Educational programs in Florence for foreign students
- Higher Education in Florence: Universities and Programs
- Features of Higher Education in Florence
- Main Universities in Florence
- Overview of Bachelor's Programs in Florence
- Master's and PhD Programs in Florence
- Student Life in Florence
- Work and Career Opportunities After Studying in Florence
- Is Florence Worth Studying In?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Master - Fashion, Art & Textile Innovation
The Istituto MarangoniThis innovative course is taught in conjunction with Etro, a global leader in Luxury Italian Fashion, and Manteco, a global leader in textiles, sustainability, and high-quality fabrics since 1943, allowing students to gain real-world, hands-on industry experience across the fashion, materials, and…
Master - Fashion Design (Womenswear/Menswear/Kidswear)
The Istituto MarangoniThrough a series of project-based activities that represent diverse facets of industry practice, this dynamic course cultivates participants' design creativity, individual style, and personal vision as they adapt to the continually developing environment of fashion.
Participants are pushed…
Master - Curating Art & Fashion
The Istituto MarangoniThe Masters in Curating Art & Fashion is designed for students who already have a degree or extensive professional experience in the field, and it offers a route into uncharted territory in which curatorship is examined in its entirety, from its origins to its current declination.
Originated…
Master - Art Management
The Istituto MarangoniThe Master of Arts in Art Management program at the Istituto Marangoni provides students with a managerial and administrative framework from which to engage with the cultural sector.
The course primarily focuses on the art market, art law, museum administration, and the management of cultural…
Master - Luxury Accessories Design & Management
The Istituto MarangoniStudents who have completed at least one year of undergraduate study in fashion, design, or a related field, or who have equivalent professional experience, and who wish to deepen their understanding of the design, planning, and management of accessories collections with an emphasis on Italian craftsmanship…
Master - Creative Digital Media
The Istituto MarangoniThe evolution of technology has always posed new difficulties to the very idea of art, while simultaneously expanding the possibilities for both its production and reception. The modern artistic and cultural creation has also been affected by the digital revolution. As the line between the physical…
Certificate - Shoes And Accessories Design
The Istituto MarangoniWith the help of a faculty composed of field-related professionals and many practitioners operating in the territory, students in the Shoes and Accessories Design course are immersed in an engaging learning environment in which they can explore and develop their own ideas of innovation, excellence,…
Certificate - Arts Curating (Semester)
The Istituto MarangoniLearn about the many different types of art, where to find modern art, and the "business" that goes on in the arts world.
Students in this semester-long course learn to articulate their thoughts and share their discoveries with both an expert art audience and the broader public.
The…
Certificate - Fashion Business & Buying (Semester)
The Istituto MarangoniThe course will address marketing and communication plans, assortment mix, methods of import / export, pricing strategies, and the profitability of fashion and luxury products, with an emphasis on their analysis at the postgraduate level.
The communication, branding, management, buying,…
Master - Curatorial Practice
IED Istituto Europeo di DesignIED Firenze's Master of Arts in Curatorial Practice program equips aspiring museum professionals with theoretical grounding and practical expertise in all stages of exhibition and event production.
The professional curator is in high demand, and this Master's program will teach you how to…
Higher Education in Florence: Universities and Programs
Florence – the cultural and academic center of Tuscany, one of Italy's oldest educational cities. Here, rich history, picturesque Renaissance monuments, and vibrant student life come together. The university sector includes both large public universities and specialized academies. International students have access to Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs, many of which are conducted in English. Studying in Florence attracts young people with the opportunity to earn a prestigious diploma, immerse themselves in Italian culture, and gain practical experience in international institutions.
Features of Higher Education in Florence
Florence is home to one of Europe's leading universities – the University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze), founded in 1321 and ranked in the top 200 of QS 2025. The education here is high-quality, affordable, and focused on international students. The cost of living in Florence is higher than in other Italian cities but lower than in major European capitals.
The average monthly student expenses range from approximately €800 to €1,300, including rent, food, transportation, and other necessities. The city has a developed market for cultural education and design industry. There are also campuses of foreign universities such as NYU Florence or Florence University of the Arts, where instruction is in English.
