Masters In Italy

Fulfill Your Academic Dreams: Pursue Your Masters in Italy!

Italy offers over 500 English-taught Master’s programs, making it one of the top non-English speaking destinations in Europe for international students. Known for its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and rich cultural heritage, Italy provides an excellent environment for those pursuing a Masters in Italy. Whether you are interested in Arts & Design, Engineering, Fashion, Music, or other fields, Italy is an ideal destination for international students pursuing a Master’s degree abroad. Read on to know more about the admission process, eligibility criteria and more.

Highlight Table

Parameters Details
No. of Universities 100+
English-Taught Master’s Programs 500+ programs across various disciplines
Top Universities University of Bologna, Sapienza University, Politecnico di Milano
Tuition Fees (Public Universities) €1,000 – €4,000 per year
Tuition Fees (Private Universities) €5,000 – €20,000 per year
Popular Fields of Study Engineering, Business, Fashion, Architecture, Design, Sciences
Scholarships Available DSU regional grants, MAECI, university-specific scholarships
Cost of Living €700 – €1,200/month (depending on city)
Post-Study Work Visa 12-month stay-back option (can be extended if employment is secured)
Intakes September (main) & February (limited programs)
Work While Studying Up to 20 hours/week for international students

Why Study Master’s in Italy?

Italy has become a sought-after destination for postgraduate studies. Whether you’re drawn to its top-ranking universities or the promise of global career opportunities, pursuing a master’s in Italy blends quality education with rich cultural exposure. Here’re the reasons people pursue master’s in Italy:

  1. Globally Ranked Universities:  Italy offers the best-quality education at globally ranked universities like Politecnico di Milano and University of Bologna.
  2. 500+ English-taught master’s programs: Whether it is arts, engineering, fashion, design, music and more, Italy offers 500+ english-taught master’s programs across various disciplines.
  3. Affordable tuition fees: Italy is known for its affordable tuition fees, with several public universities for masters offering tuition fees as low as €1,000/year.
  4. Generous scholarships: Further, to lower down the overall cost of studying in Italy, international students can apply to several scholarships, such as DSU, MAECI, etc.
  5. 1-year stay back visa: Once the master’s is complete the students can stay back for up to 1 year to explore job opportunities, giving students a chance to make a career in the country.
  6. Opportunity to work part-time: Students can work for up to 20 hours/week while studying. This gives them a glimpse of the culture, and also helps them sustain daily life expenses.

Scope of Masters in Italy for Indian Students

A Master’s degree from Italy opens doors to global career opportunities, thanks to its internationally recognized programs, growing industry-academia collaborations, and post-study work options. 

  1. Internationally Recognized Degrees: Italian universities are part of the Bologna Process, which ensures your qualification is valid across Europe and many parts of the world. 
  2. Post-Study Work Visa (12 Months): After completing your master’s degree, you get to apply for a stay-back visa of up to 12 months to find employment or start a business, making Italy an excellent destination for students looking to settle or gain work experience in Europe.
  3. Job Opportunities in Growing Sectors: Italy is a huge industrial hub, and universities collaborate with companies in engineering, fashion, design, tourism, business, and healthcare to offer internships, apprenticeships, and placement support.
  4. Internships and Industry Projects: Many master’s programs include mandatory or optional internships, research projects, or collaborations with industry partners. This hands-on exposure makes students more competitive in the job market.
  5. Pathway to PhD or Research: A master’s degree from an Italian university can pave the way for a PhD or advanced research opportunities in Italy or other EU countries.
  6. European Career Access: Compared to other European countries, Italy offers high-quality education at lower tuition costs, making it a cost-effective way to access the wider European job market.

Top Masters Courses in Italy?

Students who seek higher education in Italy can choose from a wide range of specializations. Some of the popular MS courses in Italy, include:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Product Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Computer Science
  • Interior Design
  • Product Management & UX Design
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Game Design
  • Fashion Designing 
  • Graphic Design

Still confused about which master’s course suits you best? Connect with our experts and get personalized guidance today!

Best Universities in Italy for Masters

With several institutions featured in the QS World University Rankings, Italian universities combine academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and strong global recognition. Some of the top universities in Italy for Masters are:

UniversityQS Ranking
Politecnico di Milano111
University of Sapienza132
Università di Bologna133
University of Padua236
Politecnico di Torino241
University of Milan281
University of Naples – Federico II347
University of Turin371

Admission Requirements to Study Master’s in Italy:

Fortunately, the requirements to pursue a master’s degree in Italy are quite straightforward. Here’s what you typically need:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree: To apply for a master’s program in Italy, you must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. You’ll also need to submit academic transcripts from all prior institutions.
  2. GMAT or GRE Scores: If you’re aiming for a master’s in business, finance, or management, many universities will require you to submit GMAT or GRE scores as part of the admission process. However, this is program-specific and not mandatory across all disciplines.
  3. Language Proficiency: For English-taught master’s programs in Italy, most universities require an IELTS score of at least 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL scores.

Documents Checklist

  • A CV or resume
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Proof of work experience (for professional programs)
  • A portfolio (for art, design, architecture-related courses)
  • Entrance exams or interviews, depending on the institution and course

     

Confused about admission requirements for study in Italy? Let YES Italy make it simple for you with end-to-end guidance and support.

Cost of Studying & Living in Italy:

Italy offers affordable education and a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries. Whether you choose to study in Rome, Milan, Florence, or Bologna, here is the list of expected expenses for an international student. 

