Cost of Studying in Italy for International Students in 2024

13 min read

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

AspectDetails
Top Universities in ItalySapienza University of Rome
Politecnico di Milano (Milan Polytechnic)
University of Milan 
Estimated Cost of Study in Italy for Indian Students (Per Year)Public Universities Tuition fees: INR 83K to INR 4L (EUR 900 to EUR 4K) 
Private Universities Tuition fees: INR 5.6L to INR 18.6L (EUR 6K to EUR 20K)
Popular CoursesMBA
MBBS
MSc in Data Science for Business
Scholarships to Manage the Cost of Studying in Italy for Indian Students Italian Government Scholarship
International Talents Unibo Scholarship Excellence Scholarships program
Study Visa CostINR 7K to 10K (EUR 76 to EUR 110)
Cost of Living in Italy for Indian StudentsINR 74K to INR 1.6L (EUR 800 to EUR 1.8K) per month
Part-time WorkUp to 20 hours per week during the semester

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.

Top Universities in ItalyQS World Ranking 2025Annual Tuition Fees
Polytechnic University of Milan#111INR 3.7L (EUR 4K) per year
Sapienza University of Rome#132INR 2.7L – INR 3L (EUR 2.9K) 
Sapienza University of Rome#133INR 3.7L – INR 12.9L (EUR 4K – EUR 14K) 
University of Padova#236INR 2.5L – INR 2.7L (EUR 2.7K – EUR 2.9K)
Polytechnic University of Turin#241INR 2.3L (EUR 2.5K)
University of Milan#285INR 3.7L (EUR 4K) 

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.

ParametersDetails
Undergraduate CoursesCompleted high school/upper secondary education
Masters CoursesBachelor’s degree
English Language RequirementIELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 78
  1. 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:

ParametersDetails
Admission Criteria for Undergraduate CoursesCompleted high school/upper secondary educationSAT (960)
Admission Criteria for Masters CoursesBachelor’s degree
English Language RequirementIELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 80
  1. 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:

ParametersDetails
Admission Criteria for Undergraduate CoursesCompleted high school/upper secondary education
Admission Criteria for Masters CoursesBachelor’s degree
English Language RequirementIELTS: 5.5-6.5, TOEFL: 80-99
  1. 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:

ParametersDetails
Admission Criteria for Undergraduate CoursesCompleted high school/upper secondary education
Admission Criteria for Masters CoursesBachelor’s degree
English Language RequirementIELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
  1. 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:

ParametersDetails
Admission Criteria for UndergraduateCompleted high school/upper secondary education
Admission Criteria for Master’sBachelor’s degree
English Language RequirementIELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 80-99
  1. 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.

ParametersDetails
Admission Criteria for Undergraduate CoursesCompleted high school/upper secondary education
Admission Criteria for Masters CoursesBachelor’s degree
English Language RequirementIELTS: 5.5-6.5, TOEFL: 72-94

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.

Name of the CourseUniversityItaly Master’s Fees 
MSc in Architecture and Landscape DesignPolitecnico di MilanoINR 3.7L (EUR 4K) per year
Master in Business AdministrationPolimi Graduate School of ManagementINR 35.1L (EUR 38K) total tuition fees
MSc in Management – Fashion & Luxury GoodsLUISS Business SchoolINR 16.6L (EUR 18K) total tuition fees
MSc in Data Science for BusinessThe University of Padua INR 2.5L (EUR 2.7K) total tuition fees
MA in Art HistorySapienza University of RomeINR 2.6L (EUR 2.8K) total tuition fees

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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.

CityTuition Fees Per YearMonthly Living Costs (INR)
RomeINR 1L to INR 2.5L (EUR 3.9K to EUR 16K)INR 88K to INR 1.1L (EUR 955 to EUR 1.2K)
MilanINR 1.2L to INR 3L( EUR 3K to EUR 18K)INR 92K (EUR1K)
BolognaINR 1.85L to INR 12.9L (EUR 2K to EUR  14K)INR 92K to INR 1.1L (EUR 1K to EUR 1.2K)
FlorenceINR 2.4L (EUR 2.6K)INR 74K to INR 1.2L (EUR 800 to  EUR 1.3K)
TurinINR 10.2L (EUR 11K)INR 78K to INR 1.2L (EUR 850 to EUR 1.3K)

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.

ElementMonthly Expenses in INR
Overall Average Cost of LivingINR 74K to INR 1L (EUR 800 to EUR 1.1K) 
Accommodation (Shared Room)INR 23K to INR 74K (EUR 250 to EUR 800)
Food/GroceriesINR 22K to INR 33K (EUR 240 to EUR 360)
TransportationINR 18K to INR 33K (EUR 200 to EUR 360)

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.

Type of VisaItaly Student Visa Fees 
Short-Term Study Visa (Visa Type-C)INR 10K (EUR 110)
Long-Term Study Visa (Visa Type-D)INR 7K (EUR 76)

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.

