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CyprusCost of a first year
France vs Italy: what a year of study costs
Italy is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 2,700 to 5,800 less for a first year.
EUR 11,400 to 23,200
EUR 8,800 to 17,500
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  France |  Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 2,900 to 4,000 | EUR 300 to 3,000 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 8,400 to 19,200 | EUR 8,400 to 14,400 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 99 | EUR 50 |
| First year, all in | EUR 11,400 to 23,200 | EUR 8,800 to 17,500 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 10,530 | EUR 10,180 |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 20 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 1 year | Not published |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the France and Italy guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in France or Italy?
Italy is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 2,700 to 5,800 less for a first year. A first year in France costs about EUR 11,400 to 23,200 and in Italy about EUR 8,800 to 17,500, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in France and Italy?
France: EUR 10,530 a year. Italy: EUR 10,180 a year.