MBA in Italy for Indian Students: In-Depth Guide for 2022

There’s more to Italy than great architecture, fashion, and pizzas.

Did you know that Italy has some of the best universities in the world for international students who are looking to study abroad? Be it engineering or management, some of the prestigious institutions of Europe offer the best programs in the world across several fields located in Italy.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is one of the most sought-after degrees in the world – both by organisations as well as graduates. Traditionally, most MBA aspirants prefer to apply at any of the North American or Western European universities.

However, if you are looking forward to quality education at lower costs, Italy presents a superb option. With relatively lower tuition costs, multicultural heritage, rich flavors, breathtaking architecture, and student-friendly facilities, Italy has firmly cemented itself as one of the best global education destinations in the world to pursue an MBA.

What we will look at today

• Is an MBA in Italy good for Indian students?
• What are the scholarship options for pursuing MBA in Italy for Indian Students?
• Eligibility for MBA in Italy
• What is the average salary after MBA in Italy?
• MBA in Italy: What are the best colleges for Indian Students?
  • SDA Bocconi School of Management
  • POLIMI Graduate School of Management
  • LUISS Business School
  • Bologna Business School
  • ALTIS – Graduate School Business & Society
  • University of Pisa
• How to apply for an MBA in Italy

Is an MBA in Italy good for Indian students?

Italy has some of the best business schools in the world. But, that’s not all. The country is also home to some top global brands and has steady economic growth, which opens up a wide range of opportunities for its graduates, across industries.

An MBA from one of the top institutions of Italy is definitely equal to or in some cases, even better than the MBA programs offered by the universities of Canada, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, the USA, or Australia.

It can ensure a fulfilling career across several sectors including consulting, finance, retail, investment banking, and others. Graduates may also choose to become entrepreneurs in their own right and build businesses from the ground up.

Some of the MBA courses that are offered as part of the curriculum across B-schools in Italy include,

• Business Management
• Supply chain and logistics
• HR management
• Financial services
• International Business
• Risk Analysis and Management
• International management
• Project management

Universities in Italy are very affordable compared to their counterparts, while the quality of education has remained uncompromisingly above the expected standards.

Some of the reasons why pursuing an MBA in Italy is good for Indian students include,

• Lower cost of living
• Lower tuition fees compared to other top countries or universities
• High quality of education and living
• Better international opportunities
• Access to world-class infrastructure
• Multicultural environment, rich heritage
• Wide range of programs that are taught in English
• Excellent country-wide connectivity

The experienced faculty and great infrastructure of the B-Schools in Italy make it one of the top choices for MBA aspirants from across the world.

What is the cost of studying MBA in Italy?

The average study cost of completing an MBA in Italy for Indian students’ fees is approximately EUR 30,000 (INR 25,21,471).

In terms of the cost of living, students will only have to spend a quarter of what they would’ve had to spend in other countries such as the U.S. or Canada.

Although there is no specific financial requirement for applying to an Italian B-School, the authorities will ensure that the candidate staying in Italy has sufficient funds to support themselves during the entire duration of their stay within the country.

Generally, the cost of living in Italy and across its many student-friendly cities does not go beyond EUR 700- EUR 800 a month. This includes the cost of accommodation, travel, food, supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses. In cities like Turin, Trieste, Padua, Pisa, and Bologna, the living costs are even lower, with most estimates pinning the expenses at around EUR 550 per month.

Depending on how much time one can spare, one may choose to work on a part-time basis to support their studies. Generally, most universities offer assistantships where students may provide their services in exchange for a fixed stipend or for a small reduction in tuition fees.

What are the scholarship options for pursuing an MBA in Italy for Indian Students?

Mostly, scholarships are offered by different universities themselves. However, the eligibility criteria for each of these scholarships vary depending on the type of funding, and the amount.

Generally, scholarships are provided on the basis of merit and these are calculated from the performance of aspirants in competitive examinations such as GMAT/GRE or even admission tests that are provided by the institutions themselves.

Some of the popular scholarships offered by various institutions include,

• Forté Fellowships
• SDA BOCCONI – REACHING OUT MBA FELLOWSHIP
• GIANLUCA SPINA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
• Women in STEM Scholarships
• ASIA Pacific Scholarships
• BBS WOMEN INITIATIVE scholarship

Eligibility for MBA in Italy

As with any university or country, Italy also has eligibility criteria for pursuing a master’s degree from one of its top institutions. The general eligibility criteria for pursuing an MBA in Italy include,

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognized university or institution
• Relevant work experience
• Letter of recommendation (LOR)
• English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE)
• Must showcase the necessary qualities of a good manager including leadership skills, communication skills, analytical skills, and others.
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Student visa
• Passport

What is the average salary after MBA in Italy?

