Studying a masters in Italy gives you affordable public tuition, somewhere between 900 and 4,000 euros a year (INR 96,300 to 4.28 lakh), along with over 500 English taught programmes and globally recognised universities like Politecnico di Milano and the University of Bologna. Most masters courses run for two years, and international students can also tap into needs based regional scholarships like Diritto allo Studio Universitario, or DSU, to bring costs down further.
Italy is one of those countries that gives you a lot without asking for a lot in return. A masters in Italy gets you world class education, low tuition, a two year degree, and a life soaked in art, food and history.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about pursuing a masters in Italy, from picking the right university and course to understanding fees, scholarships, visa steps and your job chances after graduation.
Best Universities for Masters in Italy
Italy has dozens of universities worth considering, but a handful stand out for their teaching quality, research and name value. Here is a full look at where students usually apply for a masters in Italy, from public and private universities to the ones best suited for Indian students.
Top Public Universities for Masters in Italy
Public universities in Italy give you strong academics without a heavy price tag. If you want to explore the full list ofbest universities in Italy, Politecnico di Milano leads the pack, especially for engineering, architecture and design, while Sapienza and Bologna hold their own as two of the most respected names in the country.
University Name
QS World Ranking 2027
Politecnico di Milano
=87
Sapienza University of Rome
=111
University of Bologna
=123
University of Padova
204
Politecnico di Torino
=206
University of Milan
=270
University of Pisa
341
University of Rome Tor Vergata
=342
University of Naples Federico II
401
University of Florence
=409
Top Private Universities
Private universities in Italy charge more but often bring smaller class sizes and closer industry ties. A few points worth knowing:
Bocconi University in Milan is the name most students mention first for a masters in Italy in business or finance
It is especially strong for finance, economics and business management
Fees run higher than public universities, often between 15,000 and 30,000 euros a year (INR 16.05 lakh to 32.11 lakh), but the reputation opens doors fast
Smaller batch sizes mean closer access to faculty and recruiters
Private University
Known For
Approximate Annual Fees (EUR / INR)
Bocconi University
Finance, economics, business management
€15,000–€30,000 (INR 16.05L–32.11L)
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Humanities, medicine, business
€4,000–€10,000 (INR 4.28L–10.70L)
Vita-Salute San Raffaele
Medicine, psychology
€4,000–€8,000 (INR 4.28L–8.56L)
Best Universities for Masters in Italy for Indian Students
If you are looking at a masters in Italy for Indian students, the good news is that most top universities are genuinely welcoming toward international applicants.
Politecnico di Milano, Bologna and Sapienza all run dedicated international offices
These offices help with admissions, housing and visa related questions, which matters a lot when you are applying for a masters in Italy for Indian students from thousands of kilometres away
All three offer some of the widest ranges of English-taught master's programmes in Italy
That matters a lot if your Italian is still at zero when you start applying
University Name
Best Suited For
Politecnico di Milano
Engineering, architecture, design
Sapienza University of Rome
Humanities, medicine, social sciences
University of Bologna
Economics, law, research based courses
Bocconi University
Finance, business, management
Popular Masters Courses in Italy
Italy is not just about art and history when it comes to academics. Its universities are strong across a wide spread of subjects, and picking the right course shapes your whole experience.
