25 Best Universities for MS in Italy for International Students 2026

Italy blends its centuries-old academic legacy with modern research excellence. This makes it a top destination for master’s studies in Europe. 8 Italian universities featured in the QS Top 300 (2025to26). This has made Italy a popular destination for international students pursuing courses in Engineering, Business, Architecture, and Fashion Design.

Most programs are taught in English, and the affordable cost of education combined with good post-study work options makes Italy a strong choice. Students also benefit from rich cultural exposure, scholarship opportunities, and a clear PR pathway after five years.

Italy offers a powerful mix of academic prestige, affordability, and cultural richness. This makes it an ideal destination for master’s aspirants. Here’s why thousands of international students choose Italy every year:

• Globally Ranked Universities: Italy features 8 universities in the QS Top 300 for 2025. These institutions offer internationally accredited degrees with a strong academic legacy.

• Affordable Tuition Fees: Public universities in Italy charge barely EUR 1,000/year (INR 90,000) as tuition fees. Even at the higher end, most programs cost significantly less than those in the UK or the US. Italy is truly one of the most cost-effective study destinations in Europe!

• Industry & Fashion Capital: Italy is home to global brands like Ferrari, Prada, Gucci, and Fiat. This provides excellent exposure to industry and internship opportunities in fashion, design, business, and engineering.

• Flexible Work and Visa Options: International students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. After graduation, Italy offers a 1-year post-study work visa. It comes with an option to be extended while searching for jobs.

• Strong Research & Cultural Legacy: Italy is home to the oldest university in Europe (University of Bologna, est. 1088). It has consistently promoted academic innovation in architecture, art, and engineering. You’ll also gain a global perspective by studying in a country known for its rich history and international collaborations.

Italy’s top universities are globally recognised for their academic heritage and modern research capabilities. 

These institutions offer English-taught programs, industry-integrated learning, and globally respected degrees. This makes them an ideal choice for international students.

Below are the top universities in Italy for master’s studies in 2025-26:

• Politecnico di Milano

• University of Bologna

• Sapienza University of Rome

• University of Padova

• University of Pisa

• University of Siena

• Istituto Marangoni, Milan

• Bocconi University

• Politecnico di Torino

• University of Milan

Let’s explore each of these top universities in Italy for a master's in detail!

1. Politecnico di Milano

Founded in 1863, Politecnico di Milano stands as Italy's oldest and most prestigious technical university. It has been consistently ranked #1 for Engineering and Architecture in the country. With alumni including Nobel laureate Giulio Natta and renowned architect Renzo Piano, this institution boasts cutting-edge research centres with strong ties to industry giants like Ferrari, Pirelli, and Alfa Romeo. The university attracts over 47,000 students annually, with 20% coming from 100+ countries worldwide.

2. University of Bologna

Established in 1088, the University of Bologna holds the extraordinary distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating university. This "mother of universities" has educated groundbreaking figures from Copernicus to Enzo Ferrari. It has maintained its academic excellence through nine centuries of innovation. Today, it leads in Law, Economics, and Medicine while preserving its historic campus alongside state-of-the-art research facilities. The university welcomes 90,000 students from across the globe.

3. Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome was founded in 1303. Ever since, it has grown into Europe's largest university by enrollment. It is also Italy's prime institution for Space Engineering and Classical Studies. The university stands proud among its alumni Nobel Prize winners, European Commission presidents, and NASA scientists. Its stunning main campus is designed by famed architect Marcello Piacentini. It also houses one of the world's most beautiful university libraries. Sapienza maintains strong aerospace research partnerships with ESA and Leonardo.

4. University of Padua

Since 1222, the University of Padua has been breaking new ground in scientific discovery. It awarded the world's first PhD to a woman (Elena Cornaro Piscopia in 1678) and hosted Galileo Galilei as a professor. Today, it ranks among Europe's top research institutions in Physics and Medicine. Its medical school operates one of Italy's most advanced teaching hospitals. The historic university buildings feature anatomical theatres from the Renaissance era still used for special lectures.

