Study Abroad Programs in Milan, Italy

With upwards of 180,000 students and seven major universities -- some of which have been considered the best in the world -- it's no surprise that Milan is one of Italy's greatest university cities.

In addition to housing top-tier schools, Milan is a modern and creative city with strong roots in art, design, and international commerce. It's the financial capital of Italy, one of the fashion capitals of the world, and home to many of the world's best-known designers, Fortune 500 companies, and some of history's most influential works of art, like da Vinci's "The Last Supper."

As a study abroad student, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Italian history and culture and learn in a city that has influenced some of the greatest artists and designers in the world -- all while enjoying all of the pizza, pasta, and gelato you can!

Studying abroad in Milan will provide endless opportunities to immerse yourself in Italian life and culture through interactions with locals and students during your courses, university activities, and more.

Many study abroad providers include an Italian language learning element or cultural activities as part of their program. Whether it's a cooking course, language exchange, or history lesson, do your best to participate in as many of these activities as possible during your time abroad.

While the number of university courses in Italy that are taught in English is increasing, the majority are still in Italian. Make sure the university you're enrolling in offers courses that you can understand, or brush up on your Italian language skills before enrolling in a university in Italy.

Course Types

Milan has long been a hub of fashion, design, and international business in Italy and Europe. Whether you're interested in creating the next designer brand, understanding the architectural greats responsible for the city's treasure trove of historical and modern buildings, or want to learn to climb the corporate ladder at multinational and Fortune 500 companies -- you're guaranteed to find a study abroad program in Milan that suits your interests.

One of the most common ways to enroll in a study abroad program in Milan is through a third-party provider like IES Abroad. Third-party providers typically have relationships with specific universities and help coordinate everything from the application and visa process to providing orientation and in-country support during your time abroad.

It's also possible to study in Milan through direct enrollment or exchange. While this option can be more flexible and might save you a bit in program fees, you'll likely need to handle more of the logistics on your own. Don't forget to make sure that your course credits from Milan will transfer back to your home university!

Housing

Check with your program provider to see if accommodation is included in your program costs or organized for you. Either way, there are several different options for housing during your study abroad in Milan -- homestays, hostels, student housing, and independent living in an apartment.

Homestays are a great opportunity for cultural immersion and learning Italian. You'll have the chance to live with a local family, share meals, and gain a deeper understanding of local life. Alternatively, student housing and hostels are often more affordable options than living on your own and will allow you to build friendships and interact with both local and international students.

If you're more independent and wish to live alone, there's always the option of renting an apartment in the city, though this will likely be the most expensive choice.

Cost of Living

When budgeting for study abroad, it's important to know what is included in your program costs -- some will include housing and some meals, while others will only cover tuition. As a study abroad student in Milan, your biggest expenses will likely be tuition and flights. Don't worry! There are plenty of scholarships and grants available to help you cover this portion of your study abroad costs.

If you do need to find housing, living with other students in a shared space will likely be the most affordable option. A single bedroom apartment in Milan can cost upwards of 900 euros per month, whereas you can find shared student accommodation for several hundred euros per month.

It's very much possible to lead a comfortable and fun lifestyle in Milan without breaking the bank. Though it's tempting to indulge in pizza, pasta, and gelato every day, try not to eat out all the time and cook at home instead. Do your shopping at local markets -- Mercarto Viale Papiniano and Mercato Rionale Fauché are slightly larger and more popular markets, though nearly every neighborhood in the city will have its own smaller version.

That being said, it's not difficult to wine and dine in Italy on a budget. A coffee and pastry for breakfast shouldn't cost more than a few euros, a paninoi around €5, and a slice of pizza for €2. Lunch or dinner at an inexpensive restaurant will cost €12-20, but a glass of house wine can sometimes be found for €2 or less! Try your hand at cooking Italian at home, and definitely get acquainted with aperitivo.

Visas

Visa requirements for students in Italy vary depending on the length of your stay and country of citizenship. If you're from an EU country you will not need a visa to work or study in Italy, however, it is recommended that you register with the Registry Office of the Municipality of Milan for stays longer than 90 days.

If you are not from an EU country and enroll in a course that's less than 90 days, you can take stay in Italy on a Schengen visa. For courses longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Residence Permit for study purposes (issued at most police stations) within eight days of your arrival in Italy.

The process and requirements for non-resident students in Italy differ depending on country of citizenship, so it's best to contact the nearest Italian consulate directly to learn more about the steps you need to take.

Keep in mind that Italian bureaucracy can be notoriously slow, so it's best to start this process as soon as you've been accepted into a study abroad program in Italy.

Can You Work While Studying Abroad in Milan?

Non-EU-students can work during their studies in Milan if they obtain a work permit. That being said, the process of doing so can be quite lengthy (expect at least two months), so it's best not to rely on working during your time as a study abroad student in Milan.

Regardless of whether you work in Italy or not, you will need to be issued a "codice fiscale" in order to complete tasks like opening a bank account, signing a rental or utilities contract, or registering with the national health service. This can be done at the local tax office, though many universities have their own procedure for foreign students.

Scholarships

Don't let designer duds and bottomless bowls of pasta (oh, and don't forget about tuition) break the bank during your time abroad in Milan -- there are plenty of scholarships available to assist with the cost of studying:

• IES Abroad offers a variety of scholarships for those participating in their programs -- including a few great options around Italy!
• As a non-profit, the various USAC study abroad scholarship opportunities aim for students to gain international experience without breaking the bank.
• If you're a U.S. citizen of Italian descent, the Order Sons of Italy in America might sponsor your study abroad program in Italy.
• Many universities in Milan offer scholarships for non-resident students, including Politecnico di Milano and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
• More Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships