Short answer: A student in Milan spends about €885 a month in a shared room and about €1,135 in a single room. The city has 5 universities, including Politecnico di Milano and Università degli Studi di Milano, with English-taught programmes in Architecture, Engineering, Medicine (IMAT), Economics & Business, Psychology.
Why study in Milan?
- Politecnico di Milano for architecture, design and engineering; Bocconi for economics, finance and management.
- Headquarters of fashion, finance and industry; internships are easier to find than elsewhere.
- An international student body: Bocconi may reserve up to 50-55% of places on its English-taught programmes for international applicants.
Universities in Milan
- Politecnico di Milano
- Università degli Studi di Milano
- Università di Milano-Bicocca
- Università Bocconi
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
English-taught programmes: Architecture, Engineering, Medicine (IMAT), Economics & Business, Psychology
Cost of living in Milan for students
| Item (monthly) | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared / single room) | €450 / €700 |
| Food | €200 |
| Transport | €25 |
| Bills | €60 |
| Personal spending | €150 |
| Total | €885 / €1,135 |
Mid-range estimates. Source: Politecnico di Milano – useful information.
The student visa requires at least €10,179.85 a year, about €848 a month. That is below the estimated budget in Milan, so plan for more than the visa minimum.
Which exam do you need in Milan?
The exam you need depends on the school and programme:
- Bocconi: online Bocconi test, SAT or ACT (55%) + GPA (45%). See our Bocconi admission guide.
- Politecnico di Milano engineering: the SAT is accepted; see our SAT guide.
- Architecture: the ARCHED test; see our ARCHED guide.
- Medicine in English: IMAT; see our IMAT guide.
Not sure which test fits you? Start with which entrance exam you need.
Scholarships in Milan
Where to apply for the regional DSU grant: Each university's own DSU office (e.g. PoliMi, UniMi). 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 Milan?
About €885 in a shared room and €1,135 in a single room, including rent, food, transport, bills and personal spending.
Which universities are there in Milan?
Politecnico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Università Bocconi, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
Are there English-taught programmes in Milan?
Yes, for example in Architecture, Engineering, Medicine (IMAT), Economics & Business, Psychology.
Where do you apply for the DSU grant in Milan?
Each university's own DSU office (e.g. PoliMi, UniMi). Off-site students who meet the income limit receive at least €7,171.11 a year in 2026/27.
What is the biggest student expense in Milan?
Rent. Politecnico di Milano estimates €400-700 a month for housing; Bocconi puts a private single room at €600-1,100. Start looking for a dorm or room as soon as you are admitted.
Is Bocconi a public university?
No, Bocconi is private; 2027-28 bachelor's tuition is €17,700 a year. Politecnico di Milano, Statale and Bicocca are public, with fees based on family income.
Related guides
- Cost of living in Italy by city
- Bocconi admission guide 2027-28
- Scholarships in Italy
- Milan in 2 days: what to see
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Free assessmentLast checked: 10 November 2026.