331 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.

Agri-Food Sustainability
The University of Pavia Master's Degree Programme in Agri-Food Sustainability offers a strong scientific education in agriculture and food systems, with a clear focus: producing more while protecting the environment, farmers' well-being, and consumers' health.
Molecular Biology and Genetics
The Molecular Biology and Genetics MSc programme from the University of Pavia is designed for graduates at the BA level who are seeking a qualification in advanced areas of Biology, with special attention to Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry.
International Horticultural Science
Students in the International Horticultural Science programme from University of Bologna will experience multidisciplinary training and research-led teaching in subjects covering the main aspects of horticultural production and the supply chain.
Management of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Management of Innovation and Entrepreneurship course at The University of Milan, structure is meant to strengthen the acquisition of knowledge and skills concerning the analysis and interpretation of business decision-making processes, with a specific focus on the design, implementation and evaluation of entrepreneurial and innovation processes taking place in a variety of industrial sectors.
Medicine and Surgery
The Medicine and Surgery program at Marche Polytechnic University also called “Medicine & Technology” offers an integrated path, combining fundamental concepts and knowledge in engineering and medicine.
Mathematics
The Mathematics program of the University of Calabria is one of the Masters provided by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of Unical. It has a very long tradition, being one of the first courses of our University. Lectures are held at the Department and the Campus area offers a variety of facilities to students.
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.
Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology
Innovation, health and safety in organisation and effective human resources theories and practices are some of the key topics for the Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology programme offered by the University of Bologna.
Mathematics and Applications
The Mathematics and Applications master programme at the University of Camerino benefits of a longstanding and well appreciated didactical expertise, a friendly and skillful teaching staff, and reliable supporting structures (such as study and work rooms, computer facilities, libraries) in addition to dedicated tutorship services.
Medicine and Surgery
The Medicine and Surgery program at University of Catania is a unique course that provides a solid scientific foundation and theoretical-practical training to become a competent and up-to-date medical professional, able to interact productively with professionals of healthcare technologies and innovations, promoting well-being in health and social care.
Food Safety and Food Risk Management
The Master Degree (MSc) in Food Safety and Food Risk Management is an inter-university degree course coordinated by the University of Parma in agreement with: Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Piacenza, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the University of Ferrara.

Energy Engineering
This Master of Science in Energy Engineering is a multi-university master programme, jointly managed by the Faculty of Engineering of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering of University of Trento.
Plant biotechnology for food and global health
The Plant biotechnology for food and global health program at Università degli Studi della Tuscia includes a peculiar highly specialized training, which favours graduates in acquiring the knowledge and skills of different biological and agri-food systems to understand, design and develop solutions in a rational, innovative and sustainable way.
International Politics and Economics
The International Politics and Economics degree programme at University of Bologna, entirely taught in English, is designed to be at the intersection of international politics, economics, and management.
Information Engineering for Digital Medicine
University of Salerno offers a 2-year Master's degree in Information Engineering for Digital Medicine.
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.
Precise and Sustainable Agriculture
The Precise and Sustainable Agriculture master degree at University of Bologna builds experts in the application of precision and sustainable agriculture techniques with specific skills in the field of plant or animal production.
Civil Engineering
The international Master’s in Civil Engineering from University of Bologna is a programme that aims at educating professionals with the necessary in-depth scientific and technical knowledge in the field of civil engineering.
Plant Science
The Plant Science Master degree from The University of Milan, aims at training professionals with a solid and integrated cultural background in basic biology, appropriate for applications in different areas of biology, focusing mainly on plant science.
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
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.