Italian universities have become a preferred choice among Indian students who want to pursue their master’s studies abroad. These universities have globally renowned public institutions with low tuition costs, scholarships available, and a growing number of courses offered in English. They also offer better deals when compared with other nations such as the UK, the USA, and Australia.
There are master’s courses in various subjects ranging from engineering and data sciences to fashion, architecture and business management.
- The annual tuition fees for many public universities in Italy start at around €900.
- Students can also benefit from scholarships like DSU and regional grants, which help keep costs low.
- Italy allows students to get into the larger European job market.
- There has been a rise in Indians studying in Italy owing to affordability and flexibility in careers.
It could thus become an economical choice for those students who wish to acquire a European education at an affordable price.
Quick Highlights
Italy presents the combination of affordable education, cultural exposure, and high-ranked universities, thus representing an outstanding European destination for postgraduate studies.
| Feature | Details |
| Average Tuition Fees | €900 – €4,500/year |
| Popular Programs | Engineering, Business, Data Science, Architecture |
| Scholarships | DSU, Lazio Disco, Merit Scholarships |
| Course Duration | 1–2 Years |
| Average Living Cost | €700–€1,200/month |
| Work Rights | 20 Hours/Week |
| Main Intake | September |
| IELTS Requirement | Usually 5.5–6.5 |
Why Study Masters in Italy?
Italy provides Indian students with a combination that not many countries are able to offer; that is, a balance between affordability, quality education, and international exposure.
In comparison to places that are extremely costly and difficult to cope with, Italian public universities maintain a good balance of accessibility.
Major Benefits of Studying in Italy
- Affordable public universities
- Wide range of English-taught master’s programs
- Scholarship opportunities for international students
- Globally recognised degrees
- Better travel and career exposure within Europe
- Rich cultural and student life experience
The other major benefit is that you get the opportunity to have a European experience without paying huge tuition fees.
Best Master’s Programs in Italy for Indian Students
The Italian universities have been favoured for STEM, business, design, and architecture master’s programs. Today, many universities have courses entirely in English.
| Popular Courses in Italy | |
|---|---|
| Program | Popular Among Students Because Of |
| Engineering | Strong technical universities and research exposure |
| Data Science & AI | Growing tech opportunities in Europe |
| Business & Management | International networking and career scope |
| Architecture | Italy’s global reputation in design and architecture |
| Fashion & Luxury Management | Milan’s fashion industry exposure |
| Medicine & Biotechnology | Research-focused universities |
Student Trend: Master’s programs related to engineering and business attract the most Indian students.
Top Universities in Italy for Master’s Programs
There are some renowned universities in Italy that offer quality postgraduate studies and research opportunities.
1. University of Bologna
University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world and is greatly preferred by many students majoring in Economics, Engineering, Political Science, and International Relations.
| Category | Information |
| Average Fees | €1,000–€4,000/year |
| Popular Courses | Engineering, Economics, AI |
| Scholarships | DSU & Merit Scholarships |
2. Politecnico di Milano
The Politecnico di Milano ranks among the best technical universities of Europe and is a dream destination for those interested in Engineering, Architecture, and Design.
Why Students Prefer It
- Excellent global reputation
- Strong placement opportunities
- Industry collaborations
- Location advantage in Milan
| Category | Information |
| Average Fees | €3,500–€4,500/year |
| Best Courses | Mechanical Engineering, Design, AI |
3. Sapienza University of Rome
At Sapienza University, the presence of quality research infrastructure, low tuition fees, and an enriched learning environment makes it very attractive for international students.
| Category | Information |
| Average Fees | €1,000–€3,500/year |
| Popular Courses | Architecture, Physics, Civil Engineering |
4. University of Padua
The University of Padua is particularly renowned for Biotechnology, Psychology and Medicine.
| Category | Information |
| Average Fees | €1,300–€4,000/year |
| Best Programs | Biotechnology, Psychology, Engineering |
Cost of Studying a Master’s in Italy
The main factor that makes studying in Italy cheaper for Indian students is that tuition fees in Italy are much lower than in other countries, such as the UK and the USA.
| Average Expenses for Indian Students | |
|---|---|
| Expense Type | Average Cost |
| Tuition Fees | €900–€4,500/year |
| Accommodation | €300–€700/month |
| Food & Transport | €250–€400/month |
| Health Insurance | €150–€200/year |
Students staying in cities like Turin and Pisa pay lower rents than those staying in cities like Milan and Rome.
