Cost of Studying in Italy for International Students in 2024

Did you know Italy, with its legendary cuisine and captivating history, is also a top destination for international students?

In 2023 alone, over 32,000 students worldwide chose Italy for their studies, marking a significant rise in popularity over the past decade!

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But how much does it cost to study and live in Italy?

From bustling Milan to charming Bologna, expenses can vary widely. Depending on your location and lifestyle, you might spend between INR 74K to INR 1L (EUR 800 to EUR 1.8K) monthly. 

This comprehensive guide will further offer all the essential details you need to know about the cost of studying in Italy, including Italy university fees for international students, Italy MBA fees, and more.

Dive in!

Key Highlights

Top 6 Universities in Italy for International Students

Italy provides diverse academic opportunities, including engineering powerhouses like Politecnico di Milano, which is ranked 23rd globally in Engineering and Technology. The historic University of Bologna stands out, ranked 41st for its law school and recognised for its commitment to sustainability.

Here’s a quick look at the top six universities, their QS rankings, and the average cost of studying in Italy.

Here is a closer look at top 6 universities in Italy, each offering unique strengths and program offerings at an affordable cost of studying in Italy.

1. Polytechnic University of Milan (Politecnico di Milano)

Politecnico di Milano, established in 1863, is an engineering, architecture, and design leader. It is one of the largest technical universities in Italy, with more than 42,000 students studying on the campus.

It offers a unique “Master of Science in Food Design and Engineering” program for those interested in food and technology. You can choose from 60+ postgraduate programs. 

Here are two prominent alumni from this university.

• Gianluca Dettori – CEO of Digital Magics
• Michele De Luca – Professor of Regenerative Medicine

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the Politecnico di Milano.

2. Sapienza University of Rome (Sapienza Università di Roma)

Founded in 1303, Sapienza University of Rome is renowned for its prestigious medical school and offers various programs across diverse fields. 

It is the oldest university in Rome and the largest university in Europe. Offering more than 50 postgraduate programs, the university is home to 1,956 international students from 87 countries. It is one of the top universities in Italy for master’s degrees.

The University also offers a rich campus experience with events like Sapienza International Student Welcome Week. 

Here are two prominent alumni from this university.

• Giulio Tremonti – Former Minister of Economy and Finance
• Paolo Sorrentino – Film Director

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the Sapienza University of Rome:

3. University of Bologna (Università di Bologna)

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna holds the prestigious title of the oldest university in the Western world. It is a leader in fields like law, medicine, agriculture, and humanities. 

The University of Bologna boasts a profound dedication to sustainable development and contributes to attaining all 17 sustainable development goals defined by the UN 2030 Agenda.

The university is home to over 6,502 international students from across the world and offers more than 150 postgraduate English-taught courses.

Here are two prominent alumni from this university.

• Guglielmo Marconi – Inventor and Nobel Laureate
• Umberto Eco – Philosopher and Novelist

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the University of Bologna:

4. University of Padova (Università degli Studi di Padova)

Founded in 1222, the University of Padova boasts a rich history in medicine and scientific research. It has an international community of over 4,103 international students. It offers a comprehensive range of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences programs.

You can also explore the city’s mediaeval architecture, indulge in local delicacies like “Bigoli in salsa” (thick spaghetti), and connect with fellow students.

Here are two prominent alumni from this university.

• Galileo Galilei – Astronomer and Physicist
• Elena Cattaneo – Scientist and Senator

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the University of Padova:

5. Polytechnic University of Turin (Politecnico di Torino)

Founded in 1859, Politecnico di Torino was Italy’s first engineering school and remains one of the most prestigious technical universities in Europe. 

Politecnico di Torino has a strong global presence, attracting over 7,000 international students from more than 100 countries. 

Here are two prominent alumni from this university.

• Guido Saracco – Rector of the Polytechnic University of Turin
• Renzo Piano – Architect

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the Polytechnic University of Turin:

6. University of Milan

Established in 1924, the University of Milan is one of the best universities in Italy. Often referred to as “la Statale, it is a top-tier research-focused European university. It offers many programs across diverse fields, including over 83 graduate courses and 111 postgraduate programs.

Here are two prominent alumni from this university.

• Umberto Bossi – Politician
• Dario Fo – Playwright and Nobel Laureate
  

Here is the table highlighting the admission criteria at the University of Milan.

Popular Courses in Italy for Indian Students

Top universities in Italy offer a variety of high-quality master’s programs, with a notable presence in arts, architecture, business, and engineering.

Italy attracts students worldwide by offering more than 700 master courses across different disciplines, all of which are entirely taught in English.

Here are some of the top master’s courses in Italy.

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Cost of Study in Italy for Indian Students

According to recent statistics by the Ministry of External Affairs, the number of Indian students in Italy has increased by 20% over the past five years, reflecting its growing appeal as a study destination​​. 

