Master's in Italy - Cost, Top Degrees and Universities

Why study for a Master’s degree in Italy?

Italy has always been a popular choice for European students wishing to pursue their studies abroad. The country is home to some of the oldest universities in the world and continues to offer opportunities for high-quality studies at a low cost.

A master’s program in Italy can equip you with the skills you need to enhance your employability while giving you the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful countries in southern Europe.

Cost of Master’s Programs in Italy

The cost of a master's in Italy varies between public and private institutions. In public universities, the average annual cost is around €1,600, while in private universities it ranges between €6,000 - €20,000. This range is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study.

Universities in Italy do not offer tuition-free master’s programs, so a scholarship is the only way for international students to study for a master's degree in Italy without paying tuition fees.

Life as an International Student in Italy

Italy is a great place to live. With its rich history, unique architecture, and abundance of tourist attractions, it may be the best country to combine education with entertainment.

Many universities in Italy provide master’s programs in English, despite the language not being widely spoken by Italians, making it an excellent destination for English speakers. The cost of living in the country is relatively low when compared to other European countries, without compromising the quality of life.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in Italy?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in Italy. Some master's programs in Italy are designed to be completed in 1 year, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the individual universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in Italy online?

Many universities in Italy also offer distance-learning programs, either in a part-time or full-time format. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program.

The number of distance-learning postgraduate programs varies depending on the field of study and the institution, but if you want to reduce the cost of your studies or continue working in your home country, it is possible to obtain a master’s degree from a university in Italy through distance learning.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in Italy?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well. For programs taught in Italian, you will need a level B2 certificate of Italian language proficiency.

To study in Italy, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa. Students coming from countries in the EU/EEA do not need a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in Italy?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have a chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in Italy for Master’s degrees

• Architecture
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Data Science
   

Can I stay in Italy after getting my master’s degree?

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and you want to stay in Italy after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for a job-seeker visa to stay in the country and search for employment for up to six months or a work visa, if you’ve already found a job.

However, if you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to stay in Italy after completing your post-graduate studies. As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you have the right to reside and work in Italy without a permit. You can stay in the country for as long as you want, provided that you are looking for work or working.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in Italy?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.