How to Find English-Taught Degrees in Italy
A practical, step-by-step guide for international students who want to study in Italy without needing to speak Italian in the classroom.
Italy has been one of Europe's most popular destinations for international students for decades. Its universities have a long academic tradition, tuition fees are often lower than in the UK or the US, and living in cities like Milan, Bologna, or Rome is an experience in itself. But for many students, the biggest question is simple: can I study in Italy in English? The good news is yes — and your options have grown considerably in recent years.
Hundreds of English-taught degrees in Italy are now available at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The challenge is not finding them — it is knowing where and how to search properly so you do not waste time on programmes that are not what they appear to be. This guide walks you through exactly that, step by step.
Quick Summary: Italy offers hundreds of English-taught programs in Italy across engineering, business, design, and science. Use official portals like Universitaly and always verify on the university's own website before applying.
What "English-Taught" Really Means
Not every programme that uses the word "English" is entirely taught in English. Before you start comparing degrees, it helps to understand what different labels actually mean.
Fully English-Taught
All lectures, exams, coursework, and the thesis are delivered and assessed in English. No Italian required for academic work.
Mixed-Language
Some modules are in English, others in Italian. Common in joint or parallel programmes. Requires some Italian ability.
English Materials Only
Lectures are in Italian, but readings or exams have an English option. Not a true English-taught programme.
When you search for English-taught programs in Italy, always look for the official confirmation that all teaching and assessment is in English. The safest way is to read the language of instruction statement on the official university course page — not just on an aggregator site.
💡 Tip: Look for phrases like "Language of instruction: English" or "All teaching activities are conducted in English" on the official course page. A programme listing English materials without that confirmation may be a mixed programme.
Use Official Italian Search Tools
The most reliable starting point for finding English-taught bachelor's degrees in Italy or master's programmes is the official Italian government portal for higher education: Universitaly, managed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. It lists accredited programmes at official Italian universities, which means listings are verified and up to date.
Here is how to use it effectively:
This five-step approach gives you a clean, filtered list of genuine English-taught programs in Italy from a government-backed source. It is the most trustworthy place to begin.
🔍 Quick Programme Finder
Pick your preferences below to get a tailored search direction.
Search on International Study Portals
Beyond official Italian portals, several international education websites aggregate study abroad Italy English programmes from universities across Europe. These sites can help you compare programmes side by side and get a quick overview before diving into individual university websites.
Popular international study search portals include Mastersportal, Bachelorsportal, and Studyportals. These platforms allow you to filter by:
- Level of study (bachelor's or master's)
- Subject area and field of specialisation
- Language of instruction (English)
- Country and city of the university
- Tuition fee range
⚠️ Important: International portals are useful for discovery, but listings are not always fully up to date. Always double-check on the official university website before using any information from third-party portals for an application decision.
Combining a search on an aggregator with the official Universitaly English courses portal gives you a broader picture and helps you spot programmes you might otherwise miss.
Check University Websites Directly
Some of the best English-taught master's degrees in Italy are not widely listed on aggregator sites, especially at smaller or specialist universities. Checking university websites directly is always worth the extra effort.
When visiting a university's website, look for pages with headings like:
- "Programmes in English" or "English-Taught Programmes"
- "Study in English" — common at major research universities
- "International Programmes" — often lists both English-only and dual-language options
- "Laurea Magistrale in English" — the Italian official term for a master's degree
Once you find an individual course page, check for the following before saving it to your list:
- Language of instruction clearly stated as English
- Full course syllabus or module list in English
- Thesis and defence requirements in English
- Application deadline and admission requirements for international students
- Tuition fees specifically for non-EU or international applicants
A Quick Look at Universities Known for English Programmes
| University | City | Known for English Programmes | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Milan | Engineering, Design, Architecture | Bachelor's & Master's |
| Bocconi University | Milan | Business, Economics, Finance | Bachelor's & Master's |
| University of Bologna | Bologna | Humanities, Science, Engineering | Master's |
| Politecnico di Torino | Turin | Engineering, ICT, Energy | Master's |
| Sapienza University | Rome | Science, Social Science, Classics | Master's |
| University of Trento | Trento | Data Science, Cognitive Science | Master's |
Table for reference only. Always verify current offerings on each university's official website.
