Cost of Studying in Italy for Indian Students

The secret to Italy's affordability lies in its state-funded public education system. The Italian government heavily subsidises its public universities, which means tuition fees for all students, including international students, are kept remarkably low. Furthermore, the Italian government and individual universities are committed to making education accessible, offering a wide range of need-based and merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce your financial burden.

Here is a quick snapshot of what you can expect to budget annually.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the courses & currency exchange rate.

Before you even pack your bags, you’ll need to account for several one-time expenses.

University Application Fees 

Most Italian universities charge a nominal application fee, which typically ranges from €30 to €100 (approximately ₹2,993 to ₹9,978). This fee is non-refundable and must be paid when you submit your application documents.

Student Visa and Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) Fees 

As a non-EU student, you will need to apply for a long-stay student visa (Type D). The visa application fee is currently around €50 (₹4,989). Upon arriving in Italy, you must also apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days, which costs approximately €76 (₹7,583).

Airfare and Travel Expenses from India to Italy

The cost of a one-way flight from India to Italy can vary greatly depending on the airline, time of booking, and the city you're flying into. It's wise to budget between ₹35,000 and ₹60,000 for your flight. Booking several months in advance can help secure a lower price.

Your choice of university will be the single most significant factor in your educational expenses. The difference between public and private institutions in Italy is substantial.

Public University Fees: The Most Affordable Option

This is where Italy truly shines for international students. Tuition fees at public universities are set by the government and are remarkably low. For Bachelor's and Master's programs, the annual fees generally range from €900 to €4,000 (₹89,802 to ₹3,99,120). A unique aspect of the Italian system is the ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator), which allows universities to adjust tuition fees based on a student's family income, making it even more affordable for those from lower-income backgrounds.

Private University Fees: Premium and Specialised 

Private universities in Italy are significantly more expensive but often offer highly specialised programs in fields like fashion, design, and business. Here, you can expect annual tuition fees to range from €6,000 to over €20,000 (₹5,98,680 to ₹19,95,600+).

Note: The amount may vary depending on the courses & currency exchange rate.

Your monthly living expenses will largely depend on your lifestyle and, most importantly, the city you choose. Major cities like Milan and Rome are more expensive than smaller student hubs like Pisa, Padua, or Turin. A reasonable monthly budget for a student is between €700 and €1,200 (₹69,846 and ₹1,19,736).

Cost of Living in Italy by City: A Comparison for Students

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

Italy offers a wealth of scholarships, making it one of the most generous countries for financial aid. Indian students can apply for several types.

Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI) 

It is offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; these are among the most prestigious scholarships. They typically cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend of €900 (₹89,802) to assist with living costs. These are available for Master’s, PhD, and research projects.

University-Specific Scholarships 

Many universities offer their own merit-based scholarships to attract talented international students. For example, the University of Padua offers full tuition waivers and an €8,000 (₹7,98,240) living allowance. The University of Bologna provides study grants of up to €11,000 (₹10,97,580).

Regional 'Right to Study' (DSU) Grants 

These unique, need-based scholarships are provided by Italy's regional governments. They are based on the student's family income and can include tuition fee exemption, subsidised accommodation, free meals, and a living allowance.

Indian students in Italy are permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. This is an excellent way to supplement your income and gain work experience. Common part-time jobs include working in restaurants, cafes, libraries, or providing tutoring services. The minimum wage in Italy is not fixed nationally, but you can expect to earn between €7 and €10 per hour.

Here is a sample budget for a student at a public university in a mid-sized city like Turin or Bologna.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate.

Absolutely. When you weigh the low tuition fees at public universities against the high quality of education and the rich cultural experience, Italy presents an exceptional value proposition. With numerous scholarship opportunities and the right to work part-time, the financial barriers are lower than you might think. By planning carefully and choosing a city that fits your budget, you can make your dream of studying in Italy a cost-effective and enriching reality.