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Study in Italy From Canada - Universities, Costs, & Scholarships

July 30, 2026
La Sapienza University of Rome campus in Italy, a popular destination for Canadian students exploring universities, tuition costs, and scholarships in Italy.
MA
Mariam Amin
July 30, 2026

Canadians can study in Italy by applying to an approved university, meeting admission requirements, obtaining a student visa for programs longer than 90 days, and planning tuition and living expense payments in euros. Italy offers internationally recognized universities, affordable public university tuition, scholarship opportunities, and many English-taught programs for international students.

For Canadian students, the cost of studying in Italy is not only the tuition fee. It also includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, visa fees, books, personal expenses, and the CAD to EUR exchange rate used when sending money overseas.


Quick answer: Canadians can study in Italy by choosing a university, checking admission requirements, submitting an application, receiving an acceptance letter, applying for a student visa if the program is longer than 90 days, arranging accommodation, and budgeting for tuition and living costs.


MTFX helps Canadians send money internationally and manage education-related payments in 50+ currencies across 190+ countries. Besides, MTFX is a Canadian-based foreign exchange and global payments specialist trusted since 1996 and registered with FINTRAC as a money services business.

Why Italy is a strong study destination for Canadian students

Italy is a strong study destination because it combines academic quality, cultural experience, and relatively affordable education costs. Canadian students can study at historic universities, explore internationally recognized degree programs, and experience life in major European cities.

Italy is especially popular for students interested in:

  • Business
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Design
  • Fashion
  • Arts
  • Humanities
  • Medicine
  • International relations

Many Italian universities offer English-taught degree programs across business, engineering, medicine, and humanities. Students can explore available English-taught degree programs through Universitaly.

Best places to study in Italy

CityWhy students choose itStrong fields
MilanBusiness, finance, fashion, and modern city lifeBusiness, economics, fashion, engineering
RomeHistoric capital with major universities and cultural accessHumanities, law, medicine, international relations
BolognaFamous university city with a strong student cultureLaw, humanities, sciences, social sciences
FlorenceIdeal for creative and cultural studiesArts, architecture, design, history
TurinMore affordable than Milan with strong technical programsEngineering, technology, automotive studies
PaduaHistoric academic city with strong research reputationMedicine, sciences, psychology, research
PisaKnown for academic research and science programsEngineering, technology, mathematics
NaplesLower living costs and rich cultural lifeHumanities, medicine, social sciences

Top universities in Italy for Canadian students

UniversityCityPopular areas of study
University of BolognaBolognaLaw, humanities, sciences, political science
Sapienza University of RomeRomeMedicine, engineering, classics, research
Politecnico di MilanoMilanEngineering, architecture, design
Bocconi UniversityMilanBusiness, economics, finance
University of PaduaPaduaMedicine, psychology, science, research
University of MilanMilanHealth sciences, law, humanities
University of FlorenceFlorenceArts, architecture, humanities
University of PisaPisaEngineering, science, technology

How much does it cost to study in Italy?

The cost to study in Italy depends on the university, program, city, housing choice, and lifestyle. Public universities are usually more affordable than private institutions.

Average tuition fees in Italy

Institution typeEstimated annual tuition
Public universities€900–€4,000
Private universities€6,000–€20,000+
Specialized programsVaries by institution
Exchange programsDepends on home university agreement

There is no exact fees structure when it comes to determining the average tuition fees for studying in Italy as a Canadian student. It eventually depends on your overall budget and other expenses. 

Compare FX Rates Before Sending Tuition Fees to Italy
Your Bank
FieldValue
Amount Payable (EUR)
10,000
Bank Exchange Rate
1.6355 / 0.6114

Total cost
16,354.68CAD
VS
MTFX
FieldValue
Amount Payable (EUR)
10,000
MTFX Exchange Rate
1.6074 / 0.6221

Total cost
16,074.08CAD

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CAD 280.6

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Rate as of
3 September 2026

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With the help of MTFX currency chart, students can make more informed decisions and pay tuition fees with ease. 

 

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What is the total cost of studying abroad in Italy?

The total cost of studying in Italy depends on several factors, including:

  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation and housing costs
  • Food and daily living expenses
  • Transportation
  • Health insurance
  • Books and study materials
  • Personal and entertainment expenses

Your overall budget will depend on factors such as your university, city, accommodation, and lifestyle. Estimated annual costs can vary significantly based on these factors.
 

Expense categoryEstimated annual cost
Tuition€900–€20,000+
Housing€3,600–€9,600
Food€2,000–€4,000
Transportation€300–€800
Health insurance€150–€700
Books and supplies€300–€1,000
Personal expenses€1,000–€3,000

To better plan your finances, you can use the MTFX currency converter to estimate tuition and living expenses in Canadian dollars.

