Study Software Engineering in Italy for Indian Students: Career Opportunities, Fees, Top Universities, Scholarships
Software tools and advanced technologies have penetrated everywhere in our daily lives. From large-scale industrial applications to setting an automated alarm at home, there is backend software working for us. With an increasing demand for more software and the need to develop secure, trustworthy applications, the need for software engineers has also shot up. You grab the opportunity to work in an evolving and growing field as you study software engineering in Italy. The course will help you learn and understand topics like computer programming, data structures, software project management, security and usability, ethical protocols, and so on. Becoming a software engineer also entails working in a team atmosphere. You develop leadership and team skills so that you can create projects catering to the larger objectives of your organization. If you think this is what you want to do in life, it is time to study software engineering in Italy. Check out further details about the admission process here.
Study Software Engineering in Italy: At a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Bachelor’s Duration | 3 years |
| Master’s Duration | 2 years |
| Language of Instruction | English or Italian, depending on the programme |
| Bachelor’s Eligibility | Class 12 or equivalent qualification accepted by the university |
| Master’s Eligibility | Relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification accepted by the university |
| Entrance Test | University- and programme-specific; TIL-I is used for relevant engineering Bachelor’s admissions at Politecnico di Torino |
| English Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL iBT or other accepted proof, depending on the university |
| Main Intake | September/Autumn; deadlines vary by university |
| Tuition Fees | Vary by university, programme and financial circumstances |
| Scholarships | University scholarships and regional financial support may be available to eligible students |
| Popular Universities | Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna, Politecnico di Torino, University of Trento and University of Pisa |
Eligibility Criteria for Studying Software Engineering in Italy
Start understanding the detailed admission process by first checking the eligibility criteria that you must fulfil at the time of filling out your application forms. Here are the details you must follow to study in Italy:
Criteria for Bachelor’s in Software Engineering in Italy
- Educational requirements: As you apply for a software engineering programme, make sure you have completed your 12th from a recognised Indian board. There is no single 70% minimum that applies to every programme.
- Admission test: The test depends on the university and programme. Some engineering courses have their own entrance test. For example, Politecnico di Torino uses the TIL-I for its engineering Bachelor’s admissions, while certain English-taught engineering and scientific programmes may use CEnT-S if stated in the admission call. Do not assume one test is compulsory at every university.
- For an English-taught Bachelor’s programme in Software Engineering in Italy, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency. The required score depends on the university. For example, Politecnico di Milano accepts IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 59 for its English-taught Bachelor’s programmes. Some universities in Italy may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, while others require a language test. Duolingo is accepted only where specified by the university.
Criteria for Master’s in Software Engineering in Italy
- Application requirements: Fill out the application form for the Master’s programme in software engineering, and ensure that you add all details accurately in the form.
- Educational requirements: You need a recognised Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering or a related field accepted by the university. There is no universal 75% minimum for every Master’s programme in Italy.
- For an English-taught Master’s programme in Software Engineering, the required score may be higher. For example, Politecnico di Milano requires IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 78 for its Master of Science programmes. TOEFL’s updated scoring scale also applies to tests taken from January 21, 2026, with a minimum score of 4.5.
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Deadline/Intake to Study Software Engineering in Italy
Application dates vary according to the university and programme. The academic year often begins around September or October, but some universities open applications well before this and may set earlier deadlines for international students.
Check the current admission call for the programme you want to apply for and allow enough time for any entrance test, pre-enrolment and visa formalities.
Documents Required to Study Software Engineering in Italy
Given below is the combined list of documents that may be required for admission to a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme in Software Engineering in Italy. The exact requirements can vary according to the university.
- Passport Copy (Front and Back)
- National ID (Aadhaar Card)
- 10th Mark Sheet (Academic)
- 12th Mark Sheet and Certificate (for Bachelor’s admission)
- Bachelor’s Degree / Provisional Degree Certificate (for Master’s admission)
- Semester-wise Mark Sheets and Academic Transcript (for Master’s admission)
- Bonafide Certificate or Expected Graduation Letter, if you are still pursuing your current qualification
- Passport-size Photograph (with white background, if required)
- Statement of Purpose (Self-made)
- English Proficiency Certificate or Medium of Instruction (MOI), if required and accepted by the university
- Letter of Recommendation, if required by the university
- Programme Details or Syllabus of Previous Studies, if requested by the university
- Work Experience / Gap Justification / Internship Certificate, if required
- Project Work or Portfolio, only if requested by the programme
- Predicted Mark Sheet, if applicable for school students
- One and Same Certificate, if your name is different on academic documents and passport
- Any additional documents requested by the university
Language of Instructions to Study Software Engineering in Italy
Software Engineering and related Computer Science programmes in Italy may be taught in English or Italian. The available language depends on the university and the course you choose.
If you choose an English-taught programme, you will need to meet the language requirement stated by the university. IELTS and TOEFL iBT are accepted by many institutions, while Duolingo or a Medium of Instruction certificate is accepted only where the programme’s rules allow it. The minimum score is not the same everywhere, so check the specific admission call before booking a test.
Duration of Study Software Engineering Programmes in Italy
A Bachelor’s programme in Software Engineering in Italy or a related field introduces you to subjects and topics related to computers, software tools and development. It takes around 3 years in the Italian university system, although some programmes may have a different structure.
A Master’s programme in Software Engineering in Italy or a related field is 2 years, where you can further sharpen your skills. The exact duration depends on the programme you choose.
