Study in Perugia, Italy

About Perugia

Perugia is the capital of Umbria, in central Italy, a hill town with a medieval historic centre. The University of Perugia describes the city's cost of living as typical for a medium-sized Italian city, and its size makes it easy to settle in compared with Rome, Milan or Florence.

Perugia is best known among international students for learning Italian: the Università per Stranieri di Perugia was founded here in 1925 to promote Italian language and culture, and the city also has a private Italian school in our directory. Alongside it, the University of Perugia, founded in 1308, offers degrees in most fields.

Studying in Perugia

Our directory lists three active schools in Perugia: two universities and one Italian language school.

• Università degli studi di Perugia (University of Perugia) was founded in 1308, when Pope Clement V issued the bull Super specula. According to the university, it has 14 departments and about 25,000 students, and it also teaches in the Umbrian towns of Assisi, Foligno, Narni and Terni. Most teaching is in Italian, but its course catalogue lists programmes taught entirely in English.
• Università per Stranieri di Perugia (University for Foreigners of Perugia) was founded in 1925 and became a university under a 1992 law. Besides Italian language and culture courses, it offers bachelor's and master's degree programmes, for example in International and Advertising Communication. Its Centre for Language Assessment and Certification (CVCL) was established in 2005.
• Comitato Linguistico, established in 1986, teaches only Italian as a foreign language, in a building in the historic centre. It runs CILS exam preparation courses and is a CILS exam centre.

At the Università per Stranieri, Italian language courses last at least four weeks and end with an assessment. Three-month courses start in January, April, July and October, but students can enrol for one or more months at any time of the year. Lessons last 50 minutes and run Monday to Friday, two to four hours a day.

Non-EU students who need a study visa for a degree course submit their pre-enrolment request through Universitaly, the portal of the Italian Ministry of University and Research.

Cost of living for students

The University of Perugia gives these guide prices for international students (page updated in 2026):

• single room: €300 to €500 a month plus expenses
• room shared with one other person: €250 to €350 a month plus expenses
• meal in a bar (sandwich and drink): about €6
• bus and minimetro ticket for the urban area, valid 70 minutes: €1.50

At the Università per Stranieri, a four-week Italian course at levels A1 to B2 (18 hours a week) costs €540. Places in university residences and canteens for enrolled students are allocated through an annual selection published by ADiSU, the regional agency for the right to higher education. Non-EU students need accommodation to apply for a visa and residence permit, so it is worth looking early.

Getting around and daily life

The historic centre sits on a hill and is compact enough to explore on foot. Buses and the minimetro link it with the rest of the city, and the same standard urban ticket is valid on both. The region's airport is Umbria International Airport "San Francesco d'Assisi".

Frequently asked questions

Is Perugia a good place to learn Italian?

Yes. The Università per Stranieri di Perugia has taught Italian to foreigners since its foundation in 1925, with courses open for enrolment every month, and Comitato Linguistico offers Italian courses and CILS exam preparation.

How much does a month in Perugia cost for a student?

According to the University of Perugia, a single room costs €300 to €500 a month plus expenses, and a bus or minimetro ticket costs €1.50.

Which universities are in Perugia?

The University of Perugia, founded in 1308, and the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, founded in 1925.

Can I study in English in Perugia?

Some programmes at the University of Perugia are taught entirely in English; most degrees in Perugia are taught in Italian.