Italy · Master's
University of Bologna
MSc Economics
University of Bologna
Course Overview
The MSc in Economics at the University of Bologna — the oldest university in the world (founded 1088) and Italy's top-ranked institution for economics — is a rigorous two-year, English-taught Master's designed to prepare students for careers as professional economists and for doctoral study. The programme provides advanced training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, with tracks and electives spanning economic policy, development, finance, and applied fields. Bologna's economics department has a strong international research reputation and close links to European institutions.
For Sri Lankan graduates, Italy is a surprisingly affordable, high-quality destination: at a public university like Bologna, income-assessed tuition for most international students is only around €1,000–€3,000 per year for a top-ranked, English-taught degree. Italy grants graduates a 12-month post-study job-search residence permit, with an EU Blue Card pathway. The quantitative and policy skills transfer directly into central banking, international organisations, consulting, and research — including roles at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and development bodies.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A Bachelor's degree in economics or a quantitative field (with sufficient economics, mathematics, and statistics content) and a strong record — a Sri Lankan Second Class degree in economics or a numerate discipline is competitive.
- check_circle GRE is recommended (not always mandatory) and strengthens competitive applications.
- check_circle A statement of purpose, CV, and academic references.
- check_circle Academic transcripts assessed for equivalence; document legalisation (Dichiarazione di Valore or equivalent) may be required.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 87 Overall.
- check_circle No Italian required — the programme is taught fully in English.
- check_circle Waived if your prior degree was taught and assessed entirely in English — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, income-assessed, 2026) | €3,000 | Rs. 1,035,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Bologna) | €10,500 | Rs. 3,622,500 |
| Student Visa & Residence Permit (per year) | €200 | Rs. 69,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €13,700 | Rs. 4,726,500 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Italy grants graduates a 12-month post-study job-search residence permit, with an EU Blue Card pathway. Bologna Economics graduates become economists and analysts at central banks, international organisations (IMF, World Bank, EU institutions), consultancies, and financial firms across Europe — and progress to top PhD programmes. The quantitative training transfers directly into the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, policy institutes, and development bodies. Economist-track salaries progress strongly with the qualification.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.