Top 10 Most Affordable & Cheapest Universities in Italy for International Students 2026

Studying in Europe can be very expensive, plus the living costs are also very high even if you are an international student. But, there is an exception to this rule because of the option to study in Italy. International students can find cheap and affordable universities in Italy for study. Ideally, the cost of studying at affordable Italian universities does not exceed €156 – €4,000 specifically for public universities in Italy.

Public universities in Italy are the cheapest and the most affordable. In some cases, studying at public universities in Italy is nearly free for international students. Affordable and cheap universities in Italy are 10+, so international students do not have to worry about the exorbitant studying costs in Italy. Lower study and living costs in Italy are the top reasons to study in Italy.

Over the years, Italy has grown to become one of the top destinations for studying in the euro region and for all the right reasons. In this article, we are going to be discussing the tuition fees across Italian universities. We will also be discussing study abroad scholarships for studying in Italy and education loans for students looking for financial assistance. 

List of 10 Cheapest Universities in Italy 2026

As mentioned earlier, we are going to be talking about the cheap and affordable universities to study in Italy for international students looking to pursue their Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies abroad.

1. Politecnico di Milano (Polytechnic University of Milan)
2. University of Padova
3. Sapienza University of Rome
4. University of Bologna
5. University of Naples Federico II
6. Politecnico di Torino
7. University of Messina
8. University of Pisa
9. University of Bergamo
10. University of Salerno

Why Study at Affordable Universities in Italy?

Choosing an affordable public university in Italy isn’t just about saving money; it’s a strategic move that offers high-tier education and unique career advantages. Here are some reasons why studying at affordable Italian universities is a boon:

• Many public universities, like Bologna or Sapienza, are ranked among the top 200 globally. You receive an elite education for a fraction of the price of US or UK institutions.
• The Italian government heavily subsidizes these universities, ensuring that affordable does not mean lower quality. You are paying for administrative costs, not for-profit tuition.
• Affordable universities in Italy offer additional funding and tuition waiver benefit, which is an added advantage for many.
• Not just this, affordable and cheap universities in Italy in some cases also offer fully funded scholarships for international students.
• There are over 500+ programs taught entirely in English in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Economics, and Architecture which are affordable and globally recognised.

Thus, affordable Italian universities are known for their high quality education, research and wide range of programs. They are at par with many others like public universities in USA or UK.

Top Affordable & Cheap Universities in Italy for International Students

Following is a list of top universities in Italy which offer cheap and affordable courses, along with a handful of scholarships which can cover partial or full-tuition fees:

1. Politecnico di Milano (Polytechnic University of Milan)

Politecnico di Milano was established in 1863 and is a scientific-technological university. It is known for its high quality engineers, architects and industrial designers. This University focuses on the quality and innovation of its teaching and research and developed a fruitful relationship with the business and productive world. The University offers several courses that are entirely taught in English. There are ample Politecnico Di Milano - Courses that are affordable and cheap for international students. The cost of studying at the Politecnico di Milano is lower than others for international students looking to study at cheap universities in Italy. Candidates would also incur a yearly expenditure of INR 3.5 Lakhs for hostel and meal expenses while at the university. Candidates can check out the same below:

The Polytechnic University of Milan - Fee Structure

2. University of Padova

A hotbed for research, experimentation, and progress, the University of Padova was established in 1922 and is a leader among great universities for providing quality teaching, research, and services along with collaborations with major international research institutions. The university provides over 5,000 scholarships and has 32 departments that have multiple courses on offer for students looking to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and research studies. Courses delivered in English, as well as online courses, are constantly increasing to meet the gradual demand from international students. There is a wide range of cheap and affordable University of Padova - Courses for international students. Candidates looking to study at cheap universities in Italy can take a look at the fee of University of Padova. We have provided the fee structure for some of the top courses at the university below:

University of Padova - Fee Structure

3. Sapienza University of Rome

The Sapienza University of Rome serves as a collegiate research institution which is situated in Rome, Italy. Earlier referred to as "La Sapienza", it is considered as one of the largest European universities based on enrolments. As it was established in the year 1303, it is also one of the oldest universities in Italy. At present, it provides about 270 degree programmes offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees to students, in the fields of natural sciences, humanities, biomedical sciences, and engineering, and a variety of research programs are offered by Sapienza University. Check out some of the most affordable Sapienza University of Rome - Courses here. Candidates looking for an affordable university in Italy can check out the fee structure at Sapienza University of Rome.

Sapienza University of Rome - Fee Structure

4. University of Bologna

Often recognized as one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and predominantly focuses on research programmes. The university offers education through its six schools. It is the world's first university and is also responsible for setting up the Bologna Process of education. UniBo as it is referred to is the cheapest university for studying in Italy. Majority of University of Bologna – Courses are affordable and offer lower tuition if apply before set admission deadlines. Candidates looking to study at cheap universities in Itlay can take a look at the University of Bologna. We have provided the fee structure for some of the top courses at the university below:

University of Bologna - Fee Structure

5. University of Naples - Federico II

Established in 1224, the University of Naples Federico II is the oldest public non-sectarian university in the world which is now organized into 26 departments. The university has 13 faculties offering a number of programs at the university. Read: University of Naples - Federico II - Courses and check which of them are affordable. For the benefit of our readers, we have provided the cost of studying at the University of Naples - Federico II for international students looking to study at cheap universities in Italy. Candidates can check out the same below:

University of Naples - Federico II - Fee Structure

6. Polytechnico di Torino 

As Italy’s first engineering school founded in 1859, Ploytechnico di Torino is a global leader in technical education, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide for Engineering and Architecture. It remains highly affordable through public funding and merit-based scholarships, with tuition fees for international students often starting as low as €2,600 per year.

