To study in Italy is a cost-effective choice for those looking for higher education in Europe. It has great universities and affordable tuition for international students at the University of Padua, the University of Bologna, and the Sapienza University of Rome. Italy's universities maintain strong academic standards and attract over 30,000 international students each year due to their emphasis on research and development. Studying in Italy provides a unique opportunity to obtain a high-quality education at a low cost.

List of Affordable Universities to study in Italy for International Students

When planning their education, overseas students must consider the expense of studying in Italy. It is critical to locate a university that provides high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Here is a list of some of the most affordable universities in Italy for international students, as well as their tuition prices.

  • University of Padua
  • University of Milan
  • Polytechnic University of Turin
  • University of Florence
  • University of Siena
  • Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
  • Ca’Foscari University of Venice
  • 1. University of Padua

    The Institution of Padua has a famous reputation as the world's second-oldest university, yet it remains an inexpensive alternative for Italian students. For more than a half-century, the Institution of Padua has been recognized as Italy's best university due to its strong history as a law school. It now has a student population of about 61,000 and is conveniently located in Northern Italy. One of the best universities for international students to study in Italy.

    QS World University Rankings 2022242
    Number of International students2654
    Average Tuition Fees2500 EUR per year
    Popular ProgramsMSc Astrophysics & Cosmology, MSc Data Science, Bachelors in Veterinary Medicin

    2. University of Milan

    The University of Milan is a forerunner among Italy's inexpensive institutions, with a large 500,000 square meter campus. This campus has 45,000 students; 6% of them are foreigners. There are ten schools here, offering humanities, medicine, veterinary medicine, law, and agriculture degrees. The institution provides its students with 134 undergraduate and graduate programs in total.

    QS World University Rankings 2022316
    Number of International students3269
    Average Tuition Fees2500 EUR per year
    Popular ProgramsMSc Economics, MSc Finance, MSc International Relations

    3. Polytechnic University of Turin

    The Polytechnic University of Turin is a low-cost higher education school in Italy, with about 29,000 students; 15% of them are international students. To accommodate this broad student body, the institution offers 18 English-taught degrees, making it a highly sought-after location for international students to study in Italy. The institution has 11 departments, including Architecture and Engineering, and it has a good academic reputation. 28 undergraduate degrees, 32 Master's programs, and 24 Ph.D. specialties are highly regarded.

    QS World University Rankings 2022334
    Number of International students5369
    Average Tuition Fees1250 EUR per year
    Popular ProgramsMS Architectural Design, MS Electrical Engineering, MS Chemical Engineering

    4. University of Florence

    For overseas students, Who are willing to study in Italy, the University of Florence offers a cost-effective choice. It has 12 main faculties and offers many topics, like agriculture and law, to its 53,000 registered students. It also has over 130 degree programs.

    QS World University Rankings 2022451
    Number of International students4203
    Average Tuition Fees1500 EUR per year
    Popular ProgramsMS Architectural Design, MSc Economics & Development, MSc Finance & Risk Management

    5. University of Siena

    The University of Siena, one of Italy's most affordable institutions to study in Italy, has a long and rich history as the country's first publicly supported university. It has around 22,000 students and 15 academic departments, including experimental sciences, law, and political science.

    QS World University Rankings 2022601-650
    Number of International students1500
    Average Tuition Fees1700 EUR per year
    Popular ProgramsMSc Finance, MSc Economics, BBA, MS

    6. Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

    The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano is a private-public research university in Bolzano, Northern Italy. It is one of the newest additions to the higher education system in the country. This cheap university in Italy is focused on providing a practical, multilingual, and applied experience for its students. Degrees are offered in English, German, or even Italian. With so much practical training, a high proportion of teaching occurs as workshops.

    QS World University Rankings 2022651-700
    Number of International students621
    Average Tuition Fees1300 EUR per year
    Popular ProgramsMSc Computer Science, MSc Innovation & Entrepreneurship,

    7. Ca’Foscari University of Venice

    The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, a private-public research university in Bolzano, Northern Italy, is a relatively new addition to the country's higher education system. As a cost-effective choice, it emphasizes hands-on, bilingual, and practical teaching for students. The institution offers English, German, and Italian courses. It emphasizes workshop-style learning to make education practical.

    QS World University Rankings 2022800-1000
    Number of International students1333
    Average Tuition Fees1900 EUR per year
    Popular ProgramsPh.D., BA Business Administration, MS Entrepreneurship

    Admission Process to Study in Italy

    Gaining top-tier scholarships is critical for obtaining a free education in Italy. As part of their scholarship programs, many of Italy's prestigious institutions provide full scholarships and tuition price waivers. Here are some actions you may take to obtain free education in Italy.

