Summary
- Imagine spending weekends in Florence and Venice or enjoying an espresso in a Roman café after class.
- For an Indian student, Italy is a dream destination for higher studies – and with good reason.
- It caters to aspiring students from every field of interest, be it business, engineering or liberal arts.
For an Indian student, Italy is a dream destination for higher studies – and with good reason. Imagine spending weekends in Florence and Venice or enjoying an espresso in a Roman café after class. Italy offers the best of both worlds by combining top-notch education with history, culture, cuisine, and art.
But that’s not all! Italy also makes an excellent case for a strong ROI on your education investment. It is among the top 10 most affordable study destinations with excellent job opportunities. These factors, along with low tuition fees & living costs, make Italy the ultimate academic hub.
Note: Italy may feel like a dream destination—and for many Indian students, it is. But once the excitement settles, you still need to answer two practical questions:
- Which Master’s programs in Italy are truly worth it?
- And how can you afford it without unnecessary financial strain?
This is where GradRight can help you make smarter choices.
Use GradRight’s university search platform to find Italy’s top Master’s programs that don’t just look good on paper—but actually offer strong ROI, high employability, and low tuition and living costs. You’ll get a personalized shortlist based on your goals, background, and budget—so you don’t waste time on mismatched options.
Then, fund your education smartly with GradRight’s loan-search platform. You’ll receive loan offers from 15+ Indian banks and NBFCs, with no paperwork until you’re ready to proceed. Compare interest rates, check for no-collateral options, and get help negotiating terms—all in one place, 100% free.
Why choose Italy for your Master’s degree?
Italy is home to some of the oldest and most distinguished universities in Europe. The country has 40+ universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2024. More than 100,000 foreign students are presently enrolled in Italian universities.
Italian degrees, especially in business, engineering, design, and fashion, are renowned worldwide. They also come with a high employability rate. Graduates usually find employment within a few months, earning between €30,000 and €60,000. This enables them to earn back their education investment within 1–3 years of graduation.
Italy offers internationally recognised degrees in Design, Business, Engineering, and the Arts. Most universities have included English Language programs to cater to a wider international student community.
Studying in Italy is extremely cost-effective. Public universities’ tuition ranges from €900 to €4,000 per year, much less than those in the UK or the USA. Scholarships and grants can reduce the costs further.
Universities like Bologna and Politecnico di Milano offer affordable, globally renowned degrees. Scholarships and post-study employment opportunities are also easily accessible in the country.
Italy ranked 7th in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2023. The country is also set to add around 240,000 new jobs by 2026, creating new opportunities for post-study employment.
Top universities in Italy for Master’s programs
Italy’s academic landscape is as diverse as its geography. It caters to aspiring students from every field of interest, be it business, engineering or liberal arts.
Given below are the top 10 Italian universities that consistently rank among the best for Master’s degrees:
Top 10 Universities in Italy for Master’s Programs (QS World University Rankings 2024)
| Rank in Italy | University | QS Global Ranking 2024 | Popular Fields |
| 1 | Politecnico di Milano | #111 | Engineering, Architecture, Design |
| 2 | University of Bologna | #154 | Law, Humanities, Agriculture, International Relations |
| 3 | Sapienza University of Rome | #132 | Science, Medicine, Humanities |
| 4 | University of Padua | #236 | Physics, Environmental Science, Economics |
| 5 | University of Milan | #285 | Biotechnology, Medicine, Life Sciences |
| 6 | Politecnico di Torino | #241 | Automotive, Mechanical & Civil Engineering |
| 7 | University of Pisa | #382 | Mathematics, Computer Science, History |
| 8 | Bocconi University | #7 Ranked by subject only | Business, Finance, Management |
| 9 | University of Rome Tor Vergata | #393 | Economics, Physics, ICT |
| 10 | University of Trento | #440 | Cognitive Science, Environmental Engineering |
Note: Bocconi University does not feature in the overall QS rankings. However, it is highly regarded for specific subjects, placed within the top 10 for Business and Management.
