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MBA in Italy: Top Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships, Job Scope & Admission Guide 2025

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Shreyosee Chakraborty • 12 Mins read • 29 Jul 25
MBA in ItalyMBA in Italy

Italy has been growing as a prominent destination for international students pursuing a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) course, owing to its attractive lifestyle, blend of academic excellence, and rich cultural heritage. The MBA course in Italy is a 2-year program with specializations in fashion, automotive, and luxury goods, focusing primarily on leadership, innovation, and sustainability.

Applicants willing to pursue an MBA in Italy must have completed their graduation from any prominent institution, along with 2 - 3 years of work experience, and fluent English language proficiency. The top universities of Italy that offer an MBA course also require GRE/GMAT scores. The tuition fees for an MBA in Italy usually range between €20,000 to €40,000 for a full-time course, with scholarships and financial aids available. 

The top universities offering an MBA in Italy provide internship opportunities to freshers to gain experience that helps to find better job opportunities with multinational companies. Pursuing an MBA in Italy helps find roles in consulting, finance, marketing, and operations, with post-study visa policies facilitating graduates to reside for job purposes as well as look for career opportunities within the European Union. Read through this guide that navigates you through the fees of pursuing an MBA in Italy at the top universities, along with the placement opportunities and the average salary packages. 


MBA in Italy: Quick Highlights

The table highlights the relevant information regarding pursuing an MBA in Italy in 2025.

Particulars 

Details

Course Name

Masters of Business Administration

Course Level

Postgraduate 

Course Duration 

2 years 

Course Type

Full-Time

Course Eligibility 

Minimum GPA of 2.6 

Application mode

Online 

English Language Proficiency

IELTS / TOEFL

Annual Tuition Fees

€20,000 to €40,000

Intake Session

Multiple intake sessions

(Fall session/Spring session)

Salary Package

€80,000

Top Colleges

  • SDA Bocconi School of Management Milan
  • Bologna Business School
  • MIB Trieste School of Management
  • Polimi School of Management
  • St. John’s University
  • ESCP Business School

Specialization

Strategy & Leadership, Finance, Marketing, Innovation & Tech, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Operations & SCM, International Business

Top Recruiters

McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Amazon, Meta, Unilever, Ferrari


MBA in Italy: Important Dates & Events

The important dates and events for pursuing an MBA in Italy have been provided in the table as follows. 

Events

Important Dates 

Application Deadlines

  • Fall
  • Spring

Semester Commences

October 2025


MBA in Italy: Visa Application Timeline

A study visa for pursuing a course of MBA in Italy can be applied for once you have been selected by the university. The table shows the visa application timeline for pursuing an MBA in Italy.  

Events

Date

Application Timeline

December 2024


MBA in Italy: Fees

The table presents the annual tuition fees for pursuing an MBA in Italy in 2025.

University

Annual Tuition Fees (EURO)

Annual Tuition fees (INR)

SDA Bocconi School of Management Milan

€65,000

₹58.23 Lakhs

Bologna Business School

€35,000

₹31.35 Lakhs

MIB Trieste School of Management

€25,000

₹22.39 Lakhs

Polimi School of Management

€30,000

₹30.46 Lakhs

St. John’s University

€80,655

₹72.26 Lakhs

ESCP Business School

€51,500

₹46.14 Lakhs


Cost of Studying MBA in Italy

Italy provides the best residential places at an affordable price, which are closer to the universities. The table highlights the living expenses incurred by a student in Italy. 

Location

Monthly Cost (EURO)

Milan

€1,600

Bologna 

€1,200

Trieste

€900

Milan

€1,600

Rome

€1,500

Turin

€1,200


Why Choose an MBA in Italy?

Opting to pursue an MBA in Italy provides graduates with an upper hand compared to the rest.  Some of the perks of pursuing an MBA in Italy have been listed below.

