If you’re searching for places to study in Italy, you’ve probably come across the obvious ones: Rome’s big energy, Florence’s art-stuffed alleys, Milan’s dolce vita hustle.
Now… imagine a place that’s simple without feeling small. Historic without feeling ancient. Student-heavy, but still chill. That’s Pisa in a nutshell.
To most people, Pisa starts and ends with the Leaning Tower. But to a growing number of international students, it starts there and becomes something so much more.
In 2024, Italy welcomed over 125,000 international students, and the number is growing steadily. But here’s the thing: not everyone wants the chaos of a major city. That’s why students are choosing to study in Pisa for the blend of prestige, peace, and possibility.
Here, your days don’t feel rushed. The classes matter. The espresso is strong. And everything from the cobbled streets to university lectures feels like it has soul.
This guide covers everything: what to study, where to live, how much it really costs, step-by-step applications, and what life genuinely feels like when you’re studying abroad in Pisa.
What Makes Pisa a Great Study Abroad City?
There’s something refreshing about Pisa. It works with you, not against you. Whether you’re here for a full degree or just a semester, the rhythm of the city is student-first.
It’s Student-Centered
Pisa’s population sits around 90,000 and more than 40% are students. Basically, it’s a city built around people just like you.
Respected Universities
The University of Pisa is one of Europe’s oldest institutions (est. 1343!) and is globally respected for programs in sciences, engineering, humanities, and medicine.
It’s Actually Affordable
Compared to cities like Milan or Venice, Pisa feels like a safe haven for your budget. Affordable rent, €4 campus meals, and discounts all around the city.
Strategic Location in Italy
Want a weekend in Florence? Done. Rome? Easy. Pisa’s train station connects you to everywhere including the beach 20 minutes away.
The Pace is Right
You won’t be sprinting everywhere like in big cities. Studying in Pisa lets you slow down and focus on school, on life, on you.
What to Study in Pisa: Programs for International Students
Whether you want to dive into a full degree or just a life-changing semester abroad, Pisa gives you options.
Full Degree & Exchange Programs:
| Field | Available In |
|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | English & Italian |
| Medicine & Surgery (6-year) | Entirely in English |
| Business & Finance | English (Master levels) |
| Philosophy/Humanities | Mostly Italian, some dual |
| Aerospace, Nuclear Science | English-track/Research-led |
| Law & Political Science | Italian (with Erasmus/Exchange add-ons) |
Short-Term & Summer Programs in Pisa:
- Italian Language & Cultural Immersion
- Art History & Architecture
- European Economics
- Climate & Sustainability
- Erasmus+ Projects (1–3 months)
Most programs run through University of Pisa, Erasmus+, or are hosted by international partner universities.
Who Is Pisa Best For?
If you’re into loud nightlife, neon distractions, and city chaos… Pisa might not be it.
But if you:
- Want calmer mornings, bikeable streets, and deep conversations over wine
- Like structure and crave inspiration
- Value internationally respected academics and warm, walkable neighborhoods
- Want to live somewhere big enough for opportunity but still small enough to matter
Then Pisa won’t just work it’ll thrive with you.
Cost of Living in Pisa (2025 for Students)
Let’s talk money because whether you’re on scholarships or self-funding, knowing the true cost matters.
| Category | Monthly Estimate (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared flat) | €350–€500 |
| Utilities + Internet | €60–€90 |
| Groceries/Market | €150–€200 |
| Mensa (student meals) | €100–€120 (~€4 per meal) |
| Transport (Bus/train) | €18 (monthly student pass) |
| Personal/Leisure | €80–€120 |
| Estimated Total | €850–€1,050/month |
Best Universities to Study in Pisa
University of Pisa (UniPi)
- One of the most prestigious public universities in Italy and Europe
- 23 departments, 17 libraries, and a variety of international programs
- English-taught courses in Engineering, Economics, Medicine, and Natural Sciences
- 50,000+ students, with strong Erasmus+ and PhD programs
Scuola Normale Superiore & Sant’Anna Pisa
- Elite, research-driven institutions
- Small cohorts, intellectual mentorship, and top-tier postgraduate opportunities
- Ideal for students in Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Political Theory
Step-by-Step: Applying to Study in Pisa (2025)
1️⃣ Choose Your Program
- Research programs that match your goals: Bachelor, Master, short-term, or semester abroad.
