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 โ€˜affordable tuitionโ€™ really mean? What if you want to finish your studies without breaking the bank; can you do that in Italy?

The answer is a resounding โ€˜yesโ€™, and weโ€™ve created two lists with some of the cheapest Italian universities where you can study a Bachelorโ€™s or Masterโ€™s degree.

Before going through our lists, keep in mind a few things:

  • Although most universities apply the same tuition fees to all international students, some donโ€™t. For example, the Universitร  Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and the University of Pavia have higher fees for non-EU/EEA students. Always check what fee applies to you!
  • Weโ€™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.

Cheap Italian universities offering Bachelorโ€™s degrees

Cheap Italian universities offering Masterโ€™s degrees

Scholarships for international students in Italy

To further reduce the costs of living and studying in Italy, you can apply for a scholarship or similar funding programmes.

Many scholarships are offered by the Italian government, but you should also check the website of your chosen university. Thatโ€™s where you can find individual scholarships and grants awarded to attract international students. If you meet the criteria, go ahead and apply!

You can also use Scholarshipportal to search for additional funding or apply for our scholarship, the International Distinction Awards.

If youโ€™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, weโ€™ll offer more information about tuition and living costs, and hopefully youโ€™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 (Bachelorโ€™s, Masterโ€™s, PhD). On average, tuition ranges between 0 โ€“ 5,000 EUR/academic year. If youโ€™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 โ€“ 35,000 EUR/year.

Most affordable universities in Italy

Check the list of Italian universities with some of the most affordable tuition fees:

Universities we recommend in Italy

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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ 700 EUR/month
  • Students living in student accommodation: 250 โ€“ 300 EUR/month
  • Students sharing a rented apartment: 250 โ€“ 500 EUR/month

Donโ€™t forget to take into account utilities, which can add between 90 โ€“ 260 EUR to your monthly expenses.

Study abroad in Italy

See what these international students have to say about studying abroad in Italy:

Food costs

You will spend around 150 โ€“ 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 โ€“ 2.50 EUR per person.

italian restaurant.jpg

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%.

Extra costs when studying in Italy

  • The costs for phone bills and internet can reach 30 โ€“ 50 EUR/month
  • Entertainment and social activities add another 30 โ€“ 40 EUR/week
  • Books and other study materials can cost around 40 โ€“ 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:

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 โ€“ 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 universitiesโ€™ official websites.

You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.

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 โ€“ 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!

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As home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, Italy is a great choice for individuals who wish to study abroad.

Whether youโ€™re interested in taking a Laurea (bachelorโ€™s), Laurea Magistrate (masterโ€™s), or Dottorato di Ricerca (Ph.D.), Italyโ€™s notable universities can help you improve your knowledge and skills โ€“ at a price, you can definitely afford.

In this article, we will be looking at the cheapest universities in Italy for international students.

What are the requirements to study in Italy?

Undergraduate applicants should be at least 17 years of age upon application. They also need to have finished at least 12 years of education as proven by a high school diploma (should be translated in Italian). Apart from these, the other documentary requirements for applicants include:

  • Pre-enrollment application form (with 2 additional copies)
  • Declaration of value
  • Proof of Italian and/or English proficiency
  • Photographs

Graduate students, on the other hand, need to present a Bachelorโ€™s diploma in place of a high school leaving certificate.

Can you study in English at Italian Universities?

Yes. A prime example is the University of Bologna, which is one of the oldest universities in the world. It offers English-taught programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Another good consideration is the University of Turin, which offers 2 undergraduate and 9 graduate courses in English.

Cheap Universities in Italy

1. University of Florence

The University of Florence, one of the cheapest universities in Italy for international students, is a public educational institution based in Florence, Italy. Founded in the year 1321 as a Studium Generale, the university has campuses in the heart of Florence โ€“ including the Polo delle Scienze Sociali, Careggi, Sesto Fiorentino, Academia di Bella Arte, and S. Marta Institute.

UniFi is currently organized into 12 schools. These are the Departments of Arts, Agriculture, Architecture, Law, Engineering, Education, Mathematics, Physics & Natural Science, Medicine & Surgery, Political Science, Pharmacology, and Psychology.

Ranked as one of the best in Italy, it is also listed as a leader in the European Teaching Rankings.

This has made UniFi the top choice of about 36,500 students โ€“ 10% of which come from abroad.

