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Did you know – more than 100,000 students from across 80+ countries come to Italy to pursue their higher education! And why not, Italy offers a perfect mix of world-class education, affordable living, globally recognized degrees, great networking opportunities, and rich cultural heritage. Even some of the most prestigious universities, which consistently rank among the top universities in the world, are located in Italy. With so many disciplines, ranging from arts, design, architecture, business, engineering, and more, choosing the right course and university is difficult.
And, you know what else is difficult – choosing the right city to live in. With options like fashion-hub Milan, vibrant Rome, artistic Florence, student-friendly Bologna, and more, each city offers a unique academic experience, and choosing one becomes overwhelming. For students, finding the best cities to study in Italy depends on several factors, such as affordability, culture, career opportunities, and student life. Read on to know what different cities in Italy have to offer, the cost of living, and much more.
Italy is home to some of the world’s best universities. Further, the country is known for affordable tuition fees, diverse programs, scholarship options, academic excellence, and more. Here are some of the reasons choosing Italy for your higher education is a good idea:
According to the QS Best Students Cities 2026, several Italian cities have found a place among top 50 cities. These include Milan, Rome, and Turin, among others.
When deciding the best places to study abroad in Italy, here are some of the factors that are considered:
Not sure which Italian city matches your course, budget, and student lifestyle? Let YES Italy guide you with personalised city and university suggestions.
There are several cities in Italy that offer the perfect mix of academic excellence, affordable living, and cultural richness. These cities not only house world-renowned universities but also ensure a vibrant lifestyle, part-time work opportunities, and an enriching international community, making Italy one of the best places to study abroad. Here are the best cities to study in Italy:
Milan has established itself as one of the best cities in Italy to study abroad for students interested in fashion, design, and business. Several universities, such as Politecnico di Milano, Istituto Marangoni, and Bocconi University, are located in the city, which offer global-level education and direct access to Italy’s financial and creative industries. Additionally, several events like Milan Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile are a regular in the city, which students can explore.
| Popular Universities | Politecnico di Milano, Istituto Marangoni, Bocconi University |
| Cost of Living | €1,000 – €1,500 per month |
| Best for | Design, Fashion, Architecture, Business |
Rome is the capital city of Italy, making it one of the prominent cities in the country. This city is not just about monuments or museums, it is also a hub of education with universities such as Sapienza University, which is one of the oldest universities in the world. Rome is perfect for students interested in history, archaeology, arts, theology, and political sciences. Rome offers a perfect mix of ancient heritage and modern lifestyle, making it a dream destination for culture enthusiasts.
| Popular Universities | Sapienza University of Rome, University of Rome Tor Vergata, LUISS Business School |
| Cost of Living | €900 – €1,400 per month |
| Best for | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Theology |
Florence is one of the best cities for international students interested in pursuing their career in art and design. Home to several institutes like University of Florence, Florence Design Academy, and Florence Institute of Design International, the city offers unmatched exposure to art, paintings, sculptures, and architecture. While studying in Florence, students found themselves surrounded with museums, cathedrals, and various cultural landmarks.
| Popular Universities | University of Florence, Florence Design Academy, Florence Institute of Design International |
| Cost of Living | €850 – €1,300 per month |
| Best for | Arts, Interior Design, Architecture |
Bologna is home to the University of Bologna, one of the oldest, yet operational universities in the world. Additionally, it is one of the most affordable cities in Italy for international students. Bologna is known for its food culture, and welcoming environment. The city is perfect for the Indian and international students who are looking for both quality education and affordability.
| Popular Universities | University of Bologna |
| Cost of Living | €750 – €1,200 per month |
| Best for | Humanities, Sciences, Law, Economics |
Known as the thriving industrial and cultural hub, Turin is home to universities like Politecnico di Torino – one of Europe’s leading universities for engineering, architecture, and technology. The city offers a quieter, and more affordable alternative to Milan, while still providing access to internships and job opportunities in design and innovation.
| Popular Universities | Politecnico di Torino |
| Cost of Living | €800 – €1,200 per month |
| Best for | Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning |
There is no denying that studying in Venice is a unique experience, especially for the students pursuing architecture and design. With universities, such as Universita luav di Venezia, which is entirely dedicated to design, architecture, and planning, the city has become a global hotspot for creative learning. Additionally, the city’s cultural and artistic heritage makes it extremely popular among students of interior design, arts, and architecture.
| Popular Universities | Universita luav di Venezia |
| Cost of Living | €900 – €1,300 per month |
| Best for | Cultural Studies, Interior Design, Architecture |
Pisa, home to the University of Pisa, is one of the cheapest cities in Italy for international students. Known worldwide for its Leaning Tower, Pisa offers affordable education, a peaceful lifestyle, and quality academic programs in sciences, engineering, and humanities. It’s especially popular among Indian students looking for budget-friendly options.
| Popular Universities | University of Pisa |
| Cost of Living | €700 – €1,000 per month |
| Best for | Sciences, Mathematics, Humanities |
Ready to Choose the Best City for Your Studies in Italy?Let YES Italy help you pick the perfect university and the right city based on your course, budget, and career goals.
Selecting the best city in Italy to study abroad totally depends on the field of interest, budget, and lifestyle preference. While Milan is perfect for fashion and design, Rome for History and arts, Bologna for student life, and Pisa for affordability, selecting the city requires deliberate consideration.
Each city offers its own unique charm, combining academic excellence with cultural richness. For Indian and international students, Italy remains one of the best places to study abroad in Europe.
Do you have questions? Check out these frequently asked questions from visitors and applicants. See if we address your concerns, or feel free to contact us directly.
Italy attracts thousands of international and Indian students every year who settle in different cities to pursue their higher education. The choice of city depends on factors like field of interest, budget and lifestyle preference. Having said that, you can choose Milan for fashion and business, Bologna for affordability, and Florence for art and design.
Italy attracts thousands of international and Indian students every year who settle in different cities to pursue their higher education. The choice of city depends on factors like field of interest, budget and lifestyle preference. Having said that, you can choose Milan for fashion and business, Bologna for affordability, and Florence for art and design.
The overall cost of studying in Italy is very less, as compared to other European cities. However, the smaller the city in Italy, the more affordable it is. In that sense, Pisa and Bologna are among the cheapest cities for international students in Italy.
Bologna is considered as the most educated city in Italy, being home to one of the oldest universities in the world.
Here is the breakdown of living costs in top student cities in Italy:
| City | Cost of Living (Per Month) |
| Milan | €1,000 – €1,500 |
| Rome | €900 – €1,400 |
| Florence | €850 – €1,300 |
| Bologna | €750 – €1,200 |
| Pisa | €700 – €1,000 |
| Venice | €900 – €1,300 |
While both the cities are better, if it is necessary to choose one, Florence is better, as the city is known for its education in fine arts and classical designs.
Yes, Italy has become a popular study abroad destination among Indian students for being affordable. The tuition fees and cost of living in Italy is affordable, especially in cities like Bologna and Pisa.
Bologna and Milan are two cities in Italy, which are known for a vibrant nightlife and international student communities.
