Cost of Studying Medicine in Italy: Tuition Fees & Living Expenses
**One of the biggest draws for future doctors is the affordable cost of studying medicine in Italy.** Compared to the US or UK, the fees are incredibly low, yet the quality of education remains world-class. However, budgeting is still essential. This guide breaks down every expense you need to anticipate, from tuition fees to the price of your weekly groceries.
1. University Tuition Fees
There is no direct application fee to apply to the university itself; however, you must pay the registration fee to sit the IMAT exam.
Once enrolled, Italian public universities structure their tuition costs using a "Fixed Base + Variable Contribution" model:
The Fee Structure
-
Fixed Part: usually includes Stamp duty (€16) and a Regional Tax for the right to education (approx. €140-€156).
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Variable Part: This is the actual tuition, calculated based on your economic situation (ISEE) or your country of origin/citizenship.
Important Note on Reductions
For universities using the ISEE system (indicator of equivalent economic situation), you must submit your documents by the specific deadline to get a reduction. Without it, you may be charged the maximum fee. Always check your specific university's regulations.
Tuition Fees for A.Y. 2025-2026
Below is the range of potential tuition fees for major universities offering English-taught medicine courses. (Note: 0€ usually refers to full scholarship/exemption status).
| University | Fee Range (Approx.) | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Bari | €0 – €2,350 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Milan (Bicocca) | €0 – €4,115 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Bologna | €0 – €3,315 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Cagliari | €0 – €3,547 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Naples (Federico II) | €0 – €2,746 | ISEE Status |
| Rome (La Sapienza) | €0 – €2,924 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Naples (Vanvitelli) | €0 – €2,704 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Marche | €0 – €2,985 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Messina | €0 – €2,500 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Milan (IMS) | €0 – €4,101 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Padova | €0 – €2,950 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Pavia | €0 – €3,507 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Parma | €0 – €2,775 | ISEE Status |
| Rome (Tor Vergata) | €0 – €2,500 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Turin | €0 – €2,840 | Citizenship / ISEE |
| Siena | €0 – €2,690 | Citizenship / ISEE |
2. Mandatory Bureaucratic Costs
Before you even start attending lectures, there are a few bureaucratic hurdles with associated costs.
Health Insurance
This is mandatory for non-EU students to obtain a Residence Permit.
Estimated Cost: ~€150 per year (for private student insurance).
Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)
The total cost for the permit is approximately €116.46. Here is the breakdown:
- €30.00 Postal Kit
- €16.00 Revenue Stamp (Marca da Bollo)
- €30.46 Permit Production Fee
- €40.00 Permit Fee
3. Daily Living Expenses
Living costs vary significantly depending on the city. While tuition is universally low, the cost of studying medicine in Italy can fluctuate based on whether you choose a "student city" like Bologna and Padova, or a major metropolitan hub like Rome and Milan, which are generally more expensive.
€400 – €800 / month
For a single room. Landlords usually require a deposit of 2-3 months' rent.
€30 – €50 / month
Includes electricity, gas, waste, heating. Sometimes included in rent, but not always.
~€200 / month
Cooking at home is the most economical option. Eating out daily will drastically increase this.
€25 – €55 / month
Bus passes are cheaper (~€25), train passes more expensive. Some cities (like Turin) subsidize students under 26.
Total Cost of Studying Medicine in Italy
Excluding tuition fees (which can range from €0 to €4,000 depending on your bracket), a student should expect average monthly living expenses of approximately:
This includes rent, bills, food, and transport. Always keep a buffer for personal expenses, study materials, and emergencies.Living expenses vary from person to person, and lifestyle choices can significantly increase or reduce the estimated costs.