 30 September 2026 |
| Travel to Italy | September – October 2026 |
Important: If you miss these deadlines, you will have to wait for the next academic year. Start preparing your documents at least 3-4 months in advance.
The Cheapest Universities in Italy for September 2026 Intake
Italian public universities are government-funded and charge fees based on your family’s income. This means two students in the same class could pay completely different amounts—and as an Indian student from a middle-class family, you will likely pay on the lower end.
Here are the most affordable public universities for international students:
Pro tip: The University of Bari in Southern Italy has some of the lowest fees in the country. Living costs in the south are also significantly cheaper than in Milan or Rome.
The Secret to Paying Almost Nothing – How the ISEE System Works
This is the most important section of this guide. Most Indian students do not know about the ISEE system, and because of that, they end up paying thousands of euros more than necessary.
What is ISEE?
ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) is Italy’s official measure of a family’s financial situation. Italian universities use it to determine how much you should pay in tuition fees. The lower your family income, the less you pay.
Real Example: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (2026/2027)
Here is what you will pay if your family’s ISEE is under €25,000:
Yes, you read that correctly. You can study at a reputable European university for less than ₹22,000 per year.
What If You Do NOT Submit ISEE?
If you do not go through the ISEE process, you will pay the full amount:
That is almost 10 times more than what you would pay with ISEE.
How to Get ISEE Parificato as an Indian Student
Since your family’s income and assets are in India, you cannot get the regular ISEE. You need an ISEE Parificato (equivalent certificate). Here is what you need to prepare:
Required documents (translated into Italian and apostilled):
- Certificate of family composition (listing all family members living together)
- Income certificates for all employed family members (last financial year)
- Certificate of no income for non-employed family members
- Property documents (proof of ownership and cadastral value)
- Bank statements as of December 31 of the reporting year
- Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
Process:
- Collect all documents in India
- Get them translated into Italian by a certified translator
- Get an apostille (legalisation) from the authorities
- Submit to a CAF (tax assistance centre) in Italy after you arrive
Timeline: Start this process at least 3-4 months before the application deadline. Apostilles can take 2-6 weeks, and translations take another 1-2 weeks.
DSU Scholarship – The Game Changer for Low-Budget Students
The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) scholarship is Italy’s regional financial aid program. It is need-based, meaning it prioritises students from lower-income families. As an Indian student from a middle-class background, you have a strong chance of receiving it.
What Does the DSU Scholarship Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Full tuition waiver | You pay €0 in tuition fees |
| Cash stipend | €2,500 – €7,900 per year (paid directly to you) |
| Free accommodation | University dormitory room OR housing allowance |
| Free meals | One free or heavily discounted meal per day in the student canteen |
Total value: The full package can be worth €10,000-€15,000 per year (₹10-16 lakhs).
Eligibility for DSU
- You must be enrolled or pre-enrolled at an Italian university
- Your family income (ISEE) must be below the regional threshold (typically €22,000-€30,000)
- You cannot already hold a degree at the same level (no second Bachelor’s)
- For second year onward: you must earn minimum credits (CFU)
Regional DSU Agencies and Deadlines (2026 Estimate)
Step-by-Step DSU Application Process
- Select your university and region – DSU is tied to where your university is located
- Prepare ISEE Parificato documents – Start 3-4 months in advance
- Complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly – This is mandatory
- Register on the regional DSU portal – Find the “Bando borse di studio” section
- Submit your application online – Attach ISEE Parificato and other documents
- Wait for the ranking – Preliminary results usually in October-November
Important note: DSU is not automatic. You must apply within the deadline window. Late applications are rejected.
Cost of Living – How to Live on €600-€800 Per Month
Your living expenses will depend heavily on which city you choose. Here is a realistic breakdown for 2026:
Monthly Living Costs by City Type
| Expense | Small Cities (Padua, Pisa, Bari) | Medium Cities (Bologna, Turin) | Large Cities (Milan, Rome) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | €300 – €500 | €400 – €700 | €600 – €1,000 |
| Food | €150 – €200 | €150 – €250 | €200 – €300 |
| Transport (student pass) | €25 – €35 | €30 – €50 | €35 – €60 |
| Phone & internet | €10 – €20 | €10 – €20 | €10 – €20 |
| Health & misc | €40 – €60 | €50 – €80 | €60 – €100 |
| Total Monthly | €525 – €815 | €640 – €1,100 | €905 – €1,480 |
| Total in ₹ | ₹56,000 – ₹87,000 | ₹68,000 – ₹1.18 lakhs | ₹97,000 – ₹1.58 lakhs |
How to save money:
- Cook Indian food at home – Groceries like rice, dal, and spices are available in most cities
- Share accommodation – A double room costs much less than a single
- Use student discounts – Museums, transport, and even some restaurants offer student rates
- Shop at discount supermarkets – Lidl, Aldi, and Eurospin are cheaper than Carrefour or Conad
Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Italy (2026)
Working part-time is one of the best ways to manage your living expenses. Italy allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays.
Legal Requirements for Working
- Valid Type D student visa
- Permesso di Soggiorno (stay permit) – apply within 8 days of arrival
- Codice Fiscale (tax ID) – get from the tax office
- Valid employment contract
Part-Time Jobs and Hourly Wages (2026)
How Much Can You Earn Monthly?
If you work 20 hours per week at €10/hour:
- Weekly earnings: €200
- Monthly earnings: €800 (approximately ₹85,600)
This amount can cover most of your living expenses if you are in a medium or small city.