Top 10 Master’s Programs in Italy for 2025 and Respective Universities:
| Program | University | Highlights |
| MSc in International Management | Bocconi University | Ranked Top 10 globally; 95% placement rate within 3 months |
| MSc in Computer Science and Engineering | Politecnico di Milano | 90% job placement; ties with Google, IBM, Microsoft |
| MBA (Master of Business Administration) | SDA Bocconi School of Management | €60,000+ average salary; top-ranked in Europe |
| MSc in Data Science and AI | Politecnico di Torino | Industry-integrated learning with strong AI/ML curriculum |
| Master’s in Fashion Design | Istituto Marangoni / Domus Academy | Practical training in Milan with the luxury fashion industry |
| MSc in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering | University of Modena and Reggio Emilia | Close partnerships with Ferrari, Maserati, and Ducati |
| MSc in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Sys. | University of Bologna | Focus on green innovation and food security |
| MA in Interior & Product Design | Domus Academy, Milan | Project-based learning, global internship opportunities |
| MA in International Relations & Global Studies | LUISS Guido Carli, Rome | Careers in diplomacy, the EU, the UN, and policy think tanks |
| MSc in Circular Economy & Sustainability | University of Padua | Jobs in ESG, policy, and sustainability consulting |
Many of these universities collaborate with businesses for internships and placement opportunities. They also provide extensive scholarship offerings.
Best Master’s programs in Italy with high ROI
Selecting a program for a Master’s degree involves more than academics. It is also a major financial decision. Every international student prefers an education that pays off.
But what does that mean?
How do you know which degree is going to pay off?
To understand your degree’s worth, consider how it translates to earnings after graduation. No one wants to spend a lot on education only to struggle to recover the cost. Or worse, be stuck with an education loan for the next twenty years, without a sufficient income source.
To calculate the ROI on your Italian degree, here is a simple formula:
ROI (Years) = Total Cost of Education➗Average Annual Salary After Graduation
Where:
- Total Cost of Education = Tuition Fees + Living Expenses (per year × number of years)
- Average Annual Salary After Graduation = Estimated post-study salary. This will vary by field, country, and university.
Based on this formula, we have summarised below some of the best Master’s programs in Italy that give you the highest ROI.
Summary of the Best Courses to Study in Italy With High ROI:
| University & Program | Total Cost (€) | Avg. Salary (€) | ROI Time (Years) | Highlights |
| Bocconi University – MSc in International Management | 52,000 | 50,000 | 1.04 | Top 10 globally, strong corporate connections |
| Politecnico di Milano – MSc in Computer Science & Engineering | 31,800 | 40,000 | 0.79 | 90% employed within 6 months, top tech school |
| Domus Academy – Master’s in Fashion Design | 40,600 | 35,000 | 1.16 | Strong ties with luxury brands, Milan-based |
| University of Bologna – MSc in Economics / Agriculture | 25,600 | 32,500 | 0.79 | Low fees, high employability across the EU |
With low tuition and high employment rates, Italy often allows students to recover costs in under a year.
Affordable and cheapest Master’s programs in Italy
Many Italian public universities provide quality Master’s programs, with very low tuition fees. The cost of living in most student-friendly cities is also reasonable. While Milan and Rome are considered expensive, cities like Bologna, Padua and Pisa are quite affordable.
The Master’s programs listed below have minimal tuition fees in Italy. All these universities are renowned for their world-class education. The programs themselves are in-demand fields that ensure post-study work options.
Top Affordable & Cheapest Master’s Programs in Italy (2025)
| Criteria | University of Bologna | University of Padua | University of Pisa | University of Trento | Ca’ Foscari University of Venice |
| Subject | MSc in Agricultural Sciences | MSc in Environmental Engineering | MSc in Data Science | MSc in Computer Science | MSc in Economics |
| QS Rank 2025 | #154 | #236 | #382 | #440 | #601-610 |
| Tuition Fee (€/year) | €2,800 | €2,500 | €2,400 | €1,000 | €1,800 |
| Living Cost (€/year) | €9,600 | €9,600 | €9,000 | €9,600 | €10,000 |
| Total Cost (2 Years) | €24,800 | €24,200 | €22,800 | €21,200 | €23,600 |
| Avg. Salary (€/year) | €32,000 | €30,000 | €29,000 | €28,000 | €27,000 |
| ROI (Years) | 0.78 | 0.81 | 0.79 | 0.76 | 0.87 |
Admission requirements for a Master’s in Italy
Each Master’s program in Italy will have specific criteria according to the field of study. Having a clear understanding of these requirements will help you avoid any last-minute surprises. Be prepared with all the relevant documents and information before you start applying.\
International applicants need to fulfil the following criteria to apply for a Master’s degree in Italy:
- Bachelor’s degree (3–4 years) with 60–70% aggregate marks
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Academic transcripts and resume
- Proof of English (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+)
- Letters of Recommendation
Additional Criteria:
- Type D Visa application
- Proof of funds (~€6,100/year)
- Health insurance (~€120/year)
- B2 level Italian for Italian-taught courses
Some institutions may also add entrance examinations or interviews to their selection process. For a September intake, application deadlines are anywhere between February and July.
