Public universities, English-taught degrees and fees far below private systems. Here is how Italy, France and Germany compare, how the application year runs, and where we come in.
Europe is home to some of the oldest universities in the world, and most students attend public institutions funded by the state.
Public universities charge low, income-linked or no tuition, and regional and university scholarships can reduce costs further.
A student residence permit from a Schengen country lets you make short visits to the other Schengen states during your studies.
Each of the three countries offers graduates a route to stay on and look for work after completing their degree.
The differences that matter most when you choose where to apply. Details change by university and year, so we confirm them for every programme on your list.
| Italy | France | Germany | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English-taught degrees | Wide choice at bachelor’s and master’s level | Mostly master’s; many bachelor’s are in French | Mostly master’s; many bachelor’s are in German |
| Main intakes | September–October | September; some programmes in January | October (winter) and April (summer) |
| Tuition at public universities | Set by family income | State-set fees; schools set their own | None at most, only a semester contribution |
| Main funding route | Regional scholarships covering fees, a room and meals | Government and university scholarships | Scholarships, mostly at master’s level and above |
| Application route | Apply to universities, then pre-enrolment | Campus France, including an interview | Apply to universities directly or via uni-assist |
| Proof of funds for the visa | Bank statements or sponsor documents | Bank statements or a scholarship letter | A blocked bank account |
Pick what matters most to you. It is a starting point; in the consultation we check it against your grades, budget and timing.
An English-taught bachelor’s
Best fit: Italy
Italy has the widest choice of English-taught bachelor’s programmes at public universities, open to students with Intermediate or A-Level results.
No tuition fees
Best fit: Germany
Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition, only a semester contribution. You will need to show living costs in a blocked account.
Engineering or technology
Best fit: Germany
Germany’s technical universities are known worldwide for engineering, and many master’s programmes are taught in English. Italy’s polytechnics are a strong alternative.
Business, design or a specialised school
Best fit: France
France has a large network of specialised schools in business, engineering and design alongside its public universities, with many master’s programmes in English.
A scholarship that covers living costs
Best fit: Italy
Italian regional scholarships are awarded on family income and can include a fee waiver, a yearly grant, a room and meals for eligible students.
A typical year for a September or October start. Each university sets its own dates, so your plan is built around the programmes you choose.
October–December
Choose the country and programmes, book an English test if you need one, and collect transcripts and degree documents.
November–April
Application windows open and close at different times for each university, so applications go out in several rounds.
March–June
Offers arrive and you accept one. Scholarship applications usually run alongside, with their own deadlines.
June–August
Complete any pre-enrolment or Campus France steps, prepare the visa file and attend the appointment.
September–October
Arrange insurance and accommodation, fly, then complete your residence permit and university registration.
Something not covered here? Ask us on WhatsApp and we’ll answer it.
It depends on your level and goals. Italy suits students who want an English-taught bachelor’s or an income-based scholarship, Germany suits engineering and science students who want to avoid tuition fees, and France suits master’s students, especially in business and specialised schools.
Some universities accept other English tests, or a certificate that your previous degree was taught in English. Many still ask for IELTS or an equivalent, and embassies may ask about your English too. We check the requirement for each programme on your list.
Usually, yes. Public universities in Italy, France and Germany charge low, income-linked or no tuition: Germany charges none at most public universities, Italy’s fixed fee for Pakistani students is about €390 to €3,900 a year, and France charges non-EU students €2,902 (bachelor’s) or €3,950 (master’s). Scholarships can cover part or all of your living costs.
Yes. Student permits in all three countries allow part-time work within limits set by each country: up to 20 hours a week and 1,040 hours a year in Italy, 964 hours a year in France, and 140 full days a year in Germany. Part-time income helps, but it is not counted as proof of funds for your visa.
Not for an English-taught programme. Italy and Germany do not require their language for English-taught degrees, and France usually does not at master’s level. If the programme is taught in Italian you need B2 Italian, and German-taught programmes need a high German level. Learning the basics still helps with daily life, part-time work and finding a job.
Ideally the October to December before. Many applications open in the winter and some close as early as February or March, and the visa stage needs the summer. Dates differ by country: Italy has one main September or October intake, France’s Campus France deadline for September 2027 is 18 November 2026, and Germany’s winter deadline is usually 15 July.
Tell us about yourself and where you want to study. We’ll contact you on WhatsApp or by email to set a time, on a call, by video or in person.