🇳🇿 University of Bologna: Tuition, Scholarships & Visa Pathway for International Students
Real tuition figures, real scholarships, and the honest visa pathway after graduation, not marketing copy.
Quick Facts
| Location | Bologna, Italy (plus campuses in Forlì, Cesena, Rimini, and Ravenna) |
|---|---|
| Global Ranking | QS World Ranking: #133 (2026), founded 1088, the oldest university in the world still operating in continuous descent from its medieval origins |
| International Students | Around 90,000 total students across all campuses, with a substantial and growing international cohort, particularly at Master's level |
| Secondary Qualification (Indian students) | 12 years of prior schooling required for direct Bachelor's entry; students from 11-year systems typically need a foundation year (roughly €5,000) before enrolling |
| English Requirement (Undergraduate) | IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall depending on programme (for English-taught courses) |
| English Requirement (Postgraduate) | IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 overall or TOEFL 90+ for most English-taught Master's programmes |
| Approx. Acceptance Rate | Not officially published as a single figure; varies significantly by faculty and programme |
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world still operating in continuous descent from its medieval origins, running approximately 90,000 students across humanities, law, economics, medicine, engineering, and the sciences. Its English-taught programmes include BIEMF (Bachelor in International Economics, Management and Finance), Computer Science, International Relations, and the Bologna Business School at Master's level.
Tuition for International Students (2026)
€1,500 to €3,000/year, calibrated to family income through the ISEE system, exceptionally affordable for a top-200 global university
Real Scholarships: Not Just a List of Names
DSU Regional Scholarship (Emilia-Romagna)
Italy's need-based DSU scholarship, awarded on family income via the ISEE calculation rather than grades, can cover tuition, housing, and meals for eligible students. Bologna-specific merit scholarships and Erasmus+ funding are also available; check current amounts on the university's official scholarships page.
Visa & Post-Study Work Pathway
Yes — non-EU graduates can convert their student permit to a work-seeker residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione), valid for up to 12 months, to search for qualifying employment. Once you secure a job offer, this converts to a standard Italian work permit.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bologna good for international students?
University of Bologna is a well-regarded university in Italy. QS World Ranking: #133 (2026), founded 1088, the oldest university in the world still operating in continuous descent from its medieval origins. A long institutional history (founded 1088, the oldest university in the world still operating in continuous descent from its medieval origins) speaks to stability, but it won't tell you about today's tuition, scholarships, or post-study work rights — check those directly before applying.
What tuition does Bologna charge international students?
€1,500 to €3,000/year, calibrated to family income through the ISEE system, exceptionally affordable for a top-200 global university
What IELTS score do I need for Bologna?
IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall for undergraduate, 6.5 to 7.0 overall or TOEFL 90+ for postgraduate. Specific programme requirements vary; always confirm on the official admissions page for your chosen degree.
Can I work in Italy after graduating from Bologna?
Yes — non-EU graduates can convert their student permit to a work-seeker residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione), valid for up to 12 months, to search for qualifying employment. Once you secure a job offer, this converts to a standard Italian work permit.
See the full Italy university landscape and visa pathway.
🇮🇹 Study in Italy Guide 🔗 Official Bologna WebsiteMethodology
Tuition, ranking and scholarship figures are compiled from each university's official admissions/scholarship pages and the QS World University Rankings 2026, cross-checked in July 2026. Figures are ranges and change annually, always confirm exact costs on the university's official site before applying or paying any fees.
Limitations
- Tuition varies significantly by specific programme/faculty; the ranges shown are indicative, not a quote for any specific course.
- Scholarship values and eligibility criteria change annually and by nationality; always verify current terms directly with the university.
- This page does not constitute admissions or immigration advice.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute admissions or immigration advice. Page last reviewed July 12, 2026.
VisaCalc is not affiliated with University of Bologna and does not represent the university. All figures are independently compiled for informational purposes. Always confirm tuition, scholarships and admission requirements directly on the official Bologna website before applying or paying any fees.