  • Prestige: The top universities of Italy have multiple accreditations that help them achieve a prominent position in global recognition amongst business schools worldwide. 
  • Value: Pursuing the course in Italy offers superior quality education at an affordable price, along with low-cost residential amenities closer to the universities.
  • Industry Focus: Being the global epicenter for luxury goods, fashion, automotive, finance, design, and startups, pursuing an MBA in Italy helps find specializations and global access conveniently. 
  • Global Outlook: The majority of the top universities in Italy offer the course in English, which attracts students from all over the world, creating a global outlook. 
  • Cultural Edge: Pursuing the course in Italy facilitates exploring the rich art, culture, architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle of the locals, hence broadening the understanding of the cultural edge.

Also Read :

Other Popular Countries for Studying MBA






MBA in New Zealand

MBA in Germany

MBA in Ireland

MBA in Netherlands

MBA in Australia


MBA in Italy: Qualification

The completion of an MBA in Italy requires students to have a bachelor's degree along with relevant work experience. English language proficiency qualification is ensured based on the scores of the IELTS and TOEFL.


Postgraduate MBA in Italy: Eligibility

The table shows the postgraduate eligibility for pursuing an MBA in Italy in 2025.

Particulars

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Relevant bachelors degree 

English Language Proficiency

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Management Entrance Tests

  • GRE
  • GMAT


MBA in Italy: Eligibility Criteria

Studying for an MBA in Italy for international students requires a relevant bachelor's degree from any recognized institution with a minimum percentage as specified by the university, along with an English language proficiency test in IELTS and TOEFL. Additionally, universities offering the course also need the GMAT score and relevant work experience of 1 - 3 years.


MBA in Italy: Application Process

Read through the list carefully to understand the application process for pursuing an MBA in Italy in 2025.

  • Search for the MBA program that best suits your interests and budget.
  • The top universities ask for a relevant bachelor's degree, English proficiency test score (IELTS/TOEFL), a minimum work experience of 3 years or recommendation letters. 
  • Documents such as transcripts, statement of purpose (SOP), resume, and passport copy should be arranged well in advance. 
  • Application to the desired university can be filled out conveniently and accurately online, as well as upload all the documents correctly. 
  • The application fee in most cases is non-refundable, which is to be paid during form fill-up for fast application review.
  • Once selected, you shall receive a letter of acceptance from the desired university. 
  • The offer letter can be used for a student visa application in Italy.
  • Provide documents like proof of funds, living expenses, and look for a residential address in Italy.
  • Go to Italy, attend orientation, and begin your MBA course at a top university in Italy. 


GMAT/GRE Requirements for MBA in Italy

The top universities of Italy offering an MBA course generally ask for the GMAT/GRE score from international students.  The students who have sufficient work experience might be able to negate the scores for a select few universities. 


MBA in Italy: SOP, LOR, and Resume

Pursuing an MBA in Italy has a probability of requiring SOP, LOR, and a resume. The table attached presents the purpose and content to be included in SOP, LOR, and resumes for the course. 

Documents 

Purpose

Content 

SOP (Statement of Purpose)

The document states your interest in pursuing an MBA in Italy.

Reflects your academic and professional ability and skills, justifying your interest. 

LORs (Letters of Recommendation)

A direct assessment of your skills, character, and capabilities from acquaintances of professors or supervisors.

The document highlights your achievements, professionalism, and skills as per the needs of the course.

Resume

A brief overview of your academic and professional achievements. 

Reflects your educational qualifications, work experience, skills, and all sorts of extracurricular activities


MBA in Italy: University-Specific Admission Steps

The table attached here shows the admission steps to be followed for pursuing the course. 

University 

Course

Eligibility Criteria

SDA Bocconi School of Management Milan

MBA in Italy

A relevant bachelor's degree, along with work experience, and a language proficiency test

Bologna Business School

MBA in Italy

A relevant bachelor’s degree, along with work experience, and a minimum GMAT score of 600

MIB Trieste School of Management

MBA in Italy

A relevant bachelor’s degree, with work experience, and a language proficiency test 

Polimi School of Management

MBA in Italy

A relevant bachelor’s degree, with work experience, and a language proficiency test

St. John’s University

MBA in Italy

A relevant bachelor’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.25, and work experience

ESCP Business School

MBA in Italy

A relevant bachelor’s degree, with work experience, and a language proficiency test


Top MBA Entrance Exams for Italy

The qualification for studying an MBA in Italy does not require any specified entrance examinations. The premium universities of Italy provide MBA courses at various levels on the basis of standardised tests. The table below shows the list of top MBA entrance exams in Italy.