After the completion of an MBA from one of the top Italian universities, most students (around 90%) get a job offer within the first 90 days post-graduation. The average salary of MBA graduates in Italy hovers around EUR 50,000 per annum.

The average salary post obtaining an MBA degree in Italy across various industries is listed below.

MBA in Italy: What are the best colleges for Indian Students?

*indicates ranking in QS World University Rankings by Subject in Business & Management Studies

Source
topuniversities.com

1. SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University

Università Bocconi, or Bocconi University, was established in Milan in 1902. It was the first higher education institution in Italy to grant a degree in economics. Bocconi University has been synonymous with liberalism, pluralism, and social and economic progress.

Università Bocconi has an Undergraduate School, a Graduate School, a School of Law, and a Ph.D. School. The SDA Bocconi School of Management which was established in 1971 has since been providing management education.

Why study MBA at this school?

The SDA Bocconi School of Management offers the right combination of culture, knowledge, industry connect, and leisure. Since the school is located in Milan, students have access to European and Italian businesses, fashion, food, and culture.

The city also offers a plethora of opportunities to its young graduates, both in terms of internships as well as careers. The SDA Bocconi School has been accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.

The school offers three different types of MBAs including,

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• GEMBA (Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA)

The full-time, one-year MBA program offers flexibility based on the needs of the students and provides them with the necessary global exposure that an MBA graduate requires.

SDA Bocconi offers specialized Master’s programs in various fields including public administration, finance and economy, health care, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources,  and arts management.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

Over 95% of the graduates from the SDA Bocconi School of Management found employment opportunities within the first 90 days post-graduation. The average salary for MBA graduates was EUR 86,000 (INR 73,22,121) in 2021.

Some of the top recruiters of Bocconi’s MBA graduates include,

• Accenture
• Abbott
• Armani
• EY-Parthenon
• Infosys
• LVMH
• McKinsey
• Microsoft
• Nike
• Novartis
• Zurich Consulting

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria to get admitted into the SDA Bocconi School of Management include,

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Academic transcripts
• Filled application form
• Pre-interview video
• Relevant professional experience
• English language proficiency IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CPE
• GMAT scores/GRE scores
• Two references

Admission process & Fees

The total tuition fees to be paid is EUR 65,000 (INR 55,19,995) annually. The admission process includes,

• Submission of application
• Pre-selection process based on the documents submitted
• Selection process
• Final selection result
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis due to the large volume of applications.

Scholarship options

Some of the most popular scholarship options for International students from India include,

• Total tuition waivers – in memory of Prof. Claudio Dematte for those students with an outstanding profile
• Partial tuition waiver for outstanding candidates
• Partial tuition waiver for candidates from South West Asia
• Partial tuition waiver for candidates from Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent
• Partial tuition waiver for female candidates
• SDA Bocconi – reaching out MBA fellowship

2. POLIMI Graduate School of Management, The Polytechnic University of Milan

Politecnico di Milano, or the Polytechnic University of Milan, is a public scientific-technological university located in Milan that offers quality education and innovation in training engineering, management, and designers.

Founded in 1863, the university has been at the forefront of higher education. The university has campuses across six locations including Milano Leonardo, Milano Bovisa, Lecco, Cremona, Mantova, and Piacenza. The university has been ranked 139th by QS rankings in the list of World University Rankings in 2023.

Why study MBA at this school?

The  POLIMI Graduate School of Management offers several MBA programmes including,

• Executive MBA Part-time
• Flex EMBA
• Executive MBA Part-time Roma
• International MBA (Full time)
• International MBA (Part-time)

The international full-time MBA offered by the school is offered at the university’s Milan campus. The program spans a duration of 12 months. The MBAs are designed to provide a complete overview of a company or enterprise and the basic skills that a graduate requires.

The program has official collaborations with multinational companies that offer networking events, mentorship programs, business seminars, and funded opportunities. The specializations offered by the program include Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Startup Development, Digital Transformation and Big Data, Luxury and Design Management, Global and Sustainable, and Management.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

Over 96% of graduates from the POLIMI Graduate School of Management received a job offer within 6 months of graduation. Sectors like Industrial/Pharmaceutical & healthcare, consulting, banking and finance, and retail were the highest recruiters of graduates post-MBA.