Important: Part-time jobs are meant to cover daily expenses, not your entire tuition and living costs. Do not rely on work to pay for everything. Have enough savings for at least the first 6 months.
Part 7: Student Visa Requirements and Financial Proof (2026)
To get the Italian student visa (Type D), you must prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself. Here are the 2026 requirements:
Financial Proof Amount
| Requirement | Amount (€) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum annual living expenses | €6,079 – €6,947 | ₹6.5 – ₹7.5 lakhs |
This amount must be shown in your bank statement or through an education loan sanction letter. If you have a scholarship, you only need to show the difference.
Accepted Proof of Funds
- Bank statement (last 3-6 months)
- Education loan sanction letter
- Sponsor letter (if parents are sponsoring)
- Scholarship award letter
Other Visa Requirements
Visa Application Timeline
- Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel
- Processing time: Up to 90 days
- Do NOT book flights before visa approval
Complete Step-by-Step Timeline for September 2026 Intake
Here is your month-by-month action plan:
January – March 2026: Research and Preparation
- Shortlist universities and programs (English-taught)
- Check specific admission requirements
- Prepare academic documents (mark sheets, degrees)
- Take IELTS/TOEFL if required (minimum IELTS 6.0)
April – June 2026: Applications
- Submit university applications through official portals
- Apply for government scholarships (MAECI, IYT)
- Complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly portal (mandatory)
- Start collecting documents for ISEE Parificato
July – August 2026: Scholarships and Visa
- Apply for DSU scholarship through regional portals (deadlines in July-September)
- Receive admission letter from university
- Gather financial documents (bank statements, loan letter)
- Book visa appointment at Italian Consulate (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru)
- Submit Type D student visa application
September 2026: Payment and Travel
- Pay first instalment (by 30 September 2026)
- For ISEE-eligible students: pay only regional tax (€192 + €16)
- Travel to Italy
- Arrange temporary accommodation
October – November 2026: Arrival Formalities
- Within 8 days of arrival: Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno (stay permit) at the post office
- Get Codice Fiscale (tax ID)
- Complete ISEE Parificato at CAF office
- Open a bank account (optional but helpful)
- Enrol in health insurance
Sample Budget for a Low-Cost September 2026 Intake
Here is what your first year could look like if you plan everything right:
| Expense Category | Without DSU (€) | With DSU (€) | With DSU (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees (after ISEE) | €208 – €1,000 | €0 | ₹0 |
| Accommodation | €3,600 – €6,000 | €0 (dorm provided) | ₹0 |
| Food | €1,800 – €2,400 | €0 (free meals) | ₹0 |
| Transport | €300 – €500 | €300 – €500 | ₹32,000 – ₹54,000 |
| Health insurance | €150 – €300 | €150 – €300 | ₹16,000 – ₹32,000 |
| Books & supplies | €300 – €500 | €300 – €500 | ₹32,000 – ₹54,000 |
| Visa & residence permit | €150 – €200 | €150 – €200 | ₹16,000 – ₹21,000 |
| TOTAL FIRST YEAR | €6,500 – €10,900 | €900 – €1,500 | ₹96,000 – ₹1.6 lakhs |
Yes, you read that correctly. With DSU scholarship, your total out-of-pocket expense for the first year could be under ₹1.6 lakhs. The rest is covered by the scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in Italy without knowing Italian?
Yes. Many Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are taught entirely in English. However, learning basic Italian (A2-B1 level) will help with daily life, part-time jobs, and post-study work opportunities.
Is NEET required to study in Italy?
For medical courses (MBBS equivalent), YES. Indian students must have a valid NEET score to preserve India-return eligibility. For non-medical courses, NEET is not required.
What is the minimum IELTS score required?
Most universities require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for English-taught programs. Some universities accept “Medium of Instruction” certificates as proof.
Can I stay back after graduation?
Yes. Italy offers a 12-month “Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione” (stay permit for job search) after graduation. You can look for a job or convert to a work permit during this time.
Is Indian food available in Italy?
Yes. Major cities have Indian grocery stores where you can find rice, dal, spices, and even frozen rotis. Cooking at home is the most affordable option.
How much bank balance is required for the visa?
Approximately €6,000-€7,000 (₹6.5-7.5 lakhs) for living expenses. This does not include tuition fees.
Conclusion: Your Low-Budget September 2026 Plan
Studying in Italy in September on a low budget is not just a dream—it is a realistic goal if you follow the strategies in this guide.
Your Action Items Right Now:
- Start your ISEE document collection – This takes the longest (3-4 months)
- Shortlist 3-4 public universities – Focus on Bari, Turin, Padua, or Bologna
- Prepare for IELTS – Target a score of 6.0 or higher
- Save ₹7-8 lakhs for visa financial proof – This is the minimum requirement
- Apply for DSU scholarship as soon as portals open – Deadlines are in July-September 2026
The Bottom Line:
| Scenario | Total First Year Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Without scholarship, in Milan | ₹12 – 18 lakhs |
| Without scholarship, in Bari/Turin | ₹7 – 10 lakhs |
| With DSU scholarship + ISEE | ₹1 – 2 lakhs |
The DSU scholarship is the single most important opportunity for budget-conscious Indian students. Start preparing your financial documents today, and you could be studying in Italy for less than the cost of a single semester at a private Indian college.
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