Choose the Right Degree Level
Before you compare specific programmes, it helps to be clear on which degree level you are looking for. Italy follows the Bologna Process, which means degree levels are structured the same way as in most European countries.
- Bachelor's degree (Laurea Triennale): A three-year undergraduate degree. English-taught bachelor's degrees in Italy exist but are fewer in number than master's programmes. They are mainly available in engineering, computer science, and international business at larger institutions.
- Master's degree (Laurea Magistrale): A two-year postgraduate degree. This is where Italy has the most English-language options, with hundreds of English-taught master's degrees in Italy across almost every discipline.
If you are currently finishing your bachelor's and planning to go directly into a master's programme, your search will be far wider. If you are looking for an English bachelor's, you will need to be more selective and patient in your research.
Note: Italy also has single-cycle degrees (5–6 years) in fields like medicine, architecture, and law. These are less commonly offered in English, though some architecture and design single-cycle degrees do exist in English at select institutions.
Compare by Subject and City
Once you know your degree level, the next step is to narrow your search by subject area and location. These two filters together dramatically reduce the number of results you need to review.
Searching by Subject
Italy has particular strengths in certain disciplines. Italian universities in English are especially well-represented in:
- Engineering and Technology: Milan and Turin are home to two of Italy's top technical universities.
- Business and Finance: Bocconi in Milan is internationally ranked and fully English-friendly.
- Design and Architecture: Italy's design culture is world-famous, and English programmes in design exist at Politecnico di Milano and other institutions.
- Data Science and Computer Science: Growing rapidly at universities in Trento, Milan, and Turin.
- Social Sciences and International Relations: Available in Rome, Bologna, and other cities.
Choosing a City
City choice matters for more than just academics. It affects your cost of living, social life, language exposure, and career networking opportunities after graduation.
- Milan — Italy's economic capital. High cost of living but strong international job market and a very active English-speaking student community.
- Bologna — Home of Europe's oldest university. Vibrant student city, more affordable than Milan, strong humanities and science tradition.
- Rome — Rich in culture and history. Several universities offer English programmes, though the city is large and navigation takes time.
- Turin — Strong engineering focus. More affordable than Milan, with a growing international student presence.
- Florence — Popular for arts, design, and humanities. A smaller city but a very appealing international environment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students spend weeks researching only to discover they have been looking at the wrong type of programme, missed a deadline, or relied on inaccurate information from a third-party website. Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for when searching for how to find universities in Italy with English instruction.
- Assuming a programme is in English without confirming it. Some universities market programmes internationally without making clear that certain modules are in Italian. Always read the language of instruction statement on the official course page.
- Using only third-party aggregator websites. Aggregators are a good starting point, but they are not always current. A programme that appeared in English last year may have changed. Always verify on the official university site.
- Ignoring application deadlines. Italian universities often have earlier deadlines than students expect — sometimes as early as December or January for a September intake. Missing a deadline at a top programme has no workaround.
- Not reading the full programme structure. A master's programme may have English lectures but require you to write your thesis in Italian, or have a mandatory Italian language module. Read the full curriculum carefully.
- Comparing programmes without knowing the admission requirements. Some English-taught master's degrees in Italy require specific undergraduate subjects, GMAT scores, portfolios, or motivation letters. Know what you need before ranking your preferences.
- Forgetting to check for scholarship deadlines. Many university scholarships and Italian government grants have separate, earlier deadlines than the regular admission process.
💡 Pro Tip: Build a simple tracking spreadsheet with each programme you are considering, the official URL, deadline, language confirmation, tuition fee, and any required documents. It takes 30 minutes to set up and saves hours of confusion later. For further guidance on understanding the Italian university system, the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) website is an authoritative reference. You can also check Eurydice Italy's higher education overview for a complete picture of how Italian degrees are structured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Finding the right English-taught degree in Italy takes a little more effort than a simple Google search, but the process is straightforward once you know where to look and what to check. Start with the official Universitaly portal to get a verified list. Cross-reference with international aggregator sites for a broader view. Then go directly to each university's website to read the full programme details, confirm the language of instruction, and note the application deadline.
Italy is one of Europe's most rewarding places to study. The combination of academic quality, cultural richness, and relatively affordable education makes it genuinely attractive for international students. The key is doing your research carefully so that the programme you choose truly matches your expectations — and your ambitions.
Take it one step at a time. Pick your level, pick your subject, confirm the language, and go straight to the source. Good luck.