- Visit www.unipi.it (University of Pisa) or ask your university’s International Office for Erasmus or exchange options.
2️⃣ Check Entry Requirements
For English-taught programs:
- Bachelor’s: High school diploma, valid passport, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Master’s: Bachelor’s degree, transcript, motivation letter, 2 references, CV/resume
- Some programs also require an interview (especially for research fields)
3️⃣ Pre-Enroll Through Universitaly Portal
You must pre-enroll through the Universitaly portal
This step is mandatory for non-EU students. You’ll fill out your course choice + personal docs so the university can issue your acceptance letter.
4️⃣ Apply Before the Deadline
- General deadlines for Fall 2025: From February to May, depending on the program
- Earlier application = better chance for housing assistance and scholarships
5️⃣ Prepare for Student Visa (Type D)
Once accepted, gather your:
- Acceptance letter
- Financial proof (min. €6,100/year)
- Proof of accommodation
- Passport & travel reservation
- Health insurance
- Visa application form
- Apply at your nearest Italian embassy or consulate
6️⃣ Find Housing + Book Your Travel
Universities might help with dorms, or you can secure a shared flat. Try to arrive at least 1 week before orientation. You’ll also need to apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days of arrival in Italy.
Student Visa Requirements for Pisa (Non-EU Applicants)
You’ll need a Type D, Long-Stay Student Visa to study in Pisa beyond 90 days.
What You Need:
- Passport
- Course enrollment letter
- Proof of accommodation in Pisa
- Proof of income (€6,100/year)
- Health insurance (valid in Italy)
- Visa application form
- Roundtrip travel info (if asked)
- €50 visa fee
Apply via your nearest Italian consulate. It usually takes 4–8 weeks.
Upon arrival in Italy, go to the post office with your documents to apply for the “Permesso di Soggiorno” (local stay permit).
Can You Work While Studying in Pisa?
Yes students on proper student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in summer holidays.
Common Part-Time Gigs:
- Tutoring English / Conversation Assistant
- Campus library or IT support
- Café and event staff (especially in student-heavy neighborhoods)
- Internships in research labs or start-ups (great for CV!)
Pisa values language learners and international collaboration, so there’s always something if you put yourself out there.
Where to Live in Pisa (Student Neighborhoods)
Housing here isn’t wild-west expensive like Rome. Still, the earlier you apply, the better your setup will be.
Most Popular Ops:
- Shared Apartment (Most Common)
€350–€500/month, walking distance from campus - Student Halls / UniPi Dorms
€250–€400/month, limited slots - Private Studio or Host Family
€500–€800, if you want more privacy or full cultural immersion
Best neighborhoods for students:
- Pratale – near Science/Engineering dept.
- San Martino – central, lively, close to the river
- Cisanello – close to medicine campus
- Santa Maria – quieter, near libraries and Architecture
What’s It Really Like Studying in Pisa?
This part’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it.
Your days have routine but it’s a routine sprinkled with Italian light. You’ll start with espresso and your morning class, probably walk (or bike) past centuries-old buildings, hit the mensa for lunch at €4, then take a late afternoon stroll along the Arno before group study (or aperitivo).
Weekends are for trains Cinque Terre, Siena, Bologna, or simply a book by the river.
Pisa gives you the space to be your own person learn, grow, explore, rest, and enjoy without burnout.
Scholarships and Funding to Study in Pisa
Where to Look:
- University of Pisa Merit Scholarships
- DSU Toscana Regional Grants
- MAECI Italian Gov Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Funded Exchange Grants
- Provider/Funder Support through CAPA/API
FAQs: Real Talk from Real Students
Yes especially if you get student housing and cook your own meals.
Yes especially if you get student housing and cook your own meals.
Not always, but learning basic phrases will make your life (and job hunt) so much easier.
Yes. It’s a small, well-policed city, and the student community is tight
Plenty of Master’s programs are in English. Bachelor’s mostly in Italian, but some exceptions apply.
Final Thoughts: Is Pisa Worth It?
If you’re weighing your options and feeling unsure this is the part I want you to really hear:
Pisa isn’t just a setting. It shapes you.
It’s academic without being overwhelming. Social without forcing it. Peaceful but rich with potential. Students leave Pisa more grounded, more confident, more curious than they arrived.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what a study abroad semester (or three years of a degree) should give you.
