MS in Data Science in Italy (2026): Top Universities, Fees & Eligibility

Italy's public universities let you study an MS in data science at a fraction of the cost of comparable programmes in the US or UK while offering good job outcomes. Here are some key reasons to study an MS in Data Science in Italy.

• Income-based tuition fee: Public universities in Italy calculate your tuition fee using the ISEE system, an income-based assessment, rather than charging every international student the same flat rate. Depending on your family income, you could pay as little as €900 (₹98,000) in tuition per year.
• Growing AI Job Market: Italy is focusing on integrating AI across public administration, enterprise, research, and education with its Italian Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. Public institutions are actively hiring data science graduates, giving you access to opportunities across multiple industries.
• Strong Mathematical Foundation: Italy has a rich history in mathematics, and its universities provide a rigorous foundation in statistics and machine learning. A deep understanding of statistics and mathematics makes it easier for you to adapt to emerging fields such as generative AI, deep learning, and data engineering throughout your career.
• Good employability at the top universities: 99% of Master’s graduates at Politecnico di Milano's are employed within a year of finishing their degree, and 94% are working in a field consistent with their degree.

Here are the top public universities for Master's in Data Science in Italy:

To get into a Master’s in Data Science programme in Italy, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria: 

Eligibility Criteria

• Undergraduate degree: A 3-4 year bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering. 
• Minimum GPA: A GPA of at least 2.7-2.8 out of 4.0 or 60-75% marks.
• Proof of English proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher.

Documents Required 

Here is a list of essential documents required to apply for Master's in Data Science programmes in Italy:

• Academic Transcripts
• English Proficiency Test scores
• SOP
• LOR
• Resume or CV
• Copy of Your Passport

Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for MS in Data Science programmes in Italy.

• Step 1: Submit University Application: Upload your transcripts, CV, and English proficiency scores to your target university's admission portal. 
• Step 2: Complete Universitaly Registration: Once you receive your university admission letter, register on the official Universitaly portal to submit your pre-enrollment application. 
• Step 3: Get Document Legalisation: Obtain a CIMEA certificate or Declaration of Value for your educational documents.
• Step 4: Apply for Student Visa: Submit your approved Universitaly application to the Italian embassy for an Italian student visa.

The total annual cost of studying a Master’s in Data Science in Italy is typically between €10,000 and €15,000 (₹11 lakh-₹16 lakh ). Here is a breakdown of key costs and details.

• Tuition fees: Public universities charge an income-based tuition fee in the range of €900- € 4,000(₹98,000-₹4.3 lakh), while private universities charge an annual tuition fee between €7,400 and €18,000 (₹8 lakh-₹19.6 lakh).
• Cost of Living: Depending on the city you live in, you can budget around €400- €900 (₹43,600-₹98,000) per month for accommodation, food, and transportation.
• Additional expenses: You should budget €1,200-€2,000 (₹1.3 lakh-₹2 lakh ) for application fees, flight tickets, health insurance, books, and other expenses.

To fund your MS in Data Science in Italy, you can apply for regional, national, and university-level scholarships. Here are some scholarships in Italy for international students.

After completing your Master’s in Data Science, you can work with finance, tech, healthcare, and manufacturing companies in Italy and across Europe. Here are some popular career paths and their annual salary.

Source: Payscale (1€= ₹109 )

If you plan to build your career in AI, machine learning, or analytics, prioritise MS in Data Science programmes that offer project-based learning and strong industry partnerships. Hands-on experience through research projects and internships will strengthen your employment chances far more than rankings alone.

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