A master’s degree, in Italy, is also known as 'Laurea Magistrale', is a 2-year postgraduate program. The programs are well-designed to provide professional skills and prepare for the real-world industry. Italy has improved recently by standing out among the top 200 universities in the world. Some of the popular universities featured by QS are: Politecnico Di Milano (#98), Sapienza University of Rome (#128) and University of Bologna (#138).
The annual tuition fees for a master's in Italy generally lie in the range of EUR 624 - 3,271 (INR 68,361- 3.59 lakhs). Apart from them, students can expect the average monthly cost of living in Italy to be between EUR 1,080-1,650 (INR 1.19 - 1.81 lakhs). To ease the cost, there are many university and government-funded scholarships available for Indian students. Some of them are the MAECI and DSU-regional scholarships, which provide scholarships up to EUR 10,800 (INR 11.86 lakhs).
Explore more: Study in Italy in 2026
- Why Study in Italy?
- Top Master’s Universities in Italy and Rankings 2026
- Master’s in Italy Popular Programs and Fees 2026
- Admission Requirements for Master's in Italy
- Document Requirements for Master’s in Italy
- Cost of Living in Italy 2026
- Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students
- External Scholarship Options for Indian Students
- Visa Application Procedure in Italy
- Work Opportunities for Indian Students
- FAQ’s
Why Study in Italy?
Italy is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe for high-quality education and high-ranking universities. Some of the reasons to study in Italy are the following:
- GPI Score: As per the Global Peace Index 2025, Italy ranks 33rd, which proves it to be a safe country for students.
- Safe cities: Major cities of Italy, like Milan (#44) and Rome (#46), are featured in QS Best Student Cities 2026. These are a few of the student-friendly and major study abroad cities that are rich in culture.
- Globally ranked universities: Many Italian universities, like Politecnico di Milano, the University of Bologna, and the University of Milan, are featured by many ranking bodies like QS and THE.
- European Lifestyle: International students can experience European culture, food and lifestyle.
- Scholarship availability: Most of the Italian universities and the government provide scholarships for students pursuing a master's degree. Some of the popular government-funded scholarships are DSU-Regional and Invest Your Talent in Italy (IYT).
Check out: Top Universities in Italy
Top Master’s Universities in Italy and Rankings 2026
Some of the popular universities in Italy for master’s program are mentioned in the table below.
| University Name | Location | QS World University Rankings 2026 | CD Abroad overall Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politecnico Di Milano | Milan | #98 | #106 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Rome | #128 | #87 |
| University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) | Bolgna | #138 | #97 |
| University of Padova | Padua | #233 | - |
| University of Milan | Milan | #276 | #188 |
| University of Pisa | Pisa | #343 | #241 |
| Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies | Pisa | - | #343 |
Check out: Collegedunia Study Abroad Rankings 2026
Master’s in Italy Popular Programs and Fees 2026
Italy has 90+ universities, including public and private universities. The universities offer 50+ English-taught master’s programs for international students. Some of the popular Programs are mentioned below.
| University Name | Popular programs | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Politecnico Di Milano | Computer Science and Engineering |
EUR 3,726 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | MSc Business Management | EUR 2,924 (INR 3.21 Lakhs) |
| University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) | MSc Automation Engineering | EUR 3,271 (INR 3.59 Lakhs) |
| University of Padova | Aerospace Engineering | EUR 2,739 (INR 3.01 Lakhs) |
| University of Milan | MSc in Data Science and Economics | EUR 624 (INR 68,361 Lakhs) |
| University of Pisa | MSc Cyber Security | EUR 2,400 (INR 2.64 Lakhs) |
| Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies | MSc Economics | EUR 3,250 (INR 3.57 Lakhs) |
Also check out: MBA in Italy 2026
Admission Requirements for Master's in Italy
The admission requirements for a master's program in Italy are mentioned in the table below.
| Requirements | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | A bachelor’s degree of a minimum of 3-4 years GPA: Minimum 2.5 (70% marks) |
| English language proficiency | IELTS: 6.5-7 | TOEFL iBT: 90-95 | TOEIC: 785 |
| Work experience | For MBA programs |
Note: Some universities, like Politecnico di Milano, do not accept 3-year degrees unless they're honours degrees.
An honours degree is a more advanced degree compared to a regular bachelor’s degree.
