Italy has become one of the top destinations for international students seeking world-class education at affordable costs. With its rich culture, globally recognized universities, and diverse range of programs, Italy offers two main admission periods each year — the February intake and the September intake.
If you’re planning to study in Italy in 2025, understanding the differences in intakes, fees, deadlines, and courses can help you make the right choice. In this guide, we will compare the February and September intakes in Italy, focusing on fees, universities, deadlines, and admission requirements.
Overview of Study Intakes in Italy
Italian universities generally offer two major intakes every academic year:
- September Intake in Italy – Also known as the Fall Intake, this is the primary intake and offers the widest range of programs.
- February Intake in Italy – Also called the Spring Intake, it is a secondary intake with fewer but specialized course options.
Both intakes give international students a chance to enroll in top universities, but they differ in terms of course availability, competition, and fee structure.
September Intake in Italy
The September Intake in Italy is the most popular and widely chosen period by international students. It aligns with the traditional academic calendar and offers the maximum number of courses and scholarships.
September Intake Universities in Italy
Most leading Italian universities open their major programs during the September session. Some popular September Intake universities in Italy include:
- University of Bologna
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Politecnico di Milano
- University of Padua
- University of Milan
- University of Florence
- University of Pisa
These universities are well-known for programs in Engineering, Business, Architecture, Medicine, and Arts.
September Intake in Italy Fees
The tuition fees for September Intake vary depending on the university, course, and student nationality. On average:
- Public Universities: €900 – €4,000 per year
- Private Universities: €6,000 – €20,000 per year
For instance, engineering and architecture courses at public institutions like Politecnico di Milano cost around €3,800 per year, while MBA programs at private institutions can reach €15,000 or more.
September Intake in Italy Deadline
Application deadlines for the September intake usually fall between January and May 2025.
However, students should start preparing early, as certain universities close applications by March or April 2025 for international programs.
September Intake Courses in Italy
This intake offers a vast variety of programs, such as:
- Engineering and Technology
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Arts and Design
- Business Management
- Architecture
- Computer Science
- Law and Social Sciences
September Intake Italy Last Date
The last date to apply for the September intake generally ranges between April and May 2025. Late applications may still be accepted depending on the university’s international quota.
September Admission in Italy
Once accepted, students typically receive their admission letters by June or July 2025, allowing enough time for visa processing and travel arrangements before classes begin in September 2025.
February Intake in Italy
The February Intake in Italy is the secondary intake, ideal for students who missed the September deadline or prefer a smaller class environment. Although it offers fewer programs, it still provides high-quality education and flexibility.
February Intake Universities in Italy
Not all universities offer February admission, but many reputed institutions do. Some top February intake universities in Italy include:
- University of Bologna
- University of Padua
- Politecnico di Torino
- University of Milan
- University of Pisa
- Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
These universities provide selected undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Management, and Arts.
February Intake in Italy Fees
Tuition fees for February intake in Italy are quite similar to the September session. On average:
- Public Universities: €900 – €4,000 per year
- Private Universities: €6,000 – €18,000 per year
For example, Politecnico di Torino charges around €3,000 per year for engineering programs, while private business schools may cost around €10,000–€15,000 annually.
February Intake in Italy Deadline
Applications for the February intake in Italy 2025 usually open around August or September 2024 and close by October to November 2024.
Some universities may extend deadlines until December 2024, depending on course demand.
February Intake Courses in Italy
The February intake courses in Italy are typically fewer in number but include:
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Data Science
- Fashion and Design
These programs are ideal for students looking to join mid-academic year or switch courses without waiting for the next September session.
February Intake Italy Last Date
The last date to apply for the February intake is generally around November or December 2024. Early application is recommended for better chances of acceptance and scholarship consideration.
February Admission in Italy
Once admission is confirmed, students receive their offer letters by December 2024 or January 2025, and classes usually start in February 2025.
Comparing February & September Intake Fees in Italy
| Feature | September Intake in Italy | February Intake in Italy |
| Application Period | January – May 2025 | August – December 2024 |
| Tuition Fees (Public) | €900 – €4,000/year | €900 – €4,000/year |
| Tuition Fees (Private) | €6,000 – €20,000/year | €6,000 – €18,000/year |
| Scholarship Availability | High | Moderate |
| Number of Courses | Extensive | Limited |
| Visa Processing Time | Longer (due to high volume) | Faster |
| Best For | Students seeking all program options | Students seeking quick admission |
As shown above, fees for both intakes remain almost the same. However, the September intake provides more opportunities, scholarships, and course options, while the February intake offers faster admissions and less competition.
Which Intake Should You Choose?
Choosing between the February and September intake in Italy depends on your academic goals, readiness, and visa timelines.
Choose September Intake if:
- You want more course options and university choices.
- You are applying for scholarships or government-funded programs.
- You prefer joining at the start of the academic year.
Choose February Intake if:
- You missed the September deadlines.
- You want a smaller class size and quicker admission process.
- You’re looking for specific courses available mid-year.
Both intakes offer world-class education at affordable rates, but careful planning ensures a smooth application experience.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the February intake in Italy or the September intake in Italy 2025, the tuition fees are affordable compared to many other European countries. Public universities charge reasonable rates, and international students can also benefit from scholarships, part-time jobs, and regional financial aid.By understanding fees, deadlines, and course availability, you can select the intake that best matches your goals.
Start your application early, prepare your documents, and make your study abroad journey in Italy a successful one.
