Italy is one of the most exciting countries in Europe for international students who want to study for a master’s degree. The country has many internationally recognized universities and a broad range of graduate programs across many disciplines. In addition, several scholarships are available through national, regional, university, and other funding programs to help students reduce costs.
One significant advantage of studying in Italy is that tuition at public universities is generally moderate compared with many international study destinations. In Italy, fees vary by institution, program, and student status. As a general guideline, public universities charge about €900 to €4,000 per year, while private institutions usually charge about €6,000 to more than €20,000 per year. Fees may be reduced or waived based on family income, ISEE or ISEE Parificato documentation, merit, scholarships, or university-specific rules, so always check the fee page of the university you plan to apply to.
Whether you are looking to study in Italy for the short term or long term, you should research specific programs and understand the application procedure before you apply. Therefore, this article will mainly discuss how to apply for a master’s degree in Italy.
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
International students who wish to study for a master’s degree in Italy generally need a suitable bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification that allows access to second-cycle, Level 7 studies in the country where it was obtained. Some programs also have subject, GPA or CGPA, portfolio, or entrance requirements. For example, Politecnico di Milano, a top university in Italy, checks country-specific minimum CGPA requirements for some applicants rather than applying one universal 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA rule. Each university sets its admission standards, so check with your prospective university to see what they require from students.
In addition to transcripts from previous institutions attended, many universities require applicants to provide proof of language proficiency. The required language depends on the program’s language of instruction: English-taught programs usually require English proficiency, while Italian-taught or mixed-language programs may require Italian as well.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master’s Studies
Suppose you’re thinking about taking a master’s program in Italy. In that case, learning Italian before you go could be helpful, especially for daily life or Italian-taught programs. The official language of Italy is Italian, but Italian is not required for every master’s program. Many programs are offered in English, and Italian-language proof is usually tied to Italian-taught or mixed-language programs.
Apart from Italian, you may need to prove your English proficiency. There is no single national minimum English score for every Italian university; each university and program sets its own rules. Most English-taught programs require students to submit an accepted English language certificate, such as IELTS or TOEFL. For example, the University of Padova requires B2 English for applicable English-taught degree programs; B2 corresponds to IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80.
As you can see, language requirements are important, but they are program-specific. It is possible to study in Italy in English without already speaking Italian, but Italian will be useful for daily life and may be required for programs taught in Italian. Always check the course page and admissions notice before applying.
Master’s Degree Application Process
Applying for a master’s program in Italy is manageable if you start early, and the following steps can help make the process simpler:
Step 1. Research Programs and Find One that You are Interested in
Many types of master’s programs are available, including arts-based, business-oriented, and science-focused degree programs. You can also look at the requirements for each program to see if they align with your interests. The University of Pisa, for instance, lists 17 master’s degree programs and an MBA taught exclusively in English.
Step 2. Apply for the Program Online or Through an Application Form
The second thing you’ll need to do is apply for the program online or through an application form. You can find the relevant forms or application portals on the website of the university you want to attend. For example, the Tor Vergata University of Rome allows EU and non-EU students with international qualifications to submit an online application through its Delphi system, upload documents, and pay any required application fee.
Step 3. Pay the Application Fee (Which Can Be Paid Online)
Once you are ready to submit your application, you may need to pay an application fee. Fees vary between universities and can also vary by application period. For example, Politecnico di Milano lists a €50 early-bird application fee and a €150 standard application fee for 2026/27 Laurea Magistrale applicants. Check your program’s official deadlines and fee rules before submitting.
Step 4. Submit All Materials Required by the Deadline
The materials you need to apply for a master’s program in Italy vary by university and program. Common documents include a valid passport, bachelor’s degree or diploma, transcripts, a language certificate or acceptable proof of language proficiency, and any program-specific materials such as a CV, motivation letter, portfolio, recommendation letter, statement of purpose, or research proposal. Follow the official call for your chosen program, because incomplete applications may not be processed.
International students should also plan for health insurance. Health insurance is required for international students in Italy. EU/EEA students can generally use the European Health Insurance Card, while non-EU/EEA students usually need private insurance or registration with the Italian National Health Service, depending on their circumstances.
To give you an idea of what Italian universities request from master’s degree applicants, check the requirements of the following Italian institutions: Polytechnic University of Milan, University of Pisa, University of Bologna, and University of Padua. As mentioned, the list of admission documents may differ from university to university and from the field of study you are planning to enroll in.
Step 5. If Accepted, Complete the Visa Application Process
If accepted, non-EU citizens who need a visa must usually complete pre-enrollment on Universitaly after admission or evaluation, then apply for the appropriate Italian study visa through the competent Italian Embassy or Consulate. Requirements can include a passport, visa application form, admission or eligibility documentation, pre-enrollment documentation, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, health insurance, and language proficiency. Long-stay D visa processing can take up to 90 days at some consulates, and a visa is not guaranteed until the consulate approves it. After arriving in Italy with a national study visa, students must apply for a residence permit within 8 working days.
Just remember that when you study for a master’s program in Italy, you are not only getting an excellent education but also enjoying one of the most fascinating places in the world. Master’s programs in Italy are an excellent option for anyone who wants to experience life outside their home country while continuing their education.
We hope that you found this article on how to study for a master’s degree in Italy helpful! If you are interested, make sure to also check out the Italy Page and the Available Courses for International Students in Europe!
