Many international students dream of studying in italy, beautiful cities, famous universities, and a rich culture. But before you decide to study in Italy, it helps to understand the costs. You will need money for more than university fees: rent, food, travel, books, health coverage, and personal needs all add up.
Your total cost depends on your university, city, and lifestyle. Below, we break down the main expenses in a simple way.
Key takeaways
- State university tuition is typically around €2,000 a year, and is calculated from your ISEE household income certificate.
- With a low ISEE (often under about €30,000), you may be fully exempt from tuition.
- Rent is usually the biggest monthly cost: northern cities are notably pricier than southern ones.
- Each region has its own scholarship body (EDISU in Piedmont, DSU in Lombardy): apply early.
The cost to study in Italy at a glance
| Expense | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition state university | around €2,000 / year | Based on your ISEE; can be €0 if ISEE is low |
| Tuition private university | up to €20,000 / year | e.g. Bocconi; income-based scholarships available |
| Rent single room | around €350 / month | Example: Turin, bills excluded |
| Transport | Often discounted or free | Many universities offer student travel passes |
A simple guide to the cost of studying in Italy
Before moving to Italy, list your expected costs so you and your family can plan the budget. Your main expenses may include:
- University tuition fees
- Rent and housing
- Food and groceries
- Transport
- Health coverage
- Books and study materials
- Personal expenses
What you spend will differ from other students. For example, someone living in a large city may pay far more in rent than someone in a small city.
How much are university tuition fees?
Tuition is one of the first costs to check. The amount changes with the university and programme you choose. Public universities usually cost less than private ones, and some students qualify for lower fees or financial support. Before applying, check:
- The yearly tuition fee
- Payment dates
- Extra university charges
- Scholarship options
- Fee reduction programmes
Don't choose a university on tuition alone, a cheaper university may sit in a city where rent and daily costs are high.
Typically, at state universities in Italy the tuition fee is around €2,000 per year for bachelor's and master's degrees. The final cost is based on a certificate called the ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente, or Indicator of Economic Situation), which reflects the income and net worth of your household. If your ISEE is below a certain amount (often around €30,000), you may be completely exempt from tuition fees.
Private universities such as Bocconi University may cost up to €20,000 a year though income-based scholarships are often available there too.
Housing costs for students in Italy
For many students, rent is the biggest monthly expense. You may choose to live in:
- University housing
- A student residence
- A shared apartment
- A private room
- A homestay
Sharing an apartment can save money, and small cities often have lower rent than large, popular ones. Before renting, ask what's included: some places cover water, electricity, heating, or internet, while others bill these separately.
As an example, a single room in Turin costs around €350 a month, with bills such as electricity and gas excluded.
Food and everyday expenses
Food is another important part of your budget, and cooking at home usually costs far less than eating out every day. Your daily expenses may include:
- Groceries
- Mobile phone bills
- Internet
- Clothes
- Personal care items
- Entertainment
- Household items
Small purchases may not seem expensive at first, but they add up by the end of the month so it helps to track what you spend.
Travel and transport costs
You'll travel between home, university, shops and other places. Many students use buses, trains, trams, or other public transport and many universities offer student discounts or even free annual travel passes. Before choosing where to live, check:
- How far it is from your university
- What transport is available
- The cost of student travel passes
- Whether walking or cycling is possible
Living closer to your university can save money on daily travel.
Health coverage and medical costs
International students usually need health coverage while living in Italy. The type you need depends on your nationality and situation, so check what applies to you before you travel and learn what the coverage includes. Keep some money aside for unexpected medical or personal needs.
If you do not have health insurance, you can still be treated at a hospital emergency department, though waiting times can be long and some costs may apply depending on your situation.
Books and study materials
The cost of materials depends on your course, some students need books, software, printing, or special equipment. You can save money by:
- Buying used books
- Using the university library
- Choosing digital books
- Sharing study materials
- Using free learning resources
Many universities also give students access to useful software and online tools.
Scholarships can lower the cost of studying in Italy
Scholarships and financial support can significantly reduce your costs. Some may help pay for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Daily living costs
- Books and study materials
Different scholarships have different rules, some look at your grades, others at your financial situation. Apply early and check deadlines carefully, as they often differ from university application deadlines.
Each region in Italy also has its own government scholarship body. For example, EDISU manages scholarships in Piedmont (including Turin), while DSU covers Lombardy (including Milan). Check which regional body applies to the city where you plan to study, as each sets its own eligibility rules and deadlines.
Your city can change your budget
The city you choose makes a big difference. Large cities offer more activities, entertainment and job opportunities, but rent and daily expenses are usually higher. Smaller cities offer lower living costs and a quieter pace. Before deciding, compare:
- Rent prices
- Food costs
- Transport costs
- University fees
- Housing options
- Available scholarships
Think about the total cost, not just one expense.
Simple ways to save money as a student
You don't need to spend a lot to enjoy student life in Italy, good planning goes a long way:
- Make a monthly budget
- Write down your daily spending
- Cook food at home
- Share accommodation
- Use student discounts
- Buy used books
- Use public transport
- Avoid unnecessary shopping
- Apply for scholarships early
Saving small amounts regularly helps you organise your money better.
Make a budget before you move
Before you travel, create a simple budget for your first year to get a clearer idea of how much you'll need.
| Expense | What to include |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | University payments |
| Housing | Rent and utility bills |
| Food | Groceries and meals |
| Transport | Travel passes and daily travel |
| Health coverage | Insurance or required health costs |
| Study materials | Books, printing, and supplies |
| Personal expenses | Phone, clothes, and entertainment |
| Emergency fund | Unexpected costs |
Your actual expenses may change after you arrive, but making a budget before moving helps you prepare.
Summary
The cost of studying in Italy is different for every student, your university, course, city, housing and lifestyle all affect the total. Start by researching tuition and living costs, then compare cities and look for scholarships that reduce your expenses. With early planning and a clear budget, you and your family can make smarter decisions and prepare for your student journey with confidence.
Planning your move? Read our complete guide to studying in Italy in 2026, or book a free consultation and we'll help you find affordable options.
Frequently asked questions:
How much does it cost to study in Italy per year?
At state universities, tuition is typically around €2,000 a year, calculated from your ISEE household certificate and can be €0 if your ISEE is low. Private universities can cost up to €20,000. Living costs depend heavily on your city.
What is the ISEE and why does it matter?
The ISEE is an Italian certificate reflecting your household's income and net worth. Italian state universities use it to calculate your tuition fee a lower ISEE means lower fees, and below roughly €30,000 you may pay nothing at all.
Which Italian cities are cheapest for students?
Southern cities such as Naples, Palermo, Catania, Bari and Lecce are generally more affordable than northern ones like Milan, Turin, Venice, Genoa and Bologna.
Can scholarships cover the full cost?
Depending on the scholarship, support can cover tuition, accommodation, living costs and materials. Regional bodies such as EDISU (Piedmont) and DSU (Lombardy) are a good place to start. Apply early: deadlines often differ from university ones.