Check out: Exams to Study in Italy
Document Requirements for Master’s in Italy
Students are advised to arrange all the listed documents before getting admission into a master’s program in Italy.
Document Checklist:
- Academic transcripts: Scanned copies of original degree certificates
- Passport: Student’s valid passport with a min. 3 months validity
- Language proficiency proof: Satisfactory English language scorecard (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Curriculum vitae (CV): An updated CV/resume showcasing your education, experience, and skills.
- GRE results: A satisfactory GRE score is not necessary, but is required to strengthen the application.
- LoR (Letter of Recommendation): A minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from previous employers and professors will strengthen the application.
- SoP (Statement of Purpose): Students must submit a written statement expressing their interest in the course and career goals, and they can also highlight their personal qualities.
Cost of Living in Italy 2026
As per Numbeo, the cost of living in Italy is 288% higher than in India. The average monthly cost lies in the range of EUR 1,080-1,650 (INR ). The table below shows the breakdown of expenses.
| Expense | Cost per month (EUR) | Cost per month (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accomodation | EUR 500-700 | INR 54,920 - 76,888 |
| Food and Groceries | EUR 250-400 | INR 27,460 - 43,936 |
| Utilities | EUR 200-250 | INR 21,968 - 27,460 |
| Transportation | EUR 30-50 | INR 3,295 - 5,492 |
| Personal Expenses | EUR 100-250 | INR 10,984 - 27,460 |
| Total | EUR 1,080-1,650 | INR 1.18 - 1.81 Lakhs |
Currency conversion used: EUR 1 = INR 109.84 as of 16 April 2026.
Scholarships in Italy for Indian Students
Multiple Italian universities have opened scholarships for Indian students in 2026 to make education a little more affordable for students. The table below lists some of them.
| University Name | Scholarship Type | Eligibility | Coverage/award amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politecnico Di Milano | Merit-based International scholarship | Bachelor’s degree with a good academic score (65-75%) | Scholarship up to EUR 10,000 (INR 10.98 Lakhs) |
| University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) | International talents at Unibo | International students with ISEE between 16,000 and 35,000 (INR 17.57 - 38.44 Lakhs)Age: less than 30 years | Full tuition waiver + EUR 6,500 (INR 7.14 Lakhs) per year awarded for 2 years |
| University of Padova | Padua International Excellence Scholarship | Indian students applying for English-taught bachelor's or master’s programs. | Full tuition waiver + stipend up to EUR 8,000 (INR 8.79 Lakhs) per year |
| University of Milan | Excellence scholarship | Indian students enrol in the master’s program by 31st May 2026 (tentative) | Free tuition fee with a scholarship of up to EUR 8,000 (INR 8.79 Lakhs) |
| University of Pisa | Unipi merit scholarship-merit-based | International students admitted to an English-taught master’s program | Scholarship covers: 1st year: EUR 6,500 (INR 7.14 Lakhs) + full tuition waiver2nd year: EUR 8,000 (INR 8.79 Lakhs) + 50% tuition waiver |
To explore more, check out: Scholarships to Study in Italy
External Scholarship Options for Indian Students
Apart from the university scholarships, there are other government-funded scholarships also for international students. A few of them are listed below.
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship type | Provider | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation (MAECI) | Merit-based | Italian Central government | Covers medical insurance + tuition waiver and scholarship up to EUR 10,800 (INR 11.86 Lakhs) paid in 3 instalments |
| Invest your talent in Italy (IYT) | Merit and field-based | Italian Central government | Tuition waiver + internship + scholarship worth EUR 9,000 (INR 9.89 Lakhs) |
| Diritto allo studio universitario (DSU-Regional) | Need-based | Italian Regional government | Full tuition waiver + scholarships up to EUR 6,500-8,000 (INR 7.14 – 8.79 Lakhs) + Free meals and accommodation |
Visa Application Procedure in Italy
To pursue a master's in Italy, students require a Italy student visa (a D visa). Once a student receives the acceptance letter from the university, complete the pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal. This is one of the most important and mandatory steps while applying for a visa. After enrolling, you need to book an appointment with the Italian embassy or its consulate. Indian students are required to book through VFS Global and submit the required documents and biometrics (fingerprints and photo). After completing these steps, pay the visa fee and wait for the decision.
