Masters in Civil Engineering in Italy for Int’l Students [Best Courses & Fees]

International students can pursue masters in civil engineering in Italy, a country known for its rich technical legacy and renowned colleges. Top institutions in Italy include Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, and the University of Bologna, which routinely rank among the finest in the world for civil engineering programs. These institutions provide diverse degrees and specializations, including structural engineering and transportation systems.

Italy is a popular location for international students because it has a dynamic student culture, historical sites, and a good standard of living. Master’s programs in civil engineering normally last between one and two years, depending on the university and program. Furthermore, overseas students can look into various scholarships, such as Italian government scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and external financial alternatives. These scholarships are intended to help overseas students with tuition and living expenses, making studying in Italy easier. In this blog, we shall provide an overview of what it entails for an international student to study masters in civil engineering in Italy.

Why Study Masters in Civil Engineering in Italy?

Below are reasons to pursue your master’s in civil engineering from Italy as an international student.

• International Accreditation: Italian universities are well-known worldwide for their academic quality and degrees, especially for top-ranking engineering universities. A masters in civil engineering from an Italian university carry weight and can help you further your career in Italy and abroad. It showcases your expertise in an area that is in great demand across the world. 
• Research opportunities: Italy has various civil engineering research organizations and centers of excellence. Studying in Italy gives you access to cutting-edge research facilities and the chance to engage with top professors and researchers. This might benefit those who want to pursue research professions or work on new ventures.
• Networking Opportunities: Italy has a strong infrastructure sector and a thriving construction industry, which means that civil engineering graduates will have plenty of work prospects. Studying in Italy allows you to network with industry professionals, which might lead to internships, job placements, and a larger professional network.
• Diversity in Specializations Offered: Civil engineering specializations are available at various Italian institutions. Whether you’re interested in structural engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, or environmental engineering, specialized programs are available.
• Culture: Italy is well-known for its rich historical and cultural legacy in several top student cities. The country has several renowned landmarks and architectural marvels, including the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Venice’s canals. Civil engineering students in Italy may immerse themselves in a unique setting while learning from the country’s significant engineering tradition.
• Global Companies: Several worldwide corporations with operations in Italy provide chances for Master of Civil Engineering students. These firms provide a varied range of projects and employment opportunities in many fields of civil engineering. Some top companies are Saliini Impregilo, L&T Construction WeBuild, Sapiem, etc. 

Top Universities Offering Masters in Civil Engineering in Italy

Italian universities are known for their international accreditation and being top-ranked universities globally. These universities have made their way onto global university ranking lists such as the Times Higher Education Ranking List 2023, QS World University Rankings 2023, and US World & News Report 2023. Below are some of the top universities in Italy, along with their international ranking.

Politecnico di Milano/ Polytechnic University of Milan

Politecnico di Milano, usually known as the Polytechnic University of Milan, is one of Italy’s and Europe’s major technological universities. It provides various engineering programs, including a Master’s in Civil Engineering, which is well-recognized by foreign students. The Masters in Civil Engineering program at Politecnico di Milano offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum covering various civil engineering topics. It is also listed under some of the best universities in Italy for master’s in mechanical engineering.

The program emphasizes academic knowledge, practical skills, and innovative methods to address field difficulties. International students benefit from the university’s international and diversified atmosphere, which includes students and teachers worldwide. The program is delivered in English, making it accessible to those who do not speak Italian. The professors are highly qualified professionals in their fields. There are five tracks available to those who wish to pursue this degree. These are:

• Earthquake Engineering 
• Geotechnics 
• Hydraulics 
• Structures 
• Transportation Infrastructures 

Politecnico di Torino/ Polytechnic University of Turin

The Politecnico di Torino, often known as the Turin Polytechnic Institution, is a famous technological institution in Turin, Italy. It provides a comprehensive MSc. Civil Engineering program that draws many international students. The MSc. Civil Engineering program at Politecnico di Torino offers students a solid foundation in civil engineering concepts and practices. The curriculum includes structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, transportation engineering, and construction management.

The university’s strong emphasis on research and innovation benefits international students. Faculty members are internationally recognized specialists in their specialties, and students have access to cutting-edge labs, research centers, and technical resources. Politecnico di Torino provides foreign students with specific international student offices, language help, and cultural integration programs. The sessions are taught in English, making them accessible to non-Italian speakers. There are, again, five tracks available to international civil engineering students. These are: 

• Geotechnics
• Structure
• Water Engineering
• Infrastructures & Transportation Systems
• Management and rehabilitation of buildings and infrastructures

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is one of the world’s oldest and most respected universities. It provides a thorough Master of Civil Engineering program that draws a broad group of foreign students. The University of Bologna’s Masters in Civil Engineering program offers students a solid academic and practical basis in the area. The program is intended to promote a multidisciplinary approach by enabling students to combine knowledge from several domains to handle complicated engineering issues. Students have access to cutting-edge laboratories, research facilities, and specialized software, which improves their learning experience and allows them to build advanced technical abilities. Moreover, the silver lining lies in the fact that this university is one of the cheapest universities in Italy for international students.

With specific facilities such as international student offices, language help, and cultural integration programs, the University of Bologna provides a welcoming atmosphere for foreign students. The institution is dedicated to developing cross-cultural understanding and collaboration by establishing a diverse and inclusive community by providing courses in the English language for comprehensive understanding. There are four curriculums available to students wishing to pursue this degree:

• Harbour Engineering
• Infrastructure Designs in River Basins
• Structural Engineering
• Sustainable Mobility in Urban Areas

University of Padua

The University of Padua is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. It provides a thorough Master of Civil Engineering program that draws a broad group of foreign students. A course developed for high-level professionals working as freelancers, in firms, in public administrations (including those in other countries), and in research and innovation groups, integrating technical and engineering abilities and knowledge with organization and coordination skills.  The university is globally known for being in the top universities for masters in computer science in Italy.

