This guide gives you detailed and up-to-date information on what you need to know about Master’s study in Italy for international students. Going into the article, you will discover the cost of a Master’s study in Italy, how to secure Master’s study scholarships for international students in Italy, entry requirements for Master’s students in Italy, best schools for Master’s study in Italy, cheap Master’s universities in Italy Italian student visa processes, how to do your Master’s study online in Italy and all other questions that you seek.
It’s a complete guide; read through it until the end. Let’s get started!!!
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Introduction
Italy, without question, is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in Europe. The country has become a top tourist destination with its wealth of architecture, history, culture, fashion, and cuisine.
The thriving community, coupled with the diversity above in history, culture, cuisine, and so on, are some factors that attract students to Italy for their studies, whether it’s for a full-time degree or a year abroad.
Unsurprisingly, countless universities and institutions of higher education maintain partnerships and international exchange programs with several universities in Italy. Education in Italy has always been a strong core of the country; Italy is home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna.
Undeniably, Italy has a lot to offer to its prospective students. While it is a great place to study for higher education, it does not imply paying high tuition fees, nor does it come with high living costs.
Master’s study in Italy for international students is an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their education and career. During your degree, you’ll attend historic universities, benefit from cutting-edge modern research, and enjoy exploring one of the most beautiful parts of Europe.
Without further ado, let’s take a quick look at why your Master’s study in Italy.
Read on to discover the Master’s study scholarships for international students in Italy!!!
Why should I do my Master’s Study in Italy?
Doing your Master’s in Italy means studying in one of the world’s most prestigious higher education traditions. Universities in Italy have existed for centuries: the University of Bologna is the oldest in the Western world. So if you’re considering why do your Master’s study in Italy, here are some reasons below;
- Tuition fees in Italy are very affordable. Public universities in Italy take great pride in their efforts to make tuition fees affordable, both for domestic and international students.
- Italy embodies some of the proudest traditions in European higher education and is the driving force behind modern developments in the quality and value of European university degrees.
- As a key member of the European academic community, the Italian university system has excellent links with other institutions across the continent (and beyond) for research opportunities.
- Italy’s gastronomic, cultural, and sartorial center position is no secret, and it’s a great place to expand your horizons as an international student.
- Some schools give home accommodation (room per person). Accommodation costs commonly from 300 euros every month–for examination: renting space will cost 600 euros every month.
- The opportunity to connect for one more year with a visa after graduation. They give this year for the mission for recent work. The assertion set apart with the business provides the open door for a further home in Europe.
So yeah, with these few reasons, I believe you are getting a concept of what it will look like doing your Master’s study in Italy. But before you jump into the application process, have a glimpse of the average cost of a Master’s study in Italy for international and the cost of living.
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What are the Top Italian Universities for Master’s Study in 2023?
There are several kinds of higher education institutions where you can do your Master’s study in Italy. It’s also worth noting that other ‘non-university’ institutions also offer postgraduate study in Italy (for example, design and art schools).
Italy’s status as a major European higher education hub is reflected by its performance in the three main ranking systems, with a clutch of institutions among the top 300 in the world.
Here is a list of the Best Schools for Master’s study in Italy in 2023.
- The University of Bologna
- Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa
- Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
- Sapienza University of Rome
- The University of Padua
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – Milan
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano – Bolzano-Bozen
- Ca’Foscari University – Venice
- Istituto Europeo Di Design (IED) – Milan;
- POLI.design – Milan;
- European School of Economics – Florence.
We base this on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information.
You could check out cheap Master’s universities in Italy if these schools are expensive.
Find out what the cost of a Master’s study in Italy is below!!!
What is the Cost of a Master’s Study in Italy for International Students?
Tuition fees for Master’s study in Italy are majorly established by individual universities and solely depend on your course of study and duration. However, there is a legal minimum fee for enrolment and a maximum level for student contributions to costs and services, which cannot exceed 20% of state funding.
Tuition fees for Master’s study in Italy in Public universities for domestic and EU students average between 0–5,000 EUR/academic year. Some study programs can demand much higher tuition if you’re a non-EU/EEA student.
Private universities in Italy usually charge higher tuition fees than public universities, and most have the same fees for EU and non-EU/EEA students. The average tuition fees in private universities range between 3,000–35,000 EUR/year.
A Master’s study in Italy is more expensive at private universities. You should make a choice based on your finance or enroll in any of the cheap Master’s universities in Italy or, better still, secure Master’s study scholarships for international students in Italy.
Read on to discover the entry requirements for a Master’s study in Italy!!!
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What’s the Cost of Living in Italy for International Students?
Prices vary from city to city or even with regions. International students’ cost of living in Italy depends on lifestyle, location, and extravagant lifestyle.
It’s common for students to rent a room rather than an entire apartment. Student housing in Italy is more expensive in bigger cities and can range from €300-600 a month, depending on the size and location.
If you stay in shared accommodation, it can cover the monthly living expenses of EUR 750 (INR 58,000).
In cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, the living expenses can cost you EUR 1,000–1,500 monthly. Whereas, in other cities of Italy like Turin, Padua, Pisa, or Bologna, an average student spends between 550 Euros to 750 Euros per month.
You should get into a school in a region whose cost of living you can afford or get a job.
Read on to discover how possible it is to work as a student in Italy!!! And cheap Master’s universities in Italy
Cheap Master’s Universities in Italy for International Students
Here is a list of Italian universities with some of the most affordable tuition fees:
- The University of Florence Tuition fees: From €1040
- The University of Siena Tuition fees: From €1800
- The University of Turin Tuition fees: From €2800
- The University of Padua Tuition fees: From €2500
- The Ca’Foscari University of Venice Tuition fees: From €1844.
- Sant Anna School of Advanced Studies Tuition fees: From €3500
- The University of Bologna Tuition fees: From €2000
- The Polytechnic University of Milan Tuition fees: From €3500
- The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano Tuition fees: From €1340
- The University of Trento Tuition fees: From €1000
Consider these cheap Master’s universities; it will help aid the cost of Master’s study in Italy. You can still look out for Master’s study scholarships in Italy.
Check out the entry requirements for Master’s study in Italy!!!
List of Master’s Study Scholarships for International Students in Italy
The government offers most scholarships in Italy or the universities. Examples of scholarships you can apply to:
- Italian government scholarships for international students
- Some Italian universities, such as Politecnico di Milano, the University of Padova, Bocconi University, and Bologna University, offer scholarship programs for international students; these are usually between 5,000 and 12,000 EUR/year. You can find more information on the universities’ official websites.
Securing Master’s study scholarships in Italy is one way to study for free. Secure one now!!!
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Which Master’s Programs are available in Italy?
If you’re wondering what to study in Italy regarding your Master’s, then read this section.
Italy can be easily compared to that annoying colleague from high school who excelled at everything he or she did. Considering how many pioneers Italy has produced, there’s no wonder the list of “most sought-after” fields is so vast and comprehensive. Still, the most popular Master’s study in Italy options are:
- Masters in Economics in Italy
- Masters in Area & Cultural Studies in Italy
- Masters in Architecture in Italy
- Masters in International Relations in Italy
- Masters in Fashion Design in Italy
- Masters in Business Administration in Italy
Note: It’s not that other Master’s study options are not available in Italy, but these are the most popular in Italy.
What are the Entry Requirements for a Master’s Study in Italy?
Before kick-starting your application process for a Master’s Study in Italy, you must prepare these documents. The entry requirements for a Master’s study in Italy are:
- Your ID;
- A passport-type photograph;
- Your academic transcripts;
- Your university application form;
- A detailed study program or course description, which must contain the number of hours of the courses or training activities that you have completed, according to your academic curriculum;
- Your CV;
- A letter of recommendation;
- A letter of motivation;
- Language proficiency certificate (English or Italian);
- Your portfolio, if you’re applying to Architecture, Urban Planning, or Design programs;
- Official SAT or ACT scores.
Know that the entry requirements for Master’s study in Italy differ from University to university. Check the schools’ website for clarity.
How do I get my Italian Student Visa?
If you are from the European Union, you can stay in Italy without restrictions and need a student visa. You will, however, need to hold a valid identity card or passport and register your residency with your local police station or town hall once you have an address in Italy.
If you are from outside the EU, you must apply for a student visa. We can do this at your home country’s Italian embassy or consulate. Considering the time needed to get your visa (a minimum of three months), we advise you to apply as soon as you have received and accepted your offer of admission, which is required for the visa application.
