How to study Italian in Italy? Prices & scholarship options

There is no better way to learn a language than to experience it where it is spoken. That is why so many students choose to study Italian in Italy. Each year thousands of students travel there to fully immerse themselves, learning from native speakers and attending schools with programs for every level.

If you’re considering following in their footsteps, you’re in the right place. We’re here to give you everything you need to know before heading off. From course costs and top schools in Italy to agencies that help with studying abroad and scholarships to help cover your stay. We’ll also guide you through visas and the best time to travel. Keep reading and start planning your Italian adventure today.

How much does it cost to study Italian in Italy?

Moving to another country, even for just a few weeks or months, requires some financial planning. Do you have enough money to support yourself for the time you plan to stay? How much will it cost to study Italian in Italy? Are the courses affordable? Your budget will depend on several factors, such as the type of accommodation you choose, the length of your course, and what you want to do in your free time.

Overall, studying Italian in Italy tends to be more affordable than going abroad to study English. Living costs are generally lower than in the UK, the USA, or Australia, though some cities can still be pricey. Rome, Florence, and Milan, for example, can get expensive, especially during peak season. To give you a better idea, we’ve put together a table of average costs:

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Where to find scholarships to study Italian in Italy

Are these prices a bit higher than you expected? Don’t give up on your immersive experience just yet. There are scholarships available for studying in Italy that can help cover all or part of your stay. Some include accommodation and living expenses, while others cover only the courses. Here are a few options you might want to check out:

1. Scholarships from the Leonardo Da Vinci School

To start, you can look into the scholarships offered by the Leonardo Da Vinci School. With campuses in Florence, Rome, Siena, and Milan, the school awards 40 scholarships each year to promote the study of Italian language and culture.

• Requirements to obtain one of these scholarships: Must be over 18. Prior knowledge of the language is not required.
• Coverage and benefits: 100% of tuition. Does not cover accommodation, administrative fees, or study materials.
• Type of studies: 4-week intensive Italian course at any of its locations in Italy.
• How to apply: Apply at an Italian Cultural Institute or contact the Leonardo Da Vinci School through its website.

2. ELLCI Milan Scholarships

Another option you can look into are the scholarships offered by the ELLCI Italian Language School in Milan.

• Requirements: You need to be over 18 and have a strong academic record. While knowing Italian isn’t required, it’s recommended to show a genuine interest in learning the language.
• Coverage and benefits: A 50% discount on the price of a standard 20-lesson-per-week course (available in 3, 6, 9, or 12-month durations). This does not include enrollment fees, accommodation, or other personal expenses.
• How to apply: Complete the form on the ELLCI Milan website and submit the required documentation within the established deadline.

3. Scholarships from the University for Foreigners of Perugia

The University for Foreigners of Perugia is one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions for learning Italian. It offers scholarships for international students who want to improve their Italian skills in a high-level academic environment.

• Requirements: You need to be an international student with a basic level of Italian. You’ll also be asked to provide academic references and a motivation letter.
• Coverage and benefits: Full or partial exemption from course fees. In some cases, financial aid is provided for living expenses.
• Amount: Varies depending on the call for applications. Covers all or part of the tuition fees.
• Type of studies offered: Italian language and culture courses taught at the University for Foreigners of Perugia.
• How to apply: Download and complete the application form available on their website.

Best schools to study Italian in Italy

Now that you have a sense of the costs and some scholarship options to help fund your stay, it’s time to think about where to study. Italian is a language that tends to captivate people, which is why so many travel to Italy to become fluent. There are plenty of schools across the country that focus specifically on teaching Italian to international students.

To make your search easier, we’ve highlighted three options to suit different needs. One offers courses with accommodation included, another without, and the third focuses exclusively on courses for adults.

1. Scuola Leonardo da Vinci – With accommodation

Let’s start with a great choice for those who prefer an all-in-one package. This is the same school that offers scholarships for studying Italian at its campuses, and it also arranges accommodation for its students.

• Courses and levels: They offer courses for both beginners and advanced students, including general Italian, intensive programs, and exam preparation for CILS and CELI. There are also specialized programs for professionals and academics.
• Accommodation and services: There are several accommodation options available, including homestays, shared apartments with other students, and student residences. Homestays typically provide half or full board, while residences and shared apartments give you access to a kitchen, WiFi, and common areas.
• Price range: Basic courses start at $260 per week. Accommodation with a host family costs around $215 per week.
• Why choose this school? Besides offering the convenience of booking accommodation alongside your course, it’s a great choice because of its reputation and the prime locations of its campuses.

