Discover Cheap Universities in Italy for 2024

Italy is an attractive study destination thanks to affordable tuition fees, an incredible Mediterranean climate, and the unique culture and history that still allow you to admire ancient ruins and monuments.

But what does ‘affordable tuition’ really mean? What if you want to finish your studies without breaking the bank; can you do that while studying at a university in Italy?

Italy is a popular destination for international students due to its rich cultural heritage, high-quality education system, and relatively affordable cost of living. The average monthly expenses for a student in Italy range from €700 to €1,000, depending on the city. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal expenses.

Higher education costs in Italy vary significantly between public and private institutions. Public universities generally offer more affordable tuition fees compared to private universities. Additionally, Italy offers various scholarships and financial aid options to help offset these costs for both domestic and international students.

Find your affordable degree in Italy

On our portals, you can explore hundreds of Bachelor's degrees and more than 1,000 Master's degrees in Italy, offering a wide range of academic options to suit various interests and career goals.

Most affordable universities in Italy, according to our data:

Here's a list of the universities in Italy that are listed on our portals and have the cheapest available degrees for both international and domestic students, in both Bachelor's and Master's levels:

1. University of Milan
2. University of Pisa
3. University of Pavia
4. Tor Vergata University of Rome
5. University of Genoa
6. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia - UNIMORE
7. Ca' Foscari University of Venice
8. Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
9. University of Trieste
10. University of Calabria
11. University of L'Aquila
12. University of Insubria
13. University of Camerino

Other universities provide cheap degrees as well, but these are the ones that stand out thanks to the number of affordable degrees listed on our portals. Let's find out more about each of them:

1. The University of Milan

The University of Milan, located in the bustling city of Milan, is one of Italy’s largest public universities. It is renowned for its research excellence and strong programs in medicine, law, and economics. As a public institution, it offers relatively affordable tuition fees, with numerous scholarships and financial aid options available. The vibrant student life is enriched by Milan’s status as a global fashion and business hub, providing students with countless cultural and professional opportunities.

2. University of Pisa

The University of Pisa, one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious public universities, is located in the historic city of Pisa. It is famous for its programs in engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences. The university offers affordable tuition fees, particularly for EU students, and various financial aid options. Student life is dynamic, with numerous cultural events and the unique charm of Pisa’s historical landmarks, including the iconic Leaning Tower.

3. University of Pavia

The University of Pavia, located in the charming city of Pavia, is known for its rich history and strong academic programs in law, medicine, and engineering. As a public university, it offers competitive tuition fees and a variety of scholarships and financial aid options. The university boasts a vibrant student life with a wide range of extracurricular activities, a historic campus, and a strong sense of community.

4. Tor Vergata University of Rome

Tor Vergata University of Rome, situated in the Italian capital, is renowned for its research and strong programs in economics, engineering, and medicine. This public university offers affordable tuition fees and numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Student life at Tor Vergata is lively, with a modern campus, a variety of student organizations, and Rome’s rich cultural and historical heritage providing a unique and stimulating environment.

5. University of Genoa

The University of Genoa, located in the port city of Genoa, is a prominent public university known for its programs in engineering, maritime studies, and social sciences. It offers affordable tuition fees with various scholarships and financial aid options. Student life is vibrant, supported by the city’s maritime culture, beautiful coastal setting, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities.

6. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), spanning the cities of Modena and Reggio Emilia, is a respected public institution known for its programs in engineering, economics, and medical sciences. It offers competitive tuition fees and a variety of financial aid options. The dual-city campus provides a unique student experience, combining the rich cultural heritage of Modena with the vibrant urban atmosphere of Reggio Emilia.

7. Ca' Foscari University of Venice

Ca' Foscari University of Venice, located in the iconic city of Venice, is renowned for its programs in humanities, languages, and economics. As a public university, it offers relatively affordable tuition fees and numerous scholarships. The university provides a unique student experience with its historic campus and the distinctive cultural and artistic atmosphere of Venice, making student life both enriching and memorable.

8. Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, situated in the bilingual region of South Tyrol, is known for its strong programs in economics, engineering, and design. It offers competitive tuition fees and various scholarships and financial aid options. The university’s unique location and multilingual environment provide a distinctive student experience, with a vibrant campus life and a mix of Italian and Austrian cultures enriching the academic journey.

9. University of Trieste

The University of Trieste, located in the northeastern city of Trieste, is a public institution known for its strong research output and programs in physics, engineering, and international studies. It offers affordable tuition fees with various scholarships and financial aid options. The university provides a dynamic student life, supported by Trieste’s multicultural environment and scenic coastal setting.

10. University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende

The University of Calabria, situated in the town of Arcavacata di Rende, is known for its strong programs in engineering, sciences, and social sciences. As a public university, it offers competitive tuition fees and numerous financial aid opportunities. The campus is modern and vibrant, with a close-knit community and a range of student activities, set against the backdrop of Calabria’s beautiful landscapes.

