Key article highlights
- Milan is home to several world-class universities, accessible to French students without a Schengen visa.
- The Erasmus+ programme remains the simplest route for a structured study period in Milan.
- Tuition fees range from €600 to €4,000 per year depending on the institution and family income.
- The average monthly budget for a student in Milan is between €900 and €1,400 all-inclusive.
- Finding accommodation before you arrive is essential: demand far exceeds the available supply.
- Adequate health insurance is mandatory for students not covered by standard national health insurance.
- Sorting out your administrative formalities well in advance will prevent unpleasant surprises on arrival.
Every year, thousands of French students choose Italy for their higher education, and Milan alone is attracting a growing share of those applications. This comes as no surprise: the Lombard capital is home to institutions ranked among the top one hundred universities in the world, an ultra-dynamic business environment, and a cultural scene that can hold its own against Paris or Berlin.
However, studying in Milan as a French student is not something you can just wing. From choosing a university and understanding the Italian academic system, to finding accommodation in a highly competitive market and handling administrative formalities, there are plenty of pitfalls waiting for those who fail to plan ahead.
This article is designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of what a student move to Milan really involves: the best universities, the real costs, the administrative steps, housing options, and practical tips for settling in successfully. Whether you are preparing for an Erasmus exchange, a full master's degree, or a dual-degree programme, you will find concrete answers here.
Why does Milan attract so many French students?
Milan is not just the capital of fashion and design. It is also one of Europe's most dynamic university cities, with an exceptional academic offering and a job market directly connected to major international companies.
Several factors explain this growing appeal: geographical and cultural proximity to France (2h30 by train from Lyon), English-taught programmes accessible without perfect Italian, a lower cost of living than Paris or London, and universities ranked in the global top tier for design, architecture, and engineering. An active network of companies offering internships — particularly in fashion and tech — and a well-established French community complete the picture.
Testimonials from French students in Milan and practical advice confirm this: many cite quality of life, cultural richness, and the openness of the local market as decisive factors. The city also appeals through its dual identity: modern and international on one hand, deeply rooted in Italian tradition on the other. For a French student, it is a learning environment that is both refreshing and reassuring.
The best universities in Milan for French students
Milan is home to several institutions of excellence. Choosing the right university depends on your field, your level, and your career goals.
Politecnico di Milano
This is Milan's most prestigious university — and arguably Italy's — with internationally recognised excellence in engineering, architecture, and industrial design. Politecnico di Milano ranks among the top 100 universities in the world, making it a destination of choice for students in scientific and creative disciplines. Many master's programmes are taught entirely in English, which makes access easier for French-speaking students.
Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale)
A large, general public university, La Statale covers law, medicine, the humanities, and economics. La Statale Milan offers programmes in English, particularly in science and political science, accessible via Erasmus+ or through direct application. The University of Milan, founded in 1924, now has more than 60,000 students and remains one of the largest in Italy.
Other notable institutions
Milan also offers a range of specialist schools: Bocconi University, a world-class reference in economics and management; NABA, dedicated to contemporary art and design; IED, specialising in fashion and visual communication; and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, focused on the humanities, psychology, and law. Each institution has its own admissions process: do your research early, as applications often open as early as January for a September intake.
Admission requirements and application process for French students
As a European citizen, French students benefit from significant advantages: no visa is required to live and study in Italy.
Via the Erasmus+ programme
This is the most structured and least expensive route to studying in Milan as a French student. Your home university has partnership agreements with Italian institutions; you go abroad with a monthly grant (between €300 and €700), your ECTS credits are recognised, and you remain enrolled at your home institution. Key steps: apply through your international relations office, obtain a Learning Agreement validated by both institutions, apply for your Erasmus+ grant, and register with your partner university in Milan.
Direct application (outside Erasmus)
For a full master's degree or a dual-degree programme, you apply directly to the Italian university. The application typically requires translated transcripts and degree certificates, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, proof of English or Italian proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF), and application fees of between €30 and €100.
Procedures, visas and funding for studying in Italy in 2026 are well documented, but plan at least six months ahead of your intended start date. For further guidance on administrative preparation, see our guide on everything you need to sort out before going to study abroad.
Tuition fees and available financial support
Studying in Italy often costs less than you might think...
One of the major advantages of Italian public universities is their sliding-scale fee system based on family income. Public universities apply a fee structure based on the ISEE (equivalent to a means-tested assessment): between €0 and €400 per year for lower-income households, between €600 and €1,800 for middle-income households, and up to €3,500–€4,000 for higher-income households. Private universities such as Bocconi or design schools charge between €8,000 and €20,000 per year.
As a French student enrolled via Erasmus, several sources of funding can be combined: the Erasmus+ grant (€300–€700/month), the means-tested grant from CROUS maintained during the mobility period, a regional grant from your Regional Council, and excellence scholarships offered directly by Politecnico or Bocconi for high-achieving international students.
Monthly budget in Milan: what it really costs
Milan has a reputation for being an expensive city, particularly when it comes to housing. But with good organisation, the budget remains manageable. A detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Milan for students in 2026 lets you anticipate expenses item by item.