Popular Universities to Study Software Engineering in Italy
To help you make an informed choice, given below is a more detailed list of top universities in Italy offering Software Engineering or related Computer Science and Computer Engineering programmes:
| Name of the University | Relevant Programme | Category | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | Engineering of Computing Systems | Public | Milan |
| University of Bologna | Computer Science / Computer Engineering | Public | Bologna |
| Politecnico di Torino | Computer Engineering | Public | Turin |
| University of Trento | Computer Science / Computer and Communication Engineering | Public | Trento |
| University of Pisa | Computer Science | Public | Pisa |
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Tuition Fee for Software Engineering Programmes in Italy
Stay updated with the tuition fees charged by various universities where you can seek admission to pursue software engineering in Italy. The amounts below reflect the published 2026/27 fee structure where available; the final amount can depend on the programme, study plan, student category and financial circumstances.
| University | Bachelor’s Fees/Year | Master’s Fees/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico di Milano | €880 + variable fee of €0–€3,000 | €880 + variable fee of €0–€3,000 |
| University of Bologna | €157.04 fixed fee + variable contribution | €157 fixed fee + variable contribution |
| Politecnico di Torino | Depends on 2026/27 fee rules and reductions | Depends on 2026/27 fee rules and reductions |
| University of Trento | Depends on programme and student category | Depends on programme and student category |
| University of Pisa | Up to €2,900 + €140 regional tax + €16 stamp duty | Up to €2,900 + €140 regional tax + €16 stamp duty |
Note: Fees mentioned in the table are not fixed for every student and may vary according to the programme, fee category, financial situation and applicable reductions.
Scholarships Available to Study Software Engineering in Italy
Many students find the tuition fees charged at Italian universities high, but they may not know about the scholarships and fee reductions available. Universities and regional right-to-study authorities offer different forms of support, and some awards can cover all or part of the tuition fee. However, a 100% scholarship in Italy is not guaranteed and depends on the scheme and your eligibility.
The Italian Government’s MAECI scholarship is available only for selected study categories. For the 2026/27 call, it does not generally cover new Bachelor’s applicants; it covers selected Master’s, AFAM, PhD and research programmes, with limited exceptions for renewals. Always check the official scholarship rules and deadlines before including a scholarship in your budget.
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Admission Process to Study Software Engineering in Italy
When a student comes to us for Software Engineering in Italy, we first look at their academic background and the courses they can apply for. Some students are applying after Class 12, while others have already completed their Bachelor’s. The options will be different for both, so we shortlist accordingly. Check the detailed process below:
Choosing the university
We start by looking at the courses available at Italian universities. Once we have a few options, the next thing is to check eligibility, fees and subjects. A course may sound right, but we should see what you will actually study before making a decision.
Application and documents
After finalising the course, we move to the application. You will need your academic marksheets, certificates and passport. Depending on the university, there may be other documents too, such as an English language certificate or a Statement of Purpose. For a Master’s application, your Bachelor’s degree and subjects studied will also be important.
Keep the deadlines in mind while doing all this. Some students spend a lot of time deciding on a university and then end up rushing the application.
Entrance tests
There is no one entrance test that every Italian university follows for Software Engineering. Some universities have their own tests, and the requirements can also change between Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in Italy. We check this while shortlisting, so you know beforehand whether you need to prepare for a test or interview.
After you receive offer
Once the university selects you, read the offer letter carefully. Check whether you need to accept the seat or pay a deposit within a given time. There may be further enrolment formalities to complete as well.
For Indian students who need a visa, pre-enrolment through Universitaly may be required before the visa application. You may also be asked for translated or legalised academic documents, an apostille, or a Declaration of Value/CIMEA statement. This depends on the university and the instructions for your application, so don’t get these documents prepared without checking what is actually required.
Planning your stay
Accommodation is another thing to sort out before travelling. Once your admission plans are confirmed, start looking at places to stay near your university and work out your living expenses. There is already quite a bit to manage before moving to Italy, so leaving accommodation until the final weeks is not a good idea.
Things to Remember for Indian Students
- Start with the course, not the university name. Software Engineering and Computer Science may sound similar, but the subjects can be quite different. See what you will actually study.
- Your Class 12 marks matter, but check the university’s rule. There is no single percentage that applies everywhere. For Master’s admission, your Bachelor’s degree and the subjects you studied will also be considered.
- Don’t prepare for one single test just because someone told you it is compulsory. All engineering universities in Italy do not all follow the same test. First check the admission requirements of the course you have shortlisted.
- IELTS is not automatically required by every university. Some accept other English tests or a Medium of Instruction certificate, where their rules allow it.
- Keep your documents in order. Better to check the list before submitting the application.
- Fees can be quite different between universities, so compare the actual course costs before deciding.
- Scholarships? Yes, do look into them. But don’t assume you will receive a full scholarship just because one is available. Every scheme has its own conditions, and some require a separate application.
- Keep the deadlines in front of you. Some courses close applications early, and entrance tests may have separate dates. Indian students also need to leave enough time for the admission and visa formalities.
- About the visa paperwork: Pre-enrolment through Universitaly may be required for students applying for a study visa for Italy. Translation, legalisation or other academic-document checks may also be needed, depending on the university and consular instructions.
- One last thing. If you want to work in software development later, look closely at the technical subjects, practical projects and skills taught in the course.
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Related Courses
| Computer Science | Artificial Intelligence |
| Robotics | Human Computer Interaction |
| Data Science | IT |
Conclusion
If you enjoy coding, solving problems and understanding how software works, this field is worth exploring. Italy has different universities offering Software Engineering and related courses, so there are options to look at based on your academic background and budget. But take your time while choosing. Check the subjects, admission requirements and fees properly before applying to one of the best universities for engineering in Italy. We always suggest looking at what you will learn during the course, because that is what will help you build your skills for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 19, 2026