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.
Mechatronics Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering at Tor Vergata University of Rome is characterized by an extensive and in-depth knowledge of the basic disciplines of electronics and modern mechanics, and on the other by the skills that make it able to appreciate and further develop the changes and innovations of a sector
Economics
Our Master's degree in Economics (LMEC) at University of Bologna aims at providing rigorous training in economics and econometrics.
Nutritional Sciences
The Nutritional Sciences program originates from a rational change made to the degree currently offered by the University of Calabria. Its aim is to meet the demands of an innovative training program as part of the policy for developing the internationalization process envisaged by the Project “Department of Excellence”.
International Cooperation on Human Rights and Intercultural Heritage
The International Cooperation on Human Rights and Intercultural Heritage programme from University of Bologna offers solid interdisciplinary and problem-oriented training to students with diverse educational backgrounds who plan to work in the field of international cooperation and development.
Management for Energy and Environmental Transition (MEET)
The objective of the postgraduate course in Management for Energy and Environmental Transition (MEET) from University of Genoa is to train future managers and make them experts of the energy and ecological transition. Thanks to their knowledge in the fields of economics, accounting, market assessment, and regulation, our graduates will be highly skilled professionals in corporate sustainability.
Photochemistry and Molecular Materials
The Photochemistry and Molecular Materials course at University of Bologna - entirely taught in English – provides the students with a solid, versatile and up-to-date preparation in the growing fields of photochemistry and molecular materials.
Food Engineering
The Food Engineering from University of Salerno is a two-years programme, planned to educate engineers and scientists in several aspects of food engineering and food processing and to give professional skills in plant design, optimisation and innovation of products and processes of the food industry.
Computer Engineering
The Computer Engineering MSc programme from University of Pavia students can build a strong background with advanced competences in Information Technology and Automation through the Master’s Degree Course in Computer Engineering and they can focus their studying on the economical and management issues typical of firms and markets.
Science for the Conservation - Restoration of Cultural Heritage
The master's degree in Science for the Conservation - Restoration of Cultural Heritage at is an international degree programme at University of Bologna aimed at the education and training of Conservation Scientist, a scientist with knowledge on chemistry, physics, biology, geology and informatics applied to cultural heritage and further knowledge in conservation.

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.

Food Sciences for Innovation and Authenticity
This two-year Master in Food Sciences for Innovation and Authenticity at Free University of Bozen-Bolzano provides you with sound knowledge of current and future challenges in food sciences, combining innovation and authenticity, and offering you the opportunity to interact closely with the food industry.
European Legal Studies
We offer at University of Turin, an innovative post-graduate Master Programme in European Legal Studies entirely in English.
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.
Geoenvironmental Resources and Risks
This Geoenvironmental Resources and Risks course at the University of Camerino provides knowledge at an advanced level and practical expertise in fields of Earth Sciences related to the natural resources and the environmental hazards, aiming to form a geologist able to operate with managerial competences.
Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine
The Master Programme in Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine from The University of Milan, is committed to form professionals, provided with a strong technical and theoretical background. Their expected career development will be to develop scientific methodologies and coordinate research projects in the fields of applied biotechnology and translational medicine.
Resource Economics and Sustainable Development
The Resource Economics and Sustainable Development (RESD) programme from University of Bologna is an international 2 year Master's degree.
Molecular Biotechnology
The Master program in Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Turin meets these challenges in an innovative way by combining the fields of Molecular Biology, Molecular Imaging and Drug Discovery, and Bioinformatics.
Global Politics and Euro-Mediterranean Relations
The Global Politics and Euro-Mediterranean Relations course offered by the University of Catania is an innovative program both for training objectives and for teaching methods and tools.
Construction Management and Safety
The Construction Management and Safety program at University of Catania trains high-profile graduate students for the challenges of global construction industry, to gain competency and practical skills in issues relating to the project planning, execution, organization of construction and management in civil buildings and infrastructures.
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.