5. University of Pisa

Famous for its leaning tower, the University of Pisa (founded in 1343) leans toward excellence in Robotics and Computer Science. Galileo Galilei studied and taught here. This began the university's storied tradition in scientific innovation. Modern achievements include developing the first Italian computer and pioneering work in AI. The university's 50,000 students enjoy a vibrant campus life in one of Italy's most picturesque medieval cities.

6. University of Siena

Established in 1240, the University of Siena combines medieval charm with research in Biotechnology and Finance. It is located between beautiful historic palazzos throughout the UNESCO-listed city centre. The university specialises in medical research and hosts one of Italy's most competitive Economics programs. Its small size (20,000 students) fosters close student-professor relationships rarely found at larger institutions.

7. Istituto Marangoni

Since 1935, Istituto Marangoni has shaped global fashion from its Milan headquarters. Remember design legends like Domenico Dolce and Franco Moschino? Both were trained here! This place is a gateway to Milan Fashion Week and the luxury industry. It has strong and direct recruitment pipelines to brands like Gucci, Versace, and Prada. The institute's intensive programs blend Italian craftsmanship with digital innovation across its global campuses.

8. Bocconi University

Milan's Bocconi University stands as Europe's 7th-ranked business school. It has produced generations of Italy's financial and political leaders. This university is known for its ultra-modern campus in Italy's financial capital. Bocconi University also offers direct access to corporate partners like PwC, McKinsey, and UniCredit. The university's rigorous Economics and Management programs maintain a remarkable 92% graduate employment rate within three months.

9. Politecnico di Torino

Established in 1859, Politecnico di Torino is one of Europe’s leading technical universities, especially known for Engineering, Architecture, and Design. The university maintains strong collaborations with Fiat, Ferrari, and STMicroelectronics, offering students industry-oriented projects and internships. With over 36,000 students, including 15% internationals, it provides a global academic environment.

10. University of Milan (La Statale)

Founded in 1924, the University of Milan is a leading public research university with a strong reputation in Medicine, Life Sciences, and Humanities. It is part of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), a network of Europe’s top research institutions. The university hosts over 60,000 students and is located in the heart of Milan, offering an excellent blend of academic and cultural experiences.

Top universities in Italy maintain clear and competitive admission criteria for international students. Yes, the overall process is more flexible than in some other European countries. Students are expected to meet academic, language, and program-specific requirements. Applications should ideally be prepared 6-8 months in advance of deadlines to ensure completeness and eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria to Study a Master's at Top Universities in Italy

Here are the general eligibility criteria for applying to master’s programs in Italy:

Entrance Exams Required for Master’s in Italian Universities

Although many programs don’t require standardized tests, competitive or STEM/business programs may demand additional entrance scores.

English Proficiency Tests Accepted by Italian Universities

Most master’s programs in Italy are offered in English. You will need to submit one of the following scores:

Documents Required to Apply for a Master's in Italy

Italian universities expect complete documentation to process applications efficiently. Here’s what you’ll need, categorized for clarity:

Italian universities expect complete documentation to process applications efficiently. Here’s what you’ll need, categorized for clarity:

Academic Documents

• Bachelor's degree certificate (notarised and translated if needed)

• Academic transcripts with a grading scale

Test Scores

• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scorecard (if applicable)

• GRE/GMAT score report (for specific programs)

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose (500to800 words)

• 2 Letters of Recommendation (academic/professional)

• Updated CV/Resume (preferably Europass format)

• Valid passport copy (minimum 1 year validity)

Additional Requirements

• Portfolio (mandatory for Design, Architecture, Fine Arts)

• Research proposal (for thesis-based or PhD-track master’s)

Financial Proof (Required for Visa)

• Proof of funds (bank statement showing approx. EUR 8,000to12,000/year)

• Scholarship award letter (if applicable)

Tuition fees at top universities in Italy range from EUR 1,000 to EUR 25,000 (INR 90,000 to INR 22 Lakhs). These are among the lowest in Europe. Private institutions offer specialised programs at higher costs. However, students should budget carefully. Cities like Milan and Rome are more expensive than places like Pisa or Siena.

