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Italy is a popular destination for international students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and renowned educational institutions, Italy offers a unique and exciting environment for students to learn and grow. However, studying abroad in Italy can be costly, and it is important for students to understand the expenses associated with studying and living in Italy before making a decision. In this article, we will explore the cost of studying medicine and dentistry in Italy, including tuition fees and the cost of living in some of the major cities in Italy. We will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses that students can expect to incur while studying in Italy, including accommodation, transportation, food, utilities, and personal expenses. By the end of this article, students will have a better understanding of the costs associated with studying medicine and dentistry in Italy, and will be able to make an informed decision about pursuing their education in this beautiful country.

All medical schools in Italy in English
All medical schools in Italy in English

Medicine and Dentistry Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary from student to student. This is because of the Italian financial aid system, which takes into account the financial situation of the student’s family. The ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) is a financial indicator used in Italy to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. It takes into account the student’s family income, assets, and other factors to determine the amount of financial aid the student is eligible for. Regional scholarships are available in Italy for both need-based and academic-based purposes. Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, while academic-based scholarships are awarded to students who excel academically. These scholarships can help students reduce the cost of tuition fees and provide them with financial assistance to cover other expenses associated with studying and living in Italy. It is important for students to research and apply for scholarships that they may be eligible for to help them achieve their academic goals without incurring excessive financial burden. To find out more about each University tuition fee and other important factors that you might want to consider before choosing your first choice university please refer to our Universities page.

Living costs

Living costs can vary significantly from one city to another in Italy. It is important for students to understand the living costs of the cities they plan to study in to make informed decisions about their finances. The main costs that you will be having as a student is:

  1. Accommodation: The cost of accommodation can vary depending on the type of accommodation and the location of the city. Shared apartments or university housing can range from €250 to €600 per month, while private apartments in the city centre can range from €500 to €1,000 per month.
  2. Food: The average cost of food per month for a student in Italy is around €200 to €300. This includes groceries and eating out occasionally.
  3. Public Transportation: The cost of public transportation can vary from one city to another. In major cities like Rome, Milan, and Turin, the monthly cost of a student pass ranges from €20 to €35.
  4. Utilities: The cost of utilities, such as internet, phone, and electricity, can vary depending on usage. The average monthly cost for these utilities is around €50 to €100.
  5. Personal Expenses: Personal expenses, such as entertainment, clothing, and other miscellaneous costs, can vary depending on your budget and the amount of personal expenses you have. But generally you could be looking at around €100.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated living costs per month for students studying medicine or dentistry in some of the major cities in Italy:

Rome

  • Accommodation: €400-€800 per month
  • Food: €250-€350 per month
  • Public Transportation: €35 per month
  • Utilities (phone, internet, electricity): €70-€100 per month
  • Personal Expenses: €100-€200 per month
  • Activities: €50-€100 per month

Milan (And Bergamo)

  • Accommodation: €450-€900 per month
  • Food: €250-€350 per month
  • Public Transportation: €22-€35 per month
  • Utilities (phone, internet, electricity): €70-€100 per month
  • Personal Expenses: €100-€200 per month
  • Activities: €50-€100 per month

Turin

  • Accommodation: €300-€600 per month
  • Food: €200-€300 per month
  • Public Transportation: €25-€35 per month
  • Utilities (phone, internet, electricity): €60-€80 per month
  • Personal Expenses: €100-€200 per month
  • Activities: €50-€100 per month

Pavia

  • Accommodation: €300-€500 per month
  • Food: €200-€300 per month
  • Public Transportation: €20-€30 per month
  • Utilities (phone, internet, electricity): €60-€80 per month
  • Personal Expenses: €100-€200 per month
  • Activities: €50-€100 per month

Bologna

  • Accommodation: €300-€600 per month
  • Food: €200-€300 per month
  • Public Transportation: €25 per month
  • Utilities (phone, internet, electricity): €70-€100 per month
  • Personal Expenses: €100-€200 per month
  • Activities: €50-€100 per month

It is important to note that these estimates are based on shared accommodation and a modest student lifestyle. The actual costs may vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances. Additionally, students may be eligible for need-based and academic-based scholarships offered by the regional governments in Italy which will help with living costs.

Overall, the estimated monthly living cost for a student studying medicine or dentistry in Italy can range from €800 to about €1,500 per month, depending on the city and the lifestyle of the student. It is important for students to budget accordingly and plan for additional expenses such as textbooks, medical equipment, and other academic materials.

How to fund your studies in Italy?

  1. Working part-time in Italy: Non-Eu students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week in Italy. The most common part-time jobs for students are in the hospitality and retail industries, as well as in food deliveris (deliveroo is pretty common in Italy) and many opportunities exist in these fields. Working online for example: tutoring and freelancing is also an option to consider if you have the skills. The best way to find a job is to network with locals and ask around at businesses. It is also possible to find part-time work through online job portals and classified ads.
  2. Speaking with your family and relatives to create a financial plan: It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your family about your financial situation and your plans to study in Italy. Your family may be able to support you financially or offer advice on funding sources. Together, you can create a financial plan that takes into account your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad.
  3. Apply for ISEE and regional scholarships: ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) is an Italian measure of a family’s economic situation. Students who meet certain income requirements may be eligible for need-based scholarships from the Italian government. Regional scholarships are also available for students who meet certain academic requirements or who come from certain regions. It is important to research scholarship opportunities and apply as early as possible.

