332 Affordable Master's degrees in Italy
When considering an affordable master's degree, it's essential to look at the tuition fees. In our system, any master’s programme with tuition fees ranging from 0 to 2,500 euros per year is considered affordable. Italy stands out as a prime destination for international students seeking budget-friendly master's programmes. Remarkably, affordable master's degrees in Italy can start from €0, meaning some programmes are entirely tuition-free. This makes Italy an incredibly appealing option for cost-conscious students. With a variety of cheap master's in Italy available, international students can pursue their academic goals without the burden of high tuition fees. Whether you're looking for a cheap master degree in Italy or an affordable master's degree in Italy for international students, the options are plentiful and accessible. To explore more, check out the top universities in Italy offering these affordable programmes.
Information Engineering for Digital Medicine
University of Salerno offers a 2-year Master's degree in Information Engineering for Digital Medicine.
Computer and Systems Engineering
Paying due attention to the sustainability of the planned solutions, in setting up the new departmental organizational model, it was intended to give greater weight to the integration of research with teaching, identifying short, medium and long-term objectives. Learn more with Computer and Systems Engineering from University of L´Aquila.
Engineering Technology for Strategy and Security - Strategos
The Engineering Technology for Strategy and Security - Strategos at University of Genoa prepares young Engineers able to develop Models, Algorithms & Simulators, analyze Big Data, apply AI (Artificial Intelligence), IA (Intelligent Agents) & Machine Learning techniques to support the Strategic Decision Making Process.
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
The aim of the master course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from The University of Milan is to provide knowledge in scientific methodologies for the design, production and characterization of biotechnological drugs.
Environmental Assessment and Management
The Second-cycle degree/Two-year master in Environmental Assessment and Management at University of Bologna aims to train graduates who can work as Environmental Analysts, Environmental Offices, Environmental Assessors and Environmental Researchers.
Digital Transformation Management
Digital transformation is a set of technological, organizational, and managerial changes associated with the adoption of digital technology. We offer a master degree in the Digital Transformation Management at University of Bologna.
Nanobiotechnologies for Pharmaceuticals
The educational goal of the University of Pavia Nanobiotechnologies for Pharmaceuticals master degree is to create highly specialized professionals able to satisfy the needs of research, manufacture and quality control in the area of nanotechnologies applied to industrial pharmaceutical biotechnology that merge into nanomedicine.
Electronic Engineering
The Electronic Engineering program offered at University of Genoa trains professionals to contribute to technological innovation in the many fields of electronics applications. Solid basic skills, versatility and multidisciplinarity are the main components of the training course.
Mechanical Engineering
This Mechanical Engineering MSc programme from Università degli Studi della Tuscia is structured to train professionals who know how to combine the skills of the mechanical engineer in a multidisciplinary applied context, which also covers skills in materials, new production technologies, energy and the environment.
Electric Vehicle Engineering
This Electric Vehicle Engineering degree programme at University of Bologna provides theoretical and practical knowledge, with students able to specialize in their preferred area.
Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
The Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Master degree from The University of Milan, aims at providing students with advanced skills in molecular biotechnology and computational biology and bioinformatics, with a strong focus on the most advanced tools and approaches for the analysis of genomes, proteomes, and metabolomes.
Economics
The Two-Year Master Degree in Economics of the University of Turin is a second-cycle degree legally recognised as a Laurea Magistrale in the class LM-56 Economics within the Italian university system.

Critical Creative Practices
This Critical Creative Practices course from Free University of Bozen-Bolzano fuses art, design and technology to address today's challenges. In this interdisciplinary programme, creativity meets new media and sustainability, empowering students to lead transformative change at the intersection of culture, technology and climate justice.
Philosophical Knowledge
The Philosophical Knowledge program offered by the University School for Advanced Studies Pavia (IUSS) is unique in the panorama of university education in Italy, aiming to reach the highest standards of excellence.
Food and Beverage Innovation and Management
Combining innovation, quality and sustainability in Italian and Mediterranean food tradition, the Marche Polytechnic University contributes to identify the curriculum as unique at the national and European level with this Food and Beverage Innovation and Management programme.
Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge
The international degree programme in Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge (DHDK) at University of Bologna offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum designed to foster close connections between humanities and the sciences of representation and processing of information and knowledge.
Tourism Systems and Hospitality Management
The Tourism Systems and Hospitality Management course at University of Palermo aims at educating professionals possessing advanced and specific skills to design and implement, in an integrated framework of collaborations with other specialists, models for the development of local tourist systems.
Cosmetic Industrial Science
The Master's degree programme in Cosmetic Industrial Science at The University of Milan aims to train a graduate with advanced skills in the research, development, industrial production, quality control and marketing of cosmetic products.
Economic and Financial Sciences - Economic and Financial Analysis
The Economic and Financial Sciences - Economic and Financial Analysis programme at the University of Palermo is a double degree program with the Universities of Dubrovnik (Croatia) and of Tunis El Manar (Tunisia) and the possibility of spending periods of study abroad within international projects constitute further opportunities for the MA’s students.
Medical Physics
The joint Medical Physics programme of the University of Trieste has the following structure: a first year at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), including appropriate academic courses in Medical Physics and a second year of clinical training (residency).
Frequently Asked Questions
To qualify for a Masters in Italy, you must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification recognised in Italy. The application process typically involves submitting your academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Some programmes may require a specific grade point average or relevant work experience. Additionally, international students should be aware of the application deadlines, which usually fall between January and April for the following academic year. For more detailed information on the application process, visit the official websites of Italian universities.
Italy is home to several prestigious universities that offer high-quality affordable masters degrees. The top universities in Italy include Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, and Politecnico di Milano. These institutions are renowned for their academic excellence and research contributions. To explore more about these universities and their rankings, you can visit the Mastersportal university rankings. These universities offer a variety of programmes across different fields, ensuring that students can find a budget-friendly option that suits their interests and career goals.
Master's degrees in Italy are notably affordable due to significant government funding and subsidies aimed at making higher education accessible to all. The Italian government provides substantial financial support to public universities, which helps keep tuition fees low. Additionally, the cost of living in Italy is relatively moderate compared to other European countries, further enhancing the affordability of pursuing a master's degree. This combination of government funding and economic factors makes Italy an attractive destination for international students seeking cheap masters in Italy without compromising on quality.
While many master's programmes in Italy are offered in English, especially those designed for international students, some programmes may require proficiency in Italian. For English-taught programmes, universities typically require proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores. If the programme is in Italian, you may need to provide evidence of your Italian language skills, such as the CELI or PLIDA certification. It's important to check the specific language requirements of the programme you are interested in to ensure you meet the criteria for admission.
Yes, international students in Italy are allowed to work part-time while pursuing their studies. The Italian government permits students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during university holidays. This flexibility allows students to gain work experience and offset some of their living expenses. However, it's important to obtain the necessary work permit and adhere to the regulations set by your university and the Italian authorities. Balancing part-time work with your studies can be challenging, but it can also provide valuable insights and practical skills that complement your academic programme.
While tuition fees for affordable masters degrees in Italy are low, there are other costs to consider. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, can vary depending on the city you choose to study in. On average, students should budget between €800 to €1,200 per month for living costs. Additionally, there may be costs associated with textbooks, study materials, and occasional excursions or cultural activities. It's important to plan your budget carefully and consider these hidden costs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable study experience in Italy.