Requirements 

Entrance Exams

Qualifications

A relevant bachelor’s degree

English Language proficiency

IELTS/ TOEFL

MBA Entrance Exams

GRE / GMAT

Additional Requirements 

Interviews, work experience, and portfolios


GMAT Preparation Strategy for MBA in Italy

GMAT preparation strategy for MBA in Italy students should focus on building a strong foundation in quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills. The same can be achieved by building a smart study plan, taking assistance from the GMAT practice tests available on the official website to make the required mistake ratification as well as keep a track of your progress.  Additional assistance can also be achieved by joining prep courses or study groups to qualify for the exams.


IELTS / TOEFL Tips for MBA in Italy

Here are some of the expert-made tips for IELTS and TOEFL exams for an MBA in Italy in 2025. 

  • Keep a gap of at least 8-12 weeks to develop skills and practice constantly for the final exams.
  • Maintain focus on reading, listening, speaking, and writing tasks required for MBA courses. 
  • Get accustomed to IELTS and TOEFL sample papers to find it easy in the real test format. 
  • Mock papers should be practiced to keep track of the score, weaknesses, and make a study plan as per the requirements. 


MBA in Italy: GMAT Waiver MBA Programs

The table shows the following specific universities offering a GMAT waiver for an MBA in Italy in  2025.

Universities

GMAT Waiver

SDA Bocconi School of Management Milan

GMAT Required

Bologna Business School

Optional 

MIB Trieste School of Management

GMAT Waiver on specific conditions 

Polimi School of Management

Optional

St. John’s University

GMAT Waiver on specific conditions

ESCP Business School

GMAT Waiver on specific conditions


MBA in Italy: Cutoff

The list shows the required cutoff for pursuing an MBA in Italy in 2025.

  • To pursue an MBA in Italy, international students usually require a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of work experience. 
  • English language proficiency tests such as IELTS (6.5+) and TOEFL (89+) are a must.
  • Some universities offering MBA courses might require GMAT or GRE scores.
  • The general GMAT score for top MBA courses in Italy ranges between 650 to 700 or higher.


GMAT Cutoffs for MBA in Italy

The table presents the GMAT score cutoff for MBA in Italy in 2025.

University 

GMAT

SDA Bocconi School of Management Milan

650

Bologna Business School

600

MIB Trieste School of Management

N/A

Polimi School of Management

600

St. John’s University

N/A

ESCP Business School

700


IELTS / TOEFL Score Cutoffs for MBA in Italy

The table presents the required IELTS and TOEFL score cutoff for MBA in Italy in 2025.

University 

IELTS

TOEFL iBT

SDA Bocconi School of Management Milan

7.0 +

100+

Bologna Business School

6.5+

90+

MIB Trieste School of Management

N/A

N/A

Polimi School of Management

6.5+

89+

St. John’s University

7.0

80

ESCP Business School

7.0

100


MBA in Italy: Syllabus

The top universities offering an MBA in Italy have a wide range of subjects that offer specialization in various areas. This includes fashion, automotive, finance, consulting, and technology.


MBA in Italy: Core courses

The table shows some of the core courses for pursuing an MBA in Italy in 2025

Core Courses

Accounting 

Strategy

Economics

Finance

Marketing

Analytics

OperationS

Sustainability

Digital & ESG

Business Law

HR

International Business

Organizational Business

-


MBA in Italy: Electives & Specializations

The list here shows the electives & specializations for pursuing an MBA in Italy in 2025.