11. University of L'Aquila

The University of L'Aquila, located in the central Italian city of L'Aquila, is a public institution renowned for its programs in engineering, natural sciences, and medicine. It offers affordable tuition fees and various scholarships. The university provides a supportive and engaging student life, with a focus on academic excellence and a range of cultural and recreational activities.

12. University of Insubria, Varese and Como

The University of Insubria, spanning the cities of Varese and Como, is known for its strong programs in life sciences, law, and economics. As a public university, it offers competitive tuition fees and various financial aid options. The dual-city campus provides a unique student experience, combining the picturesque settings of both Varese and Como with a vibrant and active student community.

13. University of Camerino

The University of Camerino, located in the small town of Camerino, is a historic public university known for its programs in science, technology, and architecture. It offers affordable tuition fees and various scholarships and financial aid options. The university provides a close-knit and supportive student life, with a strong sense of community and numerous cultural and social activities.

What are the most affordable tuition fees for students in Italy

Italy offers a diverse landscape for higher education with significant variations in tuition fees between public and private institutions. Public universities provide more affordable options, especially for EU students, but tuition can still be high for non-EU international students. Private universities generally charge higher tuition fees but often offer specialised programmes and smaller class sizes.

Affordable tuition fees for domestic students

Most domestic students enjoy free higher education in Italy. For domestic students in Italy, tuition fees are relatively low compared to other Western European countries, such as France, the Netherlands, and Germany. According to data from Studyportals:

• At least a quarter (25%) of BA degrees for domestic students are free.
• Half of the Bachelor’s degrees for domestic students in Italy cost less than €8,000 per year.
• The cheapest Master’s programmes for domestic students in Italy cost between €0 and €2,500.
• Yearly MA tuition fees of €3,000 can be considered average for local students in Italy, as half of the Master’s programmes for local students in Italy cost less than that.

Affordable degrees for International students in Italy

Tuition fees for international students in Italy are higher compared to domestic students. However, many universities offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students.

Affordable fees for international Bachelor’s in Italy

• The cheapest universities for international students in Italy have tuition fees ranging between €0 and €2,600.
• €4,500 per year is an average tuition fee, since 50% of the Bachelor’s degrees for international students in Italy cost less than that.

Affordable fees for international Master’s in Italy

• The cheapest Master’s programs for international students in Italy start at €0 and reach up to €2,400.
• When comparing study programs from Italy, international student tuition fees between €2,400 and €3,100 can be considered moderately affordable.
• Half of the MA degrees for international students in Italy cost less than €3,100.

NOTE: The values for domestic and international students presented above are based on tuition fees extracted from programmes listed on our portals at the date of publishing this article.

A few other things you should know about affordable universities in Italy:

• Although most universities apply the same tuition fees to all international students, some don’t. For example, the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and the University of Pavia have higher fees for non-EU/EEA students. Always check what fee applies to you!
• We’ve created these lists based on the programmes and higher education institutions listed on our portals. This means the lists are not exhaustive, and you might be able to find other affordable degrees or universities in Italy.
• Universities can add or remove programmes periodically. If a university on these lists no longer offers an affordable degree, simply use the filters on our portals to find other Italian universities that do.
• To discover an even larger number of academic courses, you can visit the official website of your favourite university from Italy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Italy offers an appealing blend of affordable tuition fees, rich cultural heritage, and high-quality education, making it an attractive destination for international students. Public universities in Italy typically provide more economical options compared to private institutions, and numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities help further reduce costs. With a relatively affordable cost of living and diverse academic programs, Italy presents a compelling choice for students seeking a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

Methodology

• We used real data from Studyportals analysts to compile the list of universities and yearly tuition fees for affordable degrees.
• All tuition fees mentioned in this article are for 1 year of study.
• We examined all full-time Bachelor's and Master's degrees in this country that are listed on our portals for both domestic and international students.
• In this article, "cheap" or "affordable" means that the tuition fees are lower than what 75% of other university degrees listed on our website.
• Sometimes, we use the term “moderately affordable,” which means the tuition fees are cheaper than what half of the university degrees, but more expensive than the lowest 25% degrees listed on our website.
• For practical reasons, we've rounded up (or down) all tuition fee values.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is subject to change, so it is crucial to check the publication date of this article. Always confirm the current tuition fees directly with the universities, as they can vary.

Other resources

• Best Universities in Italy
• Tuition and Living Costs in Italy
• How to Get a Student Visa for Italy
• 10 Reasons to Study Abroad in Italy

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Are tuition fees affordable for international students in Italy?

Yes, tuition fees for international students in Italy are generally affordable, especially at public universities. Fees range from €0 to €2,600 for Bachelor's degrees and up to €3,100 for Master's degrees.

2. How much are the living costs for students in Italy?

Living costs in Italy average between €700 and €1,000 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.

3. Do public universities in Italy charge tuition fees?

Yes, public universities in Italy charge tuition fees, but they are typically lower than those at private institutions. Many public universities offer significant financial aid and scholarships.

4. Can international students get financial aid in Italy?

Yes, numerous scholarships and financial aid options are available specifically for international students to help manage tuition and living expenses.