Italy in 2026: How UK Students Can Avoid Higher Fees and Plan Ahead

Starting in 2028, British students who have been living in the European Union (EU) will no longer be eligible for home fee status in the UK. Instead, they will be charged international tuition fees, which can be significantly higher. This change has prompted many UK families to consider relocating to EU countries like Italy earlier than planned, to secure EU residency and potentially qualify for lower local fees at Italian universities. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can use Italy’s residency and education system to your advantage, and what practical steps you need to take now.

Understanding the New UK Fee Rules and What They Mean

The UK government announced that from the 2028 academic year, British students residing in the EU will be classified as international students for tuition fee purposes. Currently, UK students living in the EU can still pay home fees (capped at around £9,250 per year) at UK universities. After 2028, they will face fees often exceeding £20,000 per year. This change applies to England, with similar adjustments expected in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

For families planning to move to Italy, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity. If your child is already a teenager, you may want to move before the 2028 deadline so they can start university in the UK before the rule kicks in. Alternatively, if you move to Italy soon, your child could benefit from Italian university fees, which are much lower for EU residents (including those with Italian residency). Italian public universities charge fees based on family income, often ranging from €900 to €4,000 per year—far less than UK international fees.

How to Establish Residency in Italy Before 2028

To qualify as an EU resident for Italian university fee purposes, you need to become a legal resident in Italy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process in 2026:

• Choose a visa type: British citizens can apply for an elective residency visa (if you have sufficient passive income), a student visa (if you are studying in Italy), or a work visa (if you have a job offer). The most common route for families is the self-employment visa or the investor visa (for those with significant capital).
• Register with the local town hall (Anagrafe): Once you have a visa, you must register your residence in the town where you live. This gives you a residency certificate (certificato di residenza), which is proof of legal residence.
• Apply for a tax code (Codice Fiscale): This is essential for everything from opening a bank account to signing a lease. You can get it at the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate).
• Meet the residency duration requirement: Italian universities typically require you to have been a resident for at least 12 months before the start of the academic year to qualify for EU fees. Plan to move by 2026 or early 2027 at the latest.

Tip: Keep copies of all documents, including your visa, passport, and residency certificate. Some universities may ask for proof of residency for the previous year.

Comparing Italian University Fees vs. UK International Fees

Italian public universities are among the most affordable in Europe. For EU residents (including British residents of Italy), fees are income-based. For example, at the University of Bologna, fees range from €900 to €4,000 per year for bachelor’s programs. In contrast, UK universities charge international students (including British students living abroad) fees of £20,000 to £38,000 per year for similar courses.

Here’s a quick comparison for a typical three-year bachelor’s degree:

• Italian university (EU resident): Total cost: €2,700–€12,000 (approx. £2,300–£10,300).
• UK university (international fee): Total cost: £60,000–£114,000.

Even if you include living expenses in Italy (which are generally lower than in the UK, especially outside major cities), the savings are substantial. Plus, many Italian universities offer scholarships and tuition waivers for low-income families.

Practical Steps for Moving to Italy with School-Age Children

If you have children who are still in secondary school, moving to Italy earlier gives them time to learn Italian and integrate into the education system. Here’s how to prepare:

• Enroll in an Italian school: Public schools are free and taught in Italian. If your child does not speak Italian, look for schools with language support programs (e.g., “classe di italiano per stranieri”).
• Consider international schools: These are more expensive (€10,000–€20,000 per year) but offer instruction in English. They are a good option if you plan to return to the UK for university.
• Learn Italian as a family: Take language courses together. Many towns offer subsidized classes for new residents. Being fluent will make university admission and daily life easier.
• Check university admission requirements: Italian universities require a high school diploma equivalent to the Italian “Maturità.” If your child completes A-levels in Italy (some international schools offer them), they can apply directly. Otherwise, they may need to take an entrance exam or a foundation year.

Financial Planning: Tax and Banking Considerations

Moving to Italy affects your taxes and finances. Here are key points:

• Tax residency: If you live in Italy for more than 183 days per year, you become a tax resident. Italy has a progressive income tax system (from 23% to 43%). However, there are tax breaks for new residents, such as the “impatriati” regime that offers a 70% tax exemption on employment income for five years (recently extended to 2026).
• Bank accounts: Open an Italian bank account (e.g., Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit) to pay tuition and receive any scholarships. You’ll need your Codice Fiscale and passport.
• Currency exchange: The euro is weaker than the pound as of 2026, so your UK income (if you still earn in GBP) goes further in Italy. But plan for exchange rate fluctuations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child still study in the UK if we move to Italy?

Yes, but after 2028, they will pay international fees. If you move before 2028 and your child starts university in the UK before the rule takes effect, they may still qualify for home fees for the duration of their course. However, this is subject to the university’s policies, so check with each institution.

How long do I need to live in Italy to qualify for EU fees at Italian universities?

Most Italian universities require you to have been a legal resident in Italy for at least 12 months before the start of the academic year. Some may also consider your family’s income history. It’s best to move by early 2027 to ensure your child qualifies for the 2028–2029 academic year.

What if my child doesn’t speak Italian? Can they still study at an Italian university?

Yes, many Italian universities offer English-taught programs, especially at the master’s level. For bachelor’s degrees, programs in English are less common but exist in fields like engineering, economics, and medicine. Examples include the University of Milan’s English-taught bachelor’s in Political Science and the University of Bologna’s in Business and Economics. Your child will also need to learn basic Italian for daily life.

Are there any other EU countries with lower fees for British residents?

Yes, several EU countries offer low tuition fees for residents, including Germany (most public universities are free), France (fees under €3,000), and Spain (similar income-based fees). However, Italy stands out for its lower cost of living, rich culture, and strong university reputation. Compare the residency requirements and visa options for each country before deciding.