    Step 1: Look for Universities that provide Scholarships.

    Begin by looking at institutions that provide scholarship options. Once you've identified the top institutions for your needs, thoroughly research their requirements and fulfill them. Apply for scholarships granted by these colleges to acquire a free education in Italy as an international student after completing all relevant processes.

    Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid from Universities

    Many schools in Italy provide good value for money because their tuition prices are lower than the national average. List affordable colleges that are relevant to your field of study. Choose the best one that also offers great education and low tuition prices. A scholarship might help you save money on your education in Italy.

    Once you've chosen the best institutions for you, go over their standards and make sure you meet them. Apply for scholarships to get a tuition-free education in Italy as an international student after completing all of the relevant processes.

    Step 3: Gather the Admissions Documents

    Make sure you have all of the relevant documentation available before applying to colleges in Italy to obtain a free education. These papers are necessary to fulfill the entrance standards and apply for the scholarship.

    Here is list of these requirements:

  • IELTS 5.5 Band & above
  • 12th Completed or Pursuing with minimum 60%
  • Minimum 55% in Bachelors. If pursuing Bachelor’s then a minimum of 55% till the last appeared examination (For MBA, MA, LL.M, M.Arch)
  • Minimum 60% in Bachelors. If pursuing Bachelor’s then a minimum of 60% till the last appeared examination (For M.Sc, M.Tech, MHTM )
  • A maximum of 3 years of the gap is accepted for Bachelors and 8 years for Master’s course program.
  • Passport
  • 2 LOR One from 2 professors (all on college Letterhead signed by concern & sealed)
  • Experience certificate
  • Passport Picture sizes attached ( 2 sizes soft copy )
  • Resume/CV
  • Aadhar card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheet.
  • Bonafide certificate (If he/she is pursuing studies then he has to provide a bonafide certificate).
  • Step 4: Fulfill the Visa and Residency Requirements

    To study in Italy, you must meet the academic criteria as well as the visa and residence requirements. The following are some of the qualifying requirements for getting an Italian student visa:

  • High School Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree Certificate, depending on the program of your choice.
  • Students must be 18 years of age
  • Some knowledge of Italian vocabulary.
  • 60% and above academic score
  • One should be in good health and should not carry any contagious diseases.
  • Copies of the transcript of all records.
  • Step 5: Keep track of university application deadlines in Italy.

    It is best to contact the Italian embassy between mid-April and mid-May to get a Letter of Academic Eligibility and Suitability. Application dates differ by school, so check with the university you're interested in and try to submit your application as soon as possible.

    Step 6: After receiving your acceptance letter, complete your enrollment.

  • Apply for a student visa if you need one (mainly students that come from non-EU/EEA countries).
  • Apply for a residence permit by registering with the local police (Questura), within eight working days of your arrival in Italy.
  • Prepare a health insurance plan with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have the same access to medical services as Italian citizens. Both EU citizens (without an EHIC) and non-EU citizens can purchase a health insurance policy in their home country before traveling to Italy or as soon as they arrive. They may also join the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale – S.S.N.).
  • Students must officially enroll in the university after arriving in Italy before they can start their classes.
  • Costs for Accommodation to study in Italy For International Students.

    Although studying in Italy is free, living expenses for international students can range from 700 to 1,000 EUR per month. This covers living expenditures, food, transportation, local travel, and entertainment. It is worth mentioning that cities such as Rome and Milan are more expensive than other regions of the country.

    Check out the average monthly living expenses for students in these Italian student cities:

  • Florence: around 850 – 1,300 EUR/month
  • Bologna: around 750 – 1,100 EUR/month
  • Milan and Rome: between 850 and 1,450 EUR/month
  • Pre-Arrival Cost Visa Ticket Price 80 Euro740-900 Euro
    Post- Arrival Cost [ accommodation, food, public transportation, local travel and/or entertainment]700 -1000 Euro/month
    Academic Expenses40-50 Euro/month

    By being picky in your program and geographical selections, you might earn a free education in Italy. It is a terrific opportunity to study in Europe and live in Italy, a magnificent nation with a rich history and beautiful architecture. With inexpensive tuition prices, you may save money while seeing its cities, which are known for their beautiful weather and wonderful cuisine. Make the most of your academic experience and treasure every moment!

    "Ready to experience the beauty and rich culture of Italy while getting a world-class education? Start your journey today by discovering the options for free education in Italy and take advantage of the opportunities available to you. Contact us at Maxxcell to learn more and take the first step towards your future."

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