Main Universities in Florence
| University Name | Main Fields | Average tuition fee for international students (EUR/year) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence) | Arts, design, business, medicine, engineering | 1,200 – 3,000 | Top 200 QS 2025, about 40,000 students, about 4,000 international |
| Polimoda | Fashion design, marketing, fashion | 14,000 – 18,000 | Prestigious private fashion school with strong industry connections |
| Lorenzo de' Medici Institute (LdM) | Arts, cultural studies, design | 10,000 – 14,000 | American-style education, English-language programs |
| Florence University of the Arts (FUA) | Culinary arts, design, fine arts | ≈ 10,000 – 20,000 USD | International American academy, almost entirely English-speaking |
Overview of Bachelor's Programs in Florence
Bachelor's programs in Florence last 3-4 years. The programs are structured with an emphasis on combining theory and practice, including projects and internships.
Popular fields:
- Business and Economics
Economics, international business, management. Graduates gain valuable skills and practical experience through case studies and collaboration with companies. - Engineering and IT
The University of Florence offers engineering and technology courses: architecture, ecology, automation. - Medicine and Healthcare
Programs include medicine, pharmacy, biomedicine. Taught in Italian and partially in English, with practice at university clinics. - Arts and Humanities
Fine arts, cultural history, archaeology, design. Particularly strong fields at LdM and FUA.
Duration and Structure:
3 years. Study modules: core subjects, electives, seminars, final thesis.
Learning Formats:
Primarily in-person. Some humanities courses are available partially online.
Tuition fee:
Public programs: €1,200–3,000/year. Private academies: up to €18,000/year.
Master's and PhD Programs in Florence
Master's
Master's programs typically last 2 years. Florence offers both academic and professional programs:
- Academic – research focus, publications, PhD preparation.
- Professional – design, arts management, international relations, fashion.
Career advantages:
Many Master's courses offer internships, dual degrees (e.g., with American programs at LdM), and open doors to work in international organizations and cultural centers.
Tuition fee:
Master's at University of Florence – €2,000–4,000/year. Private schools (Polimoda, EUI) – up to €14,000–18,000/year.
PhD
PhD programs are available at EUI, University of Florence and specialized institutes. Duration – 3-4 years.
Features:
- Scientific research
- Academic publishing
- Seminar participation
- Possible teaching activities
Tuition fee:
Public programs – €1,500–3,000/year; at EUI partial funding may be available.
Student Life in Florence
According to Numbeo and other sources:
- Rent (one-bedroom apartment):
– City center: ≈ €1,000/month;
– Outside center: ≈ €770. - Food expenses: ≈ €200–300/month
- Public transportation: ≈ €35–40/month
- Total student expenses: about €800–1,300/month
Crime Index: low-medium crime rate (≈ 30–40), the city is safe for students.
Florence offers abundant cultural events, museums, exhibitions, and theaters. Convenient transportation system and pedestrian infrastructure create a comfortable environment.
Work and Career Opportunities After Studying in Florence
International students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. After graduation, it's possible to obtain a work permit.
Popular fields:
- Tourism, cultural sector
- Design, fashion and creative industries
- International cultural and educational projects
Universities and academies actively collaborate with local and international employers, creating internship and employment opportunities.
Is Florence Worth Studying In?
Florence combines educational prestige, rich history and high quality of life. The city compares favorably to Milan, Rome or other European university centers:
- More moderate housing and food prices
- Unique cultural context
- International environment and English-language programs
- Opportunities for internships and career starts in arts and design
These advantages make Florence an excellent choice for those who value academic quality in an atmosphere of inspiration and cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the requirements for international students applying to Florence?
Required documents include high school diploma or degree with transcript, proof of Italian or English proficiency (depending on program), portfolio for creative fields, and motivation letter.
2. Can I study in English in Florence?
Yes – many programs at LdM, FUA, Polimoda are conducted entirely in English.
3. What is the tuition fee for international students in Florence?
Public programs – €1,200–3,000/year; private academies – up to €18,000/year depending on field.
4. How much is needed monthly for living in Florence?
About €800–1,300 with reasonable budgeting, including rent, food, transportation and leisure.
5. Is it possible to stay and work in Florence after studies?
Yes – you can obtain a work permit and find employment in culture, tourism, design or international projects.