Home / Programs / Italy / MSc Architecture
Postgraduate programme
Master of Science (MSc)
Politecnico di Milano
🇮🇹 Milan, Italy · QS #111 · Top-ranked for architecture

MSc Architecture

Study architecture at Italy's top-ranked polytechnic — in the design capital of the world. PoliMi's MSc covers sustainable design, urban planning, and computational architecture, with studio-based learning.

2 years
Full-time duration
€3,900
Tuition (international)
September 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.0
English requirement
Overview

Politecnico di Milano is Italy's top-ranked polytechnic and among the world's best for architecture. This English-taught, studio-based MSc covers sustainable building technology, urban planning, computational design, and structural systems — in Milan, the global capital of design, with strong professional and industry links.

Compare options

Same field, different universities

See how this programme compares with architecture & engineering degrees at other universities we work with.

UniversityCountryLevelDurationTuition/year
Politecnico di Milano ★ This programme 🇮🇹 Italy Master's 2 years €3,900
Politecnico di Milano (Design) QS #111 🇮🇹 Italy Master's 2 years €3,900
RWTH Aachen University QS ~90 🇩🇪 Germany Master's 2 years €0
University of Melbourne QS Top 20 🇦🇺 Australia Master's 2 years A$50,000
McGill University QS #27 🇨🇦 Canada Bachelor's 4 years CA$63,000

Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.

Entry requirements

What you'll need

AcademicBachelor's in Architecture (or closely related)
EnglishIELTS 6.0 or equivalent
PortfolioArchitecture portfolio required
DocumentsTranscripts, portfolio, statement of purpose, passport
💡

Need help with your portfolio or eligibility? Your counsellor reviews your work, advises on presentation, and finds the right pathway if you need one.

What you'll study

Core modules

01 Architectural Design Studio
02 Sustainable Building Technology
03 Urban Planning & Design
04 Computational Design
05 Structural Engineering
06 Thesis Project
After you graduate

Career outcomes

€28,000

Average starting salary for architects

12-month permit

Post-study job-seeking residence permit

Design capital

Milan is a global architecture & design hub

DSU grants

Italian government scholarships available

How to apply

Application timeline

November 2025 – January 2026
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, architecture portfolio, statement of purpose, and IELTS score. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
December 2025 – March 2026
Submit your application
Apply through PoliMi's online portal during the international admission rounds. Early rounds give the best scholarship chances.
February – May 2026
Receive admission decision
The school evaluates your portfolio and record and issues offers. Your counsellor follows up on your behalf.
May – August 2026
Visa & accommodation
Pre-enrol via Universitaly, apply for your Type D student visa, and secure housing in Milan. Apply for DSU support if eligible.
September 2026
Orientation & semester start
Arrive in Milan, apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days, and begin your MSc Architecture.
Fees & funding

Tuition fees & deposit

Tuition (international)Per annum€3,900 (income-scaled)
Application feeOne-time~€50
DepositBefore enrolmentFirst instalment of tuition

Indicative figures for September 2026 entry. PoliMi tuition is scaled to family income (ISEE), and DSU scholarships can waive it entirely. Your counsellor confirms exact fees and matches every scholarship you qualify for — at no cost.

Scholarships

Funding you may be eligible for

Italy backs international students with national and regional funding — including DSU agencies that cover tuition, accommodation, and meals based on income. Your counsellor will match you with every award you qualify for.

Italian Government Scholarships
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI)
€900/month
Coverage: Monthly stipend + tuition waiver at public universities + health cover
Eligibility: International students from selected countries
Duration: 6–9 months, renewable
Deadline: Typically May–June
Source: esteri.it, 2026
DSU Regional Scholarships
Regional right-to-study agencies (ER.GO, DSU Lombardia)
Tuition waiver + €5,000–€7,000
Coverage: Tuition waiver + accommodation + meal card + cash grant
Eligibility: Based on ISEE/income threshold — open to international students
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Deadline: July–September for the following year
Source: regional DSU agencies, 2026
Invest Your Talent in Italy
Italian Trade Agency + MAECI
€8,000–€10,000
Coverage: Scholarship + internship at an Italian company
Eligibility: Students from selected countries (business, tech, design, engineering)
Duration: Master's programme
Deadline: Typically March–May
Source: investyourtalent.com, 2026
🎓

Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost to you.

Loans & financing

Alternative funding options

Public-university tuition in Italy is low and often scaled to family income. If scholarships don't fully cover your costs, these options help.

Part-time work
Student visa authorization
Up to 20 hrs/week

Student visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week (1,040 hours/year). Average student wage is €8–12/hour in hospitality, tutoring, and retail.

Prodigy Finance
International student loans
Varies

No collateral or cosigner required for eligible postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. Covers tuition and living expenses, with rates based on future earning potential.

DSU accommodation & meals
Regional right-to-study agencies
In-kind support

Beyond cash scholarships, DSU agencies (ER.GO in Emilia-Romagna, DSU Lombardia in Milan) offer subsidised accommodation and meal cards to eligible students, cutting living costs significantly.

Living costs

Monthly budget in Milan

Milan is Italy's business and design capital — vibrant and international, with world-class industry links. Student housing and DSU support help offset the higher big-city costs.

Rent€450–€800
Food€200–€300
Transport (ATM)€22–€35
Health insurance€50–€150
Personal€100–€200
Estimated total€822–€1,485/month

DSU scholarships can cover accommodation costs.

Student visa

Visa requirements for Italy

Visa typeStudent Visa (Type D)
Fee€50
Financial proof€6,300/year minimum (€5,900 for scholarship holders)
Health insuranceItalian NHS (SSN) enrolment or private insurance
Residence permitApply for the Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days of arrival
Post-graduation12-month job-seeking residence permit (attesa occupazione)
📋

Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from document preparation to embassy appointment booking.

Student stories

Hear from our students

"PoliMi's architecture school in Milan is a dream for any designer. The studio teaching is intense and inspiring. My counsellor helped me build my portfolio and apply for a DSU scholarship that covered tuition and housing."
RS
Rania S.
MSc Architecture, PoliMi — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"I wanted a top European architecture degree without huge debt. SAG handled the Universitaly pre-enrolment and my visa, and the income-scaled tuition made Milan affordable."
MN
Mahmoud N.
MSc Architecture, PoliMi — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is the MSc Architecture at PoliMi taught in English?
Yes — the programme is fully English-taught. Politecnico di Milano is Italy's top polytechnic and among the world's leading schools for architecture.
Do I need a portfolio?
Yes — admission requires an architecture portfolio alongside your academic record. Your counsellor reviews your work and advises on how to present it for the strongest application.
What scholarships are available?
DSU regional scholarships (tuition waiver + accommodation + meals) and Italian Government MAECI scholarships (€900/month). Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for and handles the applications.
How much does it cost to live in Milan?
Milan is Italy's most expensive city, but student housing and DSU support keep it manageable — most students live on €822–€1,485 per month. For your visa you must show about €6,300/year.
Can I become a licensed architect after graduating?
The MSc qualifies you to sit Italy's state professional exam (Esame di Stato) for architects, and your EU-recognised degree supports licensing routes elsewhere. You can also stay on a 12-month job-seeking permit. Your counsellor advises on the path for your target country.
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