Some of the top recruiters include,

• Amazon
• BCG
• EY
• IBM
• Lamborghini
• Microsoft
• Whirlpool

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university/institution
• Minimum work experience of 3 years
• CV in English
• GMAT/GRE scores
• Certificate of English proficiency
• Two letters of reference
• Copy of passport

An applicant’s professional and academic background, motivational interview performance, and aptitude test score (GMAT/GRE/POLIMI GSoM Test are considered for admission.

Admission process & Fees

The International Full-Time MBA tuition fee is EUR 39,000 (INR 33,26,817).
The admission process includes,

• Activation of application and submission of documents
• Screening
• Final decision
• Confirmation

Scholarship options

Some of the top scholarships and financing options available at the school include,

• Gianluca Spina Memorial Scholarship
• Gmat-/Gre-based contributions for exceptional merit
• Circular economy challenge
• Women4management competition

3. LUISS Business School, LUISS Guido Carli

Libera Università Internazionale Degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli or LUISS Guido Carli is a private institution in Rome that was founded in 1974. The university has four departments including Departments of Economics and Finance, Business and Management, Law, and Political Science.

Why study MBA at this school?

The LUISS Business School offers several programs including MBA, a Master’s, Executive Programs, and Custom programmes. Several MBA programs are on offer at the school including,

• Flex Executive MBA – Management Academy
• Flex MBA
• Full-time MBA
• Part-time MBA Milan
• Part-time MBA Rome

The full-time MBA program lasts 12 months and is offered at the Rome campus of the university. The programme has been designed for young professionals with at least 3 years of work experience, middle managers and C-level employees who want to gain valuable skills.

The Luiss Business School and the Department of Business and Management are ranked among the top 1% in the world for management education.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

During the course of the MBA, activities are organized to help students to have a better understanding of their profiles and match them with the top recruiters.
Some of the top recruiters of MBA graduates from the LUISS Business School include,

• Abbott
• Abbvie
• Accenture
• BNP Paribas
• Deloitte
• Diesel
• General Motors
• IBM
• Novartis
• Octo Telematics
• PriceWaterhouseCoopers
• Procter & Gamble

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria to be considered for admissions at the LUISS Business school includes,

• Undergraduate degree in any discipline
• At least 3 years of work experience
• Admission test
  • English language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • GMAT/GRE scores
  • Personal Interview

Prior to admissions, the candidates must submit the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Copy of degree certificate
• Curriculum vitae
• Digital ID photo
• Copy of passport or ID document
• Admission fee receipt of € 105 (non-refundable)
• Transcript of records in English

Admission process & Fees

The tuition fee at the LUISS Business School for the full-time MBA program is EUR 30,000 (INR 25,57,530).
The admission process at the LUISS Business School includes,

• Submission of all relevant documents
• Make application payment
• Pass the admission test
• Personal interview
• Final selection decision

Scholarship options

Some of the most popular scholarships that are available at the LUISS Business School for aspirants include,

• Women in STEM Scholarships
• People in STEM Scholarships
• ASIA Pacific Scholarships
• Social Project Scholarships

4. Bologna Business School, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna

The history of Alma Mater Studiorum Universita Di Bologna or the University of Bologna goes back so long that it is considered to be one of the oldest universities in the western world. It has been in existence since 1088 and its history is intertwined with some of the great names of science, culture and literature.

The university has a multi-campus structure with some of the campuses located across Cesena Campus, Forlì Campus, Ravenna Campus, Rimini Campus, New York, and Shanghai. Bologna university has five schools offering hundreds of programs for students from all kinds of backgrounds.

Why study MBA at this school?

The Bologna Business School offers several different types of MBAs including,

• Global MBA
• Executive MBA
• Executive MBA English edition
• MBA Part-time (Evening)
• MBA Part-Time (Weekend)
• Hybrid MBA
• Hybrid MBA English edition

The Global MBA has five tracks for students to choose from including,

• AI and Manufacturing
• Food and Wine
• Design, Fashion, and Luxury Goods
• Green Energy and Sustainable Businesses
• Supercars, Superbikes, and Motorsports

Every course offered as part of the program is divided into theory and practice where theory is handled by an academic faculty while the practical part of it is handled by business managers who will introduce students to real-world business scenarios.

The MBA program is accredited by EFMD and EQUIS which ensures that the program can guarantee the presence of the most qualified faculty and leading practitioners. The duration of the global MBA is 12 months and it is taught entirely in English.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

Around 91% of graduates from the Bologna Business School found employment within the first six months of graduation. A majority of the graduates went into several sectors including,

• Finance
• Supply chain
• Marketing/sales
• Management
• Sustainability

Some of the top companies that recruited graduates from the Bologna School of Business include,

• Amazon
• Ares Design
• BCG
• Ducati
• Lamborghini
• Max Mara Fashion Group

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for admission at the Bologna Business school, applicants must fulfill the following criteria.

