13 Free and Cheap Universities in Milan for International Students

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In Milan, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Italy without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Milan, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 15 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Milan, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Milan for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Milan ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Milano-Bicocca 0 Euros - 2,520 Euros 100%
Polytechnic University of Milan 0 Euros - 3,726 Euros 100%
University of Milan 200 Euros - 3,840 Euros 98%
Brera Academy 1,535 Euros - 2,644 Euros 79%
IULM University of Milan 3,500 Euros - 8,400 Euros 51%
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 3,800 Euros - 10,400 Euros 46%
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart 6,000 Euros - 8,340 Euros 15%
Domus Academy 12,000 Euros - 16,000 Euros -71%
Bocconi University 12,700 Euros -80%
Istituto Europeo di Design 17,900 Euros -155%
Istituto Marangoni 19,500 Euros - 25,400 Euros -178%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 7,011 Euros for universities in Milan.

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1. University of Milano-Bicocca

The University of Milano-Bicocca is a university located in the populous city of Milan, Italy. It was established in 1998 as a cutting-edge complex with research laboratories and large study areas. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs are available at the university. Milano-Bicocca University is ranked highly by reputable global rankings, including the Times Higher Education.

2. Polytechnic University of Milan

The Polytechnic University of Milan is the oldest educational institution in its region. It started as an institute that only offered courses in civil and industrial engineering. At present, the university prospered and now has 12 departments that cater to more than 40,000 students annually. The Polytechnic University of Milan is internationally-known for its comprehensive training when it comes to science and research education.

3. University of Milan

The University of Milan is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently being among the top 300 in reputable world university rankings. With over 60,000 enrollees, it is home to one of the largest student populations in Europe. Several Nobel laureates and distinguished academics are part of its faculty.

4. Brera Academy

Founded in 1775, Brera Academy is known for its rich history and dedication to the arts. It stands out for its unique programs that offer a combination of traditional and contemporary approaches, from painting and sculpture to graphic design and new technologies. The academy also boasts of its diverse faculty of 400 professors, lecturers, and designers who impart their skills, expertise, and experience to its students.

5. IULM University of Milan

The Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, also known as IULM University Milan, is a public university located in Milan, Italy. It was founded in 1968 as the University Institute for Modern Languages by poet Carlo Bo. The school offers six undergraduate degree programs as well as postgraduate degree courses in subjects ranging from Communication to Fashion.

6. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Established in 1921, the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is a prestigious Catholic university in Europe with five campuses across Italy. It aims to provide a well-rounded educational experience to its students and impart a strong cultural foundation in addition to high-level professional skills. With 11 faculties and 8 graduate schools, the university offers numerous multidisciplinary programs meticulously designed to meet the demands of industries and society.

7. Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (UCSC) is a private research university in Milan, Italy. Other campuses can be found in Brescia, Cremona, Piacenza, and Rome. It was founded in 1921, but its history dates back to around 1870. The university grants Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in a variety of fields of study. Legal studies, economics, agriculture, accounting, and business are among the top disciplines at UCSC.

8. Domus Academy

Located in Milan, a city known for its vibrant fashion scene, Domus Academy is known for being a global leader in design education and research. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses tailored to provide its learners with a dynamic blend of theory and practical experience. The location of Domus Academy also provides access to local industries enabling students to gain real-world experience and insights.

9. Bocconi University

Bocconi University is widely known to be the first institution in Italy to provide educational programs in economics. Today, it also offers study programs in various academic disciplines such as law and sciences. The university has demonstrated immense growth in the international community over the years, attracting numerous prospective students in Europe and globally. With its broad spectrum of internationally acknowledged English-taught and Italian-taught programs, the institute has been marked by the academic community as one of the most favored Italian universities for foreign students.

10. Istituto Europeo di Design

The Istituto Europeo di Design is a leading institution for education in design, fashion, visual arts, and communication. With campuses in and out of Europe, its mission is to foster innovation, creativity, and professional excellence. Through a blend of theory and practical training, the institution highlights critical thinking, sustainability, and global collaboration. It aims to prepare students to meet industry standards, lead creative industries, and contribute to cultural and economic progress.

11. Istituto Marangoni

Istituto Marangoni is a highly-regarded arts and design school with campuses across global fashion capitals, one of which is Milan. It aims to nurture creativity and professional excellence, training students with the skills to lead in the dynamic world of fashion and design. The institution produces competent and talented graduates by blending tradition, innovation, and cultural diversity.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Milan for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Milan ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Milano-Bicocca 0 Euros - 2,520 Euros 100%
Polytechnic University of Milan 0 Euros - 3,726 Euros 100%
University of Milan 200 Euros - 3,840 Euros 99%
Humanitas University 3,500 Euros - 4,500 Euros 76%
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 3,800 Euros - 10,400 Euros 74%
IULM University of Milan 4,400 Euros - 9,800 Euros 69%
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart 6,250 Euros - 8,840 Euros 56%
Politecnico di Milano School of Management 11,500 Euros - 50,000 Euros 19%
Bocconi University 13,900 Euros 2%
Istituto Europeo di Design 14,300 Euros - 20,300 Euros -1%
Istituto Marangoni 20,200 Euros - 30,200 Euros -43%
Domus Academy 23,500 Euros - 28,500 Euros -66%
SDA Bocconi School of Management 82,000 Euros -480%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,200 Euros for universities in Milan.

