About the City – Why You’ll Love to Study in Pisa
To study in Pisa is to embrace authentic Italian charm woven with centuries of academic tradition.
Famous worldwide for its Leaning Tower, Pisa is so much more than a tourist stop. Nestled in the Tuscany region, the city is compact, walkable, and draped in medieval architecture. Its colorful streets buzz with energy, not from crowds of tourists, but from students heading to class, sipping espresso, or lounging along the Arno River.
Pisa is a historical university city through and through. With over 50,000 students in a population of just under 100,000, learners literally shape the city’s culture and calendar. Cafés double as study lounges. Art fairs and academic conferences share posters on the same corner walls. And everything, from rent to food, is built to accommodate student life.
With a blend of innovation, history, and affordability, Pisa offers an academic experience full of soul, strategy, and molto Italiano lifestyle.
Why Pisa is a Big Deal for International Students
Pisa may be small, but for students, it’s mighty.
1. A World-Class Reputation
The University of Pisa is one of the oldest universities in Europe and consistently ranks among Italy’s top academic institutions. Fields like engineering, medicine, law, computer science, and physics enjoy international acclaim. It’s also a partner in Erasmus+ programs and runs dozens of courses in English.
2. Affordable Living in a Beautiful City
No need to drain your bank account. Pisa is one of Italy’s most student-friendly cities when it comes to cost. Rent, groceries, entertainment, all priced in favor of student budgets. Plus, the compact layout means you can skip cars, subways, or long commutes.
3. A City Made for Students
Students make up about half the city’s population. That means social events, sports clubs, nightlife, and even local policies are generally tailored to student life. It’s easy to blend in and feel at home fast.
4. Rich in History and Innovation
Yes, it has the Leaning Tower, relics of the Roman Empire, and gothic churches. But Pisa also hosts cutting-edge research facilities, tech conferences, and creative hubs. The past meets the future here, daily.
For international students craving both tradition and progress, studying in Pisa makes perfect sense.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Pisa
1. University of Pisa (Università di Pisa)
Established in 1343. One of the most respected public universities in Europe. Offers more than 50 English-taught programs. Exceptionally strong in sciences, humanities, law, and medicine.
2. Scuola Normale Superiore
An elite institution, with origins tied to Napoleon. Known for philosophy, physics, maths, and literature. Entry is super competitive; admission is merit-based with national-level exams.
3. Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies
Highly selective, research-intensive. Focus on economics, engineering, political science, and biotech. Combines teaching with innovative research, mainly at postgraduate level.
4. Istituto Modartech
Design and fashion institute offering bachelor degrees in communication, fashion design, and footwear technology. Open to international students with English support.
5. Istituto Linguistico Mediterraneo
Offers Italian language training for international students. Often used as a stepping stone for Erasmus or degree enrollment.
6. Polo Universitario Sistemi Logistici (Livorno Campus – University of Pisa)
Satellite campus offering programs in logistics and industrial systems. Popular for students in tech-related programs.
7. Conservatorio “Giacomo Puccini”
Music academy near Pisa. Offers training in classical instruments, vocal performance, and composition.
8. ISI Florence (extension programs)
Though based in Florence, many international students in Pisa take summer or dual-credit courses via affiliated programs.
9. ESE European School of Economics – Pisa Center
Offers business courses with international modules. Combines UK and EU frameworks with flexible delivery.
10. CEPU Pisa
Provides prep courses for university entrance exams and personalized degree tutoring, often used by international students bridging into the Italian system.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Pisa
Finding the right place to live while studying is key. These are some of the most popular properties among students:
- Camplus Guest Pisa
- Residence Praticelli
- Erasmus House Pisa
- Zamblera Student Residence
- Casa dello Studente (Via Derna – DSU Toscana)
- Residenza Universitaria La Sapienza
- Villa Doria Residence
- Alloggi Universitari San Cataldo
- Student Suites Pisa
- Private apartments via Uniplaces & Idealista
Most accommodations offer furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and strong tram or walking access to campus zones.
Top 10 Student Areas in Pisa (With Nearby Universities & Housing)
1. San Francesco
- Nearby: University Departments (Law, Languages)
- Properties: Casa dello Studente, local shared flats
Historical center with vibrant streets, cafes, and cultural spots. Ideal for humanities and social science students.
2. San Martino
- Nearby: Economics and Business faculties
- Properties: Erasmus apartments, budget flats
Young, affordable, and central. Close to nightlife and city amenities.