• Must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognized university or institution
• English language proficiency (in case one is unable to present an IELTS or TOEFL score, their level of English will be assessed during the selection process)
• 3 years of qualified work experience (cumulative)
• Submit the necessary documentation which includes,
  • Application form
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Diploma and transcript for your qualifying degree
  • Passport photocopy
  • Motivational letter
  • Reference letter(s) (optional but advised, max. 2)
  • Signed copies of your eligibility summary sheet and a receipt of the 60 euro application fee (both downloadable from ‘studenti online’ following registration)
  • Declaration of Value* / Diploma Supplement* / Conditional Enrolment Form

Admission process & Fees

The tuition fee for the Global MBA is EUR 35,000 (INR 29,88,393), which can be paid in three installments. The tuition fee for the Executive MBA is EUR 25,600 (INR 21,85,796).

The admission process is begun with four simple steps that include,

• Downloading and filling out the application form
• Completing the online registration by paying the 60 euro fee at https://studenti.unibo.it
• Sending the complete hard copies of your application packet to the Global MBA Office at Bologna Business School
• Sending a digital copy of the application packet to: globalmba@bbs.unibo.it

Scholarship options

The school offers both full and partial scholarships for participants of the Global MBA. The Global MBA offers scholarships of,

• 35,000 euro (full scholarship)
• 20,000 euro (partial scholarship)
• 15,000 euro (partial scholarship)
• 10,000 euro (partial scholarship)

The school also offers the BBS WOMEN INITIATIVE scholarship to empower young and talented women.

5. ALTIS – Graduate School Business & Society, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore or the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1921. It is the only Italian university to boast an impressive national network of campuses that are located across Milan, Piacenza, Cremona, Brescia, and Rome.

Why study MBA at this school?

The 15-month executive MBA program offered by ALTIS – Graduate School Business & Society is aimed at providing the necessary skills required to become an accomplished leader across various industries.

The MBA program offers several core courses including business strategy, organizational skills for management, supply chain management, and digital marketing and strategies among others. Students also need to choose from two tracks including entrepreneurship and managerial.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

The program is designed to cater to the ever-changing needs of the business world.
Some of the top industries that graduates of this program were employed in include,

• Consulting
• Financial Services
  • Investment Banking
  • Equity
• Information Technology
• General Management

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria to be considered for admissions at the ALTIS – Graduate School Business & Society includes,

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Academic transcripts
• Filled application form
• Relevant professional experience of at least 3 years
• GMAT scores/GRE scores
• Two references
• English proficiency since some of the lessons will be provided in the language (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)

Admission process & Fees

The tuition fee to get admitted into the executive MBA program at ALTIS is EUR 27,900 (INR 23,81,748) + taxes.
The admission process includes,

• Submission of filled application form
• Submission of all required documents
• Interview
• Final decision

Scholarship options
Some scholarships are offered by 24ORE Business School and ALTIS Università Cattolica which are available for meritorious students.

6. University of Pisa

Although formally known to have been founded in 1343, various documents indicate that the university may have been founded as early as the 11th century. The public university has 20 departments and caters to high-level research in agriculture, astrophysics, computer science, engineering, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Galileo Galilei and Enrico Fermi are two of the most prominent alumni of the university.

Why study MBA at this school?

The university offers an International MBA to those students who are looking to build a career or those professionals who are looking to upskill themselves to go up the corporate ladder. The one-year full-time MBA program is offered in English, which makes it accessible to international students as well as domestic students.

The school also offers several master’s programs across a variety of disciplines including banking, management, finance, and marketing.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

The MBA program offers skills that can be put to good use across several sectors including,

• Marketing
• Corporate finance
• Corporate and investment banking
• HR management
• Statistics for business
• Innovation management

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for admission at the University of Pisa include

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent from a recognized university
• Relevant work experience
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (for those courses that are offered in English)
• GMAT/GRE scores
• Adequate personal skills to be assessed according to the single Degree program regulations

Admission process & Fees

The tuition fee to pursue an MBA from the University of Pisa is EUR 8,000 (INR 6,83,061).

The admission process includes,

• Admission requests, which may be monitored on the Ammissionelm portal
• Assessment, based on requirements of the curriculum
• Enrolment

Scholarship options

The scholarship options that are available for international students at the University of Pisa include,

• UNIPI scholarship
• MAECI scholarships

How to apply for an MBA in Italy?

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