Student visas carry an administrative fee of €50. You will need the following:
- Visa application form
- Recent passport-style photo
- Passport or travel document valid for at least three months after the visa expiry date
- An admission letter from your university in Italy
- Proof of financial support for the duration of your studies amounting to €448.07 per month
- Health insurance certificate
- Proof of your accommodation in Italy
- You must supply proof of this award if you have received a bursary, scholarship, or grant from any organization.
Once in Italy, holders of study visas must register with the local authorities (at a police station or town hall) within eight days of arrival to get a permit to stay for study (permesso di soggiorno). You must submit a complicated application form at your local post office and pay a fee of €30, along with the following:
- A copy of your admission letter
- A copy of your student visa
- Proof of your financial means–there may be a small fee to photocopy and certify this document at the post office.
- An Italian stamp worth €16 (marca da bollo)
- A receipt of payment for the Electronic Permit of Stay, which costs €30.46
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Study In in Italy for International Students
What are the major cities in Italy?
The greatest universities in Italy are usually in the bigger cities. If you’re unsure which are those or searching for details about living costs and geography, you can always check out these cities in Italy, Milan, Rome, Bolzano – Bozen, Bologna, and Florence.
Which language test is needed to study Master’s in Italy?
The language tests accepted by Italian universities for English are PTE Academic, TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, or C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. Once you choose a university, determine which language proficiency test they require and prepare it.
You will need at least 70% (from India) to get into a Master’s program at a top university in Italy. IELTS (6.0 / 6.5) or TOEFL (90 / 95) is mandatory.
GRE and GMAT scores increase chances of admission and scholarships, but they are not mandatory for all Master’s Programs.
What’s the Education System in Italy like?
Italy has around 97 universities, which are divided into several categories:
State universities: These are state-funded public institutions and make up the majority in Italy.
Other publicly funded universities: Funded by Province rather than the State.
Private universities: Non-state funded.
Superior Graduate School (Scuola Superiore Universitaria): These independent institutions offer advanced training and research courses specializing in postgraduate studies.
What’s the Duration of Masters Programs in Italy?
The majority of Masters’s Programs are 2 years in duration. But, few programs can be completed in one year. Those Master’s study programs are called sped-up programs. Online Master’s study programs last less than one year.
Can an international student work in Italy?
Yes, international students can work in Italy. International students can work under certain restrictions within their student visa, depending on their status as EU citizens. Non-EU nationals can typically work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time and no more.
Note: If you wish to get a job, having some Italian language skills may be helpful. If you know the Italian language, getting a part-time job is easy.
The popular part-time jobs for international students are Waiters, Assistants at trade fairs, Call center agents, Jobs in the media sector, Jobs in the IT sector, and University jobs such as library assistants and Tour Guides.
Is university education free in Italy?
Yes, but only for residents. Education of all levels is free for students and children of all nationalities, provided that they are residents of Italy. Unfortunately, international students are not entitled to tuition-free education.
What is the admission fee structure in Italian universities?
Italy’s university fees differ depending on the institution and course. According to government guidelines, average fees are between US$850 and US$1,000 per year, but private universities will be more expensive.
How much bank balance must I show to apply for a stay permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)?
To prove that you have sufficient means of support, show a statement of your current bank account issued by your Bank, giving your details (name, surname, etc.) And the details of the Bank.
If the current account is not in your name but in your parents’ name, for example, the Bank can issue a statement of their account to which your parents attach a declaration stating that you have their consent to use their current account.
The amount you have to consider is €5.061,68 (if only for the applicant alone or with a family member), €10.123,36 (for the applicant and two or three family members), €15.185,04 (for the applicant and four or more family members).
The sum of the income should include any further revenue of any other family member living together with the applicant. The bank statement must be original.
How long can I stay in Italy after my graduation?
Only Ph.D. students and 2° level Master students ( (Laurea Megistrale at least 120 credits and must be at 2° level) may apply for a temporary stay permit (called permesso di attesa occupazione)*, which lasts for 6 to 12 months maximum and allows students to legally live in Italy after their graduation while searching for a job
Conclusion
Considering a Master’s study in Italy for international students is a splendid choice; aside from its history and suitable environment, Italian universities subsidize the cost of a Master’s study in Italy for international students. To aid finances, look out for Master’s study scholarships in Italy and cheap Master’s universities in Italy.
Make sure you Put together the entry requirements for the Master’s study as stated above.
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