  • Strategy & Leadership
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Innovation & Tech
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Sustainability
  • Operations & SCM
  • International Business


Best Universities for MBA in Italy

The table shows the best universities for an MBA in Italy for 2025

University

QS World Ranking

Total Seats 

SDA Bocconi School of Management Milan

11

112

Bologna Business School

76

60 - 75

MIB Trieste School of Management

151

35

Polimi School of Management

98

70 - 75

St. John’s University

N/A

180

ESCP Business School

43

72 - 90


MBA in Italy vs. India

The table shows the comparison between the MBA in Italy vs. in India for 2025.

Criteria 

MBA in Italy 

MBA in India

Global Recognition

Italian universities are highly recognised globally.

Indian universities often provide limited reach to South Asia

Course Duration

2 years

2 years

Language of Instruction 

English 

English and Hindi

Entry Requirements

High School Diploma + IELTS/TOEFL +GMAT(for Masters)

10+2 certificate + CAT/MAT(for MBA)

Average Tuition Fee

High

Low

Average Cost of Living 

High 

Low


MBA in Italy: Scholarship

The table shows the scholarship details offered to students interested in pursuing an MBA in Italy for 2025.

Scholarship

Details

Society Contribution Scholarship

An essay on a project that you have led or an activity you carried out that had a positive social impact

KC Mahindra Scholarship

First Class degree or equivalent diploma from a recognized university. Must be an Indian applicant who is applying to study in a foreign university

Merit and Bocconi international awards

Students applying to SDA Bocconi with good grades

University of Bologna study grants for international students

Students enrolled in the Master’s program at the university


Career Scope after MBA in Italy

The table shows the probable career scope for students after pursuing an MBA in Italy in 2025.

Job Role

Description 

Marketing Manager

Develops marketing strategies, manages campaigns, analyzes trends, coordinates teams, enhances brand visibility, and drives customer engagement to increase sales.

General Manager

Oversees daily operations, manages staff, sets goals, develops strategies, ensures profitability, maintains budgets, and drives overall business performance.

HR Manager

Manages recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training, compliance, and policy development, and fosters a positive organizational culture and productivity.

Finance Manager

Oversees financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and analysis; ensures compliance, manages risks, supports strategic decisions, and improves financial performance.

Business Development Manager

Identifies new business opportunities, builds client relationships, develops growth strategies, negotiates deals, and drives revenue through market expansion efforts.

Product Manager

Defines product vision, gathers requirements, manages development, coordinates teams, launches products, analyzes performance, and ensures market fit and user satisfaction.


MBA in Italy: Top Recruiters

Top companies actively recruiting MBA graduates from Italy include McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Amazon, Meta, Unilever, and Ferrari. 


MBA in Italy: Salary Package

The table provides details about the salary package after pursuing an MBA in Italy for 2025.

Job Role

Monthly Salary (EURO)

Monthly Salary (INR)

Marketing Manager

€43,676

₹39.12 Lakhs

General Manager

€80,000

₹71.67 Lakhs

HR Manager

€50,313

₹45.07 Lakhs

Finance Manager

€58,739

₹52.62 Lakhs 

Business Development Manager

€49,809

₹44.62 Lakhs 

Product Manager

€40,318

₹36.12 Lakhs


Frequently Asked Questions


Ques: What are the eligibility criteria for an MBA in Italy?
Ans: Most schools require a bachelor’s degree, 2–3 years of work experience, and English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL). Some top schools may also require a GMAT or GRE score.


Ques: Is work experience mandatory?
Ans: Yes, typically 2+ years of full-time work experience is expected. However, some programs may admit high-potential candidates with less experience.


Ques: Do I need GMAT or GRE scores for MBA admission in Italy?
Ans: It depends on the school:

  • SDA Bocconi: GMAT or GRE mandatory.
  • MIP Politecnico di Milano, Luiss, Bologna: May waive GMAT based on profile or internal test.


Ques: What are the English language requirements?
Ans: The English language requirements are as follows:

  • IELTS: 6.5–7.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 90–100


Ques: When should I apply for an MBA in Italy?
Ans: Most schools have rolling admissions from October to June, with classes starting in September or October.