Some medical students also work with us to fund their studies by tutoring future IMAT candidates! You can find them here https://coach.entermedschool.com/ 

In summary, there are several ways to fund your studies in Italy, including working part-time, speaking with your family, and applying for scholarships. It is important to plan ahead and research all available options to ensure that you have enough funds to cover your expenses while studying in Italy.

Top 5 Most expensive Cities in italy

  1. Milan: Milan is known as one of the most expensive cities in Italy, with high costs for accommodation, food, and transportation. The average cost of living in Milan is around 1,300-1,500 euros per month. While there are plenty of job opportunities in Milan, competition can be tough.
  2. Rome: Rome is another expensive city in Italy, with a high cost of living. The average cost of living in Rome is around 1,200-1,400 euros per month. While there are many job opportunities in Rome, finding work can be difficult due to the high number of students and the competitive job market.
  3. Bologna: Bologna is a popular city for students studying medicine in English. The average cost of living in Bologna is around 1,100-1,300 euros per month. While it can be difficult to find a job in Bologna, there are plenty of part-time opportunities for students.
  4. Naples (Center): Naples is a vibrant city located in southern Italy, with a lower cost of living than other major cities. The average cost of living in Naples is around 800-1,000 euros per month, but living in the center next to the university itself or around a mort “touristy” area will probably costs you closer to 1300-1500 per month. While there are some job opportunities in Naples, finding work can be challenging due to the high unemployment rate in the city.

The cost of living can vary greatly depending on the city in which you study medicine in Italy. While there are job opportunities available in many cities, competition can be tough and finding work may be difficult. It is important to research and plan ahead to ensure that you have enough funds to cover your expenses while studying in Italy.

When finding a place to live, try to look for a place with a proximity to the university, but make sure to note that every university has many buildings all over the city, so look for the area that people study medicine at!

Top 5 Cheapest Cities in italy

Studying medicine can be expensive, but there are some cities in Italy that are more affordable than others. Here are the top 5 cheapest cities to study medicine in Italy, taking into consideration the cost of living and the job market for international students:

Palermo

Palermo is the capital city of the Sicilian region and is home to the University of Palermo, which offers a six-year degree in medicine in English with IMAT exam. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. The cost of living in Palermo is relatively low compared to other Italian cities, with an average monthly rent of around €400 for a one-bedroom apartment. Students can also take advantage of affordable public transportation, with a monthly pass costing around €30.

Pavia

Pavia is a small city located in the Lombardy region, just south of Milan. The University of Pavia offers a six-year degree in medicine in English with the IMAT exam. The cost of living in Pavia is lower than in Milan, with an average monthly rent of around €300-500 for a one-bedroom apartment. Students can also enjoy affordable dining options, with a typical meal at a local restaurant costing around €15.

Bari

Bari is a port city located in the southern region of Puglia. The cost of living in Bari is lower than in other Italian cities, with an average monthly rent of around €300-450 for a one-bedroom apartment. Students can also take advantage of affordable public transportation, with a monthly pass costing around €30.

Messina

Messina is a city located in the northeastern region of Sicily, opposite the mainland of Italy. The cost of living in Messina is relatively low, with an average monthly rent of around €250-400 for a one-bedroom apartment. Students can also enjoy affordable dining options, with a typical meal at a local restaurant costing around €15.

Siena

Siena is a small city located in the Tuscany region, known for its beautiful mediaeval architecture and vibrant culture. The cost of living in Siena is relatively low compared to other Italian cities, with an average monthly rent of around €550 for a one-bedroom apartment. Students can also take advantage of affordable public transportation, with a monthly pass costing around €30.

In conclusion, studying medicine in Italy doesn’t have to be expensive. These cities offer affordable living costs and promising job markets for international students pursuing a career in healthcare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, studying medicine in Italy can be a very affordable option for international students who are looking for high-quality education at a reasonable cost. With tuition fees ranging from €800 to €4,000 per year and living expenses varying from €700-800 to €1,500 per month, Italy offers some of the most affordable options in Europe for studying medicine.

From our analysis of various cities in Italy, we have found that the top 5 cheapest cities for studying medicine in Italy are Bari, Naples, Palermo, Turin, and Rome. These cities offer relatively low living costs and have a good job market for international students.

We have also discussed the different types of scholarships available to students, including the ISEE and regional scholarships. These scholarships can be based on academic or financial need, and can help to further reduce the cost of studying medicine in Italy.

It is important to note that while studying medicine in Italy can be affordable, students should plan in advance and budget carefully to ensure that they can meet their expenses. Students should also be aware of the different costs of living in each city, as they can vary significantly.

Overall, Italy offers a unique and affordable opportunity for students who are looking to pursue a career in medicine. With its high-quality education, rich cultural heritage, and affordable cost of living, Italy is an attractive destination for students from around the world.