Italy: A Top Choice for International Students
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, Italy deserves a serious look and this time not just for the food and art (though those certainly help).
Over the past few years, Italy has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international students thanks to a captivating mix of academic excellence, cultural richness, affordability, and increasing global recognition. According to a 2026 report by ICEF Monitor international enrollments have been rising by around 10% per year since 2022, second-fastest growth rate only after Spain. In 2024, official government data reported around 110,000 international students enrolled in Italian universities, a 14% increase from 2019.
One major reason for this surge is the expanding number of English-taught programmes: Italy now ranks among the top countries in Europe for such offerings, with around 1,250 English-medium degrees listed in 2024, nearly double the number from 2019. This trend makes Italian higher education accessible to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, while still providing pathways to learn Italian and engage with local culture.
Academic quality is also on the rise. Politecnico di Milano has reached an historic milestone by entering the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings at 98th place in 2026, the first Italian university to do so, and remains one of the strongest in Europe. A total of 15 Italian universities ranked in the global QS top 500, with 43 featured overall in global rankings second only to Germany among European nations.
Italy remains very affordable compared with many other leading study destinations. Tuition at public institutions typically ranges from around €500 to €4,500 per year, and the cost of student visas and living expenses is generally lower than in North America or the UK. Culturally, Italy offers an immersive experience that is hard to match: it is one of the most visited countries in the world, with UNESCO-recognized cities, world-class art, and a lifestyle that blends learning with life experience.
Bottom line? Italy offers quality education, global recognition, cultural depth, and a lifestyle that makes student life genuinely enjoyable. If you want an experience that combines career value with personal growth, Italy isn’t just a romantic choice — it’s a strategic one.