The Cost of Living and Studying in Italy for Turkish Students

Studying in Italy is a great opportunity for Turkish students, offering a high-quality education at affordable tuition fees compared to other European countries. However, students must consider living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily costs. In this guide, we break down the cost of living and studying in Italy for Turkish students and provide tips on budgeting and scholarships.

1. Tuition Fees for Master’s Degrees in Italy

Tuition fees in Italy vary depending on whether the university is public or private, the chosen program, and the student’s financial situation.

Public Universities (Affordable for Turkish Students)

Most Turkish students choose public universities because they offer high-quality education at lower tuition fees.

💰 Tuition Fees for Master’s Degrees at Public Universities:

• Minimum: €800 per year

• Maximum: €4,000 per year

• Average: €2,500 per year

✅ Examples of Public University Tuition Fees:

University	Annual Tuition (€)
University of Bologna	€2,000 – €3,500
Sapienza University of Rome	€1,000 – €3,500
Politecnico di Milano	€3,900 – €5,000
University of Milan	€800 – €4,000
University of Padua	€2,500 – €3,500

🎯 Tip: Tuition fees at public universities are income-based. Students can request fee reductions if their family income is below a certain level.

Private Universities (More Expensive but Prestige-Oriented)

Private universities in Italy charge higher tuition fees, but they offer specialized programs in business, fashion, and design.

💰 Tuition Fees for Private Universities:

• Minimum: €7,000 per year

• Maximum: €20,000 per year

✅ Examples of Private University Tuition Fees:

University	Annual Tuition (€)
Bocconi University	€13,000 – €16,000
Università Cattolica	€8,000 – €12,000
Istituto Marangoni (Fashion)	€15,000 – €20,000

🎯 Tip: Many private universities offer scholarships and tuition discounts for international students, including Turkish students.

2. Cost of Accommodation in Italy

The biggest expense for students in Italy is rent. The cost varies depending on the city and whether you choose to live in a dormitory, shared apartment, or private rental.

💰 Average Monthly Rent Costs for Students:

• University dormitory: €250 – €500

• Shared apartment: €300 – €700

• Private apartment: €500 – €1,200

✅ City-Based Rent Comparison:

City	Dormitory (€)	Shared Apartment (€)	Private Apartment (€)
Milan	€400 – €600	€500 – €800	€900 – €1,500
Rome	€350 – €550	€450 – €700	€800 – €1,200
Bologna	€250 – €450	€400 – €600	€700 – €1,000
Florence	€300 – €500	€400 – €700	€750 – €1,100
Naples	€250 – €400	€350 – €550	€600 – €900

🎯 Tip: The most affordable cities for Turkish students are Naples, Padua, and Bologna, while Milan and Rome are more expensive.

3. Food and Grocery Expenses

Italy is known for its delicious and affordable food. Grocery shopping and eating out can be budget-friendly for students.

💰 Average Monthly Food Costs:

• Groceries (Cooking at Home): €150 – €250

• Eating Out (Restaurant Meals): €10 – €20 per meal

• University Cafeteria (Mensa): €3 – €6 per meal

✅ Food Cost Breakdown:

Item	Average Price (€)
Pizza (restaurant)	€8 – €12
Pasta dish (restaurant)	€10 – €15
Cappuccino	€1.50 – €2.50
Milk (1 liter)	€1.20
Bread (500g)	€1.50
Chicken (1kg)	€7 – €10

🎯 Tip: Cooking at home saves a lot of money compared to eating at restaurants.

4. Transportation Costs

Public transportation is affordable and convenient for students in Italy.

💰 Monthly Public Transport Costs:

• Student bus/metro pass: €25 – €35

• Single bus/metro ticket: €1.50 – €2

• Bicycle rental (some cities offer free bikes): €10 – €20 per month

🎯 Tip: Students under 26 years old can get discounted public transport passes in most Italian cities.

5. Additional Expenses

💰 Miscellaneous Monthly Costs:

• Internet & Mobile Plan: €20 – €30

• Leisure & Social Activities: €50 – €150

• Health Insurance (For Non-EU Students): €150 – €200 per year

6. Scholarships and Financial Aid for Turkish Students

Many Italian universities and the government offer scholarships for international students.

Types of Scholarships Available:

🎓 Italian Government Scholarships (€5,000 – €10,000 per year)

• Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI)

• Covers tuition fees and living expenses

🎓 University-Specific Scholarships (€2,000 – €8,000 per year)

• Many universities offer merit-based scholarships

• Examples: Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships, Bocconi Merit Awards

🎓 Regional Scholarships (DSU Scholarship) (€3,000 – €7,000 per year)

• Based on family income

• Available at universities in Tuscany, Lombardy, and Lazio regions

🎯 Tip: Apply for scholarships early as deadlines are usually between April and June.

7. Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Italy for Turkish Students

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (€)
Rent (Shared Apartment)	€400 – €700
Food	€150 – €250
Transportation	€25 – €35
Internet & Mobile	€20 – €30
Leisure & Miscellaneous	€50 – €150
Total Estimated Monthly Expenses	€650 – €1,200

🎯 Tip: With scholarships and part-time jobs, students can cover most of their living costs in Italy.

Conclusion: Is Italy Affordable for Turkish Students?

✅ Yes! Italy is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, especially compared to the UK, USA, and France.✅ Public universities have low tuition fees, and scholarships help cover costs.✅ Living costs vary by city, but students can live comfortably with €650 – €1,200 per month.✅ Part-time jobs are available to help cover expenses.

With good budgeting, scholarships, and part-time work, Turkish students can enjoy an affordable and high-quality education in Italy.

🎓 Final Thoughts: If you're considering studying in Italy, start your application process early, apply for scholarships, and choose a budget-friendly city to make the most of your study abroad experience!