Document required for a visa:
- A valid passport with 3 months validity
- University acceptance letter
- Photographs
- Official transcripts
- Proof of no criminal records
- CV (sometimes required)
- Proof of Funds
- English language proficiency
- Statement of Purpose
Work Opportunities for Indian Students
Students can work part-time while pursuing their master’s in Italy. For that, you need a student resident permit (Permesso di Soggiorno per Studio) to work legally for up to 20 hours per week. After completing a master’s degree, you can apply for a 12-month job-seeking permit (Permesso per Ricerca Lavoro o Imprenditorialità). It allows you to work and have time to start your business without leaving Italy.
As per Numbeo, the average monthly salary in Italy after tax is EUR 1,675 (INR 1.84 Lakhs). A master's degree in Italy provides opportunities to work in various sectors, including engineering, IT, business, aerospace and the automation industry. Some of the popular jobs after completing a master’s degree are:
- Software Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Data analyst
- Business analyst
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Operations head
- Financial consultant
- Ethical hacker
- Automation and control system engineer
Check out: Jobs and salaries in Italy
Italy is one of the top study abroad destinations in Europe; the reasons are high-ranking universities, scholarship options and work opportunities. Overall, Italy stands out as a destination that balance out affordibility, academic excellence and cultural experience.
FAQ’s
Ques. Can international students work in Italy?
Ans. Yes, international students can work part-time for 20 hours per week with a legal student visa or permit.
Ques. Is it easy to get a job after MS in Italy?
Ans. No, it's not easy, but definitely possible. The job prospects highly depend on the field, experience and skills. It is definitely beneficial for students to learn the Italian language.
Ques. How long does an Italian visa take?
Ans. An Italian student visa usually takes 2-6 weeks to process, depending on embassy workload.
Ques. Is a blocked account required for an Italian student visa?
Ans. No, in Italy, you do not need a blocked account. Students are only required to show sufficient proof of funds to stay in Italy.
Found 12 universities
| Ranking | College Info | Top Courses | Fees & Cost of Living | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 #87/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Sapienza University of Rome, San SeveroLazio, Italy65%Acceptance Rate | M.S Data Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS5.5 | Tuition: (€2,924/Yr)₹3.2L/Yr Living: (€6,600/Yr)₹7.21L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#97/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) | .jpeg) University of Bologna, CarpiBasilicata, Italy60%Acceptance Rate | MBA Business Administration and Management Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS5.5 | Tuition: (€1,694/Yr)₹1.85L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#106/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Politecnico Di Milano, MilanApulia, Italy28%Acceptance Rate | M.S Mechanical Engineering Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6 | Tuition: (€35,810/Yr)₹39.13L/Yr Living: (€7,186/Yr)₹7.85L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#188/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Milan, MilanApulia, Italy21%Acceptance Rate | M.B.A Innovation and entrepreneurship Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS5.5PTE59 | Tuition: (€559/Yr)₹61K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#241/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Pisa, PisaTuscany, Italy39%Acceptance Rate | MS Data science and Business Informatics Course duration: 2 years | Tuition: (€2,431/Yr)₹2.66L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#343/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, PisaTuscany, Italy29%Acceptance Rate | M.S Innovation Management Course duration: 2 years | Tuition: (€2,438/Yr)₹2.66L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1546425900.png) #531/2459 US News Ranking 2024(Overall) |  SDA Bocconi School of Management, MilanApulia, Italy38%Acceptance Rate | M.B.A Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: GMAT600TOEFL87 | Tuition: (€40,167/Yr)₹43.89L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Accademia Costume e Moda, RomeLazio, Italy40%Acceptance Rate | Academic Master Fashion Communication and Art Direction Course duration: 1 year | Tuition: (€21,500/Yr)₹23.49L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  IULM University, MilanApulia, Italy61%Acceptance Rate | M.A Hospitality and Tourism Management Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL109 | Tuition: (€9,956/Yr)₹10.88L/Yr Living: (€900/Yr)₹98.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Milano Fashion Institute, MilanApulia, Italy35%Acceptance Rate | Master in Fashion Direction Brand and Business Management Course duration: 1 year | Tuition: (€18,000/Yr)₹19.67L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| -- |  LUISS Business School, RomeLazio, Italy | MBA Course duration: 12 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL100 | Tuition: (€24,000/Yr)₹26.22L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  POLIMI Graduate School of Management, MilanLombardy, Italy | MBA Course duration: 12 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL78PTE59 | Tuition: (€31,600/Yr)₹34.53L/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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