Scholarships and financial aid for Master’s students
Italian universities provide generous support for international students with scholarships, grants and aid. Most aid, scholarships and funds are granted based on academic achievement and financial need.
Here are some popular scholarships available to international students in Italy:
- Italian Government Scholarship – €9,000/year for non-EU students
- DSU Regional Scholarships – Offered by the University of Florence, Pisa, Siena
- Politecnico di Milano – Merit-based up to €10,000/year
- Bocconi University – Full tuition waivers for top candidates
- Erasmus Mundus, Inlaks, Tata Trusts – External opportunities
Popular Master’s courses in Italy for 2025
Master’s programs in Italy have evolved to incorporate global trends and industry demands. In 2025, Sustainability, AI, and Food Sciences are emerging fields that are gaining popularity. Traditional fields like Business and Design continue to dominate the Italian Master’s program.
Some popular and trending educational programs include:
Business Administration and other in-demand fields
Business Administration has traditionally been in demand in Italy’s job market. Fields such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are boosting hiring trends across the country.
These fields are excellent for students seeking lucrative positions in fast-moving industries. These programs provide valuable skills with rewarding career opportunities.
Some of Italy’s major programs for Master’s degrees with high salaries are:
| University | Program | QS Ranking (2025) | Estimated Tuition Fees | Average Graduate Salary |
| SDA Bocconi School of Management | MBA | #7 in Italy,
#7 Globally in Business & Management |
€79,000 | €129,000/year |
| Politecnico di Milano (MIP) | International MBA | #3 in Italy, #59 Globally in Business & Management | €38,000 | €69,990/year |
| LUISS Business School | MBA | #2 in Italy, #46 Globally in Business & Management | €35,000 | €60,000–€80,000/year |
| University of Bologna | MSc in Business Management | #4 in Italy, #154 Globally in Business & Management | €1,530/year | €50,000–€60,000/year |
| Sapienza University of Rome | MSc in Artificial Intelligence | #2 in Italy, #132 Globally in Computer Science | €2,924/year | €45,000–€60,000/year |
| University of Pisa | MSc in Data Science and Business Informatics | #6 in Italy, #382 Globally | €2,400/year | €45,000–€55,000/year |
Tips for applying to Master’s programs in Italy
Applying for a Master’s program in Italy is fairly straightforward. The process can be streamlined by tracking application deadlines, document requirements, and visa requirements.
These practical tips will help you navigate the process, increase your chances for admission, and secure a scholarship.
- Research: Use university websites and the Universitaly platform
- Documents: SOP, LORs, IELTS/TOEFL, resume
- Deadlines: Apply early (Jan–Feb) for scholarship consideration
- Scholarships: Apply for DSU, university-specific, and govt. grants
- Credential Evaluation: Required for some via CIMEA or Uni-Italia
- Student Groups: Join Indian student forums for peer advice
- Visa Prep: Gather documents for a Type D visa, financial proof, and insurance
FAQs:
1. What are the best Master’s programs in Italy for international students?
Business programs, engineering, data science, fashion and design are the best programs to study in Italy. The best schools to study these are Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano and Domus Academy.
2. How much does it cost to pursue a Master’s degree in Italy?
Tuition fee ranges between €900 and €4000 a year. The cost of living varies with cities, usually €700 to €1500 a month.
3. Which universities offer affordable Master’s programs in Italy?
Public universities like the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, and the University of Pisa have low tuition. They also offer scholarships.
4. What are the admission requirements for a Master’s degree in Italy?
You need a bachelor’s degree, proof of English proficiency, academic transcripts and SOPs. Some universities may require tests or interviews.
5. Are there scholarships available for Master’s students in Italy?
Yes. There are many types of financial aid extended to international students. These include Italian Government scholarships, regional grants, and university merit-based awards. External scholarships like Erasmus Mundus are also available.