Masters in Business and Management
Business and management degrees are among the most searched programmes for a masters in Italy. A few things make this field worth considering:
Bocconi University leads the pack, especially for finance and business management
Bocconi's own data shows 94.5 percent of its masters graduates land a job within one year of finishing
Tuition at Bocconi runs around 18,000 euros a year (INR 19.26 lakh), though many public universities offer similar tracks at a fraction of the cost
Plenty of public universities also run respected management, marketing and international business tracks
Courses usually mix classroom learning with live projects tied to real companies
Masters in Engineering and Technology
Engineering is where Italy really shines. This field draws so many international students for a few clear reasons:
Mechanical, civil and electrical engineering programmes are strongest at Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino
Politecnico di Milano reports that 99 percent of its masters graduates are employed within a year of finishing
Both universities are known for well equipped labs and close ties to industry
Strong pick if you want a career backed by hands on, practical training
Architecture Masters in Italy
If design and buildings excite you, an architecture masters in Italy is worth serious thought. This field carries a lot of history and weight in Italy:
Italy basically invented modern architecture as a discipline
Cities like Florence and Milan still shape global design trends today
Politecnico di Milano ranks among the top schools in the world for architecture and design as specific subjects, not just its overall university ranking
A degree from there carries real weight when you apply for jobs later, in Italy or elsewhere
Masters in Data Science and Computer Science
Tech programmes have grown fast in Italy over the last few years. A few points explain why students are drawn to this field:
Politecnico di Milano and the University of Milan run some of the strongest data science and AI courses
Software engineering programmes are increasingly taught fully in English
These fields tend to pay well once you graduate, with strong demand from tech and finance companies in Milan
Good pick if you want a career in a fast growing, high demand sector
Other Popular Masters Programmes
Beyond the courses above, Italy has strong options in a few other fields too. Some worth exploring include:
Fashion design, especially in Milan and Florence, both global fashion capitals
Finance and quantitative finance at business focused schools
International relations, popular among students eyeing policy or diplomatic careers
If your interest sits outside this list, chances are there is still a good Italian university teaching it.
English-Taught Masters in Italy
Not knowing Italian should not stop you from applying. Italy now runs hundreds of programmes fully in English, built specifically for international students.
Popular English-Taught Courses
English taught masters in Italy cover almost every major field today. Here is a quick look at what's commonly available in English.
Field
Popular English-Taught Programmes
Business and management
International management, marketing, finance
Engineering
Mechanical, electrical, data engineering
Design
Architecture, product design, fashion
Technology
Data science, AI, computer science
Social sciences
International relations, economics
English Language Requirements
Most universities ask for an IELTS or TOEFL score, though the exact number depends on how competitive the programme is. The table below breaks this down by university tier. If you are exploring options with more flexible language requirements, check our guide on how tostudy without IELTS.
University Tier
IELTS Score
TOEFL iBT Score
Top universities
6.5 to 7.0
90 to 100
Mid tier universities
6.0 to 6.5
80 to 90
Affordable universities
Around 6.0
70 to 80
Eligibility for Masters in Italy
Before you start shortlisting universities, it helps to know where you stand. Requirements shift a bit depending on the university tier, but the broad pattern stays the same.
Academic Requirements
Your bachelor's degree score plays a big role in where you can realistically apply. The table below shows the general pattern followed by most Italian universities.
University Tier
Minimum Academic Score
Top universities
60 to 70 percent or equivalent
Mid tier universities
55 to 65 percent, with relevant background preferred
Affordable universities
50 to 55 percent, strengthened by experience or projects
English Language Requirements
Language requirements follow a similar tier based pattern as academic scores. Here is how it breaks down:
Mid tier universities: IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80 to 90
Affordable universities: IELTS around 6.0, TOEFL iBT 70 to 80
Work Experience and Other Course-Specific Requirements
Some programmes ask for more than just grades and language scores. A few things to keep in mind before you apply:
Design and architecture programmes almost always ask for a portfolio alongside your academic transcripts
Business and finance programmes at top schools may also want a GMAT or GRE score
Many affordable universities skip standardised tests entirely
These universities instead focus on your academic record and statement of purpose
Cost of Studying Masters in Italy
Every student wants to know the real numbers before they commit to anything. So let's break down exactly what a masters in Italy costs, from tuition to daily expenses.
Tuition Fees at Public Universities
Public university tuition for a masters in Italy usually falls between 900 and 4,000 euros a year. This often gets adjusted based on your family income through a system called ISEE, so two students at the same university could end up paying very different fees, which is worth knowing early if you are budgeting as a masters in Italy for Indian students.
