6 Ways To Make Study in Italy More Affordable

Even though tuition fees for postgraduate programmes in Italy are less expensive than other countries, there are lots of additional costs to consider when you’re looking at your budget. With rent, food and leisure, you might end up spending a lot, especially in the bigger cities like Rome and Milan.

Don’t fret! We’re sharing six ways to study in Italy without breaking the bank and still giving you a great postgraduate experience.

#1 Look for extra funding

The Italian government offers various grants, some contributing towards living costs, so it’s worth having a look at what’s on offer. The Ministry of External Affairs and International Cooperation provides a grant worth €900 for living and tuition fees. Sometimes these grants are for students from a specific country. Read our guide on funding a Masters in Italy to help you find the funding that suits you best.

Universities in Italy usually also have generous scholarship schemes, especially for international students. You can find more information on your chosen university’s website.

#2 Work while you study

Getting a casual, part-time job is a good way to get that extra money in and cover part of your expenses. International students (including EU/EEA nationals) can work 20 hours a week to a maximum of 1,040 hours per 52 weeks. You can work in supermarkets, restaurants or even your own university. You can always get in touch with your university for job openings or search on online job listing websites. Not only will a part-time job be great for your bank account, it will also help you meet new people and settle into the local community too!

Read more about working in Italy while you study.

#3 Be smart when eating out

An education in Italy is incomplete without some pasta and wine. And although you’ll have access to some of the best local produce markets in the world, sometimes you are going to want to treat yourself and not have to cook! But restaurant visits can burn a hole in your pocket. Try going to a trattoria, they are often more casual and affordable.

Don’t forget to make the most of the Italian aperitivo, which works much like a happy hour. In the evenings restaurants serve an all you can eat style buffet for the price of a single drink, sometimes bringing the price of a meal and drink to as low as €10.

#4 Consider a homestay

Rent is one the biggest money guzzlers for international students. Even though there are cheaper options available, like student dorms, they are in high demand and not everyone can secure a place. Look at potential homestays with a local Italian family. You’ll be living in their home so there will likely be some house rules to follow but you’ll also have the added benefit of free meals, laundry services, instant people you know in the country and what better way to practice your Italian than being surrounded by people speaking it! Homestays can have more perks that just being easy on the wallet.

Read more about student accommodation in Italy in our guide.

#5 Avail student discounts where you can

Your student card can get you more than you can imagine! Students often get discounts on train tickets, museum and gallery tickets, cinemas and even food. Just remember to carry your student card with you! As an international student, you can also buy identity cards like the Italian International Student Identity Card (ISIC) which gets you even more discounts!

#6 Choose a cheaper city

The Italian government estimates that a student needs approximately €506.60 per month to cover living costs, but this can vary hugely depending on which city you live in. It is more expensive to live in cities like Milan and Florence whereas costs in cities like Naples and Verona is lower than the national average.

Of course, choosing a university with the right course for you is more important, but if you’re on a tight budget, choosing the right study location can go a long way in bringing costs down.

You can find and compare living costs in different Italian cities on Numbeo.