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Masters in Italy 2026:
Universities, Cost,
Scholarships & Visa Guide for
Indian Students
Masters in Italy 2026: Universities, Cost, Scholarships & Visa Guide for Indian Students

Masters in Italy 2026: Universities, Cost, Scholarships & Visa Guide for Indian Students


Italy has rapidly emerged as one of the most strategic study-abroad destinations for Indian students, especially for those seeking high-quality European education at an affordable cost. With government-subsidized tuition, globally ranked universities, and increasing post-study work opportunities, a Master’s in Italy in 2026 is no longer just a budget option—it’s a career accelerator.


This definitive guide covers universities, courses, costs, scholarships, visas, and career prospects, written specifically for Indian students planning MS programs in Italy.


Key Benefits for Indian Students in Italy (2026)


Studying in Italy offers far more than affordability. It provides a long-term European career pathway.


1. Subsidized Public Education


Italian public universities are government-funded. Tuition is calculated using ISEE (family income), allowing many Indian students to pay as low as €900–€3,000 per year, and in some cases near-zero fees.


2. 12-Month Post-Study Stay-Back


After graduation, Indian students can apply for a 12-month “Permesso di Soggiorno per Attesa Occupazione”, allowing them to:


  • Search for jobs

  • Convert to a work permit

  • Start a business in Italy or the EU


3. 700+ English-Taught Master’s Programs


Italy offers 700+ English-taught MS programs in:


  • AI & Data Science

  • Engineering

  • Finance & Management

  • Fashion & Design

  • Life Sciences


4. Full Schengen Mobility


Your Italian student visa allows visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries, enabling internships, conferences, and job networking across Europe.


5. Strong Work Permit Outlook (Decreto Flussi)


Italy has announced nearly 500,000 work permits between 2026–2028, prioritizing non-EU graduates in:


  • IT & AI

  • Engineering

  • Healthcare

  • Manufacturing


Top 10 MS Universities in Italy: 2026 Rankings


University NameQS World Ranking 2026Key StrengthsAnnual Tuition (EUR)Approx. Tuition (INR)
Politecnico di Milano111–123Engineering, Design, AI€3,000–€3,900₹2.7–3.5 L
University of Bologna133–185Data Science, Law€1,500–€3,000₹1.35–2.7 L
Sapienza University of Rome132–203Physics, Humanities€1,000–€2,500₹0.9–2.25 L
University of Padua216–242Psychology, Physics€1,200–€3,000₹1.08–2.7 L
Politecnico di Torino241–334Automotive, ICT€2,800–€3,500₹2.5–3.15 L
University of Milan276–350Life Sciences₹1.08–2.7 L–€3,000₹0.9–2.7 L
University of Pisa349–422Computer Science€1,200–€3,000₹1.08–2.7 L
University of Turin371–510Biotechnology€900–€2,800₹0.81–2.52 L
Bocconi UniversityTop 100 (Business)Finance, MBA€14,000–€18,000₹12.6–16.2 L
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore491–560Management, Social Sci.€10,000–€14,000₹9–12.6 L


Admission & Visa Roadmap for Masters in Italy (2026)


University Admission Requirements


  • Academics: 60–65% minimum (2.5–3.0 GPA)

  • English: IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL 80+

  • MOI Accepted: Many public universities accept Medium of Instruction

  • GRE/GMAT: Only for Finance, MBA, or elite private universities

  • Documents: SOP, CV, 2–3 LORs, transcripts


Mandatory Visa Legalization Process


Indian documents must be legalized in this exact order:


  1. State HRD Attestation

  2. MEA Apostille

  3. Declaration of Value (DOV) – Italian Consulate

  4. Universitaly Pre-Enrolment


Financial Proof (2026)


  • Bank Balance: €6,947 (≈ ₹7.26 Lakhs)

  • Sponsor ITR: Last 3 years

  • Insurance: €30,000 medical coverage

  • Accommodation: First 30 days proof


Top MS Specializations in Italy for Indian Students (2026)


CategoryPopular CoursesLeading UniversitiesCareer Roles
EngineeringMechanical, AutomotivePolitecnico di Milano, TorinoAutomotive Engineer
Tech & DataAI, Data ScienceMilan, Bologna, PisaData Scientist
BusinessMBA, FinanceBocconi, LUISSFinancial Analyst
DesignFashion, UXNABA, IEDProduct Designer
Life SciencesBiotech, BiomedicalMilan, PaduaResearch Scientist


Cost of Masters in Italy (2026)


Institution TypeTuition (EUR)Tuition (INR)Advantage
Public Universities€900–€4,000₹0.9–4.1 LIncome-based fees
Private Universities€6,000–€25,000₹6.2–25 LIndustry networking
MBA/Elite Schools€12,000–€38,000₹12–39 LGlobal placements


Cost of Living for Students in Italy (Monthly)


ExpenseEURINR
Accommodation€300–€700₹31,500–73,850
Food€150–€300₹15,820–31,650
Transport€25–€50₹2,640–5,275
Utilities€50–€150₹5,275–15,825
Total€585–€1,270₹59,600–1.34 L


Scholarships for Masters in Italy (2026)


ScholarshipBenefit
DSU Regional GrantsTuition waiver + €7,200/year
Invest Your Talent (IYT)€900/month + internship
MAECI Scholarships€900/month + full tuition


Post-Study Work Visa & Career Prospects


SectorAvg Salary (EUR)INR
IT & AI€35,000–€60,000₹31–54 L
Engineering€32,000–€45,000₹28–40 L
Finance€30,000–€50,000₹27–45 L
Life Sciences€30,000–€50,000₹27–45 L


Job opportunities in Italy for Indian students?


Italy offers a thriving job market for international postgraduates, especially in fields like business, engineering, design, fashion, IT, and life sciences. With a master’s degree from an Italian university, you can access job roles in both local companies and multinational organizations operating across Europe.


Popular SectorsAverage Salary
Engineering & Technology€32,000 – €45,000
Business & Management€30,000 – €50,000
Information Technology & Data Science€35,000 – €60,000
Fashion & Design€28,000 – €45,000
Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals€30,000 – €50,000
Architecture & Urban Planning€28,000 – €42,000


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Q. Can I study in Italy without IELTS?


Yes. Many public universities accept MOI certificates.


Q. Is Italy cheaper than the UK or Germany?


Yes. Italy offers lower tuition and living costs.


Q. What is Decreto Flussi?


It is Italy’s work-permit quota system, offering 500,000 permits (2026–28).


Q. Is an Italian Master’s degree valid in Germany?


Yes. Italy follows EHEA standards, fully recognized across Europe.


Final Thoughts: Is Italy Worth It for Indian Students?


Absolutely. If you want:

  • Low-cost European education

  • Strong post-study work options

  • Schengen mobility

  • Globally recognized degrees


👉 A Master’s in Italy in 2026 is one of the smartest decisions an Indian student can make.


Need Expert Guidance?


For shortlisting universities, scholarships, DOV processing, visa filing, and post-study planning, always rely on experienced study-abroad professionals.