You’ll also be glad to know that Italy is known for its affordable education system compared to other Western countries. Fees start from INR 83K (EUR 900) compared to INR 1.2L (EUR 1.4K) in the UK per month. 

Tuition Fees Comparison Between Public and Private Universities

• Public Universities: Typically lower tuition fees ranging from INR 83K to INR 3.7L (EUR 900 to EUR 4K) per year.
• Private Universities: Higher tuition fees range from INR 5.6L to INR 18.6L (EUR 6K to EUR 20K) per year.

Here is a helpful table detailing the expected fees of public and private universities based on location.

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Cost of Living in Italy for Indian Students

Understanding the cost of living is crucial for international students planning to study in Italy. Living costs in Italy for students vary by location and lifestyle. 

But to simplify things, here’s a consolidated list of the average range of prices you can expect.

Cost of Study Visa in Italy 

Italian Embassies or Consulates-General issues student visas for Italy in your country of origin. Italy offers two types of student visas based on the length of the study program.

• Visa Type C: A short-stay or travel visa valid for one or more entries, with a maximum duration of 90 days.
  
• Visa Type D: A long-stay visa valid for periods exceeding 90 days.

Take a look at the two types of visas and how much they cost.

Scholarships To Reduce The Cost Of Studying In Italy For Indian Students

The prospect of studying at one of the top universities in Italy is made even more attractive by the availability of various scholarships. These scholarships can significantly offset the cost of education, making it more accessible. 

Here are some of the popular scholarships available for Indian students aspiring to study in Italy.

1. Italian Government Scholarship

This scholarship is provided to deserving international students, including those from India, who are pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or research degrees in Italy. 

Here are the eligibility criteria. 

• You must be enrolled in or planning to attend a university in Italy.
• Proficiency in the Italian language is often required – IELTS: 5.5-6.5, TOEFL: 80-99
• Academic merit and the relevance of the study program to the applicant’s career goals are considered.
  

2. International Talents @Unibo Scholarship

The International Talents @Unibo scholarship program at the University of Bologna offers 80 scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year. If you’re a deserving international student enrolling in first-, second-, or single-cycle degree programs, you could be eligible for this scholarship.

Here are the eligibility criteria. 

• You must hold a high school diploma or equivalent certificate.
• SAT (950) aptitude and skills assessment test score reports.
• You must have an ISEE or equivalent financial status.
• Be less than 30 years old at the deadline for submitting applications.
  

3. Excellence Scholarships program

If you plan to pursue your Master’s Degree in Italy, this scholarship is an excellent opportunity to consider. You can apply if you’re enrolled in the first year of a Master’s degree program.

Here are the eligibility criteria.

• You must be an international student.
• You must fulfill the eligibility criteria for the master’s degree program to which you are applying.
• You must be enrolled in the master’s degree program for the first time in Italy.
• You must have excellent academic records.
• You should also have good work, research, or study experience.

4. Padua International Excellence Scholarship

The University of Padua offers fifty-nine scholarships to highly talented prospective students wishing to enroll in any Bachelor’s or Master’s degree entirely held in English in Padova. 

The Padua International Excellence Scholarship is for a maximum of two years for master’s programs and three years for bachelor’s programs.

Here are the eligibility criteria.

• You must not possess Italian citizenship (except for dual citizenship, which includes Italian).
• You should hold a non-Italian foreign secondary school diploma (for Bachelor’s or Single-cycle degrees) or a non-Italian Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s degrees) that qualifies you for admission to the Italian university system.
• You must not be residing in Italy.
• You need to apply to one or more degree programmes wholly taught in English at the University of Padua. You can apply for up to 3 degree programmes.

Work While Studying in Italy

International students in Italy have the opportunity to work part-time during their studies, which can help alleviate living expenses and provide valuable work experience. 

Work Hours and Regulations

• Work Hours: Students from non-EU countries can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays, totalling no more than 1,040 hours per year.
• Work Permits: While the student visa allows part-time work, students must also obtain a “Permesso di Soggiorno” (residence permit), which includes work authorisation.

Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Italy

With Italy’s EUR 2.26 trillion GDP powering a diverse economy, you’re stepping into a world of opportunity. 

From surgeons and bank managers to IT managers and specialist doctors, there’s no shortage of rewarding roles for those with the right skills.         

Check the list below for the highest-paid jobs in Italy.

Conclusion

Pursuing an Italian education presents an exciting opportunity to experience top-quality learning. The cost of studying in Italy is often more affordable than in many other countries. With renowned universities like the University of Bologna and Politecnico di Milano, you can find excellent programs in various fields. 

You can also make studying more affordable with scholarships like the Italian Government Scholarship and Excellence Scholarships program. Plus, working part-time while you study can help you manage your expenses and gain valuable experience. 

Take the first step towards your Italian adventure and say, “La dolce vita ti aspetta!” (The sweet life awaits you!)   

Frequently Asked Questions