Course Category
Approximate Annual Tuition (EUR / INR)
STEM programmes
€900–€4,000 (INR 96,300–4.28L)
Business and management
€2,000–€20,000 (INR 2.14L–21.40L)
Design and architecture
€2,000–€15,000 (INR 2.14L–16.05L)
Arts and humanities
€900–€3,000 (INR 96,300–3.21L)
Tuition Fees at Private Universities
Private universities skip the income based fee system altogether and charge a fixed rate for everyone.
Fees usually range from 6,000 to 20,000 euros a year (INR 6.42 lakh to 21.40 lakh)
Top tier private business schools can go even higher, touching 30,000 euros (INR 32.11 lakh) for select specialised programmes
Bocconi, for example, charges around 18,000 euros a year (INR 19.26 lakh) for its masters programmes
Other Study-Related Expenses
Tuition is not the only cost that hits your wallet during your masters. A few more things worth budgeting for:
Health insurance, which is compulsory for your visa
Study material, including books and software for design or engineering courses
Application fees, usually a small amount per university
Travel costs between India and Italy, especially at the start and end of your programme
These add up, but they stay small compared to your tuition and rent. Keep a few hundred extra euros aside each year to stay on the safe side.
Scholarships for Masters in Italy
A good scholarship can knock a serious chunk off your total cost. A few solid routes exist in Italy, and each one covers something slightly different.
Government and University Scholarships
Italy runs both government backed and university specific scholarships, each with its own eligibility and coverage.
Scholarship Name
Who It's For
What It Covers
MAECI (Italian Government)
International students with strong academic records
Monthly stipend, tuition support, health insurance
None of the scholarships above are restricted to any one nationality, so Indian applicants qualify like anyone else
The Invest Your Talent in Italy programme is especially worth checking if you are aiming for engineering, tech, design or economics
This programme also throws in internships and mentoring alongside the financial support, which is a nice bonus for building your resume early
Cost of Living in Italy for Masters Students
Your city choice affects your monthly budget more than almost anything else, especially for a masters in Italy for Indian students working with a fixed budget from home. Most students spend somewhere between 700 and 1,200 euros a month (INR 74,900 to 1.28 lakh) once everything is added up. For a full city by city breakdown, check our detailed guide oncost of living in Italy.
Milan and Pisa sit on the pricier end, while cities like Bari, Catania and Palermo are noticeably kinder to your wallet.
Accommodation, Food and Transportation
Rent usually eats up the biggest chunk of your monthly budget, so it helps to know what you're actually signing up for. Here is a breakdown of your regular monthly expenses once you land in Italy.
Expense
Approximate Monthly Cost (EUR / INR)
Rent (1BHK outside city centre)
€567 (INR 60,669)
Rent (1BHK in city centre)
€727 (INR 77,789)
Food and groceries
€150–€250 (INR 16,050–26,750)
Public transport pass
€39 (INR 4,173)
Utilities and internet
€70–€120 (INR 7,490–12,840)
Leisure and dining out
€100–€200 (INR 10,700–21,400)
Source: numbeo
A few real numbers worth knowing before you land:
A simple meal at a budget restaurant costs around 17.50 euros (INR 1,872)
A cappuccino averages 1.76 euros (INR 188), so your daily coffee habit will not break the bank
Milan and Pisa top the cost of living charts among Italian cities, while Bari, Catania and Palermo sit at the more affordable end
Monthly Student Budget
Most students spend somewhere between 700 and 1,200 euros a month (INR 74,900 to 1.28 lakh) once everything is added up. A few things that shift this number:
Living in a smaller city instead of Milan or Rome brings your monthly spend down noticeably
Sharing an apartment with flatmates cuts your rent significantly compared to living alone
Cooking at home instead of eating out regularly saves a good chunk on food costs
How to Apply for Masters in Italy?
Breaking the process into clear steps makes applying for a masters in Italy far less overwhelming than it looks at first glance.
Shortlist Universities and Courses
Narrowing your list early saves you a lot of confusion down the line. Focus on these factors while shortlisting:
University ranking and reputation in your chosen field
Tuition fees and whether the university offers scholarships
City, since your living costs and job opportunities depend heavily on this
Whether the course is taught in English or Italian
Check Eligibility and Application Deadlines
Every university sets its own deadlines, so check these early rather than assuming they all line up.
