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.
Communications Engineering
Communications Engineering from University of Catania is aimed at training high-level professional figures, capable of pursuing technological innovation within industries as well as public and / or private research laboratories.
Scientific and Data-Intensive Computing
The Master’s Degree program in Scientific and Data-Intensive Computing from University of Trieste is designed to prepare professionals capable of tackling the crucial challenges of the digital society in areas such as computational science and engineering, digital twin, high-performance computing, and data-intensive computing.
Business Administration
The Master of Science in Business Administration offered at Tor Vergata University of Rome is designed for students who are interested in a training programme on advanced topics related to Business Management and wishing to pursue an international career.
Mathematical Modelling (MathMods Joint)
MathMods is a 2-year Joint MSc in Mathematical Modelling in Engineering run by five European universities based in L'Aquila (Italy), Hamburg (Germany), Nice (France), Hannover (Germany) and Granada (Spain). Our MSc programme is aimed at satisfying the needs for experts who may apply rigorous mathematical modelling and computational techniques to solve problems in all areas of engineering.
Bioinformatics
The International Bologna Master in Bioinformatics at University of Bologna aims at creating, within the Bologna process, a European Higher Education Area in Bioinformatics and at generating knowledge and expertise in specific fields of Biology, Biotechnology and Medicine in the post-genomic era when it is necessary to store and retrieve molecular data from specialised data bases.
Economics, Public Policy and Sustainability
The Economics, Public Policy and Sustainability at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia - UNIMORE aims to train experts capable of designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating public policies and defining management strategies in compliance with economic, social and environmental sustainability objectives.
Physics of Fundamental Interactions and Experimental Techniques
Tor Vergata University of Rome offers a Master's degree in Physics of Fundamental Interactions and Experimental Techniques.
Software Engineering
Throughout this Software Engineering course from Free University of Bozen-Bolzano you will learn how to leverage next-generation technologies such as Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, and Analytics to create, connect, optimize and engineer innovative systems moving to the pragmatic application and commercialization on a rapid and large scale.
Green Industrial Engineering
The Master of Science course in Green Industrial Engineering is a interuniversity course developed by Marche Polytechnic University in cooperation with the University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”.
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.
InterMaths Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (Interdisciplinary Mathematics)
InterMaths (Interdisciplinary Mathematics) from University of L´Aquila is a 2-year full-time Erasmus Mundus Joint Degree with interdisciplinary applications, with a specific focus on Biomedical Sciences and Industrial Engineering, jointly offered by five EU Universities.
Electronics Engineering
The Electronics Engineering programme at the University of Palermo (Italy), with around 60 years of history, offers an interdisciplinary training program, organized in two years, and articulated in four curricula (“Modern Electronics”, “Telecommunications”, “Bioelectronics” and “Robotics and mechatronics”).

Philosophy, Politics and Economics in Med (PPE)
The Philosophy, Politics and Economics in Med (PPE) at University of Bari Aldo Moro has been created by the collaboration of faculty belonging to five departments of the University of Bari who have decided to join their competences and expertise to offer a course unique in Southern Italy.
Geophysics
The MS Geophysics programme at The University of Milan aims to provide an in-depth broad-spectrum preparation in geophysics, based on a solid knowledge of physics and geological sciences.
Biotechnology for the Bioeconomy
The Biotechnology for the Bioeconomy Master degree from The University of Milan, will be taught entirely in English, providing the students with knowledge and competences that can be spent at European and extra European level, to which the bioeconomy sector is faced.
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.
World Politics and International Relations
The World Politics and International Relations MA programme from University of Pavia aims to provide a broad, multidisciplinary training in comparative and international studies, in particular in the areas of politics, history, law and economics.
Business Administration
Our Business Administration program from University of Turin provides students with a high-level education in the business management field.
Environmental Engineering
The Master of Science (MSc) course in Environmental Engineering, taught in English, from Marche Polytechnic University enhances the knowledge that the student has already acquired during the three-year Bachelor's Degree Courses in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science
The Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science programme of the University of Calabria extends the training of the Bachelor degree in Computer Science to a higher-level professional figures, who can cover high-level roles in new-technology companies, or public bodies, and who can continue their educational path by accessing research doctorates or specialization schools.
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.