3. Porta a Lucca
- Nearby: Green areas, short ride to main university
- Properties: Family-run apartments
Peaceful and well-connected by bus routes. Good for students who value quiet.
4. Sant’Antonio
- Nearby: University Library, Language Center
- Properties: Apartments and mid-range studios
Central and busy. You’ll be minutes from the train station.
5. Pratale
- Nearby: Engineering and Science faculties
- Properties: Residence Praticelli, Camplus Guest
Prime zone for tech majors. Green spaces and supermarkets nearby.
6. Porta a Piagge
- Nearby: Close to Agricultural and Life Sciences
- Properties: Villa Doria Residence, shared flats
Residential and mostly student-occupied. Affordable rent and quieter environment.
7. Riglione-Oratoio
- Nearby: Bus lanes to central Pisa
- Properties: Modern flats, newly-built student set-ups
Slightly suburban, quieter lifestyle. Ideal for postgrads and long-term stays.
8. Cisanello
- Nearby: University Hospital, Medicine Department
- Properties: DSU residences, flats
Medical zone. Great for nursing and med students looking for proximity to internships and labs.
9. San Giusto
- Nearby: Pisa Centrale station
- Properties: High availability of short-term housing
Well connected. Slightly noisier but perfect for international newcomers.
10. Barbaricina
- Nearby: Satellite university locations
- Properties: Student Suites Pisa
Budget-friendly. You’re close to green areas and a bit off the tourist map.
Cost of Living in Pisa – What to Expect Each Month
Pisa is budget-wise compared to other Italian cities. Here’s a general breakdown for students:
| Expense | Monthly Estimate (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared or studio) | €300–€600 |
| Bills/Utilities | €50–€100 |
| Food & Groceries | €150–€200 |
| Phone & Internet | €30–€50 |
| Transport | €25 (monthly student pass) |
| Social life & extras | €80–€150 |
➡ Total Monthly Cost: €650–€1,100
Cost-saving tips:
- Apply for DSU Toscana grants, which can slash tuition and housing costs.
- Use Mensa Universitaria where lunch costs around €4–€5.
- Shop at Coop or local markets for cheaper groceries.
Local Transport in Pisa – Simple, Cheap, Reliable
Getting around Pisa is a breeze. The city is flatter than a plate of tagliatelle, meaning walking or biking is usually enough. But when you need it, public transport has your back.
1. Buses (CPT Pisa)
Frequent bus routes across the city. Student subscriptions cost around €25/month, and buses run early to late.
2. Biking
Probably your best friend here. Pisa is small and fully bikeable. There are spots for locking bikes near all university buildings.
3. Walking
You can cross the city in 30 minutes on foot. Most housing, food spots, and classes are within a leisurely walk.
4. Pisa Mover/Airport
A fast shuttle train between Pisa Centrale and Pisa Airport, takes just 5 minutes.
5. Regional Trains
Pisa is well connected. In under an hour, you could have your textbooks out… in Florence.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Pisa
To study in Pisa is to step into a city rooted in tradition but pulsing with youth. It combines world-famous history with everyday student comfort, where you can join a centuries-old university, pay student-friendly rents, eat gelato beside a leaning tower, and graduate with a mindset shaped by culture, conversation, and curiosity.
From Nobel-winning professors to night walks along the Arno, Pisa has everything you need to grow academically, personally, and globally.
And yes, your Instagram feed is going to look amazing.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Pisa
1. Is Pisa a good place for international students?
Absolutely. It’s small, student-centered, and loaded with globally ranked programs.
2. Can I study in English in Pisa?
Yes. Dozens of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are taught entirely in English.
3. How expensive is it to live in Pisa as a student?
Plan for €650–€1,100/month, all inclusive.
4. Does Pisa offer student scholarships?
Yes. DSU Toscana provides grants that cover tuition and living expenses.
5. Is it hard to find student housing in Pisa?
Affordable housing is competitive. Apply early through DSU or private agencies.
6. What is student life like in Pisa?
Laid-back and social. Expect café culture, riverside hangouts, local concerts, and Erasmus parties.
7. Can I work while studying in Pisa?
EU students, yes, easily. Non-EU students can work part-time with a permit.
8. How do I apply for a study visa?
Non-EU students must apply via their local Italian embassy. Process takes 6–8 weeks.
9. Do students get travel discounts?
Yes. Buses, museums, events, and intercity trains offer student reductions.
10. What’s the weather like?
Mediterranean climate. Mild winters, hot summers, and year-round sunshine.
