What’s the cost of studying medicine in italy?

Dreaming of studying medicine in Italy but not sure how much it will cost or if it’s even within your budget?

Moving away from home to attend university in Italy is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new financial responsibilities: from securing a room in a shared apartment to covering daily expenses like groceries, transport and study materials. This article will break down the typical monthly and annual costs you can expect as an out-of-town (in italian called “ Fuorisede ”) university student in Italy.

1. ACCOMODATION:

You just arrived in Italy and you need a place to stay, so let’s begin talking about one of the most expensive things you have to consider, but also extremely variable: the accommodation . In general, in Italy, the average cost could go from a minimum of 200€ to a maximum of 2000€ monthly, because there are many options you can consider, such as:

• Single room in a shared flat (most common)
• Bed in a shared room
• Private apartment
• University residency

The prices vary greatly depending on the city: the most expensive is Milan : 400-650€ is the minimum for a room in a shared-flat with other flatmates, but it rises up to 1000€/month or more in the most central areas and close to the universities. Roma, Padova and Bologna are expensive as well. Here you can take a look to a more detailed table of the average price per month of accommodations in some italian cities:

Keep in mind that all these prices are variable and can change every year!

When it comes to student residences or dormitories , rental costs can range anywhere from €0 to €1250 per month . The price can vary significantly, as it often depends on factors such as the GDP of your home country and your family’s income level (measured by the Italian ISEE indicator).

Another important factor is whether you choose a single room or a shared room , as this can greatly influence the overall cost.

2. UTILITIES AND BILLS

Additionally, many residences offer scholarships or financial aid . If you are selected, you may be able to secure accommodation for free or at a discounted rate .

Most rental agreements either include basic utilities in the rent or charge an additional flat fee, so you might expect to pay:

• Electricity, water, and gas : €50 – €80 per month (if not included, so be careful before signing the contract, if they are also considered)
• Internet : €20 – €30 per month

Shared flats often split these costs equally among flatmates, making the individual share quite manageable, but in some more modern flat, there is an electricity meter in each room, so every flatmate pays the exact amount that they have spent. In dormitories usually they are included in the rate.

3. PUBLIC TRANSPORT

We’ve got a roof over our heads , running water , and working lights , so what’s next? Time to explore this beautiful country !

Since most students don’t own a car, the most practical and budget-friendly way to get around is with public transportation , often with student discounts . Here’s what you can typically expect to pay:

• Monthly city pass : €10–35
• Yearly city pass : €70–330
• Bike-sharing programs : €15–25 per month (where available)

Of course, prices vary by city . In smaller towns, walking or cycling can often be enough, making public transport unnecessary for daily life.

IMPORTANT TIP: Before you subscribe to any pass, check for special offers in your city. Some municipalities provide amazing discounts for students or young residents. For example, in Catania , you can get a metro/bus pass for only €20 per year , a real bargain!

4. FOOD AND GROCERIES

We’ve seen and explored every single spot of our marvelous city and we’re really hungry, but fortunately we chose Italy to study Medicine, where the food is such a “ Religion ”.

Eating like a local can help keep food costs down, the cost varies depending on your diet and how much you eat. The monthly budget typically is €150 – €400 for cooking at home, but of course you can’t live in Italy without some occasional dining out (especially PIZZA, PIZZA, PIZZA!)  for €10 – €50.

Shopping at discount supermarkets (e.g. Lidl, Eurospin, MD) and visiting local markets for fresh products (fruit, meat, fish) can yield additional savings.

Cost of categories per month:

• low budget (basic products): €150-200
• average budget: €200-300
• high budget (organic or imported goods, more complex meals): €300-400

Differences among cities:

• Milan, Rome, Bologna + 10/20% than the national average
• Catania, Bari, Naples: – 10/20% than the national average

You can see how different the cost of life is between north and south Italy!

Money saving tip: Cook in bulk → prepare meals for several days to save both time and money.

5. CANTEEN AT UNI

If you’re tired of cooking every day, another great option is to eat at a university canteen . The cost depends on what you choose, but in many cases, scholarships also include free canteen access .

