Study at Politecnico di Milano as a French student: complete guide

Key article highlights

• Politecnico di Milano is ranked among the top 10 technical universities in the world for design and engineering.
• French students benefit from free European movement: no visa required.
• The TOL (Test OnLine) entry test is mandatory for the majority of programmes.
• Tuition fees range from 0 to 4,000 euros per year depending on family income.
• DSU scholarships (right to study) sometimes cover accommodation and meals.
• Milan's rental market is tight: planning your housing search well in advance is essential.
• Supplementary health insurance is strongly recommended even for EU nationals.

Every year, hundreds of French students walk through the doors of Politecnico di Milano, drawn by a reputation that extends far beyond Italy's borders. In industrial design, architecture and engineering, "Polimi" regularly ranks in the global top 10, alongside MIT and ETH Zurich. But how can you actually get in from abroad?

Between the TOL entry test, putting together your application, progressive tuition fees and finding accommodation in a city where rents are soaring, the process can seem complex. It is — if you approach it without a clear plan.

This article is aimed at school leavers and undergraduate students considering joining Politecnico di Milano: at Bachelor's, Master of Science, or joint degree level. It walks you through, step by step, everything you need to know about admissions, real costs, available financial aid and daily life in Milan. With the right guidance, this goal is entirely within reach.

Politecnico di Milano: why it is a world-class reference

Politecnico di Milano is not simply a prestigious Italian institution. It is one of Europe's most influential technical universities, founded in 1863, and today internationally recognised for its programmes in engineering, architecture and design.

A few highlights that explain its appeal:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: ranked 123rd globally across all disciplines, but in the top 10 worldwide for Design and Architecture
• Nearly 45,000 students, including over 10,000 international students from more than 100 countries
• Fully English-taught programmes available from Bachelor's level in many fields
• Industry partnerships with Eni, Leonardo, Pirelli and hundreds of European companies

Complete guide to studying at Politecnico di Milano as a French student describes in detail the institution's international reputation and the opportunities it opens up for French students.

Polimi also has several campuses in Milan (Leonardo, Bovisa, Città Studi) and satellite locations in Lecco, Mantua and Cremona. Each programme is linked to a specific campus — a detail worth checking at the application stage.

Admissions: the process for French students

Getting into Politecnico di Milano requires thorough preparation. The requirements vary depending on the level you are applying for.

Bachelor's (Laurea Triennale)

To apply for the first year of a Bachelor's programme, French students must:

1. Obtain their baccalauréat (or equivalent secondary school diploma) with strong results in mathematics and sciences
2. Sit the TOL test (Test OnLine): an online exam covering general knowledge, logical reasoning and English
3. Create an account on the Apply@Polimi portal and submit their application

The TOL test is central to the process. It is not a strict eliminatory exam, but an assessment tool that determines whether a student is admitted directly or required to attend remedial courses in the first semester. Complete 2026 guide: admissions, TOL tests, fees and scholarships details the test content and effective preparation strategies.

Master of Science (Laurea Magistrale)

The Master's level is often the target for students who already hold an undergraduate degree. The requirements are as follows:

• A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a field compatible with the chosen Master's programme
• Academic record assessed via the Apply@Polimi portal
• No TOL test for Master's programmes (with some exceptions), but a certified level of English (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 minimum, depending on the programme)
• Motivation letter and CV in English

Practical guide to successfully applying to Politecnico di Milano offers concrete advice on writing your application and avoiding common mistakes.

Erasmus+ exchange students

If you are already enrolled at a French partner university, the Erasmus+ route considerably simplifies the procedure. Selection is handled by your home institution, without going through the Apply@Polimi portal. Contact your international relations office for more information.

Tuition fees and financial aid: what it really costs

This is often the first question. The good news is that the Italian system is progressive: fees depend on your household income, not a fixed rate.

The fee scale based on income (ISEE)

Politecnico di Milano applies a calculation based on the ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente), the Italian equivalent of the French family income assessment.

• Very low income: near-total exemption, fees close to 0 euros
• Middle income (20,000–40,000 euros/year): between 800 and 2,500 euros per year
• High income (above 40,000 euros/year): up to approximately 3,900 euros per year

Official Politecnico di Milano website for applications provides a fee simulator and details on how the ISEE is calculated for non-Italian residents.

DSU scholarships: often overlooked financial support

The DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) system awards scholarships to students based on social and academic criteria. These grants can include:

• A cash bursary (from 2,000 to 5,000 euros depending on your profile)
• A place in subsidised university accommodation
• Access to university canteens at reduced rates

French students are eligible to apply. Applications are submitted through the regional body PoliMi Diritto allo Studio, with a dossier to be submitted each year in autumn.

Other available funding sources

• French government scholarships (Campus France, Eiffel scholarships for Master's programmes)
• Erasmus+: between 300 and 500 euros per month for exchange periods
• Politecnico scholarships awarded on the basis of academic excellence

studying abroad requires planning these funding applications well ahead of your departure date — often 6 to 9 months in advance.

Key programmes: which fields should you choose?

Politecnico di Milano excels in several areas. Choosing the right programme is a crucial step.

Engineering: a wide range of options

Engineering programmes are the historical core of Polimi. Among the most popular with international students:

• Aerospace engineering: highly selective programme, fully taught in English at Master's level
• Civil engineering and architecture: dual expertise highly valued in the European job market
• Computer science and data engineering: strong demand, numerous industry partnerships
• Biomedical engineering: rapidly growing programme, based at the Leonardo campus

Design and architecture: world-class reputation

Polimi's design department is often ranked number 1 in Europe and in the global top 3. Programmes in Communication Design, Product Design and Interior Design attract highly competitive creative profiles.