Here is a realistic monthly estimate:
- Rent (room in shared accommodation): €500–€800
- Food: €200–€300
- Transport (monthly ATM pass): €35
- Going out, culture, leisure: €100–€200
- Phone and health insurance: €50–€110
- Miscellaneous (unexpected costs, supplies): €50–€100
Estimated total: between €935 and €1,545 per month.
Our article on the monthly student budget in Milan in 2026 gives you a full item-by-item breakdown. The complete monthly budget for studying in Milan in 2026 confirms that the city remains less expensive than London or Zurich, provided you choose your neighbourhood and type of accommodation wisely.
Finding student accommodation in Milan: the real rules of the game
In Milan, rooms in shared flats are snapped up within hours...
The Milan rental market is under intense pressure. Student demand far outstrips available supply, particularly in neighbourhoods close to universities.
Available options
Several types of accommodation are available. Public university halls of residence are the cheapest option (€200–€450/month) but places are limited and allocated competitively. Private student residences are more accessible but more expensive (€600–€900/month). Shared flats, the most common solution, cost between €450 and €750 per month. A self-contained studio is rarely available for under €850 in central areas.
Where to search without getting caught out
The most widely used platforms in Milan are Idealista, Immobiliare.it, and Facebook groups for international students (particularly Erasmus Milan groups). Be warned: the Milan market is rife with scams. Fake listings are widespread online, particularly for attractively priced properties that request a bank transfer before any viewing.
Avoid rental scams abroad: never pay without having visited the property or verified the landlord's identity, and be wary of requests for Western Union or PayPal transfers between strangers. Our guide on how to find reliable student accommodation abroad details best practices for securing your search from home.
Health insurance: a step French students overlook too often
As a European citizen, you benefit from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for urgent medical care in Italy. However, this cover is insufficient for a stay of several months: it does not cover non-urgent treatment from private practitioners, medical repatriation, consultations with private specialists, or third-party liability abroad.
For an Erasmus stay, your French university may offer supplementary cover — check this before you leave. In any case, expat student insurance is strongly recommended. Before signing anything, read our article on expat student insurance: what cover to check before you go, so you are never left without protection when something unexpected happens.
The minimum cover to look for: medical cover of at least €150,000, repatriation included, 24/7 assistance in English, no or minimal waiting period, and cover for sporting and cultural activities.
Daily life and integration in Milan: what nobody tells you
Beyond the paperwork, studying in Milan as a French student also means adapting to a pace of life and social norms that differ from those in France.
The first few weeks
Several formalities must be completed on arrival. Registering at the local registry office (Anagrafe) is compulsory for any stay of more than three months, even for EU nationals. Obtaining the codice fiscale (the Italian equivalent of a national insurance number) is essential for opening a bank account, signing a lease, or accessing public services. Opening a local bank account then makes it easier to pay rent and receive medical reimbursements. To make sure you don't miss anything, see our settling-in checklist for a new country to make your first month a success.
Getting around and integrating into the city
Milan is very well served by public transport (metro, tram, bus). A monthly student pass at €35 covers the entire ATM network, and many students also use the BikeMi shared bike scheme. The most popular neighbourhoods among students are Navigli (lively and social), Isola (trendy), Città Studi (university quarter), and Porta Romana (quiet and well connected).
Integration also depends on language. Even if many programmes are in English, a basic knowledge of Italian makes daily interactions with locals, landlords, and public services considerably easier. Free or low-cost Italian courses are offered by several associations and by the university itself. ESN (Erasmus Student Network) regularly organises events to connect international students: it is one of the best ways to find flatmates and build a network quickly.
Working while studying in Milan: is it possible?
Yes, and it is actually recommended as a way to supplement your budget. As a European student, you have the right to work in Italy without any restriction on working hours, unlike students from outside the EU. The sectors with the most recruitment are hospitality and catering, retail and commerce, private tutoring and foreign language teaching, as well as tech, start-ups, and fashion-related events.
Italy does not have a statutory minimum wage in the same form as France: pay varies according to sector-specific collective agreements. In hospitality, expect between €7 and €10 gross per hour; for tutoring, between €15 and €25. Working can help cover part of your rent or leisure costs, but should not jeopardise your academic success: academic standards in Milan are genuinely demanding. The complete guide to studying in Italy for French students provides a comprehensive overview of the rights of foreign students in Italy.
Conclusion: Milan is waiting for you — as long as you prepare properly
Studying in Milan as a French student is a rare opportunity: world-class universities, a stimulating living environment, a city with a truly international outlook, and a cultural proximity to France that eases the transition. But this project deserves serious, forward-looking preparation.
The key points to remember: choose your university according to your field and career goals, start looking for accommodation at least three months before you arrive, check your health insurance cover before you leave, and do not underestimate the administrative steps such as registering at the Anagrafe or obtaining your codice fiscale. Every step you prepare properly is one less problem to deal with on the ground.
SafExPAT supports French students through every stage of their move to Milan: accommodation, insurance, administrative formalities, and personalised assistance. Discover our dedicated Milan packages and start your Italian adventure fully equipped.
