Study in France vs Italy: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for France and Italy— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | France | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 7,380 EUR✓ lower required funds | 10,180 EUR |
| Living cost (per month) | 615 EUR✓ lower living cost | 848 EUR |
| Visa fee | 50 EUR✓ lower visa fee | 116 EUR |
| Typical processing time | ~3 weeks | ~3 weeks |
| Main intakes | Jan, Sep | Sep, Feb |
| Required documents | 5 | 6 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: France vs Italy
- France needs less money up front — about €7,380/year versus €10,180 for Italy (≈ €2,800 less).
- France asks for fewer required documents (5).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to France
- Acceptance from a French institution
- Études en France procedure (nationality-dependent)
Unique to Italy
- Pre-enrolment on Universitaly
- University admission / enrolment
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in France or Italy?
By proof of funds, France is cheaper — €7,380/year versus €10,180 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, France or Italy?
France typically processes faster (~3 weeks vs ~3). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in France or Italy?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. France needs less money up front — about €7,380/year versus €10,180 for Italy (≈ €2,800 less). France asks for fewer required documents (5). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.