If you’re looking for affordable degrees in Europe, you should consider studying in Italy. It is home to some of the oldest universities in the world, which offer high quality education and low tuition fees. You will also enjoy travelling and exploring the rich culture and history of Italian cities.
Although tuition fees are affordable, there are other expenses you need to cover, like: accommodation, food, transportation, books, and others. Below, we’ll offer more information about tuition and living costs, and hopefully you’ll get a better idea about what kind of budget you need to study in Italy.
1. University tuition fees in Italy for international students
Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in Italy set their tuition fees based on discipline and the degree type (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD). On average, tuition ranges between 0 – 5,000 EUR/academic year. If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, some study programmes can demand much higher tuition.
Tuition fees at private universities
Private universities in Italy usually charge higher tuition fees compared to public universities and most of them have the same fees for both EU and non-EU/EEA students. The average tuition fees in private universities range between 3,000 – 35,000 EUR/year.
Most affordable universities in Italy
Check the list of Italian universities with some of the most affordable tuition fees:
- Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria
- University of Camerino
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
- University of Pisa
Universities we recommend in Italy
- Istituto Europeo Di Design (IED)
- Politecnico di Milano
- SDA Bocconi School of Management
- Tor Vergata University of Rome
- University of Padua
Check out the best universities in Italy according to global rankings.
2. Costs of living in Italy for international students
The overall living costs for international students in Italy range between 700 and 1,000 EUR/month. These costs include: accommodation, food, public transportation, local travel and/or entertainment.
Living in Italy is a great experience, but keep in mind that if you choose Rome or Milan, they are more expensive when compared to other Italian cities. Check the average monthly living expenses for students in these student cities in Italy:
- Bologna: around 750 – 1,100 EUR/month
- Florence: around 850 - 1,300 EUR/month
- Milan and Rome: between 850 and 1,450 EUR/month
Accommodation
You can expect to pay anywhere between 300 – 600 EUR for housing. Prices vary depending on the city in which you live and the type of accommodation. Sharing an apartment with other students is a good way to reduce your monthly expenses. You can also live with a local family and practise your Italian skills while getting to know their tradition and lifestyle.
On average, here are the prices students spend on housing, depending on the type of accommodation:
- Students living alone: 400 – 700 EUR/month
- Students living in student accommodation: 250 – 300 EUR/month
- Students sharing a rented apartment: 250 – 500 EUR/month
Don’t forget to take into account utilities, which can add between 90 – 260 EUR to your monthly expenses.
See what these international students have to say about studying abroad in Italy:
- Yaw's study experience
- Sebastian's study experience
- Ida's study experience
- Rucsandra's study experience
Food costs
You will spend around 150 – 200 EUR/month if you buy groceries from local supermarkets. Lidl, Penny Market or Esselunga have some of the lowest prices.
In Italian restaurants, lunch or dinner start with antipasto, (a sort of appetisers or hors d'oeuvres) a course consisting of various types of cold meat, seafood and vegetable dishes, with prices between 8 and 15 EUR.
In mid-range restaurants, pasta dishes are between 6 and 12 EUR, while the main fish or meat courses will normally cost between 8 and 16 EUR.
You should be aware of an important detail: any Italian restaurant will charge you for the bread and cover; this usually costs around 1 – 2.50 EUR per person.
Transportation costs
Public transport is the easiest and most convenient method to travel in Italy. A monthly bus/tram/metro ticket for students is somewhere between 25 and 45 EUR/month, depending on the city.
The train network in Italy is fast and well maintained, so visiting other cities is definitely an option. Fares start at around 20 EUR for a trip, but if you book tickets earlier, you could get discounts of up to 70%.
Find Master's degrees in Italy
Extra costs when studying in Italy
- The costs for phone bills and internet can reach 30 – 50 EUR/month
- Entertainment and social activities add another 30 – 40 EUR/week
- Books and other study materials can cost around 40 – 50 EUR/month
You can also use the Numbeo website to check out other prices and costs in Italy.
Visa fee
Now that you have an overview of tuition fees and living costs in Italy, you can start applying to universities. While you do that, don't forget to also check the Italian student visa requirements if you are from outside the EU/EEA. Here are more details about it:
- Students from Egypt applying for Italian visa
- Students from Ghana applying for Italian visa
- Iranian students applying for Italian visa
- Nigerian students applying for Italian visa
- Kenyan students applying for Italian visa
3. Scholarships and funding opportunities
Most scholarships in Italy are offered by the government or by the universities. Examples of scholarships you can apply to:
- Italian government scholarships for international students – for all degree levels, and for teachers of Italian as a second language. Scholarships are awarded for three, six, or nine months.
- Some Italian universities such as Politecnico di Milano, University of Padova, Bocconi University, Bologna University, offer scholarship programmes for international students; these are usually between 5,000 and 12,000 EUR/year. You can find more information on the universities’ official websites.
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.
View scholarship opportunities in Italy
Tips for saving money
Have an inexpensive meal at the university cafeteria or "mensa", or check the crowded places that serve street food and you can get a sandwich or a slice of pizza for 2 – 3 EUR.
In most pubs, small restaurants and cafeterias in Italy, if you choose to eat or drink at a table, you will pay double the price that is listed on the menu! When you can simply order and take away, you should do it.
Some restaurants in Italy have the Apertivo (similar to the American Happy Hour), where they offer a free buffet if you buy a drink, for around 6 EUR; this is usually between 6 and 9 pm.
Studying in Europe and living in Italy, one of the most beautiful countries, is a great choice. Low tuition fees will allow you to save some money and explore its cities full of ancient monuments and mysteries while enjoying great weather and trying some of the best food in the world. Have a great study experience and make the most out of it!