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1. University of Milano-Bicocca

The University of Milano-Bicocca is a university located in the populous city of Milan, Italy. It was established in 1998 as a cutting-edge complex with research laboratories and large study areas. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs are available at the university. Milano-Bicocca University is ranked highly by reputable global rankings, including the Times Higher Education.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Milano-Bicocca should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Euros to 2,520 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Polytechnic University of Milan

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Polytechnic University of Milan. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Polytechnic University of Milan is 0 Euros to 3,726 Euros.

The Polytechnic University of Milan is the oldest educational institution in its region. It started as an institute that only offered courses in civil and industrial engineering. At present, the university prospered and now has 12 departments that cater to more than 40,000 students annually. The Polytechnic University of Milan is internationally-known for its comprehensive training when it comes to science and research education.

3. University of Milan

The University of Milan is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently being among the top 300 in reputable world university rankings. With over 60,000 enrollees, it is home to one of the largest student populations in Europe. Several Nobel laureates and distinguished academics are part of its faculty.

The tuition fee at University of Milan for incoming international master’s students is 200 Euros to 3,840 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Humanitas University

Another affordable university to consider in Milan is Humanitas University.

Humanitas University is a trusted international university that puts heavy emphasis on life sciences courses. The university is focused on offering innovative programs as students strive to achieve their clinical and research career goals. It maintains a smart campus that is technologically advanced when it comes to its services and infrastructure.

The tuition fee in Humanitas University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 3,500 Euros.

5. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 3,800 Euros yearly.

Established in 1921, the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is a prestigious Catholic university in Europe with five campuses across Italy. It aims to provide a well-rounded educational experience to its students and impart a strong cultural foundation in addition to high-level professional skills. With 11 faculties and 8 graduate schools, the university offers numerous multidisciplinary programs meticulously designed to meet the demands of industries and society.

6. IULM University of Milan

The Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, also known as IULM University Milan, is a public university located in Milan, Italy. It was founded in 1968 as the University Institute for Modern Languages by poet Carlo Bo. The school offers six undergraduate degree programs as well as postgraduate degree courses in subjects ranging from Communication to Fashion.

7. Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (UCSC) is a private research university in Milan, Italy. Other campuses can be found in Brescia, Cremona, Piacenza, and Rome. It was founded in 1921, but its history dates back to around 1870. The university grants Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in a variety of fields of study. Legal studies, economics, agriculture, accounting, and business are among the top disciplines at UCSC.

8. Politecnico di Milano School of Management

Politecnico di Milano School of Management formally opened in 2003 to deliver world-class, interdisciplinary, and research-driven business education to aspiring business professionals and entrepreneurs. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs to over 4,900 students from Italy and beyond. It envisions itself as a global leader in business education and strives to meet international standards by collaborating with institutions and companies around the world.

9. Bocconi University

Bocconi University is widely known to be the first institution in Italy to provide educational programs in economics. Today, it also offers study programs in various academic disciplines such as law and sciences. The university has demonstrated immense growth in the international community over the years, attracting numerous prospective students in Europe and globally. With its broad spectrum of internationally acknowledged English-taught and Italian-taught programs, the institute has been marked by the academic community as one of the most favored Italian universities for foreign students.

10. Istituto Europeo di Design

The Istituto Europeo di Design is a leading institution for education in design, fashion, visual arts, and communication. With campuses in and out of Europe, its mission is to foster innovation, creativity, and professional excellence. Through a blend of theory and practical training, the institution highlights critical thinking, sustainability, and global collaboration. It aims to prepare students to meet industry standards, lead creative industries, and contribute to cultural and economic progress.

11. Istituto Marangoni

Istituto Marangoni is a highly-regarded arts and design school with campuses across global fashion capitals, one of which is Milan. It aims to nurture creativity and professional excellence, training students with the skills to lead in the dynamic world of fashion and design. The institution produces competent and talented graduates by blending tradition, innovation, and cultural diversity.

12. Domus Academy

Located in Milan, a city known for its vibrant fashion scene, Domus Academy is known for being a global leader in design education and research. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses tailored to provide its learners with a dynamic blend of theory and practical experience. The location of Domus Academy also provides access to local industries enabling students to gain real-world experience and insights.

13. SDA Bocconi School of Management

SDA Bocconi School of Management is one of the best business schools in the country, offering a transformative education that paves opportunities for its students. The institution provides a hands-on and modern teaching approach that allows students to embark on real-world scenarios and helps them manage possible risks that may arise in their respective careers. As a passionate and innovative institution, SDA Bocconi School of Management seeks only to offer professional teachings that positively contribute not just to its students but to the whole Italian community as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Milan?

Applying to cheap universities in Milan requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Italy for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Milan?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Milan. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Milan is the Bocconi University, which offers Global Law, International Economics and Management, and Economics and Management for Arts, Culture and Communication to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Bocconi University offers International Management, Accounting, Financial Management and Control, and Cyber Risk Strategy and Governance.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Milan, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Milan as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Milan for international students was helpful!