With many restrictions being imposed by Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK) — countries that were once top destinations for students seeking global education — several European countries are emerging as preferred destinations for students from India, particularly from Punjab.
Among these, Italy is showing a significant upward trend.
According to the latest report, “From Enrolment to Accommodation: Unlocking Italy’s Education System,” released by University Living at the Uni-Italia @ IDOHE INDIA 2024 event in New Delhi, Italy hosted over 93,000 international students in 2023, marking an increase of 28.5 per cent since 2021.
Indian students accounted for more than 6,100 of this.
This growth is driven by Italy’s strong yet affordable academic programmes, which are increasingly attracting Indian students who have traditionally turned to the United States (US), UK, Canada, and Australia for higher education.
The report was released during the Italian Days on Higher Education (IDOHE), an international study fair dedicated to higher education opportunities in Italy.
The event was organised by Uni-Italia India in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Embassy Cultural Centre (IIC) in New Delhi.
The report states that from 1,156 Indian students in Italy in 2014, the number has now increased to 6,148 students in 2023.
Italy’s allure for Indian students lies in its affordable tuition fees, scholarships, and rich cultural heritage, coupled with the availability of over 600 programmes taught in English, making it accessible to non-Italian speakers.
“Italy is proud to welcome an increasing number of Indian students, who bring immense talent and diversity to our academic institutions,” said HE Antonio Bartoli, ambassador of Italy to India, at the same event — Uni-Italia @ IDOHE INDIA 2024.
He added that Italy’s academic environment, supported by scholarships and cultural ties with India, provides a supportive ecosystem for students.
University Living’s Chief Executive Officer, Saurabh Arora, said that Italy’s combination of high-quality education, affordability, and cultural experience is proving increasingly attractive in the face of rising education costs worldwide.
“Italian institutions offer over 600 English-language courses, making it a compelling choice for Indian students who are now integral to Italy’s educational landscape,” he added.
“From just over 1,000 Indian students in 2014, the numbers have surged annually, with projections pointing to Italy becoming a major academic destination by 2030. This trend reflects a strategic choice for students aiming for European Union-recognised qualifications, opening doors to global careers,” said Arora.
Arkaprabha Biswas, coordinator for Uni-Italia India, expressed optimism about the expanding academic ties between the two nations.
“Our shared objective is to collaborate in recognising talented members of the diaspora who can serve as ambassadors to enhance the academic relationship between Italy and India,” he said.
As Italy cements its position as an academic hub, Indian students, parents, and education consultants are increasingly exploring Italy as a premier destination, said Gurpreet Singh, a Punjab-based consultant in study abroad.
According to Arora, tuition fees in Italy vary depending on the type of university and programme.
For public universities, undergraduate programmes cost between €900 and €4,000, while master’s and PhD programmes range from €1,000 to €5,000.
Private universities are more expensive, with tuition for both undergraduate and master’s programmes ranging from €6,000 to €25,000.
Living costs also vary depending on the type of accommodation.
University residences typically cost between €300 and €600 per month, and are preferred by 30 per cent of students because they are generally cheaper than private rentals or homestays.
Private rentals range from €500 to €1,400 per month and are preferred by 60 per cent of students, as they offer more independence and a wider range of amenities.
Homestays, which cost between €265 and €1,500 per month, provide cultural immersion but are chosen by only 10 per cent of students due to their higher costs, informed Arora.
Some of the most popular courses in Italy include a Bachelor’s in Fashion Art Direction, a Master’s in Automobile Design, a Master’s in Economics, and a Bachelor’s in Tourism Management.
While IELTS is not mandatory for an Italian student visa, it may be required for programmes taught in English.
Most universities require proof of English proficiency for English-taught programmes, usually through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Some universities may waive this requirement if you’ve previously studied in English or are a native English speaker.
It’s important to check the specific language requirements of the university and programme one is interested in, as they can vary.
University Living projects a 540 per cent increase in Indian student enrolment in Italy by 2030.
The academic environment, supported by cultural ties with India, provides a supportive ecosystem for students in Italy . (Express file) 
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