[Published: 28 October 2026 | Last updated: 28 October 2026]
TL;DR
- Most English-taught programmes in Italy ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, although some universities accept students without IELTS (Kadamb Overseas, 2026).
- The DSU regional scholarship gives need-based grants of about EUR 2,850 to EUR 8,300 a year, plus help with tuition, housing and meals (Opportunity Inside, 2026).
- You need a Type D national visa to study in Italy for more than 90 days (UNB, 2026).
- Bangladeshi students must register on the Universitaly portal, and VFS Global then contacts them for a visa appointment (Embassy of Italy in Dhaka, 2026).
- Start early: documents need official translation into Italian and legalisation before you apply.
Why Study in Italy from Bangladesh?
Italy is popular with Bangladeshi students because public universities charge low fees and the DSU scholarship can cover most costs for students from lower-income families. Many master's programmes in engineering, economics and design are taught fully in English.
After graduation, students can apply for a 12-month job-search residence permit to look for work in Italy (Kadamb Overseas, 2026). During studies, you can usually work up to 20 hours a week (Kadamb Overseas, 2026).
What Is the IELTS Requirement for Italy?
Most Italian universities ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for English-taught programmes (Kadamb Overseas, 2026). The exact band depends on the university and the course.
Some Italian universities accept students without IELTS, for example through an MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter or their own English interview. Even then, the visa officer may still check your English. Our guide to studying abroad without IELTS explains how MOI letters work.
| Requirement | Typical value |
|---|---|
| IELTS for English-taught programmes | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| Visa type | Type D national visa |
| Part-time work during studies | Up to 20 hours a week |
| Post-study job search permit | 12 months |
Sources: Kadamb Overseas (2026), UNB (2026).
What Is the DSU Scholarship in Italy?
The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) scholarship is a regional, need-based grant for students at Italian public universities. It pays about EUR 2,850 to EUR 8,300 a year depending on the region, and it can include a tuition waiver, free accommodation and meals (Opportunity Inside, 2026).
Each Italian region runs its own DSU office, so rules and deadlines differ between, for example, Lombardy and Lazio. DSU is based on family income and assets, so you need official documents about your family's finances, translated and legalised.
DSU does not depend on IELTS scores. An MOI letter can waive IELTS for admission, but it does not replace any DSU document (AbroadMate, 2026).
How to Apply to Study in Italy from Bangladesh
Step 1: Choose a Programme and Apply to the University
Shortlist English-taught programmes at public universities and apply directly. Check each programme's English requirement and application deadline.
Step 2: Pre-Enrol on Universitaly
Non-EU students who need a visa must pre-enrol on the Universitaly portal (AbroadMate, 2026). The Embassy of Italy in Dhaka says students who register correctly on Universitaly are contacted by email by VFS Global to book a visa appointment (Embassy of Italy in Dhaka, 2026).
Step 3: Prepare and Legalise Your Documents
Your academic documents must be translated into Italian by an authorised sworn translator and legalised by the Bangladeshi authorities and the Italian Embassy in Dhaka (EuroStaffs, 2026).
Step 4: Apply for the DSU Scholarship
Apply to the DSU office in your university's region by its deadline. Prepare your family income and asset documents early, because they also need translation and legalisation.
Step 5: Apply for the Type D Student Visa
Submit your visa application through VFS Global with your Universitaly summary, admission letter, financial documents and health insurance. For the 2026 intake, the Embassy's last day for student visa applications for university pre-enrolment was 29 October 2026 (Embassy of Italy in Dhaka, 2026).
Common Mistakes When Applying to Italy
The most common mistake is starting the document process too late. Translation and legalisation can take weeks.
Avoid these other mistakes:
- Skipping Universitaly pre-enrolment, which the visa process depends on.
- Applying for DSU without complete, legalised family income documents.
- Assuming an IELTS waiver from the university also means no English check at the visa stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Italy
Is IELTS required to study in Italy?
Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, but some universities accept students without IELTS (Kadamb Overseas, 2026). Check each programme's English requirement.
What is the DSU scholarship?
DSU is a regional, need-based scholarship for students at Italian public universities. It pays about EUR 2,850 to EUR 8,300 a year and can include a tuition waiver, housing and meals (Opportunity Inside, 2026).
What visa do I need to study in Italy?
You need a Type D national visa for study longer than 90 days (UNB, 2026).
How do I book an Italy student visa appointment in Dhaka?
Register on the Universitaly portal first. The Embassy of Italy in Dhaka says VFS Global then emails registered students to book an appointment (Embassy of Italy in Dhaka, 2026).
Can I work while studying in Italy?
Yes. Students can usually work up to 20 hours a week during studies (Kadamb Overseas, 2026).
Can I stay in Italy after graduation?
Yes. Graduates can apply for a 12-month job-search residence permit (Kadamb Overseas, 2026).
What to Remember Before You Apply to Italy
- Aim for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, unless your programme clearly accepts an alternative.
- Pre-enrol on Universitaly, because the visa process depends on it.
- Apply for the DSU scholarship in your university's region with complete family documents.
- Start translation and legalisation months before the visa deadline.