Fall intake applications: November to April, this is the wider and more popular intake
Spring intake applications: July to October, available at select universities only
Prepare and Submit Your Documents
Getting your documents ready in advance keeps the whole process smooth. You will typically need:
Portfolio, if you are applying to design or architecture programmes
Receive Your Admission Letter
Decisions usually come within one to three months once your application is reviewed. After you receive your offer, you can move on to arranging your finances and starting your visa process.
Student Visa for Masters in Italy
Almost every masters student in Italy ends up needing a long stay student visa, known as the Type D visa, since most programmes run well past 90 days. If you want the complete step by step breakdown, our guide on theItaly student visa process covers this in more detail.
Documents Required for an Italy Student Visa
Your visa application typically needs these documents ready:
Valid passport and completed visa application form
Language proficiency proof, if your programme requires it
Proof of Funds and Financial Requirements
Showing that you can support yourself financially for the year is one of the most closely checked parts of your visa application.
This amount gets reviewed periodically by Italian authorities and can change from year to year
Always confirm the latest figure through your nearest Italian consulate before you apply, rather than relying on older numbers floating around online
Once you land in Italy, you also need to apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno, or residence permit, within eight days of arrival
Studying and Working in Italy as an International Student
A masters in Italy does not mean you are stuck studying around the clock. There is real room to work and gain experience while you are at it.
Part-Time Work While Studying
Italy gives international students a fair bit of flexibility to earn while they study.
You can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic term
Your total hours cannot cross an annual cap of 1,040 hours
During semester breaks, this stretches up to 40 hours a week
The break period is a good window to save up if you want extra cash for travel or expenses
Internship and Career Opportunities
Many programmes, especially in engineering, business and design, build internships directly into the course.
Internships give you a real taste of the Italian job market before you graduate
They often turn into full job offers once your course ends
Companies get to see your work firsthand, which builds trust faster than a resume alone
Stay Back in Italy After Masters
This is usually one of the biggest questions on a student's mind, and Italy does give you a real path here.
Post-Study Work Options
Once you graduate, Italy lets you stay back and look for work through a dedicatedpost study work visa.
You can apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione, a job seeking permit
This lets you stay back in Italy after masters for up to 12 months
The permit is not renewable, but the moment you land a job, it converts into a proper work permit
This makes the transition from student to employee fairly smooth once you find the right opportunity
Finding a Job After Graduation
Where you study plays a big role in how easily you find work after graduation.
Your chances improve a lot if you studied in a city with strong industry presence, like Milan or Turin
Politecnico di Milano reports that around 99 percent of its masters graduates are employed within a year of finishing
That number says a lot about how well connected these programmes are to the job market
Building local industry contacts during your course, through internships or projects, makes this process even smoother
Can You Work in Other European Countries After a Masters in Italy?
Your Italian residence permit does not automatically open doors across the rest of Europe.
It only allows you to live and work in Italy, not the whole EU
If you want to work in another EU country, you would generally need to go through that country's own immigration process
Treat any move outside Italy as a completely separate step, with its own visa and paperwork
Why Study a Masters in Italy?
Italy pulls in students from all over the world for one simple reason. A masters in Italy gets you strong degrees without draining your savings. Add old universities, modern research labs and cities full of culture, and you get a package that is genuinely hard to beat.
