Application Guide ·
By Yunus Emre · Rome Consultancy
Studying in Italy: Key Figures for 2026/27 and 2027/28 (Visa, Scholarships, Fees, Costs)
The numbers students ask about most, in one place: €10,179.85 a year for the student visa, a DSU grant of at least €7,171.11, an ISEE limit of €28,339.88, public university fees from €156, and €700-1,150 a month to live. Each figure with its official source.
Short answer: The key figures for studying in Italy: at least €10,179.85 a year in funds for the student visa, a DSU grant of at least €7,171.11 for off-site students (ISEE limit €28,339.88), public university fees starting at €156, and roughly €700-1,150 a month in living costs depending on the city. Every figure's source is listed at the end.
Visa and residence permit
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa proof of funds | €10,179.85 a year (about €848 a month) | Italian Consulate General Istanbul, 2026 |
| Health insurance for the visa | Cover of at least €30,000 | Italian Consulate General Istanbul |
| Legal processing time, student visa | 90 days | Italian Consulate General Istanbul |
| Residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) application | About €116.46 | University of Padua |
| Voluntary registration with the Italian health service | About €700 a year | University of Bologna |
| Schengen (tourist) visa fee | €90 (€45 for ages 6-12) | European Commission |
See our guides to visa rejection reasons and proof of funds.
Scholarships
| Scholarship | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DSU grant, off-site student (2026/27) | At least €7,171.11 a year | MUR Directorial Decree 175/2026 |
| DSU ISEE upper limit (2026/27) | €28,339.88 (regions may set lower limits) | MUR Directorial Decree 176/2026 |
| DSU ISPE upper limit (2026/27) | €61,608.48 | MUR Directorial Decree 176/2026 |
| Italian government (MAECI) scholarship, master's | €10,800 (9 months) | Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2026/27 call |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy, master's | €10,800 a year | 2026/27 call |
More in our DSU guide and scholarships guide.
Fees and test costs
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Public university, lowest payment (regional tax + stamp duty) | €156; income-based fee €0 to about €2,000 (Parma example) | University of Parma |
| Bocconi bachelor's tuition (2027-28) | €17,700 a year | Bocconi |
| Bocconi application fee | €100 | Bocconi |
| Online Bocconi test, per attempt | €60 | Bocconi |
| TOLC test | €35 | CISIA |
Public university fees depend on family income (ISEE), so they vary by university; DSU winners are usually exempt.
Monthly living costs
According to the universities' own figures, a student's monthly budget is roughly €700-1,150 depending on the city and housing. Milan is the most expensive; Padua, Turin, Pavia and Viterbo are cheaper. See our cost of living guide and city guides.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do you need for an Italian student visa?
At least €10,179.85 a year for 2026/27 and 2027/28, about €848 a month, from a lawful and traceable source; the return journey comes on top.
How much is the DSU scholarship?
At least €7,171.11 in 2026/27 for off-site students. Regions can pay more and may add housing and meals.
How much are public university fees in Italy?
They depend on family income. At the University of Parma, for example, the first payment is €156 and the income-based fee is €0 to about €2,000 a year.
When are these figures updated?
DSU amounts change each year by MUR decree and visa rules with the consulates' yearly lists. We update this page when new figures are published.
What do these figures mean for you?
Which scholarships you qualify for and your total budget depend on the city, university and your family's income. For a personal estimate, fill in our free assessment form.
Last checked: 11 November 2026. Every figure comes from the official sources below and will be updated when new figures are published.
Sources
- Italian Consulate General Istanbul – Student visa 2026 (PDF)
- University of Padua – Living costs (residence permit)
- University of Bologna – Living costs in Bologna (health service)
- European Commission – Schengen visa fee
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Government scholarships 2026/27 call (PDF)
- Invest Your Talent in Italy – 2026/27 call (PDF)
- University of Parma – Fees for international students
- Bocconi – Fees
- Bocconi – Admissions and application fee
- CISIA – TOLC regulation 2026 (PDF)