Studying in Milan – A Guide for Postgraduate Students

This guide covers everything prospective students need to know about living and studying in Milan, from the top universities and cost of living to graduate career opportunities.

Why study your postgraduate degree in Milan?

• International community: Milan is an international hub for business which attracts many students from all over the world. Lots of courses are also offered in English to help make education more accessible.
• Cultural centre: The city is known for more than its big businesses as it’s also home to rich architecture, design and fashion. Whether you’re interested in the humanities or the sciences, there’s always something exciting on offer.
• Affordable: Although Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Italy, university tuition fees are much cheaper than in other parts of Europe. At a public university, postgraduate students can expect to pay around €900-4,000 per year.
• Easy transportation: To help residents and tourists get around, Milan has a well-established and affordable transportation system. Buses, trains and trams run throughout the city, many continuing through the night on the weekends.

What are the top universities in Rome for postgrad study?

#1 Polytechnic University of Milan

As a public scientific and technology based university, Polytechnic University of Milan has developed strong business links throughout the years making it an excellent place for postgraduates interested in industry. The institution is also continually building connections with other universities across Europe, opening up a range of opportunities for students.

The University of Milan is the collimation of multiple older educational and research hubs set up in the city. The University absorbed the Academy of Letters and Sciences, the Schools of Advanced Studies in Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture and the Brera Astronomical Observatory, to name a few. Currently, they have over 7,000 students enrolled in postgraduate programmes and this number continues to grow each year.

The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart has developed strong collaborations with other European universities and research centres. This opens up a greater variety of opportunities for postgraduate students. The institute also has multiple scholarships and grants on offer.

Living costs for students in Milan

Milan is known as one of the most expensive cities in Italy, but that doesn’t mean it has to be unaffordable for students. Tuition fees are cheap at public universities in Italy and many save money by living in halls or shared houses rather than renting a private apartment.

Your expenses will largely depend on the area you live in and your lifestyle. For instance, groceries are fairly cheap in Milan and so home cooking rather than eating out can help you stick to a tight budget. Postgraduate students may also decide to work part-time to help afford more of the luxuries.

Working during your degree in Milan

Both home and international students are allowed to work throughout postgraduate study in Italy. International students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours a week, or 1,040 hours a year. This number does not include university internships. While there is no limit on the amount of hours Italian residents and EU/EEA students can work, they are recommended to follow the same guidelines.

Things to see in Milan

If you decide to study in Milan, make sure to take some time away from the desk and visit some of the beautiful sites on offer in the city.

Perhaps the most famous historical building in Milan is the Duomo di Milano, Italy’s largest church. This amazing sight of gothic architecture took over 600 years to build. It’s also home to the world’s second largest organ! There are many tours available to view the religious art and learn the building’s history. If it’s a clear day, make sure to go on a rooftop tour where you may be able to see as far as the Italian Alps.

For those more interested in window shopping, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Not only is this shopping mall visually stunning but inside you’ll find an array of bars, restaurants, cafes and designer brands.

For a cheaper alternative, slightly off the tourist trail, take a stroll down the Navigli area. Made up of two canals which once encircled the city, you’ll walk past colourful street art, historical landmarks, cafes, bistros, pubs and ice cream parlours. Once a week you’ll also find the Sinigaglia flea market.

Graduate careers in Milan

While the economy in Italy has been fairly stagnant, Milan offers some of the best opportunities for graduates looking to settle in Italy. Due to the cost of living in the city, employers pay some of the highest salaries in the country.

Milan has long been known as Italy’s economic powerhouse and business centre. In addition to housing the country’s stock exchange, Milan is the headquarters of several thousand international companies. Some of the top thriving industries include fashion, communications, tourism and design. Due to the large amount of international business, proficiency in Italian might not be necessary for employment, but it’ll always be a plus!

EU/EEA students are free to work in Milan under the same laws as international nationals. If you are an international graduate then you will need to apply for a work permit at the end of your course.

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