Let’s consider where you can Study Abroad in Italy on a modest budget; we will also review tuition fees in the country, requirements for admission, language requirements, cost of living, and universities in Italy.
About Italy
Situated in the southern part of Europe, Italy is a European nation. It is bordered by such countries as Austria, France, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Vatican City and San Marino. Because of the high level of education and low tuition fees, many students chose to study in Italy. But you can now make up your mind about studying in Italy if you are not able to afford the high tuition fees for research in countries such as Australia, the USA, Canada and the UK.
Important factors to consider before deciding to study abroad in Italy
Tuition Fees in Italy
For all students, including foreign students, universities in Italy charge exceptionally low tuition fees. For Bachelors and Masters programs, the total tuition fee is 1500 euros per academic year. In certain situations depending on their financial status or academic success, students are exempted from paying tuition fees. In order to find out whether you qualify for a tuition fee exemption, we advise you to contact your university in Italy.
Cost of living in Italy
The cost of living in Italy, depending on where you live, can be considerably high or low. Tourist areas and major cities, especially in the North, for example, are more expensive than in smaller towns. For living expenses such as feeding, lodging, transportation, purchase of books etc., a budget of 1000 Euro to 1500 Euro can be set aside in a month.
Breakdown below;
- Milk: 1.20 / Litre
- Bread: 3.50 / Kilo
- Butter: 1.70 / 250 gr.
- Beef: 9.00 / 19.00 / Kilo
- Chicken: 8.00 / 10.00 /Kilo
- Rice: 1.70 / 2.50 / Kilo
- Pasta: 0.80 / 1.20 /Kilo
- Mineral water: 0.50 / 0.80 /Litre
- Cinema: 7.50
- Fast food menu: 5.50
- Train ticket Milan – Rome 38.00 (Intercity train), 47.00 (Eurostar train) / one way
- Rome and Milan underground ticket: 1.00 (1 journey)
Admission Requirements to Study Abroad in Italy
You should be in possession of a valid school leaving certificate that qualifies you for higher education studies in your country if you apply for an undergraduate programme. This will qualify you for studies in Italy as well. A good bachelor’s degree certificate is typically expected for Masters, and a good Masters degree outcome for PhDs. Notice that some of the programs are taught in Italian, and you may be asked to demonstrate your competence.
Language Requirement
Italian Language
Students are needed to have sufficient knowledge of the Italian language, as it is the normal language of instruction, in compliance with Italian legislation regarding access to university studies. In general, in the Europass Language Passport classification, you need to have a minimum standard of Italian corresponding to B2. You will be exempted from taking the Italian language exam if your degree of knowledge of Italian corresponds to C1 or C2 in the Europass Language Passport classification.
If as explained above, your degree of knowledge of Italian corresponds to C1 or C2, you would be expected to pass an Italian language exam. The test will be arranged, usually in September, by the institution where you will be studying.
English Language
Assuming your chosen study program or course is taught in English, by presenting the results you got during English courses, you will be expected to prove your degree of English order. In order to fulfill this requirement please always check with your university if your English studies are appropriate.
Intake Periods / Deadlines
When applying for admission to an Italian university, please stick with the following dates;
- Students must contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their home countries between mid-April and mid-May to receive a Letter of Academic Eligibility and Equity (in Italian, Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco (DV)) and to apply in advance for a study program of their choosing
- August; students are informed of their admission to the chosen study program and the exact date of the Italian language exam and of any additional test in the case of competitive programs with restricted places of study
- September; students take the Italian language exam and if appropriate, any additional examination.
How to make an application for admission
How to apply for admission
Depending on the school and the study plan, the process of applying for admission to an Italian university varies.
List of Universities in Italy for International Students
- Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics
- Accademia Italiana
- American University of Rome, The
- Basilicata University Potenza
- Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
- Domus Academy
- Dutch University Institute for Art History (DUIA)
- European School of Economics (Rome, Milan, Florence)
- European University Institute
- Free International University of Social Studies
- Free University “Maria Santissima Assunta”
- Free University Institute “Carlo Cattaneo”
- Free University Institute of Bio-Medicine Rome
- Free University of Bozen
- Higher School of University and Advanced Studies Pisa
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
- International Higher School for Advanced Studies Trieste
- John Cabot University
- Johns Hopkins University, SAIS Bologna Center
- Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
- Polimoda Institute of Fashion Design
- Polytechnic Institute of Bari
- Polytechnic Institute of Milan
- Polytechnic Institute of Turin
- Pontificia Università Gregoriana
- Pontificia Università Lateranense
- Pontificia Università S. Tommaso
- School of Education Pisa
- Second University of Naples
- John’s University, Rome Campus
- Third University of Rome
- Università Bocconi
- Università Pontificia Salesiana
- University Institute of Architecture Venice
- University Institute of Modern Languages
- University Institute of Naval Studies
- University Institute of Oriental Studies
- University Institute of Teacher Training “Suor Orsola Benincasa”
- University of Ancona
- University of Bari
- University of Bergamo
- University of Brescia
- University of Cagliari
- University of Calabria
- University of Camerino
- University of Cassino
- University of Catania
- University of Chieti
- University of Commerce Luigi Bocconi
- University of Ferrara
- University of Florence
- University of Genoa
- University of Italian Studies for Foreigners of Perugia
- University of Italian Studies for Foreigners of Siena
- University of Lecce
- University of Macerata
- University of Messina
- University of Milan
- University of Milan – Bicocca
- University of Modena
- University of Molise
- University of Naples Federico II
- University of Padua
- University of Palermo
- University of Parma
- University of Pavia
- University of Perugia
- University of Pisa
- University of Reggio Calabria
- University of Roma “La Sapienza”
- University of Roma “Tor Vergata”
- University of Salerno
- University of Sannio
- University of Sassari
- University of Siena
- University of Teramo
- University of Trento
- University of Trieste
- University of Turin
- University of Udine
- University of Urbino
- University of Venice
- University of Verona
- Viterbo State University
- Yorker International University, Milan
How to Study Abroad in Italy
This is a subject that for a good cause, is discussed a lot by international students. At Italian universities, the admission process can be very difficult, as foreign students do not know anything about it. This article should offer perfect guidance on this.
