Study Design in Italy

The following Universities offer Design programs both in English and Italian:

• Politecnico di Milano 
• Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) 
• Domus Academy 
• Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA)
• Università Iuav di Venezia
• Scuola Politecnica di Design (SPD) 
• Politecnico di Torino
• Florence Institute of Design International (FIDI) 
• Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera 
• Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche (ISIA) 

Take a look at our University ranking page to learn more about these Universities’ world ranking.

Entry to most Design programs in Italy is regulated by selective entry exams, that take place onsite at single universities. Exam dates and formats are different for every university, but they normally are in the second half of July. We recommend checking well in advance on the chosen University website.

Some universities, including Milan Politecnico, will also test the candidates’ English knowledge with the TENG exam (Test of English): it consists of 30 multiple choice questions and the minimum score is 24/30. If the candidate has a lower score, they will have to earn extra credits before they finalize the matriculation. 

Here is an example of the structure of the TOLD exam, the entry exam for Milan Politecnico:

 Assessment criteria:

•  1 point for each correct answer
• -0.25 points for each incorrect answer
• 0 points for each incorrect answer

Each year the Italian Ministry of Education releases updates for the admission process with precise dates etc. Admission procedures can also change depending on each university.

Below are general estimates based on previous years.

EU STUDENTS

• MARCH – MAY: Register online for the admission test
  Documents needed: Declaration of Value; legalized and apostilled translation of High School Diploma
• SUMMER: sit the admission test

• SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER: Enrollment
  Documents needed: passing the admission test, payment of the tuition fee for the first year, any other form required by the university 

NON-EU STUDENTS

• MARCH – MAY: Register online for the admission test
  Documents needed: Declaration of Value; legalized and apostilled translation of High School Diploma
• APRIL – JUNE: Pre-enrollment at the Italian embassy/consulate in country of origin
  Documents needed: High School Diploma

• SUMMER: Sit the admission test 

   

• AUGUST – SEPTEMBER: Visa application
  Documents needed: Confirmation letter of application to the exam; International Health Insurance; Declaration of Financial capacity

• SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER: Enrollment
  Documents needed: passing the admission test, student visa + permit of stay, payment of the tuition fee for the first year, any other form required by the university

Italian universities offer affordable education options to both EU and non-EU students. 

Public universities, known for their good reputation in academics, usually charge lower tuition fees compared to private ones: the fees at public universities can range from about €200 to €5,200 per year, while private universities charge higher.

Detailed information can be found on the chosen university website. 

Your family’s income can also affect how much you pay. If you’re from a low-income family or excel academically, you might qualify for scholarships or financial aid to help cover your tuition fees.