University of Milan Tuition Fees for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Founded in 1924, the University of Milan stands as a research-intensive university, offering high-quality teaching across a broad spectrum of fields. Over the years, it has maintained a skillful blend of tradition and innovation, adjusting to the requirements of a fast-growing society without setting aside its distinctive traits. The university's interdisciplinary vocation and connections between a wide range of fields result in a highly stimulating and rich offer of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and specialization courses, with Italian being the main language of teaching. However, the number of English-taught degree programs has constantly increased. Today, there are more than 40 degree programs and more than 20 doctoral programs fully taught in English.

As one of the top international institutions in terms of scientific productivity, the University of Milan’s wide range of educational and research competencies and its relationships with the business world also make it an important resource for its socio-economic context. The University of Milan is one of the most prestigious Italian public Universities, boasting 13 Departments of Excellence in several fields. It is the only Italian university among the 24 prestigious institutions that belong to the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and it's a proud member of the 4EU+ Alliance.

Overview of the University of Milan

The University of Milan's main campus is located in the old "Ca’ Granda," a striking historical complex in the heart of Milan. The university’s other campuses are located in historic buildings and modern structures that are situated in both the city center, around the Lombardy region, and in the university district, which was built in the 1920s and is known as “Città Studi”. The university is home to ten faculties, including the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Exercise and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Political, Economic and Social Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, School of Language Mediation and Intercultural Communication, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The University of Milan possesses an important artistic and scientific heritage, housed in various museums, libraries, and archives. In addition, there are 33 research departments, 17 libraries, and one digital library containing 70,000 e-journals, 520,000 e-books, and 200 databases. The University of Milan promotes sporting and cultural activities for both students and staff through its University Sport Centre and through collaborations and special arrangements with the city’s main gymnasiums, cinemas, dance/music agents, and theaters. Students can also take part in music and theatre initiatives organized by the university’s resident cultural institutions, which include the Orchestra, the Choir, and the University Theatre Centre.

Tuition Fees for International Students

Tuition costs are the same for Italian and international students but vary based on the field of study. Generally, tuition fees at public Italian universities range from €500 to €4,000 per year. They can vary depending on the course you enroll in and, most importantly, based on your family income.

Public vs. Private Universities

At public universities in Italy, tuition fees are set based on the discipline and degree type (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD). On average, expect to pay between 0 - 5,000 EUR per academic year. Non-EU/EEA students might encounter study programs with higher tuition demands. Private universities in Italy typically charge higher tuition fees compared to public universities, with average fees ranging between 3,000 - 35,000 EUR per year. Most private universities have the same fees for both EU and non-EU/EEA students.

Income-Based Tuition

The University of Milan, like other public universities in Italy, operates on an income-based tuition system. This means that the tuition fees you pay are determined by your family's financial situation. To have your household income assessed, you will need to submit an application. If you don't apply for the ISEE assessment, you will pay the maximum tuition fees that the university generally charges. For international students whose assets are outside of Italy, universities use a different ISEE, the ISEE parificato. This is an option always available for EU students.

Payment Structure

Students in Italy usually pay their university fees in three installments spread out over the academic year. For example, at Luiss University, the tuition fee installments are usually spread out to late September, mid-November, and mid-February. The exact amount of fees that you pay in each installment can vary.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The University of Milan offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students. These scholarships reflect the university's commitment to inclusive, affordable, and high-quality education.

Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships are open to non-EU and EU international students enrolled in Master’s programs. There are 160 total awards, with 60 offering full tuition plus an €8,000 stipend, and 100 offering full tuition waivers only. Eligible students are automatically considered; no separate application is needed.

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DSU (Regional Right to Study) Grants

These grants provide a monthly allowance of €600 for 10 months, travel reimbursement, free meals, and housing support. They are available to students with low family income (below €23,000 ISEE) and cover Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Applications are submitted via the Online Benefits Desk in July-September.

University Merit-Based Scholarships

Approximately 945 awards are given annually, providing €1,800 per year for academic achievement and financial need. These scholarships are available to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Single Cycle Degree students. They are highly competitive and often combined with DSU support.

DSU Regional Tuition Waivers

These waivers provide a full tuition exemption and up to a €6,000 stipend covering living expenses. They are especially helpful for international students admitted to degree programs, with priority given to those with family income proof and excellent records.

UNICORE 6.0 (Refugee Scholarships)

These scholarships offer €6,000, free university housing, meals, and tuition exemption. They are targeted at refugees from select African countries applying for English-taught Master’s programs and include integration and mentorship support.

Doctoral Scholarships (PhD)

These scholarships provide an annual stipend of €16,350, plus a 10% research funding bonus. They are awarded to top-ranked candidates in doctoral programs.