You will acquire advanced design skills and the ability to solve complex problems with an interdisciplinary approach thanks to advanced training divided into five curricula, you will be able to conceive and develop infrastructural interventions with an objective approach to optimizing economic, social, and environmental impacts and to conduct research. These curriculums are:

• Structures 
• Hydraulics
• Geotechnics
• Transport Systems and Infrastructures
• Technological Design and Building Recovery

Admission Requirements for Masters in Civil Engineering in Italy (Non-EU Students)

Admission criteria for international students pursuing a master’s degree in civil engineering in Italy may vary slightly depending on the university and program. However, there are a few 

common requirements you may expect. The fundamental entrance requirements for overseas students are:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field of study, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
• Minimum scores on Language proficiency test: IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 95; C1 Level Equivalent
• Academic transcripts
• CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• 2/3 Letters of recommendation
• Portfolio/Work Samples
• Student Visa
• Passport

Cost of Living for International Students

The average monthly cost of living in Italy for international students can range from  800 EUR to  1,200 EUR, depending on the city and lifestyle choices. Accommodation (300 EUR – 800 EUR), utilities (80 EUR – 150 EUR), food (200 EUR – 300 EUR), transport (30 EUR – 50 EUR), health insurance (150 EUR – 400  EUR per year), and other expenditures (100 EUR – 200 EUR) are all included. These figures include essential living expenditures, including accommodation, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. However, it is crucial to remember that living costs vary depending on individual tastes, choices, and the university’s location. To correctly manage expenses, planning, and budgeting ahead of time is necessary.

Scholarships for International Students

To ease the burden of your education expenses, there are several scholarships in Italy that international students can avail of while pursuing a master’s in civil engineering. Other scholarships and financing alternatives may be offered through external organizations, governmental entities, or private foundations that help overseas students studying in Italy. Some of these are listed below for your perusal.

• Italian Government Scholarships: International students, especially those doing Master’s programs in Italy, are eligible for scholarships from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These scholarships pay for tuition as well as a monthly stipend. More information is available on the Ministry’s website or through the Italian embassy or consulate in your native country.
• EDISU Piemonte Scholarship: EDISU Piemonte provides scholarships to international students in Italy’s Piedmont area. These scholarships are offered for a variety of degrees, including civil engineering. The EDISU Piemonte webpage has eligibility requirements and application materials.
• Politecnico di Milano Scholarships: Politecnico di Milano, one of Italy’s finest technological colleges, provides scholarships for overseas students. These merit-based scholarships pay tuition or give financial aid. The university’s website has comprehensive information on possible scholarships and the application procedure.
• University of Bologna Scholarships: Deserving overseas students can apply for study scholarships and tuition price exemptions from the University of Bologna. These awards are based on academic achievement as well as financial necessity. The university’s website may find specific scholarship possibilities and application instructions.
• Polytechnic University of Turin Scholarships: The Politecnico di Torino offers scholarships to overseas students pursuing master’s degrees in various fields, including civil engineering. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and financial need. The university’s website has detailed information on various scholarships and application procedures.

Career Prospects: Masters in Civil Engineering in Italy

International students with a master’s in civil engineering from Italy may have potential job opportunities in Italy and abroad. Here are some examples of possible career pathways and prospects in different sectors.

• Government & Public Sector: Civil engineers play an important role in government agencies and public sector organizations that are in charge of infrastructure design, development, and maintenance. Graduates can find jobs in transportation, urban planning, environmental management, and public works agencies.
• Construction & Engineering Companies: Many foreign engineering and construction businesses have offices in Italy or work on projects with Italian enterprises. Graduates can work on various projects, including infrastructure development, building construction, transit systems, and renewable energy initiatives. 
• Academic & Teaching Positions: Graduates interested in academics might pursue teaching and research careers in universities and other higher education institutes. This path frequently necessitates additional academic credentials, such as a Ph.D., but it provides the chance to share information, conduct research, and contribute to the education of future civil engineers.
• Research: Graduates interested in academics might pursue teaching and research careers in universities and other higher education institutes. This path frequently necessitates additional academic credentials, such as a Ph.D., but it provides the chance to share information, conduct research, and contribute to the education of future civil engineers.
• Entrepreneurship: Some graduates may opt to create their own engineering consulting firms or construction enterprises, working on projects independently or with partners. For people with an entrepreneurial attitude and a desire to make a direct effect, entrepreneurship in the civil engineering sector may be a rewarding route.

Some of the top global companies hiring international students who have graduated in civil engineering from Italy are listed below.

• Salini Impreglio
• Saipem 
• Italferr
• RINA
• Techint Group
• Fincantieri
• Ansaldo Energia, and many more.

Conclusion

Finally, doing masters in civil engineering in Italy provides foreign students with a one-of-a-kind and fascinating educational experience. Italy has outstanding institutions with top-ranked civil engineering programs, giving students a high-quality education and a solid basis for their future. International students may benefit from the academic excellence, cultural immersion, and professional opportunities that this broad and creative subject offers by studying for a master’s in civil engineering in Italy. Italy’s dedication to technical quality and its friendly attitude make it an excellent alternative for individuals seeking to expand their civil engineering knowledge and experience. 

We at Gyanberry can help you with anything admission-related and beyond if you’re interested in studying in Italy. You may choose the institution most suited to your interests and goals with our in-depth advice and individualized services. For further information, kindly schedule a video consultation with one of our experts.