2. Polytechnic University of Turin

The Polytechnic University of Turin was founded in 1859. As Italyโ€™s first technical university, it can trace its roots back to the Technical School for Engineers.

Apart from being one of Italyโ€™s best universities, the Polytechnic University of Turin is also recognized as one of the finest in terms of impact rankings for climate action.

All these laurels are made possible by its world-renowned programs, which include 28 undergraduate degrees, 32 Masterโ€™s programs, and 24 Ph.D. specializations. These programs are organized accordingly to 11 departments specializing in Architecture and Engineering.

This cheap university in Italy currently has more than 29,000 students. 15% of these are foreigners, who were drawn to the universityโ€™s 18 English-taught programs.

3. University of Turin

The University of Turin is another one of Italyโ€™s oldest educational institutions, having been established as a Studium Generale in the year 1404. Given this rich history, it has cemented itself as one of the best in Italy โ€“ and the rest of Europe.

After undergoing numerous changes throughout the 6 centuries, the university is currently organized into 55 departments overseen by 13 faculties. These cover the studies of Agriculture, Education, Economics, Law, Foreign Language & Literature, Letters & Philosophy, Math & Natural Science, Medicine & Surgery (with the Second Faculty of St. Luigi Gonzaga), Pharmacy, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine, and Political Science.

The university has one of the biggest enrollment rates in Italy at almost 56,000. Its foreign population, however, is smaller than most at only 8%. This figure is expected to increase in the future, as the university is one of the few offering English-taught programs in Italy.

4. University of Milan

The University of Milan, which is also known as UniMi, was only founded in the year 1924. Despite this young age, it is heralded as one of the best universities in Italy โ€“ even preceding some of the countryโ€™s older institutions.

Located in a 500,000 square-meter campus, this cheap university in Italy is known for its historic buildings that house more than 45,000 students โ€“ including a foreign student population of 6%.

This picturesque campus serves as the base for its 10 schools, which are that of Humanities, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Law, Agriculture & Food Science, Science & Technology, Pharmaceutical Science, Exercise & Sport Science, Political & Social Science, and Linguistics & Cultural Mediation. All in all, these departments offer 134 undergraduate and graduate programs.

5. University of Camerino

The University of Camerino or UniCam is another one of the cheapest universities in Italy. Founded in the year 1336, it was formally recognized by Pope Benedict XIII as a university in the year 1727, thus leading it to offer programs in the fields of Medicine, Jurisprudence, Mathematics, and Theology.

Currently, UniCam is divided into 5 specialized schools โ€“ Science & Technology, Law, Pharmacy, Bioscience & Veterinary Medicine, and Architecture & Design. The first 4 are housed on campus north of Camerino, while the latter is located at the Ascoli Piceno in Marche, Italy.

UniCam remains one of Italyโ€™s smaller schools, as it only has a student population of about 10,000.

6. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

One of Italyโ€™s first (and finest) universities, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia can trace its roots back to the year 1175. Although it โ€˜disappearedโ€™ in the 13th century, it was finally granted an imperial charter before the turn of the 17th century โ€“ thus restarting the operations that continue up until today.

Located in the administrative region of Emilia-Romagna, the university is organized into 14 departments that are grouped according to specializations. These are Engineering, Life Science, Communication & Economics, Law, Education & Humanities, Language & Culture, Diagnostic & Public Health Medicine, Neural Science, Medical & Surgical Science, Chemical & Geological Science, and Physics & Mathematics.

The university currently has a student population of 18,000+ โ€“ with international students accounting for 6% of the total.

7. Caโ€™Foscari University of Venice

The Caโ€™Foscari University of Venice, which is one of Italyโ€™s (and Europeโ€™s) top institutions, was founded in the year 1868. This prestige has prompted the enrollment of more than 16,000 students โ€“ 10% of which are international students.

Formerly the Royal High School of Commerce, this cheap university in Italy was elevated to the rank of university 100 years after its inception. This promotion paved the way for the creation of 8 departments, namely that of Management, Economics, Philosophy & Cultural Heritage, Molecular Science & Nanosystems, Environmental Science & Computer Science, Humanities, Linguistic & Comparative Cultural Studies, and Asian & Mediterranean Studies.

The university is named after the Caโ€™Foscari Palace on the Grand Canal, where the campus has been located since its establishment in the 19th century.


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