How to apply to universities in Italy from Canada

Step 1: Choose your program and university

Start by comparing universities based on your degree level, field of study, tuition cost, language of instruction, city, and career goals.

Step 2: Check admission requirements

Requirements vary by university and program. Undergraduate programs usually require a high school diploma and transcripts. Graduate programs usually require a bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, and sometimes a CV, statement of purpose, or recommendation letters.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

  • Valid passport
  • Academic transcripts
  • Diploma or degree certificate
  • Proof of English or Italian language ability
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV or resume
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Portfolio for design, architecture, or arts programs

Step 4: Submit your application

Some universities accept applications directly through their own admissions portals. Others may require additional pre-enrolment steps through Italian higher education systems.

Step 5: Receive your acceptance letter

Once accepted, you will need your official admission letter for the student visa process if your program is longer than 90 days.

Do I need a student visa to study in Italy?

Yes, Canadian students generally need a student visa to study in Italy if their program lasts more than 90 days.

Student visa requirements for Canadians

Canadian students applying for an Italian study visa usually need to provide standard documents such as; 

  • Valid Canadian passport
  • Completed visa application form
  • University acceptance or enrolment letter
  • Proof of accommodation in Italy
  • Proof of financial support
  • Health insurance
  • Passport-size photos
  • Proof of paid fees, if applicable
  • Travel details

What scholarships are available for Canadian students in Italy?

Canadian students may be eligible for government scholarships, university scholarships, regional grants, and merit-based funding.

Scholarship typeWhat it may support
MAECI scholarshipsHigher education, research, language and culture programs
Regional scholarshipsTuition support, housing, meals, or living expenses
University scholarshipsMerit-based or need-based financial support
Program-specific awardsFunding for specific degrees or departments

How to pay tuition fees to Italian universities from Canada

Canadian students usually need to pay tuition and study-related expenses in euros. This means families should plan how they will convert CAD to EUR and send money to Italy securely.

  • University bank details
  • Payment deadline
  • Required currency
  • Student reference number
  • Transfer amount
  • Any intermediary bank fees
  • Exchange rate used for conversion
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How can MTFX help with tuition payments in Italy?

MTFX helps Canadians convert CAD to EUR and send money to Italy for education-related payments, including tuition fees, student housing deposits, accommodation costs, living expenses, and other study-abroad payments.

Canadians can use MTFX for secure international payments, competitive exchange rates, same-day wire options, rate alerts, and more. 

Plan your Italy study journey with the right payment strategy

Studying in Italy as a Canadian is possible, but it requires more than choosing the right university. You need to understand admission requirements, visa rules, tuition fees, living expenses, scholarship options, and how to move Canadian dollars into euros.

Before sending money to Italy, compare CAD to EUR exchange rates, confirm your recipient details, and understand the full transfer cost. To make your Italy tuition and study-related payments easier to manage, sign up with MTFX or speak with an FX specialist about your CAD to EUR transfer options.

FAQs

1. Do i need a student visa to study in Italy?

Yes. Canadian students studying in Italy for more than 90 days typically need a student visa before departure. Additional residency requirements may apply after arrival.

2. How much does It cost to study in Italy?

Tuition at public universities generally ranges from €900 to €4,000 per year. Private universities may charge between €6,000 and €20,000+ annually.

3. What Is the total cost of studying abroad in Italy?

In addition to tuition, students should budget for housing, food, transportation, insurance, and personal expenses. Total annual costs vary depending on the city and lifestyle.

4. What are the best places to study in Italy?

Popular student cities include Milan, Rome, Bologna, Florence, Turin, Padua, Pisa, and Naples. Each offers a unique blend of academic opportunities and cultural experiences.

5. Can Canadians study in Italy in English?

Yes. Many Italian universities offer English-taught programs, especially in business, engineering, economics, and graduate-level studies. 

6. Are there scholarships available in Italy for Canadian students?

Yes. Canadian students may qualify for government scholarships, university awards, regional grants, and merit-based funding opportunities.

7. Is Italy a good destination for international students?

Italy offers quality education, affordable tuition, and a rich cultural experience. Its location also makes it easy for students to travel throughout Europe.

8. Can international students work while studying in Italy?

Yes. International students are generally allowed to work part-time while studying, subject to visa regulations. This can help offset some living expenses.

9. How do I apply to study in Italy?

Students typically apply directly to their chosen university and submit required documents such as transcripts and proof of language proficiency. Once accepted, eligible students can begin the student visa process.

10. Can you study in Italy without speaking Italian?

Yes, Canadian students can study in Italy without speaking Italian if they choose an English-taught program. Many Italian universities offer English-language programs, especially in business, engineering, economics, international relations, design, and graduate studies.

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