Learning Italian

Thinking about learning Italian and wondering what it will cost? Prices in the UK vary a lot depending on how you learn. Here’s an honest 2026 guide to what you can expect to pay — and how to get the best value for your money.

Private one-to-one tuition

A qualified private Italian tutor in the UK typically charges £25–£45 per hour, depending on their experience and qualifications. Native speakers with formal teaching credentials (QTS, PGCE, CELTA) usually sit at the higher end — but you’re paying for lessons tailored entirely to your goals, which is by far the fastest way to progress.

My own one-to-one lessons are £30 an hour, online or in person, from complete beginner to advanced conversation. Get in touch for a free chat about your level.

Small group classes

Group classes are the most affordable way to learn with a real teacher. Expect around £10–£20 per session, or roughly £120–£200 for a 10-week term. You get less individual attention than 1:1, but the social element keeps many learners motivated. My small online groups (around 4 students) are £15 per 1.5-hour session, with 10-week courses from £150.

Language apps and self-study

Apps like Duolingo or Babbel cost roughly £5–£10 a month and are great for daily vocabulary practice. The catch: they can’t correct your pronunciation, answer your questions, or prepare you for a real conversation. Most serious learners use an app alongside a teacher, not instead of one.

University and adult-education courses

Council adult-learning and university evening courses usually run £150–£350 per term. They’re structured and sociable, but class sizes are larger and the pace is fixed to the group.

What affects the price?

• Teacher qualifications — native speaker + formal teaching training costs more, and is worth it
• Format — 1:1 is dearer per hour than group, but far more efficient
• Exam preparation — IB, GCSE and A-level tutoring is specialist work
• Online vs in person — online is often the same price and saves travel

So what’s the best value?

For most people, the sweet spot is a small group course to build foundations affordably, or one-to-one lessons when you want to progress quickly or prepare for an exam. A good teacher pays for themselves in how much faster you improve — and how much longer you stick with it.

I’m a native Italian teacher from Sicily with over 20 years’ experience, teaching across Bristol and Gloucestershire and online across the UK. Whether you want beginner group classes, private tuition or IB and GCSE exam preparation, get in touch — the first chat is free.