Short answer: A student in Rome spends about €935 a month in a shared room and about €1,135 in a single room. The city has 4 universities, including Sapienza Università di Roma and Università di Roma Tor Vergata, with English-taught programmes in Medicine (IMAT), Engineering, Economics.
Why study in Rome?
- Sapienza for medicine, engineering and architecture; Luiss for economics, political science and law.
- Ministries, embassies and international organisations such as FAO: an internship setting for politics and international relations students.
- Four large universities: you can weigh public and private options in the same city.
Universities in Rome
English-taught programmes: Medicine (IMAT), Engineering, Economics
Cost of living in Rome for students
| Item (monthly) | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared / single room) | €450 / €650 |
| Food | €250 |
| Transport | €35 |
| Bills | €70 |
| Personal spending | €130 |
| Total | €935 / €1,135 |
Mid-range estimates. Source: Luiss – Living in Rome (in line with Sapienza's guide).
The student visa requires at least €10,179.85 a year, about €848 a month. That is below the estimated budget in Rome, so plan for more than the visa minimum.
Which exam do you need in Rome?
- Sapienza: the SAT is accepted on many English-taught programmes; see our SAT guide.
- Medicine in English: IMAT; see our IMAT guide.
- Architecture: the ARCHED test at Sapienza; see our ARCHED guide.
Not sure which test fits you? Start with which entrance exam you need.
Scholarships in Rome
Where to apply for the regional DSU grant: DiSCo Lazio. 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 Rome?
About €935 in a shared room and €1,135 in a single room, including rent, food, transport, bills and personal spending.
Which universities are there in Rome?
Sapienza Università di Roma, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Università Roma Tre, Luiss Guido Carli.
Are there English-taught programmes in Rome?
Yes, for example in Medicine (IMAT), Engineering, Economics.
Where do you apply for the DSU grant in Rome?
DiSCo Lazio. 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 Rome?
Sapienza's guide puts a room in a shared flat at €350-550 a month or more, with a 1-3 month deposit. Luiss estimates €500-900 for a single room.
How much is a public transport pass in Rome?
€35 a month or €250 a year.
Related guides
- Cost of living in Italy by city
- SAT for Italian universities
- Scholarships in Italy
- Rome in 3 days: what to see
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Free assessmentLast checked: 10 November 2026.