15 Free and Cheap Universities in Italy for International Students

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In Italy, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Italy without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Italy, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 85 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Italy, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Italy for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Italy ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Trento 0 Euros - 4,500 Euros 100%
Marche Polytechnic University 0 Euros - 1,706 Euros 100%
University of Bologna 0 Euros - 1,000 Euros 100%
Parthenope University of Naples 0 Euros - 1,000 Euros 100%
University of Ferrara 0 Euros - 1,758 Euros 100%
University of Bergamo 0 Euros - 2,563 Euros 100%
University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli 0 Euros - 2,688 Euros 100%
University of Eastern Piedmont 0 Euros - 2,622 Euros 100%
Scuola Normale Superiore 0 Euros 100%
University of Trieste 0 Euros - 2,567 Euros 100%
University of Macerata 0 Euros - 651 Euros 100%
University of Sassari 0 Euros - 1,750 Euros 100%
University of Brescia 0 Euros - 1,000 Euros 100%
University of Messina 0 Euros - 350 Euros 100%
University of Teramo 50 Euros - 600 Euros 98%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 1,786 Euros for universities in Italy.

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1. University of Trento

The University of Trento is a public university located in Trento, Itlay. It began as a Higher University Institute for Social Sciences in 1962. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees are available at the university in a variety of fields. Trento students can also choose to study in partner institutions around the world during the second year of their studies.

2. Marche Polytechnic University

Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM) is a public university in Ancona, Italy. It was established in 1969. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available in agriculture, engineering, economics, and medicine at the university. Because of its outstanding academic reputation, UNIVPM consistently ranks among the top universities. Clinical Medicine, Engineering, Ecology, Oncology, and Plant and Animal Science are among the most popular majors at the university.

3. University of Bologna

Known as the oldest running university in the world, the University of Bologna continues to provide high-quality education and research to local and international students. With their long history in the industry of education, they have produced graduates who greatly contributed to the advancement of science, literature, and more. Today, they are home to more than 90,000 students.

4. Parthenope University of Naples

The Parthenope University of Naples takes pride in its partnership with more than 1,000 public and private enterprises worldwide. These numbers signify the strong internationalization of the university, enabling students to attain better career opportunities after graduating. The university is committed to preparing students for future careers by providing strict academic rules and expansive research support.

5. University of Ferrara

Established in 1391, the University of Ferrera is one of the oldest universities in Italy and the world. Today, they have 25,000 students on campus, and they offer 68 academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Both local and international students enjoy the educational and recreational services offered by the university.

6. University of Bergamo

Founded in 1968, the University of Bergamo was formerly known as the Institute of Foreign Languages and Literature, which used to be an independent school that neither had a public nor private university status. It became a state institution in 1992 and began officially using its current name. Today, the university’s identity is known not only in Italy but also in the international community. It has slowly been gaining attention for its high standards of teaching and research and has been included in the national and world university rankings.

7. University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli offers exceptional training with strong internationalization in mind. It coordinates with numerous other universities in and out of the country, allowing students to explore and widen their perspectives in their chosen fields. The university also supports quality research and scientific discoveries as it caters to more than 30,000 students in its 16 educational departments.

8. University of Eastern Piedmont

The University of Eastern Piedmont, founded in 1998, is a public university in Italy. It has three campuses in the region, particularly in the cities of Vercelli, Novara, and Alessandria. The university currently has more than 14,700 students and offers degree programs in various fields, such as Economics, Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Law.

9. Scuola Normale Superiore

Scuola Normale Superiore is one of the most prestigious universities in Italy. Its admission process will require prospective students to undergo an admission competition or call, and only a select number of qualified students will be admitted yearly. The quality of training and research is first-class and unlike anything else. And graduates of the institute have occupied or are currently occupying high positions and have become global leaders, experts, and innovators.

