Short answer: A student in Bologna spends about €777 a month in a shared room and about €877 in a single room. The city's university is the Università di Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum), with English-taught programmes in Medicine (IMAT), Economics & Business, Engineering, International Relations.
Why study in Bologna?
- English-taught medicine (IMAT), economics and management, engineering and international relations.
- A full meal at the university canteen costs €4.50-6; a monthly bus pass for under-27s is €27.
- Besides Bologna, the university has campuses in Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini; some English-taught programmes run there.
Universities in Bologna
English-taught programmes: Medicine (IMAT), Economics & Business, Engineering, International Relations
Cost of living in Bologna for students
| Item (monthly) | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared / single room) | €300 / €400 |
| Food | €260 |
| Transport | €27 |
| Bills | €70 |
| Personal spending | €120 |
| Total | €777 / €877 |
Mid-range estimates. Source: University of Bologna – living costs in Bologna.
The student visa requires at least €10,179.85 a year, about €848 a month, which covers the estimated shared-room budget in Bologna.
Which exam do you need in Bologna?
- Medicine in English: IMAT; see our IMAT guide.
- Other English-taught programmes: requirements and tests vary by programme, so check each programme's call. For programmes that use TOLC, see our TOLC guide.
Not sure which test fits you? Start with which entrance exam you need.
Scholarships in Bologna
Where to apply for the regional DSU grant: ER.GO. Off-site students who meet the income limit receive at least €7,171.11 a year in 2026/27, and may also get a dorm place, meals and a tuition waiver. DSU guide
Frequently asked questions
How much does a student spend per month in Bologna?
About €777 in a shared room and €877 in a single room, including rent, food, transport, bills and personal spending.
Which universities are there in Bologna?
Università di Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum).
Are there English-taught programmes in Bologna?
Yes, for example in Medicine (IMAT), Economics & Business, Engineering, International Relations.
Where do you apply for the DSU grant in Bologna?
ER.GO. Off-site students who meet the income limit receive at least €7,171.11 a year in 2026/27.
How much is student rent in Bologna?
According to the University of Bologna, a single room in a shared flat averages €400 plus bills; a shared room €300 plus bills.
How much is health cover in Bologna?
Voluntary registration with the Italian national health service costs about €700 a year, according to the University of Bologna. Private policies accepted for the residence permit can be cheaper.
Related guides
- Cost of living in Italy by city
- IMAT: study medicine in Italy
- DSU scholarship 2026/27
- Scholarships in Italy
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Free assessmentLast checked: 10 November 2026.