The discounted student price typically ranges from €0 to €7.50 per meal . As with other services, the exact price depends on the GDP of your home country and your family income ( ISEE ). Most canteens offer two meals per day — lunch and dinner .

University canteens are available in every Italian city , but they are managed by different regional or university agencies , often with unfamiliar names like ESU, DSU, ADISU, EDISU, ER.GO, ERSU , and others. You’ll need to check which organization manages canteens in your specific city.

6. ITALIAN SIM CARD

In order to explore everything and not get lost alone It’s a good idea to make an Italian SIM. The cost depends on the provider you choose, but there are many cheap options all over Italy. You have to pay an initial SIM cost of ~ 10 € (unfortunately), while the monthly basic plan is ~ 7-10 € depending on how many Gigabytes Data you need (the calls and SMS texts are usually unlimited).

7. UNIVERSITY TUITION

Now that we’re fully equipped for Italian life, it’s time to tackle the true adventure that brought us here: University – yes, books, lectures, and probably too much espresso!. Here we have a huge difference in cost between private and public universities.

7.1 Public institution

Let’s begin with the public ones which are much less expensive. Here the fees depend on the GDP of the country of origin and family income, so many international students have favorable prices: usually it could range from 0 to ~4200€ and the payments are typically split into two or three installments over the academic year.

The maximum is 4200€ per year in the most expensive ones (e.g. Milan) if you have high GDP and ISEE, but the average in the rest of Italy is around ~1500 – 2500€. Here a detailed table of the tuition per year in some italian IMAT universities:

7.2 Private Institution

We have different private Universities in Italy, where the tuition cost is much higher:

For more detailed information about these universities and others, I suggest you check out this other article: https://medschool.it/blog/english-medical-school-in-italy/

8. BOOKS AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS

The cost is €0–500 per academic year, why such a wide range?

Because most of the Italian students usually study on their notes or the ones from the previous year, taken at class or transcribed at home from voice registration of the teacher, we call them “ sbobine ”, which became the “holy bibles” of every medical student. So, not many students buy books, only if it is strictly necessary for an exam.

One thing you really have to keep in mind is all the medical tools you’ll need: scrubs , a white coat , and of course the legendary stethoscope . These are essential tools for every future doctor!

9. Leisure, Social Life and Miscellaneous

To enjoy Italy’s rich cultural scene, budget for:

• Cinema, concerts, clubs and events : €30 – 50 per month
• Gym membership : €30 – 50 per month, but you can find yearly pass for ~ €250
• Coffee and snacks : coffee usually costs 1 euro (for Italians, coffee is only espresso) and pastries depend on the city and what kind you’d like € 0.50 – 5
• Drinks : €3-12, they also depend on the city (in Padova, Naples, Catania you can find Spritz for only 3/4 euros), but also on the kind. For example, Milan and Rome have many places that prepare unique drinks you won’t taste anywhere else.

10. Money-Saving Tips

1. Student discounts : Always carry your student ID to benefit from reduced fares and entry fees
2. Part-time work : Many universities facilitate part-time jobs on campus or internships to help cover costs

11. Total Estimated Monthly Budget (except tuition)

CONCLUSION

Studying Medicine in Italy is not only an exceptional academic and cultural opportunity, but also a financially accessible choice, especially when compared to many other countries. While the cost of living can vary depending on the city and your personal lifestyle, there are plenty of ways to keep expenses under control through student discounts, scholarships, and smart budgeting.

From affordable tuition fees at public universities to relatively low costs for food, transportation, and housing, particularly in southern cities, Italy offers options to suit a wide range of budgets.

Whether you’re heading to the dynamic streets of Milan or the sunny charm of Catania , with a bit of careful planning and some flexibility, your dream of becoming a doctor in Italy can be both exciting and financially sustainable.

So, pack your bags, brush up on your Italian, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Related posts:

1. English Medical Schools in Italy: https://medschool.it/blog/english-medical-school-in-italy/
2. Studying Medicine and Surgery in Italy: https://medschool.it/blog/studying-medicine-and-surgery-in-italy/