Scholarships for Indian Students in Italy
Scholarships have become the deciding factor in making Italy an economic destination for international students. Numerous scholarships are available either on the basis of income, merit or regionality.
| Scholarship | Benefits |
| DSU Scholarship | Tuition waiver + meals + accommodation |
| Lazio Disco Scholarship | Financial aid for students in Rome |
| EDISU Piemonte | Regional student support |
| University Merit Scholarships | Fee reduction and grants |
Important: Certain scholarships available in Italy take care of significant parts of tuition and accommodation costs.
Admission Requirements for Master’s in Italy
There is no standard procedure for admission, but all universities generally require certain academic and language documents.
Common Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- IELTS/TOEFL scores (if required)
- Updated CV/Resume
- Passport copy
Additionally, some universities may conduct interviews and ask for portfolios from candidates undertaking design/architecture programs.
IELTS Requirements for Italy
Several Italian universities insist on proving your English proficiency when undertaking master’s degree courses in English language programs.
| Exam | Common Score Requirement |
| IELTS | 6.0+ |
| TOEFL | University-specific |
While some universities may consider MOI certificates in lieu of IELTS scores, this varies from institution to institution.
Student Visa for Italy
Upon acceptance into the course, Indian students will be required to apply for an Italian student visa.
Documents Usually Required
- University admission letter
- Financial proof
- Passport
- Accommodation proof
- Health insurance
- Visa application documents
Visa application process time depends on when it is submitted during the intake period.
Career Opportunities After a Master’s in Italy
Italy provides growing opportunities in:
- Engineering
- Automotive Industry
- Data Science
- Fashion & Luxury Management
- Architecture
- International Business
Another reason that makes Italy a very favourable destination is that degrees from Italian universities are accepted in all parts of Europe.
Why Career Exposure Matters
Places such as Milan, Turin, and Rome offer better chances of networking and internships than small towns.
Conclusion
Italy has become one of the best destinations for Indian students in Europe with affordable and highly recognised master’s degrees. With low tuition fees, scholarships available, world-ranked universities, and growing numbers of English medium courses, there is excellent academic value for your money in 2026.
Depending on your field of study and budget, you can choose Politecnico di Milano for engineering programs, business studies at University of Bologna, and even research-based courses at Sapienza University of Rome.
It is a great place for quality higher education and career prospects for Indian students.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to do a Master’s in Italy for Indian students?
Pursuing a Master’s in Italy is highly affordable for Indian students, with annual tuition fees ranging between €900 and €4,000 (roughly ₹80,000 to ₹3.6 Lakhs) at public universities. Private universities are pricier, typically costing between €6,000 and €20,000 (roughly ₹5.4 Lakhs to ₹18 Lakhs) per year.
2. Can I get a 100% scholarship in Italy?
Yes, Italy offers several fully funded and highly subsidised scholarships for international students. These opportunities covering tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs; are provided by the Italian government, regional authorities, and individual universities.
3. How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Italy?
How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Italy? A minimum CGPA of 2.5 to 3.0 is typically required to qualify for most scholarships in Italy, although specific requirements may vary by scholarship. Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time, provided they are not mutually exclusive.
4. Which university gives a fully funded scholarship in Italy?
Italy offers numerous fully funded scholarships for international students, which often include full tuition waivers, accommodation, and annual stipends up to €11,000. These are primarily funded by the government, regional boards, or through top-tier university merit programs.
5. Which universities in Italy have no application fee?
Many reputable public universities in Italy do not charge an application fee for international students, allowing you to apply for free. While there are no entirely tuition-free public universities, annual tuition is usually income-based (ranging from €500 to €3,000) and can be fully covered by need-based regional scholarships.