What will a year really cost?

From the country guide: tuition, living costs and the visa fee, plus the money you must show. The part you lose if the visa is refused is marked.

In short: a first year in Italy costs about COP 31,838,800 to 63,495,700: tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee. The visa also asks you to show COP 37,041,600 before it is decided.

Last checked: 24 September 2026, against the official sources linked below.

Country Show in

A year in Italy

	In EUR as published	In COP
Tuition, one year	EUR 300 to 3,000	COP 1,091,620 to 10,916,160 Public university, international student
Living costs, twelve months	EUR 8,400 to 14,400	COP 30,565,260 to 52,397,580
Visa or permit feeNot refunded if the visa is refused	EUR 50	COP 181,940
First year, all in		COP 31,838,810 to 63,495,680
Money you must show for the visa	EUR 10,180	COP 37,041,630 Held in your account before you apply; most of it then pays your living costs

Work while you study

20 hours a week in term

Stay after you graduate

No post-study route

If the exchange rate moves. Today 1 EUR = 3638.72 COP (rate of 8 November 2026). A 10% move either way changes this first year by about COP 4,766,720, and a whole three to four-year degree by roughly COP 14,300,170 to COP 19,066,900. Plan with a margin, and pay large sums when the rate suits you.

Worth knowing. State university fees depend on family income via the ISEE Parificato, and students who miss the deadline pay the top bracket by default.

The full Italy guide, with every source →

Italy: what a year costs next to

Tuition, living costs and the visa fee side by side, in your currency.

Italy vs Spain Germany vs Italy France vs Italy

Leaves out flights, deposits and insurance unless the guide includes them. Currency: Rates by Exchange Rate API, 8 November 2026.

Questions

How much does it cost to study in Italy for a year?

a first year in Italy costs about COP 31,838,800 to 63,495,700: tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee. The visa also asks you to show COP 37,041,600 before it is decided.

How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Italy?

EUR 10,180 a year (about COP 37,041,600), from the official source in the Italy guide.