Politecnico di Milano – Courses, Admission, Fees & Scholarships

Politecnico di Milano is a public technical university founded in 1863 and the largest technical university in Italy. Unlike general universities, it focuses entirely on three areas: engineering, architecture and design. Its main campuses are Leonardo and Bovisa in Milan, with additional sites in Lecco, Cremona, Mantua and Piacenza.

The university is known for its close links with industry. Milan is Italy's main financial and business centre and a global reference point for design and fashion, which gives students exposure to companies, studios and research partners throughout their studies. Engineering programmes span fields such as mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical, computer, biomedical, energy and management engineering, while its School of Design is one of the largest in Europe.

For international students, Politecnico di Milano offers many Master's programmes taught entirely in English and a number of English-taught Bachelor's options. Admission is competitive and usually involves an entrance test at Bachelor's level and a careful evaluation of academic records at Master's level. Students interested in technology, architecture or design careers in a strong industrial region often consider PoliMi, bearing in mind that Milan's cost of living is among the highest in Italy.

• City: Milan
• Region: Lombardy
• Country: Italy
• Founded: 1863
• Type: Public technical university (Politecnico)

Major academic areas

Engineering · Architecture · Design · Urban Planning · Management Engineering

• Dedicated focus on engineering, architecture and design rather than general studies.
• Wide selection of Master's programmes taught fully in English.
• Milan's industrial, business and design ecosystem offers strong exposure to companies and internships.
• One of Europe's largest design schools, attractive for product, interior, fashion and communication design.
• Long technical tradition since 1863 with extensive research labs and industry partnerships.
• Scholarship and financial support opportunities for eligible students.

Like other Italian public universities, Politecnico di Milano organises degrees in three cycles:

• Bachelor's (Laurea, 3 years) — first-cycle degrees.
• Master's (Laurea Magistrale, 2 years) — second-cycle degrees.
• Single-cycle degrees (5–6 years) — in fields such as law, medicine or architecture, where offered.
• PhD programmes — research doctorates.

Explore Courses at Politecnico di Milano in the Insperion course finder, explore Insperion study-abroad courses and services or use the university finder to compare options.

Politecnico di Milano offers a selection of programmes taught in English, mainly at Master's level. The list and languages of instruction change each academic year.

Ask Insperion's admission team to shortlist current English-taught courses in Italy that match your profile.

• Bachelor's: a secondary school qualification valid for university access (for Indian students, usually 12 years of schooling).
• Master's: a relevant Bachelor's degree; some programmes check specific credits or subjects.
• Documents: transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV/motivation letter where requested, and in some cases a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement.

Requirements vary by programme. Please check the programme admission call for the latest requirements — Insperion can review it with you.

English-taught programmes usually require proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests (for example IELTS or TOEFL), minimum scores and any exemptions — such as a Medium of Instruction certificate — are set by each programme.

Italian-taught programmes generally require Italian language proficiency. Language requirements vary by programme.

Bachelor's programmes generally require an admission test (for example the university's own online tests, or SAT for some international applicants). Master's admission is usually based on an evaluation of your previous degree.

Medicine and dentistry programmes taught in English follow separate national admission rules.

Fees at Italian public universities depend on the programme, your residence status and, in many cases, an income-based assessment of family financial documents.

Tuition fees vary by programme and student circumstances. Insperion's admission team can explain the current fee structure for your chosen course.

Non-EU students living outside Italy apply through the university's international admission process, then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a student visa at the Italian embassy or consulate. Visa decisions are made by the consulate and are never guaranteed.

Need help with your Italy application? See our student visa assistance, education loans for study abroad and the study in Italy guide.