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CyprusCost of a first year
Germany vs Italy: what a year of study costs
Italy is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 1,100 to 1,300 less for a first year.
EUR 9,900 to 18,800
EUR 8,800 to 17,500
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  Germany |  Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 200 to 700 | EUR 300 to 3,000 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 9,600 to 18,000 | EUR 8,400 to 14,400 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 75 | EUR 50 |
| First year, all in | EUR 9,900 to 18,800 | EUR 8,800 to 17,500 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 11,900 | EUR 10,180 |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 20 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 18 months | Not published |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the Germany 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 Germany or Italy?
Italy is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 1,100 to 1,300 less for a first year. A first year in Germany costs about EUR 9,900 to 18,800 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 Germany and Italy?
Germany: EUR 11,900 a year. Italy: EUR 10,180 a year.