Study Automotive Engineering in Italy for Indian Students: Fees, Scholarships, Eligibility, and Admission Process
Study automotive engineering in Italy if you would love to design new vehicles and moving technologies to enhance the current automotive landscape. Today, the automotive industry stands at the forefront of innovations and engineers continue to develop the next generation of hybrid cars, flying vehicles, and self-driven vehicles.
When you study automotive engineering in Italy, you will study from the course framework that combines tools and methods used in electrical, electronic, safety and software engineering. Various instruments studied during the course help you integrate safety, functionality, and aesthetics in order to craft a better driving experience for the driver. It is also true that the automotive landscape is going through a massive shift, where manufacturers focus on designing vehicles with reduced CO₂ emissions. Hence, there is a huge demand for engineers who can help them design the next-generation vehicles. If the field excites you, it is time to explore automotive engineering courses in Italy. Here is what you must know.
Automotive Engineering in Italy – At a Glance
| Key Information | Details |
| Course Name | Automotive Engineering in Italy |
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees |
| Bachelor’s Duration | 3 years |
| Master’s Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility for Bachelor’s | Class 12 or equivalent qualification, meeting the university’s subject and admission requirements |
| Eligibility for Master’s | A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field accepted by the university |
| Language of Instruction | English or Italian, depending on the programme |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS, TOEFL iBT or other proof accepted by the university; requirements vary by course |
| Entrance Test | Depends on the university. For example, Politecnico di Torino requires TIL-I for its Automotive Engineering Bachelor’s programme |
| Main Intake | September or October; application deadlines vary |
| Tuition Fees | Vary by university, programme and student fee category; reductions may be available |
| Popular Universities | Politecnico di Torino, University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano, University of Naples Federico II and University of Padua for relevant engineering options |
| Scholarships | University scholarships, regional financial aid and tuition fee reductions, subject to eligibility |
| Application Process | Choose a course, check eligibility and test requirements, submit documents, apply to the university, complete applicable Universitaly pre-enrolment and student visa formalities |
| Career Opportunities | Automotive design, vehicle testing, manufacturing, powertrain engineering, electric mobility and vehicle systems, depending on your specialisation and experience |
Why Study Automotive Engineering in Italy?
Students who ask us about Automotive Engineering in Italy often start with the same question. They want to know whether Italy is a good place to study if they are interested in cars. And yes, Italy is certainly worth looking at and check the reasons to below to know why:
- Affordable: Because public university fees in Italy can be reduced on the basis of your family income, tuition is as low as INR 1 to 3 Lakhs a year, making it a fraction of the cost of the US or UK.
- Good Scholarships: Government scholarships (like DSU) give Indian students zero tuition, free hostel stays, and yearly cash stipends for food. This makes studying in Italy even more affordable.
- The “Motor Valley” Network: You are physically studying right next to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and Dallara, along with hundreds of tier-1 suppliers, opening massive doors for internships.
- Hands-on Racing Culture: You won’t just study textbooks. You are expected to join university Formula SAE teams to design, build, and race actual track cars from scratch.
- Global Rankings: Degree certificates from Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino hold immense value across Europe and global automotive companies.
- Future-Ready Skills: The coursework isn’t outdated; it heavily focuses on the shift to electric vehicles, autonomous driving AI, and battery systems.
Ready to explore engineering studies in Italy? Contact our expert consultants for personalised study guidance.
Eligibility Criteria to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
It is essential to fulfil the eligibility criteria to study automotive engineering in Italy before you can carry on with the admission. The requirements can vary from one university to another, so check the programme details before applying:
Criteria to Study Bachelor’s in Automotive Engineering in Italy
- Educational Criteria: You must have completed your secondary education, Class 12 or an equivalent qualification accepted by the university. There is no single 70% minimum that applies to every Automotive Engineering programme.
- Admission Test: Some engineering Bachelor’s programmes require an entrance test. For example, Politecnico di Torino’s Automotive Engineering Programme for 2026/27 has an engineering admission test is called TIL-I.
- English Proficiency Criteria: If you want to choose an English-taught programme, you must meet the language requirement set by the university. The accepted tests and minimum scores vary. Some universities may accept other proof of English proficiency if their rules allow it.
Criteria to Study Master’s in Automotive Engineering in Italy
- Educational Criteria: You need a recognised Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field accepted by the university. The university may also check your previous subjects and academic credits. There is no universal 75% minimum for every Master’s programme.