Complete Politecnico di Milano guide: programmes, fees, scholarships and rankings details the specific admission criteria for design programmes, which often include a portfolio.

Architecture, meanwhile, is a five-year integrated programme, with entry via a national competitive examination. Students should check the recognition of their qualifications before applying.

English-taught courses: a strategic option

The majority of Master's programmes are delivered entirely in English. For Bachelor's degrees, some programmes also offer an English-language track. Proficiency in Italian is therefore not essential to study at Polimi, though it remains a valuable asset in everyday life.

Administrative formalities: what to prepare in advance

Good news: as EU citizens, French nationals do not need a visa to study in Italy. However, certain formalities remain mandatory.

Formalities to complete upon arrival

• Declaration of presence (Dichiarazione di Presenza): mandatory within 8 days of arrival for any stay exceeding 3 months
• Codice Fiscale: the Italian equivalent of a National Insurance number, essential for opening a bank account, signing a lease or accessing healthcare services. It is obtained free of charge from the Agenzia delle Entrate.
• Registration on consular electoral rolls (optional but recommended)

moving to Italy and navigating the administrative procedures is much easier if you prepare these documents before you even land.

Health coverage: leave nothing to chance

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers emergency medical care in Italy. However, it does not cover routine consultations, specialist appointments or prescription medications.

Supplementary insurance tailored to expatriate students is strongly recommended. expatriate student insurance: here are the key guarantees to check before taking out a policy, in particular hospital cover, repatriation and third-party liability.

Finding accommodation in Milan: how to avoid the pitfalls

Milan has one of the tightest rental markets in Italy. Rents have risen by more than 20% over the past three years. Planning ahead is non-negotiable.

Available accommodation options

• Polimi university residences: in very high demand, allocated on social criteria via DSU. Places are limited — apply as soon as your admission is confirmed.
• Private shared flats: the most common option. Expect to pay between 500 and 800 euros per month for a single room, depending on the neighbourhood.
• Independent studio flats: rarely available below 900 euros in Milan. More suited to Master's students with additional income.

Best areas depending on your campus

• Città Studi / Piola area: ideal for the Leonardo campus, strong student atmosphere, well connected by public transport.
• Bovisa / Quarto Oggiaro area: close to the design campus, more affordable, currently undergoing gentrification.
• Navigli / Porta Genova: trendy neighbourhood but further from the main campuses.

For your housing search, finding reliable student accommodation abroad without getting scammed is an essential guide to avoiding the classic traps on unverified platforms.

Milan's rental market is unfortunately rife with scams targeting international students. Fake listings, requests for deposits before viewings, non-compliant tenancy agreements: rental scams abroad lists the red flags you absolutely need to watch out for.

Monthly student budget in Milan: the real figures

Milan is not a cheap city. Here is a realistic estimate of monthly expenses for a student at Polimi.

These figures are estimates. Your actual budget will depend heavily on your accommodation and lifestyle. monthly student budget in Milan in 2026 breaks down real observed expenses item by item, with neighbourhood comparisons and tips for managing your finances effectively.

Working while studying

Italian law allows EU students to work without restriction. The most accessible student jobs in Milan:

• Waiter or barista in the hospitality sector (a very active industry)
• Private tutor or language teaching
• On-campus jobs (library, reception)
• Paid internships integrated into the curriculum (very common at Polimi)

Hourly wages in Italy remain lower than in many other countries (approximately 7 to 9 euros net per hour in hospitality), but combined with DSU grants, they can cover a significant portion of your monthly budget.

Student life at Polimi: what to know before you arrive

Politecnico di Milano is not just a degree factory. It is a vibrant campus with a rich range of student associations and a highly active international student community.

Associations and clubs

Polimi has dozens of student associations: sports clubs, cultural societies, design and robotics groups. PoliMake (manufacturing and innovation) and the Polimi Sailing Team are among the most well-known. Getting involved significantly accelerates your integration into campus life.

The English-speaking community in Milan

Milan has a large international community with students from across the globe. Informal networks of English-speaking students at Polimi are active on social media. The French Consulate General in Milan also regularly organises events for French expatriates.

Complete guide for French students in Italy with a focus on Milan lists community resources and must-attend events for French newcomers.

Italian: do you need to learn it before you go?

On an English-taught Master's programme, Italian is not essential to follow your courses. However, it quickly becomes necessary for everyday life: dealing with authorities, visiting doctors, communicating with landlords and local shops.

A few months of practice before departure via an app or an intensive course is enough to acquire the basics. Polimi also offers Italian language courses for international students, often free of charge or at a reduced rate.

Conclusion: your Politecnico di Milano journey, step by step

Studying at Politecnico di Milano is an ambitious project, but entirely achievable for a well-prepared student. Admissions are demanding, particularly through the TOL test, but accessible once your application is strong and submitted on time. The progressive fee system and DSU grants make it financially viable for a wide range of student profiles. As for Milan, despite a tight rental market and a cost of living higher than average, it offers a unique, stimulating and internationally recognised study environment.

To make this transition a success, preparation is key: start your application 9 to 12 months before your intended intake, prepare seriously for the TOL test, and begin your housing search as soon as you receive your admission letter. Consult our complete guide on succeeding in your first month in a new country to make sure you have everything covered before settling in Milan. Studying at Politecnico di Milano means investing in a world-class education that opens doors across Europe and beyond.

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