If you want to study electrical engineering in Italy, you can usually choose between a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Entry rules, tuition and language options vary by university, so the best first step is to check the programme page and the university admissions office site.
Italy has many public universities and a growing number of English-taught programmes, especially at master’s level. You can also apply through the national procedures used by the university, but the exact steps depend on your nationality, previous diploma and chosen degree.
Which degree level fits your plan
Most students start with a bachelor’s degree, then continue to a master’s degree if they want deeper technical study or a stronger profile for industry or research.
- Bachelor’s degree - usually for students finishing secondary school.
- Master’s degree - usually for students who already have a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- PhD - for research careers, after a master’s degree.
In Italy, an engineering bachelor’s degree is often taught in Italian, while many master’s programmes are offered in English. That said, this changes by university, so always check the language of instruction on the programme page.
Typical admission requirements
For a bachelor’s degree, universities usually ask for a secondary school diploma that gives access to university in your home country. Some universities may also ask for math and physics preparation, and a placement or admission test.
For a master’s degree, you usually need a relevant bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field. Universities often review your transcripts to see if you have enough credits in maths, physics, circuits, electronics or similar subjects.
Common documents include:
- Passport or ID
- Diploma and transcript
- Course descriptions or syllabus, especially for a master’s
- Proof of English or Italian language level, if required
- CV and motivation letter, sometimes for master’s programmes
Some universities may ask for specific entrance tests, interviews or a portfolio of prior study. If your documents are not in English or Italian, you may need official translations and legalisation or an apostille. Check the university admissions page and the Italian embassy or consulate guidance for your country.
English-taught options and language
You do not always need Italian to start. Many master’s degrees in electrical engineering are fully taught in English. Bachelor’s degrees are more often in Italian, but some universities do offer English-taught tracks or joint programmes.
If your programme is in English, the university may still recommend or require some Italian for daily life, internships or local integration. If your programme is in Italian, you may need proof of Italian level, often through a recognised certificate or a university language test.
To avoid surprises, check:
- The teaching language on the programme page
- The accepted language certificates
- Whether preparatory language courses are available
- Whether the university offers mixed-language support for international students
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Italy is often based on the university and your family income, especially at public universities. For EU and non-EU students, public universities often use income-based fees, but private universities may charge fixed tuition.
As a rough range, public universities can be relatively affordable compared with many countries, while private institutions are usually higher. A realistic way to compare costs is to check the programme page and the university’s fee calculator or financial aid page.
Living costs depend on the city. Big cities and student hubs usually cost more than smaller towns. Budget for housing, food, transport, books, insurance and permits.
- Rent - often the biggest cost, especially in large cities
- Food and transport - usually moderate, but city dependent
- Health insurance and permit costs - may apply depending on your status
- Study materials - labs, textbooks and software can add extra costs
For official cost details, use the university fee page, the scholarship office page and the Italian immigration or consular guidance for residence rules.
Application timeline and documents
Start early. Many students begin preparing 6 to 12 months before the course starts, especially if they need a visa, document legalisation or housing.
A practical timeline is:
- 6 to 12 months before - shortlist universities and check entry rules
- 4 to 8 months before - prepare documents and language proof
- Several months before - apply through the university process
- After admission - follow the visa, enrolment and residence permit steps if needed
International students often need to follow extra steps after admission, such as pre-enrolment, visa application and residence permit registration. The exact procedure depends on your nationality and the university. Always check the university admissions page and the official immigration authority or consulate website.
How universities find candidates
Universities do not only wait for applications. Admissions teams also search for students who match their programmes, especially for international intake, scholarships and master’s degrees. They look for a clear profile and relevant study background.
You improve your chances of being noticed when your documents are complete and easy to understand. Make sure your field, grades, language level and preferred degree are clear.
- List your exact subject interest, such as power systems, electronics or control engineering
- Add your highest completed education and grades
- Upload language proof if you have it
- Include a short, clear study goal
- Keep your documents ready in digital form
If you want universities to contact you first, make sure your profile can be found by admissions offices searching for your field and level.
Common questions
Do I need Italian to study electrical engineering in Italy?
Not always. Many master’s programmes are in English, while bachelor’s degrees are more often in Italian. Check the language on the official programme page.
Can I apply with a non-engineering background?
Sometimes, but it depends on the programme. For a master’s degree, universities usually expect a relevant background in engineering or strong coursework in maths and physics.
Where should I check the final rules?
Use the university admissions page for entry and tuition, the scholarship’s own site for funding, and the Italian immigration or consular website for visa and residence steps.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This can help you get contacted by universities that match your study plan before you send a full application.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.