- Academic Assessment: An interview or additional assessment may also be required for certain programmes.
- English Proficiency Criteria: The language requirement depends on the programme. For example, Politecnico di Torino’s Automotive Engineering Master’s is taught in English, and the university requires English at B2 level for its English-taught Engineering Master’s programmes.
Your journey towards studying Automotive Engineering in Italy starts with the right information. Speak to our counsellors today.
Deadline and Intake to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
Application dates vary from one university to another and also depend on the programme and applicant category. The academic year often begins around September or October, but applications may open much earlier and have different closing dates. Some programmes may also have additional intakes.
Check the latest admission call for your chosen course and leave enough time for any entrance test, pre-enrolment and student visa formalities.
Documents Required to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
Check the combined list of documents that may be required for a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Automotive Engineering in Italy. The exact checklist can vary by university and programme, so use the official list for your chosen course:
- Passport copy with personal details and validity pages
- National ID (Aadhaar Card), if requested
- Class 10 marksheet and certificate, if requested
- Class 12 marksheet and passing certificate for Bachelor’s admission
- Bachelor’s degree or provisional degree certificate for Master’s admission
- Semester-wise marksheets and official academic transcript for Master’s admission
- Bonafide certificate or expected graduation letter, if you are still pursuing your current qualification
- English or Italian language proficiency certificate, if required by the programme
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, only if accepted by the university
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or motivation letter, if required
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR), if required by the university
- CV or resume, if requested
- Course descriptions or syllabus of previous studies, if requested
- Work experience, gap justification or internship certificate, if applicable
- Predicted marksheet, if applicable for students who have not yet completed Class 12
- Project work or portfolio, only if requested by the programme
- One and Same Certificate, if your name is different on academic documents and passport
- Application fee payment confirmation, if applicable
- Translations, legalisation, apostille, Declaration of Value or CIMEA documentation, only where required by the university or relevant authorities
Not sure which Italian university to choose? Get expert guidance on university selection, applications and admission procedures.
Language of Instruction to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
Automotive Engineering programmes in Italy may be taught in English, Italian or a combination of the two, depending on the university and course. Check the language of instruction before applying.
If you choose an English-taught programme, you must meet the university’s English proficiency requirement. IELTS and TOEFL iBT are accepted by many institutions, while Duolingo or a Medium of Instruction certificate is accepted by the top engineering universities in Italy.
Duration of the Course to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
The exact course structure can vary by university, so check the programme page before applying. Given below are the details of Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in Italy:
- A Bachelor’s in Automotive Engineering takes 3 years in the Italian university system.
- A Master’s in Automotive Engineering generally takes 2 years.
Fee Structure to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
Before you make your decision and choose an Italian university to pursue your desired course, please take a look at the updated fee information below. Tuition fees in Italy depend on the university, programme, student category and any reductions you qualify for.
| Name of the university | Bachelor’s fees per year | Master’s fees per year |
| Politecnico di Torino | Depends on fee category and applicable reductions under the 2026/27 fee regulations | Depends on fee category and applicable reductions under the 2026/27 fee regulations |
| Politecnico di Milano | €880 first instalment + a variable second instalment from €0 to €3,003 | €880 first instalment + a variable second instalment from €0 to €3,003 |
| University of Bologna | €157 fixed instalment + variable contribution based on programme and family financial situation | €157 fixed instalment + variable contribution based on programme and family financial situation |
| University of Naples Federico II | Depends on programme and applicable fee or financial category | Depends on programme and applicable fee or financial category |
| University of Padua | Up to €2,990 per year for scientific programmes in 2026/27; reductions may apply | Up to €2,990 per year for scientific programmes in 2026/27; reductions may apply |
Note: These are not fixed fees for every student. Check the latest fee notice of your chosen university for the exact amount.
Thinking about studying abroad after Class 12? Let’s explore the Automotive Engineering courses in Italy that match your interests. Talk to our experts now.
