Italy is a strong choice if you want to study mechanical engineering in Europe. You can find bachelor's and master's degrees, including some English-taught options. The exact rules, fees and deadlines depend on the university, so always check the programme page and the university admissions office.
Which degree level fits you
Mechanical engineering in Italy is usually offered at two main levels:
- Bachelor's degree - usually 3 years. This is the first university level.
- Master's degree - usually 2 years. This is for students who already have a related bachelor's degree.
Some universities also offer integrated or specialised tracks, but the two-year master's is the most common next step after a bachelor degree in engineering.
Admission requirements
Entry requirements depend on the university and whether you apply for a bachelor's or a master's. For international students, the key things are usually your previous diploma, your grades and your language level.
Typical requirements can include:
- For a bachelor's: a secondary school diploma that gives access to university in your country.
- For a master's: a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field.
- Transcripts or grade lists.
- Passport or identity document.
- English or Italian language proof, depending on the programme.
- Sometimes entrance tests, interviews or additional documents.
For non-EU students, you may also need pre-enrolment steps through the Italian system and a study visa. Check the Italian embassy or consulate and the university's international admissions page for the current process.
English-taught and Italian-taught options
You can study mechanical engineering in either English or Italian. English-taught programmes are common at master's level and exist at some bachelor's level too, but the choice is smaller than for Italian-taught programmes.
If you apply for an English-taught degree, the university will usually ask for proof of English ability. Common tests are IELTS or TOEFL, but the exact accepted tests and minimum scores are set by each university. Check the programme page.
If you choose an Italian-taught programme, many universities ask for Italian language proof. Some programmes may also accept a lower level at admission and ask you to improve it before classes start.
Typical tuition fees and living costs
Tuition in Italy is often lower than in many other Western European countries, but the exact fee can vary a lot by university, family income and your nationality. Many public universities use income-based fees, while private universities often charge more.
As a rough guide, tuition for public universities is often in a moderate range, and many students pay somewhere between a few hundred euros and a few thousand euros per year. Private universities can be much higher. Always check the university fee page and the scholarship page for the exact amount.
Living costs depend on the city. Bigger cities like Milan, Rome or Turin are usually more expensive than smaller university towns. Typical monthly costs can include:
- Housing.
- Food.
- Local transport.
- Books and study materials.
- Phone and personal costs.
Many students should plan for rent as the biggest expense. Shared housing is usually cheaper than a private studio.
How to apply, step by step
Start early. Engineering programmes can have fixed deadlines, and non-EU students often need extra time for visa and pre-enrolment steps.
- Choose a university and check the exact mechanical engineering programme page.
- Read the entry rules, language rules and document list.
- Prepare certified copies and translations if needed.
- Submit the online application.
- If required, complete tests, interviews or pre-enrolment steps.
- Wait for the admission result and then follow the steps for enrolment, visa or residence permit.
A good timeline is to start looking 9 to 12 months before you want to begin. For non-EU students, it is wise to start even earlier, because document checks can take time.
How universities find candidates
Universities and admissions offices often search databases and student registers to find students who fit a programme. They may look for your field, your education level, your grades, your language level and the documents you already have.
If you want to be easier to find, make your profile clear and complete. Include:
- Your study field, such as mechanical engineering.
- Your current or completed education level.
- Your English level or other language skills.
- Your transcripts, diploma and other documents.
- The countries and cities where you want to study.
Even with a strong profile, universities may still ask for more documents or have their own selection process. Being visible does not mean you are admitted.
Common questions
Can I study mechanical engineering in Italy without speaking Italian?
Yes, some programmes are taught in English, especially at master's level. Always check the programme page, because language rules differ by university.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, but they are competitive and not guaranteed. Check the scholarship's own site and the university's financial aid page for the current rules, deadlines and eligibility.
Do I need a visa to study in Italy?
If you are a non-EU student, you usually need a study visa and later a residence permit. Check the Italian embassy or consulate and the national immigration authority for the current process.
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.
You stay in control. You decide what to share, and you can be contacted by universities that are looking for students like you.
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.