Italian universities include some of the world’s oldest institutions and a growing number of English-taught graduate programs. For international students interested in data science, Italy offers master’s-level programs that combine statistics, computer science, machine learning, data management, data visualization, and domain-specific applications in areas such as business, economics, health, and social sciences.
International students in Italy can also experience a vibrant cultural environment and a wide range of university services, from language support to career and internship opportunities, depending on the institution.
This article provides a list of selected universities in Italy that offer master’s-level programs related to Data Science for international students.
Top Schools Offering Data Science Master’s Programs in Italy
1. Bocconi University
Founded in 1902, Bocconi University is a reputable private Italian institution in Milan. The university is known for its focus on economics, management, finance, law, political science, data, and computer science, and it maintains a strong international orientation.
The Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics at Bocconi University is a two-year, English-taught program worth 120 CFU. It gives students an in-depth understanding of data-driven decision-making and its application in modern organizations. The program covers topics such as computer science, statistics, machine learning, business analytics, natural language processing, optimization, algorithms, and social network analysis. Students choose between two tracks: Data Science and Business Analytics.
2. University of Bologna
Established in 1088, the University of Bologna is widely recognized as the oldest university in the Western world. It offers a broad range of study programs and emphasizes research, innovation, and internationalization. The university attracts many international students and provides academic and student-life services that support an inclusive learning environment.
Through Bologna Business School and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the University of Bologna offers the Professional Master in Data Science and Business Analytics. This is a 12-month, full-time, on-campus program taught entirely in English and worth 60 CFU/ECTS. The program includes 400 hours of lectures, about 600 hours of independent study, and a 500-hour internship. Students study areas such as big data, business intelligence, data warehouses, statistics, data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and text mining and natural language processing.
3. University of Trento
The University of Trento was established in 1962 and is a well-regarded Italian institution known for research, international collaboration, and interdisciplinary teaching. Students can choose from a wide range of study areas, and the university places a strong emphasis on collaboration across disciplines.
For aspiring data science professionals, the University of Trento offers a two-year, English-taught Master’s Degree in Data Science worth 120 credits. The program covers computer science, mathematics, statistics, and domain-specific areas such as social and political sciences, industrial engineering, psychology and cognitive science, business, and economics. It helps students develop theoretical, methodological, and practical skills for analyzing complex data and applying data science in multidisciplinary settings. Lessons take place in person.
4. Sapienza University of Rome
Founded in 1303, the Sapienza University of Rome is the oldest university in Rome and one of the largest universities in Europe. It offers a comprehensive range of programs across fields such as science, social sciences, humanities, engineering, and information technology. Nobel Prize winners and internationally renowned scientists have taught and studied at the university, and its central location in Rome gives international students access to a rich cultural and academic environment.
Sapienza’s Master’s Degree in Data Science is a two-year, English-taught program delivered in person. The curriculum includes courses such as fundamentals of data science, statistical learning, algorithmic methods of data mining, optimization methods, cloud computing, data management, statistical machine learning, natural language processing and text mining, advanced machine learning, big data computing, and data privacy and security.
5. University of Milan
Founded in 1924, the University of Milan, also known as La Statale, is a major public research university and one of the largest universities in Europe. It is known for its broad academic offerings, research activity, and location in one of Italy’s main economic and cultural centers.
The University of Milan’s former Data Science for Economics program has been renamed Data Science for Economics and Health. This two-year, English-taught master’s program in Milan is worth 120 ECTS and focuses on data science applications in economics and health. Students study areas such as coding for data science and data management, data-driven economic analysis, machine learning and statistical learning, statistical theory and mathematics, data governance, privacy, data protection, natural language processing, network science, reinforcement learning, scientific data visualization, and health-related data science topics. The program also allows students to choose paths such as Data Science, Economic Data Analysis, and Health.
FAQS About Studying Master’s in Data Science
Do Universities in Italy Offer Master’s in Data Science Taught in English?
Yes, master’s programs related to Data Science are available in English at several universities in Italy. Examples include Bocconi University’s Data Science and Business Analytics program, Sapienza University of Rome’s Data Science program, the University of Trento’s Data Science program, and the University of Milan’s Data Science for Economics and Health program. The University of Bologna also offers an English-taught Professional Master in Data Science and Business Analytics through Bologna Business School. These programs allow students to study in Italy while pursuing a graduate education in English.
What is the Annual Salary in Italy for Graduates with a Master’s in Data Science?
The annual salary for graduates with data science skills in Italy depends on the role, location, industry, and level of experience. Recent salary sources vary by methodology, but many common data science roles in Italy are listed around €30,000 to €70,000 per year, while senior, specialized, or machine-learning-focused roles may be higher and can approach about €80,000 to €100,000 in some salary surveys.
Popular industries with data science-related positions include healthcare, finance, technology, consulting, manufacturing, public administration, and research. Career opportunities for graduates with a data science master’s degree in Italy include roles such as data scientist, data analyst, business intelligence specialist, machine learning engineer, data engineer, and analytics consultant.
In conclusion, several universities in Italy offer master’s-level Data Science programs for international students. These universities provide a wide range of academic options, long-standing academic traditions, and learning environments that can help students build strong analytical and technical skills. Italy is therefore an appealing choice for international students interested in data science.
We hope this article was helpful. Make sure to also check out our Study in Italy Page for more educational opportunities and sample some of the currently Available Courses in Europe to explore your study options.