In Italy, is university education free?
Education at all levels is free for students and scholars of all nationalities, provided that they are citizens of Italy by birthday or any other means. Unfortunately, for international students, tuition-free education is not present in the country’s education system.
However if necessary, scholarships and grants that can be offered by the university or by the student government are open to students. In special circumstances, on the basis of the recipient’s capacity, these scholarships will also cover the entire tuition expense.
There are a lot of ways that foreign students can study for free in Italy.
Review of Affordable Universities in Italy for Foreign Students to Study Abroad At
1. University of Florence
- Tuition; from €1,040
The University of Florence is a public research university in the nice city of Florence. This school is 1 of the oldest and most prominent institutions of higher education in the country. The university’s origins date back to its establishment in the early 14th century. Academically, the university is composed of 12 main departments, ranging from agriculture and economics to law and medicine.
Over 126 different degrees and study courses are collectively offered. At present, a student population of over 52,000 study and seek degrees within the university’s walls.
This cheap university in Italy has consistently been listed as a top institution in the university league tables; the QS university rankings have put the university in the top 500 worldwide.
It holds various international contracts with foreign universities. This provides students with the ability to receive joint degrees that are obtained in collaboration. Moreover the university is a high-profile research center and forms one of the academic hubs of the region.
2. University of Siena
- Fees for tuition; from €1,800
The University of Siena, situated in the Tuscan city of Siena, is a public research university that was established in 1240. It is the oldest and most reputed university in the area and was the first institution sponsored by the public. This offers studies with a student enrollment of over 22,000.
There are 15 academic departments at the university, including Biomedical & Medical Sciences, Experimental Sciences, Economics, Law & Political Sciences, and the School of Arts, grouped under five main faculties.
Unlike most universities in Italy, the University of Siena is a campus zone, and the institution forms an integral part of the city. Students have access to one of the world’s most prosperous communities with a deep thirst for research, learning and information. The university is very carefully and strongly designed to have Est in terms of cutting-edge teaching facilities.
3. Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
- Tuition; from €1,340
The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano is a public-private research university based primarily in Bolzano, northern Italy. It was founded in 1997 and is one of the more recent additions to the higher education system in the country.
That impressive purpose of this cheap university in Italy is to provide a multilingual, practical educational experience for its students. Consequently, as degrees and courses of study, either English, German or Italian are offered. A significant proportion of teaching takes place in the form of practical training and seminars, with a focus on applied teaching.
Currently, the university has a student population of over 5,000 students, of which about 20% come from outside Italy. The Free University provides students with more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, education, engineering and economics. In 3 primary courses, teaching is delivered.
Consequently, as degrees and courses of study, either English, German or Italian are offered. A significant proportion of teaching takes place in the form of practical training and seminars, with a focus on applied teaching.
Currently, the university has a student population of over 5,000 students, of which about 20% come from outside Italy. The Free University provides students with more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, education, engineering and economics. Teaching is overseen by three large campuses in Bolzano, as well as Bruneck and Brixen.
4. University of Turi
- Tuition; from 2,800 Euros
The University is a public university based in the city of Turin in the northwest of Italy (or Torino). Established in 1404, the university is one of the oldest institutions in Europe and ranks among Italy’s top universities. Furthermore, it is ranked among the top 500 universities worldwide.
At present, the university has a student population of over 70,000. A wide range of degrees and study courses provided by 55 academic departments are open to students. In Italy alone many courses, such as biotechnology, sports science, military sciences and conservation studies, are special to this institution.
5. University of Padua
- Fees for tuition; from €2,500
This school came to be in 1222, the University of Padua is considered to be the second oldest university in the world. This affordable Italian university was originally established as a law school and is at the highest level in Italy and currently has over 61,000 students. In Northern Italy, in the city of Padua, the university’s central campus is located.
Some of the iconic alumni that the university has produced are the likes of Nicolas Copernicus (he formulated the current Solar System model), Vesalius (the father of modern human anatomy) and Federico Faggin (inventor of the microprocessor).
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