STUDY IN ITALY FROM PAKISTAN: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE 2025-26

Study in Italy from Pakistan: A complete Guide for 2025

Italy offers an unbeatable mix of world-class education, cultural richness, and affordability. For Pakistani students, it has become a top European destination with over 500 English-taught programs, low tuition costs, and ample scholarship opportunities. If you dream of a high-quality degree abroad, this detailed blog will walk you through every essential step of studying in Italy from Pakistan.

Italy’s higher education follows the Bologna Process, meaning degrees are internationally recognized and structured into Bachelor’s (3 years), Master’s (2 years), and PhD (3-4 years) cycles. Besides these, Italy also offers:

Foundation Year programs
Vocational training diplomas
Language and integration courses

Many top public universities in Italy, such as the University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, University of Padua, and Sapienza University of Rome, offer English-taught programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Economics, Humanities, Medicine, and more.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For Bachelor’s: Minimum 12 years of education (Intermediate or A-Levels) + Declaration of Value (DOV)

For Master’s: 16 years of education with a relevant Bachelor’s degree

For PhD: Master’s degree + research proposal + recommendation letters

You may need English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), unless waived by Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.

ADMISSION PROCESS

1. Research and shortlist programs on university websites or Study.eu
2. Apply online directly to the university
3. Upload documents: transcripts, passport, SOP, LORs, IELTS (if required)
4. No application fee for most public universities
5. Once accepted, you receive an offer letter

PRE-ENROLLMENT & VISA PREPARATION

Pre-enroll on the Universitaly portal

Obtain Declaration of Value (DOV) via Embassy after getting HEC/IBCC/MOFA attestation

Gather required documents for visa, including proof of funds (\~€10,800), accommodation, health insurance, and admission letter

STUDENT VISA PROCESS

Book visa appointment via recommended visa service authorised by Italian Embassy (Pay special attention to Embassy’s instructions about appointments) 

Submit complete file and attend visa interview at the Italian Embassy in Islamabad

Processing time is usually 2-4 weeks, apply early to avoid delays

DOCUMENT ATTESTATION IN PAKISTAN

  • For school certificates: IBCC → MOFA
  • For Bachelor/Master degrees: HEC → MOFA
  • Translate documents to Italian (Only authorised translators)
  • Submit DOV application at Italian Embassy

CAN YOU BRING YOUR DEPENDENTS?

Yes, but only after you have a residence permit valid for at least 1 year. Steps include:

Apply for “Nulla Osta” in Italy after arrival

Provide proof of income (\~€10,000/year), housing, and other documentation

Spouse can then apply for family reunion visa in Pakistan

Spouse can work in Italy after receiving residence permit

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

MAECI (Italian Government Scholarships): €900/month stipend + tuition waiver + insurance

Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT): For Master’s students in tech, business, design

University Scholarships: Unibo Action 1&2 (Bologna), Padova Excellence, Bocconi Merit Awards, etc.

Regional Scholarships (DSU): Free dorms, meals, tuition waiver + stipend based on family income

Part-time work: Allowed 20 hours/week

TUITION AND LIVING COSTS

Public university fees: €0-€3,000/year (can be reduced with ISEE evaluation)
Private universities: €6,000-€16,000/year
Regional tax and stamp duty: €140 + €16
Monthly living expenses: €700-€1,200 depending on city

AFTER ARRIVAL

  • Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days at the Post Office
  • Finalize university enrollment
  • Get Codice Fiscale (tax code) at Agenzia delle Entrate
  • Enroll in national health insurance (SSN) for €150/year
  • Get student transport pass, SIM card, open bank account
  • Learn basic Italian for daily life and work
  • Enjoy rich history, cuisine, art, and student-friendly cities
  • Pakistani community present in cities like Milan, Rome, and Brescia
  • Join Pakistani student groups, university clubs, and orientation programs

AFTER STUDIES: STAY BACK OPTIONS

  • Apply for 12-month “job-seeking permit” after graduation
  • Possibility to switch to work permit (if job found)
  • Learn Italian to expand job prospects

FINAL TIPS FOR PAKISTANI STUDENTS

  • Start document attestation early
  • Prepare for visa early to avoid delays
  • Carry at least €500-€1,000 in cash
  • Know the climate and pack accordingly
  • Explore cities and culture — it’s more than just academics!

With low-cost, high-quality education and plenty of scholarships, Italy is a golden opportunity for students from Pakistan. Plan smart, apply early, and you can make your European dream a reality.

For guidance and application support, contact:

Pak Euro Links

4th Floor, Faisal Heights, Opp. Chase Value, Faisalabad

WhatsApp: +92 300 8660191 | +43 681 84824933

Email: info@pakeurolinks.com

Website: www.pakeurolinks.com