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Other Scholarship Opportunities

Some are offered by the government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministero degli Affari Esteri). It’s worth inquiring early at your university what schemes are available, and what you need to do to qualify - look out for student services called Ufficio Borse di Studio or Diritto allo Studio.

Cost of Living in Milan

The overall monthly cost of living for a student in Milan generally falls between €950 and €1,500, depending on your lifestyle and housing choice. Milan is known throughout the world for science, finance, fashion, design, publishing, theatre, music, food and its international trade fairs. It is also an extremely lively city, which offers great cultural opportunities as well as the best in sports and leisure.

Accommodation

You can expect to pay anywhere between 300 - 600 EUR for housing. Prices vary depending on the city in which you live and the type of accommodation. Sharing an apartment with other students is a good way to reduce your monthly expenses. You can also live with a local family and practise your Italian skills while getting to know their tradition and lifestyle.

On average, here are the prices students spend on housing, depending on the type of accommodation:

Students living alone: 400 - 700 EUR/month
Students living in student accommodation: 250 - 300 EUR/month
Students sharing a rented apartment: 250 - 500 EUR/month

Food Costs

You will spend around 150 - 200 EUR/month if you buy groceries from local supermarkets. Lidl, Penny Market or Esselunga have some of the lowest prices. In Italian restaurants, lunch or dinner start with antipasto, (a sort of appetisers or hors d'oeuvres) a course consisting of various types of cold meat, seafood and vegetable dishes, with prices between 8 and 15 EUR. In mid-range restaurants, pasta dishes are between 6 and 12 EUR, while the main fish or meat courses will normally cost between 8 and 16 EUR.

Transportation

Public transport is the easiest and most convenient method to travel in Italy. A monthly bus/tram/metro ticket for students is somewhere between 25 and 45 EUR/month, depending on the city. The train network in Italy is fast and well maintained, so visiting other cities is definitely an option.

Additional Expenses

Don’t forget to take into account utilities, which can add between 90 - 260 EUR to your monthly expenses. Medical appointments are free in Italy on the national health service, the servizio sanitario nazionale. EU students can join the national health service free of charge, or alternatively rely on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their home country. Non-EU students, however, will have to pay an annual fee.

Application and Admission

The University of Milan’s guidance service helps future students with their study options through group presentations and individual interviews.

Admission Requirements

The overall acceptance rate is around 21%, which means about 21 out of every 100 applications from international students earn a seat. Some fields like Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry, and Architecture use entrance tests or quota-based systems, making them even more competitive. On the other hand, broad-open programs like Humanities or Social Sciences are less strict, with acceptance rates that can go as high as 50-60%.

English Language Proficiency

Most English-taught programs require proof of English language proficiency. Accepted exams include:

IELTS (typically 6.0-6.5 overall)
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge English qualifications

Applicants for the international medicine program must take the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). The exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions covering:

General knowledge & logical reasoning
Biology
Chemistry

Student Life in Milan

Studying at the University of Milan and living in Milan is an exciting experience. Milan is the capital of the Lombardy region, known for its economic, cultural, and scientific relevance. Moreover, Milan plays host, amongst other things, to more than 300 events attended by tens of thousands of people every year. The University of Milan itself is home to approximately 64,000 students - with almost seven percent of students being international students, representing 196 different countries around the world.

Student Support Services

The University of Milan offers a guidance service to help future students with their study options through group presentations and individual interviews. Current students are provided with individual psychological support services as well as careers advice and support.

Extracurricular Activities

The University of Milan promotes sporting and cultural activities for both students and staff, through its University Sport Centre and through collaborations and special arrangements with the city’s main gymnasiums, cinemas, dance/music agents and theatres. Students can also take part in music and theatre initiatives organized by the university’s resident cultural institutions, which include the Orchestra, the Choir and the University Theatre Centre. The University of Milan Orchestra offers students the possibility to audition for a classical music ensemble that is both young and prestigious, thanks to its close collaboration with the “Giuseppe Verdi” Conservatory of Milan.

Accommodation Options

Finding a comfortable and affordable place to stay is one of the most important parts of preparing for your studies abroad. Luckily, students at the University of Milan have a variety of accommodation options. Each of them is suited to different budgets, lifestyles, and preferences. Whether you prefer the convenience of student dorms or the flexibility of private housing, Milan offers something for everyone.

On-Campus or University-Managed Residences

Perfect for first-year and international students seeking secure and simple living. Rooms are usually furnished, with shared kitchens, study lounges, and laundry areas.

Shared Apartments

A popular choice among students who want to cut costs and live with others. You get your own bedroom while sharing the common areas like kitchen and bathroom.

Studios or One-Bedroom Flats

Ideal for students who prefer privacy. These come with personal kitchenettes and bathrooms and are common among Master’s or PhD students.

Co-living Spaces

A modern housing solution where students live in a shared building with private or shared rooms. Services often include cleaning, internet, utilities, and common spaces.

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