10. University of Trieste

The University of Trieste, locally known as Università degli Studi di Trieste, is an outstanding public research university offering a wide range of courses and programs for people who love to learn. They believe in providing a stimulating and innovative environment for students to hone their skills. The school boasts a rich history and beautiful architecture. 

11. University of Macerata

The University of Macerata is considered one of the oldest universities in Europe, with a tradition dating back to 1290. Throughout the years, it has already produced thousands of graduates that are known to be competent and skillful in the professional field. Undoubtedly, the University of Macerata has marked its legacy of academic excellence in Italian history.

12. University of Sassari

The University of Sassari is a public university located in Sassari, Italy. Alessio Fontana founded it in 1562. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs are available in ten departments, ranging from Agriculture to Medicine. It also boasts valuable connections to various industries in the country which opens learning and internship opportunities to its students.

13. University of Brescia

The University of Brescia (UNIBS) is a public research university located in Brescia, Italy. It was founded in 1982 as an initiative by the Chamber of Commerce and is divided into four main areas: Economics, Engineering, Law, and Medicine. UNIBS is consistently ranked in the most prestigious university rankings for its teaching and research quality.

14. University of Messina

The University of Messina (UniME) is a public state university located in Messina, Italy. It was founded in 1548 by Pope Paul III as the first Jesuit college. The university offers over 100 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as 13 Ph.D. programs in 12 fields of study. Giovanni Pascoli, Marcello Malpighi, Gaetano Salvemini, and Vittorio Orlando are among the highly respected scholars at UniME.

15. University of Teramo

The University of Teramo is a public research university located in Teramo, Italy. It began as a branch of the D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara before separating in 1993. Through 10 departments, the university offers 24 degree courses and 35 Master’s programs. The university is best known for its programs in two fields: law and communication.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Italy for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Italy ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Trento 0 Euros - 6,500 Euros 100%
Marche Polytechnic University 0 Euros - 1,706 Euros 100%
University of Bologna 0 Euros - 1,200 Euros 100%
Parthenope University of Naples 0 Euros - 1,000 Euros 100%
University of Ferrara 0 Euros - 1,758 Euros 100%
University of Bergamo 0 Euros - 2,563 Euros 100%
University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli 0 Euros - 2,688 Euros 100%
University of Eastern Piedmont 0 Euros - 2,622 Euros 100%
University of Sassari 0 Euros - 1,750 Euros 100%
University of Trieste 0 Euros - 2,567 Euros 100%
University of Macerata 0 Euros - 651 Euros 100%
University of Brescia 0 Euros - 1,000 Euros 100%
University of Messina 0 Euros - 350 Euros 100%
University of Teramo 50 Euros - 600 Euros 98%
Polytechnic University of Turin 161 Euros - 3,761 Euros 92%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 1,924 Euros for universities in Italy.

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1. University of Trento

The University of Trento is a public university located in Trento, Itlay. It began as a Higher University Institute for Social Sciences in 1962. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees are available at the university in a variety of fields. Trento students can also choose to study in partner institutions around the world during the second year of their studies.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Trento should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Euros to 6,500 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Marche Polytechnic University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Marche Polytechnic University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Marche Polytechnic University is 0 Euros to 1,706 Euros.

Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM) is a public university in Ancona, Italy. It was established in 1969. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available in agriculture, engineering, economics, and medicine at the university. Because of its outstanding academic reputation, UNIVPM consistently ranks among the top universities. Clinical Medicine, Engineering, Ecology, Oncology, and Plant and Animal Science are among the most popular majors at the university.

3. University of Bologna

Known as the oldest running university in the world, the University of Bologna continues to provide high-quality education and research to local and international students. With their long history in the industry of education, they have produced graduates who greatly contributed to the advancement of science, literature, and more. Today, they are home to more than 90,000 students.

The tuition fee at University of Bologna for incoming international master’s students is 0 Euros to 1,200 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Parthenope University of Naples

Another affordable university to consider in Italy is Parthenope University of Naples.