Globally Recognised Universities and Degrees
Italian universities are old, some of them centuries old, but their teaching is anything but outdated. Here is what makes a masters in Italy worth considering from a pure academic standpoint:
Global ranking: Politecnico di Milano now sits at joint 87th in the QS World University Rankings, making it Italy's top ranked university
Strong company: Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Bologna also feature among the top 150 universities in the world
Old but relevant: Bologna holds the title of the world's oldest university, yet its research output still competes with modern institutions
Employer trust: A degree from these schools carries weight with employers across Europe, not just in Italy
Affordable Tuition and Scholarships
Public universities in Italy charge some of the lowest tuition fees anywhere in Europe. Here is why the cost works in your favour:
Public tuition usually stays under 4,000 euros a year (INR 4.28 lakh)
Fees often get adjusted further based on your family income
Scholarships like DSU can cover your tuition, food and even your housing
The sticker shock that hits students applying to US or UK just does not happen with a masters in Italy the same way
Career and International Exposure
Studying a masters in Italy is not just about sitting in a classroom. Here is what you actually gain:
Internships built into most engineering, business and design programmes
Industry linked projects that connect coursework to real companies
A campus full of students from different countries, which builds real world communication skills
Exposure that helps you job hunt confidently, no matter which country you land in
Conclusion
A masters in Italy brings together strong academics, low tuition and a real shot at building a career in Europe. That combination is genuinely hard to find anywhere else at this price point.
Here is a quick way to think about whether it fits you:
If low cost matters most to you, public university tuition between 900 and 4,000 euros a year makes Italy one of the most affordable options in Europe
If you want a strong global brand on your degree, universities like Politecnico di Milano, Bologna and Bocconi carry real weight with employers
If your Italian is zero, English taught masters in Italy across business, engineering, design and data science mean you can still study without the language barrier
If design or buildings are your thing, an architecture masters in Italy gives you access to the country that shaped the discipline itself
If staying back after graduation matters to you, the 12 month job seeking permit gives you real time to find work before deciding your next move
The bigger question is not really whether Italy is worth it. It is figuring out which university, course and city actually fit your goals and your budget.
You start by shortlisting universities and courses that match your budget and career goals. Once that's sorted, check the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents like transcripts, SOP and language scores, then submit your application through the university portal or Universitaly before the deadline.
Is it worth doing masters in Italy?
For most students, yes. You get low tuition, globally ranked universities and a real post study work option, which makes the whole package hard to beat compared to countries with much higher costs.
How much does masters in Italy cost?
Public university tuition usually falls between 900 and 4,000 euros a year, while private universities can charge anywhere from 6,000 to 20,000 euros or more. Add living costs of around 700 to 1,200 euros a month, and you get a fairly complete picture of your budget.
Is it easy to get PR in Italy after masters?
Not immediately. You first get a 12 month job seeking permit after graduation, and once you land a job, that converts into a work permit. Permanent residency comes later, after several years of continuous legal stay.
Is Italy good for MS?
Yes, especially for engineering, architecture and design, where Italian universities rank among the best in the world. Add affordable tuition and English taught programmes, and it becomes a strong pick for a masters degree.
Can I study masters in Italy and work in Denmark?
No, not directly. Your Italian residence permit only allows you to live and work in Italy, so working in Denmark would need a separate visa or work permit through Danish immigration.
Can I study masters without IELTS in Italy?
Some universities accept an MOI, or Medium of Instruction certificate, instead of IELTS for certain English taught programmes. That said, having an IELTS or TOEFL score still makes your application stronger and can help avoid delays during your visa process.
Is my masters degree in mechanical from Italy useful?
Yes, a mechanical engineering degree from a well ranked Italian university like Politecnico di Milano or Politecnico di Torino carries strong industry recognition. These programmes are known for solid lab work and close ties to manufacturing and engineering companies, which helps a lot when you start job hunting.
What is the difference between public and private universities in Italy?
Public universities charge lower, income based tuition and are more budget friendly overall. Private universities cost more but often offer smaller class sizes and closer connections to specific industries like finance or design.
Do I need to know Italian to study masters in Italy?
Not for English taught programmes, since hundreds of courses across business, engineering, design and data science are now taught fully in English. That said, picking up basic Italian still helps a lot with daily life, part time jobs and settling in faster.
How long does a masters degree in Italy take?
Most masters programmes in Italy, known locally as Laurea Magistrale, take two years to complete. This includes coursework, specialisation modules and a final thesis or capstone project in your last semester.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4883 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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