2. ELLCI Milan – For adults

If you want to study Italian in Italy but worry about being surrounded by teenagers or much younger students, you can opt for a course designed specifically for adults. ELLCI Milan is a great choice for this. It’s one of the most respected Italian language schools in the country and specializes in programs for adult learners and professionals.

• Courses and levels: They offer programs in general Italian, intensive courses, business Italian, and preparation for official exams. Courses can range from a single week to several months, with both standard and intensive options available.
• Type of Italian: Standard Italian with an emphasis on communicative fluency and professional language.
• Accommodation and services: Does not offer accommodation, but provides assistance in finding options in private residences or host families.
• Age range: While students of all ages are welcome, most are adults over 25. You’ll find a more focused and professional learning environment.
• Price range: Standard courses start at $270 per week.

3. Scuola Toscana – No accommodation

If your accommodation is already taken care of, the Scuola Toscana is worth considering. Located in the historic center of Florence, it’s accredited as a member of ASILS and AIL.

• Courses and levels: They offer general and intensive Italian courses, exam preparation programs, and specialized courses in Italian literature, art, and cuisine.
• Price range: From $240 per week. If you plan to attend an intensive program, expect to pay around $380 per week.

How to study Italian in Italy and work at the same time

If you’re still wondering whether you can afford it, one option is to balance your studies with a job. Many students gain fluency in Italian while working in cafés, hotels, or souvenir shops. Others supplement their income by teaching their native language, either through apps or by offering lessons at their school.

If you’re a citizen of the European Union, you won’t need any special permits. If you come from another country, however, you’ll need an Italian student visa. To get one, you must enroll in a course of at least 20 hours per week. Once you have your visa, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the school term and up to 40 hours a week during vacation months (June, July, August, and December).

Best periods to study Italian in Italy

Thinking about going to Italy but not sure when? Any time of year is perfect for enjoying the dolce vita. That said, the month you choose can have a big impact on your experience, so it’s worth planning carefully.

Summer is ideal if you want to meet lots of international students and have plenty of social and leisure activities to enjoy. The weather is better, and there’s a wider range of courses to choose from. On the downside, expect higher prices and fuller classes.

If you prefer a slower pace and lower costs, winter is the time to go. Schools are less crowded, and accommodation tends to be more affordable.

If you’re looking for something in between, consider autumn or spring. During these seasons, there are fewer international students, but still enough to enjoy a diverse, multicultural environment. Prices are lower than in summer, and the weather is more pleasant than in winter.

Popular agencies for studying Italian in Italy

Before we wrap up this guide to studying Italian in Italy, it’s worth mentioning agencies that specialize in arranging language immersion trips. Using one of these services can make the process smoother, helping you find a school and accommodation more quickly. Many also organize extracurricular activities and assist with your visa.

Just like with language schools, there are plenty of agencies to choose from, and finding the one that fits your needs perfectly can be tricky. We’ve done the research for you and highlighted two agencies we think could be a good fit. Both have strong reviews on student forums and websites and have been in the field for years.

1. Studiainitalia 

An agency specialized in studying in Italy. Founded in 2005, it is exclusively dedicated to organizing Italian language courses and studies in art, fashion, and Italian cuisine.

• What do they offer? General and intensive Italian courses, as well as specialized programs in art, design, and culture. They also have combined courses, where you can learn the language while exploring Italian cuisine, fashion, or art history.
• Accommodation: Assistance in finding accommodation with host families, in shared apartments, or in student residences.
• Activities and social life: They organize cultural tours, Italian cooking classes, excursions, and other activities to help students experience and get to know Italy.
• Visa advice: Not specified on their website whether they offer this service.
• Course prices: From $270 per week.

2. EF Education First

It’s not exclusively focused on Italy, but you’ve probably heard of it. EF Education First is one of the world’s largest and most respected agencies for language study abroad. With over 50 years of experience, it offers Italian courses in Rome, Milan, and Florence.

• What do they offer? They offer general, intensive, and business Italian programs, as well as exam preparation courses and personalized classes tailored to each student’s level.
• Accommodation: Students can choose between living with host families or staying in residences.
• Activities and social life: They organize trips, monument visits, cultural events, and meetups with students from around the world.
• Visa assistance: Yes.
• Price range: From $320 per week.

Frequently asked questions about studying Italian in Italy

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Paula Henderson

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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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