Expense CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost
Tuition Fees (Public Univ.)€500 – €4,000
Tuition Fees (Private Univ.)€6,000 – €20,000
Accommodation€300 – €700
Food & Groceries€150 – €300
Transportation€25 – €45 (public transport pass)
Utilities & Internet€100 – €150
Health Insurance€120 – €150 (annually)
Personal/Leisure Expenses€100 – €250

Scholarships for MS in Italy for International Students

Students planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Italy can apply for various scholarships in Italy to ease their financial burden. Some notable options include:

Scholarship Type

Details

Hani Zeini ScholarshipUp to Rs 82,460 to each selected student
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial ScholarshipUp to Rs 8,55,000
Golden Key Graduate Scholar AwardUp to Rs 2,13,732
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate  Studies AbroadRS 8,00,000

How to Apply for a Master Degree at an Italian University?

If you’re planning to pursue your master’s in Italy, these are the steps that you can follow for the correct application process to ensure a smooth admission journey.

  1. Choose Your Program and University: Research Italian universities and shortlist programs that align with your academic background and career goals. Use platforms like Universitaly or the university’s official website for detailed course info.
  2. Check Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the entry criteria such as:
    1. A recognized Bachelor’s degree
    2. English or Italian language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or CILS/CELI for Italian)
    3. GMAT/GRE scores (if applicable for business or tech programs)
  3. Prepare Required Documents: Most universities will ask for:
    1. Academic transcripts
    2. CV/Resume
    3. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
    4. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
    5. Language proficiency test scores
    6. Portfolio (for design, fashion, or architecture programs)
  4. Apply Online Through University Portal or Universitaly: Some universities accept direct applications, while others may require you to apply via www.universitaly.it.
  5. Pay the Application Fee: Fees may range from €30–€50, depending on the university and program.
  6. Receive the Admission Letter: If selected, you’ll get a Letter of Acceptance or Conditional Offer, needed for your visa application.
  7. Apply for a Student Visa: Submit your admission letter, financial proof, and ID documents to the nearest Italian embassy or consulate to apply for your study visa for Italy.

Ready to start your Master’s journey in Italy? Let YES Italy Study Visa consultants guide you step by step—from choosing the right course to visa application. Book your free counseling today!

Job opportunities in Italy for Indian students?

Italy offers a thriving job market for international postgraduates, especially in fields like business, engineering, design, fashion, IT, and life sciences. With a master’s degree from an Italian university, you can access job roles in both local companies and multinational organizations operating across Europe.

Popular SectorsAverage Salary
Engineering & Technology€32,000 – €45,000
Business & Management€30,000 – €50,000
Information Technology & Data Science€35,000 – €60,000
Fashion & Design€28,000 – €45,000
Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals€30,000 – €50,000
Architecture & Urban Planning€28,000 – €42,000

Work Permit After MS in Italy?

Graduating with a Master’s degree in Italy not only opens academic doors but also professional ones. After completing your MS, you can apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione — a Temporary Residence Permit for Job Search.

  • Validity: 6 to 12 months
  • Purpose: To look for employment or start a business in Italy
  • Requirement: Proof of completion of the MS program, financial means, health insurance, and accommodation

Let's Take A Look At The Academic Cycle: Intakes & Deadlines.

Apart from the masters in Italy requirements, it is crucial to be familiar with the academic cycle including the intakes and deadlines. Clarity across such aspects will help students decide more concretely about their career prospects. Masters in Italy for Indian Students are based on the following intakes and deadlines:

September-

  • You may take English proficiency exams from April to June.
  • Next, you may apply for Italian universities from May to June
  • Now, you will receive acceptance letters and interviews from June to July
  • If you need to obtain a student Visa then the Visa application process usually starts between July and September.
  • Lastly, students may prepare and move to join the classes for masters in Italy from August to September.
Complete Information about of YES Italy

Answer You Need To Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarify your doubts with common questions asked by our visitors and applicants about enrollment in Italy! Get in touch with us to experience hassle-free guidance and effortless assistance to fulfill your dream of studying at renowned Italian universities.

You must include your undergraduate degree, certificate for English or Italian language proficiency, and letters of recommendation. However, the admission requirements may vary in different Italian universities.

You must include your undergraduate degree, certificate for English or Italian language proficiency, and letters of recommendation. However, the admission requirements may vary in different Italian universities.

Some public universities in Italy offer high-quality education at affordable tuition fees (often between €500–€3,000 per year). Examples include:

  • University of Pisa

  • University of Bologna

  • University of Padua

  • Sapienza University of Rome

  • University of Florence

Read More Blog : Best Cheap Universities in Italy.

Yes, Italy offers many 1-year master’s programs, especially in fields like business, economics, international relations, fashion, and design. These are often known as “Master di I livello” or “Master di II livello” programs, depending on your academic background.

Yes, Some universities allow you to study in Italy without IELTS if your previous education was in English. In such cases, you may need to provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university. However, this depends on the institution, so always check specific requirements.

Several universities, like the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Padua, etc offer master’s programs without mandating IELTS, provided you have proof of English proficiency via MOI or attend an interview. However, always verify language requirements on the official university website or contact the admissions office for clarity.

Getting permanent residency (PR) in Italy after a master’s can be challenging. It requires meeting specific requirements like job offers, financial stability, language proficiency, and residency duration, typically five years or more.

Student Visa