Cost of Studying in Italy for International Students in 2024
ScholarshipOffered ByAward Amount
Italian Government ScholarshipItalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)EUR 9K (INR 8.3L)
International Talents @Unibo ScholarshipUniversity of BolognaEUR 4.5K (INR 4.1L) and a full tuition waiver
Excellence Scholarships ProgramUniversity of MilanEUR 8K (INR 7.4L) in total
Padua International Excellence ScholarshipUniversity of PaduaEUR 8K (INR 7.4L) per year
  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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

Job TitleAverage Annual Salary 
SurgeonsINR 95L to INR 1.6Cr (EUR 103K to  EUR 174K)
LawyersINR 33L to INR 94L (EUR 36K to EUR 102K)
University ProfessorsINR 27L to INR 64L (EUR 30K to EUR 70K)
Project Managers in EngineeringINR 46L to INR 83L (EUR 50K to EUR 90K)
Financial AnalystsINR 35L to INR 55L (EUR 38K to EUR 60K)

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

  • Q. What are the typical Italy university fees for international students?

    Ans. Italy university fees for international students can vary. Public universities in Italy generally have lower fees, ranging from INR 83K to INR 3.7L (EUR 900 to EUR 4K) per year. Private universities, on the other hand, charge higher fees, with costs ranging between INR 5.6L and INR 18.6L (EUR 6K and EUR 20K) annually.

  • Q. What is the cost of study in Italy for Indian students?

    Ans. The cost of study in Italy for Indian students is quite affordable compared to other European countries. Tuition fees at public universities typically range from INR 83K to INR 3.7L (EUR 900 to EUR 4K) per year. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation, range from INR 74K to INR 1L (EUR 800 to EUR 1,085) per month.

  • Q. How much do Italy MBA fees cost?

    Ans. The Italy MBA fees vary depending on the institution. For instance, at the Polimi Graduate School of Management, the fee for an MBA is approximately INR 35.5L (EUR 38K). Other universities may offer lower or higher fees, but generally, Italy’s MBA programs are considered more affordable than those in countries like the US or UK.

  • Q. What are the Italy MBBS fees for international students?

    Ans. The Italy MBBS fees for international students can range from INR 83K to INR 4.6L (EUR 900 to EUR 5K) per year at public universities. Private universities may charge higher fees, but overall, Italy is known for offering quality medical education at an affordable cost, especially for Indian students looking for a budget-friendly option.

  • Q. How can I manage the cost of studying in Italy with scholarships?

    Ans. To manage the cost of studying in Italy, various scholarships are available, such as the Italian Government Scholarship, the International Talents @Unibo Scholarship, and the Excellence Scholarships Program. It’s important to apply early and meet all eligibility requirements to increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

  • Q. Is there a difference between public and private universities in terms of Italy university fees for international students?

    Ans. Yes, there is a significant difference between public and private Italy university fees for international students. Public universities are generally much more affordable, with fees ranging from INR 83K to INR 3.7L (EUR 900 to EUR 4K) per year. In contrast, private universities can charge up to INR 18.6L (EUR 20K) annually.

  • Q. What is the average cost of study in Italy for Indian students in terms of living expenses?

    Ans. The living cost of study in Italy for Indian students can range from INR 74K to INR 1L (EUR 800 to EUR 1,085) per month. This includes accommodation, groceries, transportation, and other personal expenses. The cost can vary depending on the city, with Milan and Rome generally being more expensive than smaller cities like Padova or Turin.

  • Q. Are there any scholarships to cover the Italy MBA fees for Indian students?

    Ans. Yes, there are several scholarships available to cover Italy MBA fees for Indian students. For example, the Italian Government Scholarship and various university-specific scholarships, such as the Polimi Graduate School of Management Scholarship, can help reduce the cost of pursuing an MBA in Italy.

  • Q. How do Italy MBBS fees compare to other countries?

    Ans. Italy MBBS fees are quite affordable when compared to countries like the US or the UK. At public universities, the fees can range from INR 83K to INR 4.6L (EUR 900 to EUR 5K) per year, compared to INR 57L (GBP 52K) per year in the UK and INR 55.4L (USD 66K) annually in the US.

  • Q. Can international students work part-time to cover the cost of studying in Italy?

    Ans. Yes, international students can work part-time to help cover the cost of study in Italy. Italian law allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays. This can help manage living expenses, although it may not fully cover tuition fees.

  • Q. What is the breakdown of living expenses included in the cost of study in Italy for Indian students?

    Ans. The living cost of study in Italy for Indian students includes accommodation (INR 23K to INR 74K per month), groceries (INR 22K to INR 33K), and transportation (INR 18K to INR 33K). Other miscellaneous costs like entertainment and personal expenses should also be considered, bringing the total monthly living cost to approximately INR 74K to INR 1L (EUR 800 to EUR 1,085).

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