Polytechnico di Torino - Fee Structure

7. University of Pisa

Renowned for its historical excellence in STEM and research, the University of Pisa offers a world-class education in one of Italy’s most iconic academic cities. International students benefit from significantly reduced fees based on their country of origin, with costs starting around €360 to €2,400 annually and further reductions available through DSU Toscana regional grants.

University of Pisa - Fee Structure

8. University of Messina

Founded in 1548, University of Messina offers a wide range of programs, including an English-taught Medicine and Surgery degree, within a vibrant Mediterranean setting. It is exceptionally affordable for the 2026 academic year, students from many developing nations pay a flat rate as low as €156 per year, while others range between €256 and €506.

University of Messina - Fee Structure

9. University of Bergamo

This modern, dynamic university is known for its strong ties to the local industrial sector and its vibrant campus integrated into the historic city of Bergamo. It is one of the most budget-friendly options in Italy, with tuition fees for international Master's students starting at approximately €400 per year depending on household income. 

University of Bergamo - Fee Structure

10. University of Salerno

Located on a sprawling green campus near the Amalfi Coast, the University of Salerno is a hub for innovation and humanities with a deep focus on student integration. Affordability is a major draw, as international students can find programs with annual fees as low as €800, and many PhD applicants may even be exempt from application fees.

University of Salerno - Fee Structure

How to Find Cheap and Affordable Universities in Italy for Study?

Italy is considered one of the most affordable countries in Europe for higher education, especially if you choose public universities instead of private ones. Here are some suggestions to help you find some of the best affordable university options in Italy for study:

• Public universities, including the best public universities in Italy for masters, usually charge between €500 and €4,000 per year, and in many cases the fees are based on family income, so international students may end up paying much lower amounts.
• Some universities such as the University of Florence, University of Milan, and Polytechnic University of Turin offer very low tuition fees, sometimes starting from around €150 to €500 per year. Well-known universities like the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and University of Padua are also relatively affordable and provide a wide range of courses in English.
• To find affordable universities, you should search for public universities in Italy along with your chosen course and carefully check their official websites for tuition fees, eligibility criteria, and English-taught programs.
• Choosing the right city is important because living costs vary; cities like Pisa, Naples, Palermo, and Pavia are cheaper, while Milan and Rome are more expensive. The average total cost of studying in Italy, including tuition and living expenses, is usually between €8,000 and €15,000 per year depending on the city and lifestyle.
• Students can apply for scholarships like DSU regional scholarship or Italian government scholarships, which can significantly reduce tuition fees and even cover living expenses.

It is important to avoid common mistakes such as applying only to private universities, ignoring scholarship opportunities, or selecting expensive cities without proper budgeting. A good strategy is to shortlist a few public universities, apply early, look for scholarships, and choose a city that fits your budget.

Can International Students Study for Free at Affordable Italian Universities?

Yes, international students can study for free in Italy at its affordable universities. There are ample scholarship options - merit and need based. Along with this a lower income range applicants also get additional benefits. Here is how to study for free in Italy or nearly free:

Cost of Living in Italy for International Students

The cost of studying abroad forms the lion’s share of the expenses incurred during the process of studying abroad. The cost of living is a close second. Candidates would have to keep in mind that staying in the capital or in a city would cost more than opting for a suburban lifestyle. Staying alone would be more expensive as compared to staying at a hostel accommodation or on sharing basis. International candidates are advised to be having a minimum of €3,800 - €5,500 per month as part of living costs in Italy while studying for expenses such as lodging (on sharing basis), food, transport and clothing, etc. A heads up, expensive cities would include, Rome, Milan and Bologna and cheaper cities would be Pisa, Padua, or Turin.

A lot of times candidates wonder whether doing a part-time job would cover living expenses in a country. Candidates should note that money earned through part-time jobs in Italy would only suffice as pocket money. Candidates would be required to show proof of funds for both living as well as studying costs in Italy during the Italy Student Visa process. Candidates can know more about the same through our expert Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors.

Scholarships for Studying in Italy

Scholarships and financial aid are great ways to bring the costs of studying abroad down. Even though we have provided some of the most affordable and cheap universities in Italy, a reduction in study expenses has never hurt anybody. Government organizations, universities and private bodies have a large number of need-based and merit-based scholarships that they are willing to give to the students that truly deserve them. The key is to start early.

Candidates who wish to apply for a scholarship to study in Italy or an education loan to study in Italy should start their application process early. This would give them ample time to complete all document work, appear for any test that might be required as part of the process and so on.