Proper financial planning can help you manage tuition, living costs, and visa-related expenses without financial stress. Let’s break down the cost:

Tuition Fees for Master's in Italy

Tuition fees in Italy vary based on the type of university (public or private) and your chosen program. Here's a comparative overview:

Living Costs in Italy for International Students

Monthly living expenses in Italy range from EUR 700 to EUR 1,000 (INR 63Kto90K). But, this completely depends on the city and lifestyle. Larger cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence are 20to30% costlier than smaller towns like Padova or Siena.

Health Insurance for Students in Italy

Health insurance is mandatory for international students applying for a long-term (D-type) visa.

The scholarships at top universities for masters in Italy range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 15,000 (INR 1.8L to 13.5L) annually. These scholarships are funded by the top universities for master's in Italy and the Italian government. Most universities automatically consider students for merit-based aid, while others require separate applications. Applying 6to8 months before intake improves your chances of receiving funding.

University-Specific Scholarships for Master's in Italy

Here is a list of university-specific scholarships available for master's programs at top universities in Italy.

Government & External Scholarships for Master's in Italy

Here is a list of government and private scholarships available for pursuing a Master’s at top universities in Italy.

The average placement rate for top master’s universities in Italy is around 90% within 6 months of graduation. Italian degrees are highly recognised by global employers. Career services and strong alumni networks help over 50% of international students secure internships or job offers during their course.

Graduates from Italian universities find excellent career prospects both locally and internationally. Italian graduates have a strong demand in engineering, fashion, and business sectors.

Choosing the right university in Italy for your master’s degree can be confusing. It involves evaluating academic quality, career opportunities, location, and affordability. Italy comes up in the book with a mix of world-ranked public universities and elite private schools. Italy offers diverse options for international students. The “best” university is the one that aligns with your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

1. Rankings & Reputation:

Prioritise universities that rank in the QS/THE top 500, especially in your subject area.

• Politecnico di Milano is world-renowned for engineering and design.

• Bocconi University is among the best in Europe for business and economics.

2. Location Advantage:

Choose your city based on academic focus and cost of living:

• Milan: Best for fashion, design, and business (close to companies like Armani and Unicredit).

• Bologna: Known for arts, humanities, and a vibrant student scene.

• Rome: Ideal for politics, history, and culture.

• Padova/Siena: Quieter, affordable, and research-focused.

3. Alumni Career Outcomes:

Use platforms like LinkedIn to check:

• Where graduates work (e.g., Ferrari, Luxottica, UNESCO)

• Post-graduation employment time

• Mid-career salary trends

4. Industry Linkages & Internships:

Top Italian universities collaborate with global brands. Look for:

• Industry projects during coursework

• Internships with companies like Ferrari, Prada, or Deloitte

• Alumni network ties in your target sector

5. Course Curriculum:

Assess the structure of your program:

• Availability of English-taught courses

• Balance between theory and applied learning

• Research or thesis requirements

6. Cost & Scholarships:

Compare public and private institutions:

• Public universities: ~EUR 1,000to4,000/year

• Private universities (e.g., Bocconi): up to EUR 20,000/year

• Check for merit-based or need-based scholarships for non-EU students

7. International Support Services:

Ensure the university offers:

• English-speaking faculty and administration

• Assistance with visa, housing, and orientation

• Language support for Italian survival skills

8. Lifestyle & Student Life:

Think about your daily life in Italy:

• Quality of housing and affordability

• Student communities, clubs, and networking opportunities

• Access to museums, events, and weekend travel

Master’s in Italy feels like a dream! 

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With Yocket Premium, you also get one-on-one mentorship from alumni of Italian universities. Get clear guidance at every step. Book your free consultation today and start your journey to Italy.