A Master’s degree in Italy can be cheaper than many expect, because fees at public universities are scaled by income. Your final fee depends on the programme and on your income documents. This guide explains the principle using the University of Bologna.
Quick answer: At the University of Bologna, a Master’s degree in 2026/27 carries a fixed fee of EUR 157.04. A variable fee is added, which depends on the programme and on income (ISEE) and has an upper limit. The maximum amounts are listed per programme. Last updated: October 2026.
Key points
- The fixed fee at the University of Bologna is EUR 157.04 and is always due.
- The variable fee depends on the programme and on ISEE income, with an upper limit.
- With an ISEE up to EUR 27,000, the university exempts the variable fee in full.
- A Master’s degree usually lasts two years with 120 credits (CFU) in total.
- Your health insurance depends on your main place of residence, and the EHIC does not cover everything.
What does a Master’s degree in Italy cost?
The University of Bologna publishes its tuition fees for 2026/27 by programme and income. The figures refer to the Laurea magistrale, the Master’s degree.
| Item at the University of Bologna | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee | EUR 157.04 | always due, minimum amount |
| Variable fee | at least EUR 0, at most the maximum for the programme | depends on ISEE and programme |
| Full exemption of the variable fee | ISEE up to EUR 27,000 | according to the university |
| Late payment surcharge | EUR 30 up to 30 days after the due date, then EUR 150 | as stated by the university |
The university sets no separate rule for EU students. The amount depends on ISEE, an Italian income statement. How foreign income documents are treated for you should be clarified with the university before enrolment.
How can you fund a Master’s degree in Italy?
For a Master’s degree abroad, savings, a student loan, scholarships and Auslands-BAföG (German state student aid for study abroad) are possible. The competent German office for training support decides case by case. The guide on Auslands-BAföG (in German) explains the rules.
| Funding route | Suitable for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Auslands-BAföG | Living and study costs within the rules | Submit the application before the start of studies |
| Student loan | Bridging rent and living costs | Calculate interest and repayment in advance |
| Regional scholarships | Support based on income and performance | check conditions and deadlines of the region |
Realistic planning over two years helps you avoid shortfalls. The budget planning guide (in German) shows how to set up a monthly budget.
Which health insurance do you need in Italy?
You request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your German statutory health insurer. It is valid in the EU, but only for the services that residents of the host country receive. Outpatient and emergency treatment are covered, repatriation is not. This is described in a guide published by Hochschule Offenburg (in German).
Whether you remain in the German statutory system depends on your main residence and the length of your stay. Clarify this with your health insurer before you start. The guide also recommends additional study-abroad insurance, even within the EU.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum fee for a Master’s degree in Bologna?
The fixed fee of EUR 157.04 is always due in 2026/27. The variable fee can be added and depends on the programme and your income.
When is the variable fee waived?
According to the University of Bologna, the variable fee is waived in full with an ISEE up to EUR 27,000. Higher incomes may receive partial exemptions, which the university calculates in each case.
Is there a separate rule for EU students?
The university names no separate rule and relies on income. Ask the university how your income documents will be recognised.
Do I need study-abroad health insurance in Italy?
The EHIC does not cover everything and does not include repatriation. The guide from Hochschule Offenburg therefore recommends additional insurance, even within the EU.
Next steps
- Check the programme on the university site and the maximum amounts for the variable fee in 2026/27.
- Find out which income documents apply to you and ask the university how they are recognised.
- Ask your German statutory health insurer whether you can request an EHIC and how your insurance is handled during studies.
- Plan a budget for two years, including rent, living costs and travel.
- If needed, take out study-abroad health insurance that covers repatriation and the whole stay.
Many Master’s programmes in Italy are taught in Italian, even where English-taught options exist. Check which language skills your programme requires and plan a language course if needed.
For enrolment, you usually present proof of your Bachelor’s degree. Translations and certified copies often take longer than expected, so gather the documents early.
Related reading
- Master’s Degree Abroad: Countries, Applications and Costs
- Master in Spanien: Kosten, Finanzierung und Krankenversicherung
- Auslandssemester Italien: Versicherung und Wohnungssuche (in German)
- Master in Frankreich: Kosten, Finanzierung und Krankenversicherung
- EHIC: Europäische Krankenversicherungskarte (in German)
Sources: University of Bologna, Tuition fees (academic year 2026/27, accessed October 2026), Hochschule Offenburg, guide to insurance cover abroad (accessed October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