The Parthenope University of Naples takes pride in its partnership with more than 1,000 public and private enterprises worldwide. These numbers signify the strong internationalization of the university, enabling students to attain better career opportunities after graduating. The university is committed to preparing students for future careers by providing strict academic rules and expansive research support.

The tuition fee in Parthenope University of Naples for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Euros.

5. University of Ferrara

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Ferrara has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 0 Euros yearly.

Established in 1391, the University of Ferrera is one of the oldest universities in Italy and the world. Today, they have 25,000 students on campus, and they offer 68 academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Both local and international students enjoy the educational and recreational services offered by the university.

6. University of Bergamo

Founded in 1968, the University of Bergamo was formerly known as the Institute of Foreign Languages and Literature, which used to be an independent school that neither had a public nor private university status. It became a state institution in 1992 and began officially using its current name. Today, the university’s identity is known not only in Italy but also in the international community. It has slowly been gaining attention for its high standards of teaching and research and has been included in the national and world university rankings.

7. University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli offers exceptional training with strong internationalization in mind. It coordinates with numerous other universities in and out of the country, allowing students to explore and widen their perspectives in their chosen fields. The university also supports quality research and scientific discoveries as it caters to more than 30,000 students in its 16 educational departments.

8. University of Eastern Piedmont

The University of Eastern Piedmont, founded in 1998, is a public university in Italy. It has three campuses in the region, particularly in the cities of Vercelli, Novara, and Alessandria. The university currently has more than 14,700 students and offers degree programs in various fields, such as Economics, Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Law.

9. University of Sassari

The University of Sassari is a public university located in Sassari, Italy. Alessio Fontana founded it in 1562. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs are available in ten departments, ranging from Agriculture to Medicine. It also boasts valuable connections to various industries in the country which opens learning and internship opportunities to its students.

10. University of Trieste

The University of Trieste, locally known as Università degli Studi di Trieste, is an outstanding public research university offering a wide range of courses and programs for people who love to learn. They believe in providing a stimulating and innovative environment for students to hone their skills. The school boasts a rich history and beautiful architecture. 

11. University of Macerata

The University of Macerata is considered one of the oldest universities in Europe, with a tradition dating back to 1290. Throughout the years, it has already produced thousands of graduates that are known to be competent and skillful in the professional field. Undoubtedly, the University of Macerata has marked its legacy of academic excellence in Italian history.

12. University of Brescia

The University of Brescia (UNIBS) is a public research university located in Brescia, Italy. It was founded in 1982 as an initiative by the Chamber of Commerce and is divided into four main areas: Economics, Engineering, Law, and Medicine. UNIBS is consistently ranked in the most prestigious university rankings for its teaching and research quality.

13. University of Messina

The University of Messina (UniME) is a public state university located in Messina, Italy. It was founded in 1548 by Pope Paul III as the first Jesuit college. The university offers over 100 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as 13 Ph.D. programs in 12 fields of study. Giovanni Pascoli, Marcello Malpighi, Gaetano Salvemini, and Vittorio Orlando are among the highly respected scholars at UniME.

14. University of Teramo

The University of Teramo is a public research university located in Teramo, Italy. It began as a branch of the D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara before separating in 1993. Through 10 departments, the university offers 24 degree courses and 35 Master’s programs. The university is best known for its programs in two fields: law and communication.

15. Polytechnic University of Turin

Turin Polytechnic University is a public university located in Turin, Italy. It is the oldest Italian public technical university, having been founded in 1859. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering, architecture, urban planning, and industrial design through eleven departments and several research institutes. PoliTO is consistently ranked as one of Italy’s and Europe’s best universities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Italy?

Applying to cheap universities in Italy requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Italy for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Italy?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Italy. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Italy is the Marche Polytechnic University, which offers Agricultural Science, Economics and Commerce, and Electronics Engineering to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Marche Polytechnic University offers Building Engineering, Economic and Financial Sciences, and Computer and Automation Engineering.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Italy, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Italy as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Italy for international students was helpful!