Popular Universities to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
Given below is a list of top engineering universities in Italy. Here you can look for Automotive Engineering or closely related engineering programmes. The course title, teaching language and level can vary, so check the programme before applying:
| Name of the university | Related programme to explore | Category | City |
| Politecnico di Torino | Automotive Engineering: Bachelor’s and Master’s | Public | Turin |
| University of Bologna | Advanced Automotive Engineering: Master’s | Public | Modena / Bologna |
| Politecnico di Milano | Mechanical Engineering and mobility-related engineering programmes | Public | Milan |
| University of Naples Federico II | Mechanical Engineering, including a Road Vehicle Design pathway at Master’s level | Public | Naples |
| University of Padua | Mechanical Engineering / Mechatronics Engineering | Public | Padua |
Scholarships Available to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
Do you think studying in Italy will be too expensive and will go beyond your set budget? There are scholarships and fee-reduction options worth checking. Public universities and regional right-to-study authorities offer different forms of support, but the benefits and eligibility rules are not the same everywhere.
Some scholarships are linked to family income, others consider academic performance, and university-specific awards may have their own conditions. A full scholarship in Italy is not guaranteed, so do not include one in your budget until you know you qualify. Check the latest university and regional scholarship calls while planning your application.
Admission Process to Study Automotive Engineering in Italy
To secure admission to your desired Italian university, it is essential to understand the admission process for Automotive Engineering in Italy. The steps can differ between Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, but these are the main things to prepare.
- Find the right courses: Start by searching for Automotive Engineering and related programmes available at Italian universities. Create a list and shortlist the courses that suit your academic background, interests and budget.
- Check the eligibility: For a Bachelor’s, the university will look at your secondary school qualification and may require an entrance test. For a Master’s, your Bachelor’s degree, previous subjects and academic preparation also matter.
- Check the admission test: There is no single test that is mandatory at every Italian university. For example, Politecnico di Torino requires TIL-I for its Engineering Bachelor’s admissions, while its Automotive Engineering Master’s evaluates applicants against the Master’s admission requirements.
- Prepare the documents: Compile all your academic certificates and other required documents. Our document checklist will help you organise everything.
- Submit the application: Fill out the official online application form, enter your details accurately, upload the documents and pay the application fee, if applicable. Keep an eye on the deadline.
- Complete any assessment: If your chosen programme requires an entrance test or an interview, proceed with the same as required by the university you choose to study in Italy.
- Wait for the offer: Once your application has been reviewed, the university will let you know the outcome. If you receive an offer, read the instructions carefully and note any deadline to accept the place or pay the tuition fee instalment.
- Complete pre-enrolment and visa formalities: Indian students who require a study visa need to complete the applicable pre-enrolment steps through Universitaly and then submit the visa application with the required documents.
- Check document verification requirements: Translations, legalisation, apostille, Declaration of Value or CIMEA documentation may be required. Check what is needed and when it must be prepared.
- Arrange accommodation: Once you get your visa, start looking for comfortable accommodation near or within the university campus. Our experts can help you find one.
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Conclusion
Do not pack your bags for Italy just because you are a fan of Ferrari or Formula 1. That is an emotional trap. Go to Italy only if you genuinely want to get your hands dirty with intense engineering. You will be dealing with mathematics, thermodynamics, and complex coding for vehicle dynamics. If that excites you, then Italy is your destination. But before you get excited, do a serious reality check on your marks. If you just finished your 12th standard, you need to find out exactly which entrance exam that specific university wants and start preparing for it. Also, let’s be very real about the money. Yes, the tuition fee can be zero with income-based rebates, which is a massive relief for Indian parents. And yes, scholarships like the DSU can give you free housing and food money. But do not arrive to study in Italy with an empty bank account expecting a scholarship check on day one. Government processes take time. You must have enough backup funds to pay for your initial rent, security deposits, and groceries for the first few months. Don't rush into this blindly. Sit down, compare two or three universities in Italy, look at what they actually teach in the first year, and see if it fits your budget and career goals. Spending just one week doing solid research right now will save you months of regret later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swati Ahuja
Senior Counsellor and Writer
At Anigdha, we understand that choosing to study abroad is rarely difficult because students cannot find information. The real challenge is knowing which information is reliable, relevant and applicable to your situation. Our study abroad guides are written around the questions students and parents regularly ask during counselling — from choosing the right country, university and course to understanding admission requirements, eligibility criteria, tuition fees, scholarships, student visas and application processes. Our Writing & Editing Team researches official university and government sources, admission requirements and current study abroad processes before publishing. Important content is reviewed and updated when university policies, visa rules, application procedures or other requirements change. We do not believe there is one study abroad pathway that works for every student. Our goal is to explain your options clearly, highlight the factors that can affect your decision and help you make an informed choice based on your academic background, career goals, budget and preferred study destination.
Last Updated: October 19, 2026