Study in Italy: Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition Fees in Italy

Tuition fees in Italy are significantly lower than in other countries in Europe. Higher education institutions in Italy establish their own tuition fees, but in the case of university education, there is a legal minimum cost for enrollment and a maximum cost for student contributions, which cannot exceed 20% of state funding. 

Admission to "master universitari" and other specialized degree courses in Italy may have much higher tuition fees, especially at private institutions. Doctoral students who receive university grants do not pay tuition fees, but non-grant holders are required to pay the applicable tuition fees for their university.

EU students may be subject to a different fee structure than non-EU students, so contact your Italian institution to confirm what tuition fees you’ll be responsible for paying. Tuition fees in Italy can vary widely, depending on where you’re from, your level of study, the region you’re studying in, and the type of institution – public or private. Explore the wide range of programs in Italy to find the perfect match for you! 

Public Universities

Average tuition fees for a public higher education in Italy can range anywhere between 900 to 4,000 € per year, depending if you’re from the EU or not, the specific institution, as well as your program and level of study.

Private Universities 

Private universities in Italy are significantly more expensive than their public counterparts, with fees ranging anywhere from 6,000 to 20,000 € annually. Most private universities charge similar tuition fees for EU and non-EU students alike.

Funding and Scholarships 

Tuition fees are an unavoidable reality of studying abroad, but you’re drowning in numbers don’t forget about external funding that can help your study abroad dreams come true! There are many funding and scholarship opportunities that students undertaking an education in Italy can apply for, no matter your country of origin. Some scholarships cover tuition fees as well as living costs. Scholarships and funding are often limited and are given to the students based on merit, after an assessment of their grades from previous studies.  

Find a Scholarship

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This comprehensive Scholarship Guide, brought to you by educations.com, outlines the top scholarships currently available in Italy as well as other countries around the world.

Browse the lists and start your applications now!

• Italian government Scholarships for foreign and IRE students: These are offered to foreign citizens studying in Italy, as well as Italian citizens studying abroad, and are available for students entering a variety of programs, including:
  • Master’s degrees,
  • AFAM courses,
  • PhD programs,
  • Research endeavors.

Check the website regularly for updated information and deadlines!

• EDISU Piemonte Scholarships: These are available to students including non-EU international students, specifically enrolled in a full-time program at the University of Piedmont. 
• Bologna University Study Grants for International Students: The University of Bologna awards 48 study grants to international students attending the University of Bologna. 
• Bocconi Scholarships in Italy for International Students: This scholarship takes students economic situations and academic performance into account when deciding on recipients. It includes a full tuition waiver, worth up to €12,700 per year.
• Politecnico di Torino International Scholarships: This scholarship is offered to international students attending Engineering or Architecture programs at the Polytechnic of Turin.