Master in Data Science for Economics and Health at University of Milan
English-taught two-year data science master at the University of Milan combining coding, statistics and machine learning with economics or health applications, with three paths and a double degree option with the University of Warsaw.
Master
2 years
Milan
English
University of Milan
Data Science for Economics and Health is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-DATA) taught in English at the University of Milan. Entry needs a bachelor's with at least 30 credits in computing and maths, economics and statistics, or medical statistics, plus English at B2 and a pass in an online background test. Full regional scholarship winners pay no second instalment, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Milan's Data Science for Economics and Health master accepts bachelor's graduates from various fields with at least 30 credits in computer science and mathematics, economics and statistics, or medical statistics. You also need English at B2, a pass in an online background test, and a positive review of your academic record, which may include an online interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
The 30-credit rule
You can come from various bachelor's degrees, but you must have at least 30 credits in one or more of these areas: [2]
- Computer science and mathematics: sectors MAT/01 to MAT/09, INF/01 and ING-INF/05.
- Economics and statistics: sectors SECS-S/01, 02, 03 and 06, and SECS-P/01, 02, 03, 05, 07, 08 and 10.
- Medical statistics: sector MED/01 only.
The programme rules require the credits to be on your record when you submit the application. [2] For 2026/27, the admission notice let applicants who had not yet graduated apply if they graduated by 31 December 2026. [1]
What this means for your transcript
Credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit as Italian CFU, and the board looks at the subjects behind them. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Tech or B.E., a BCA, a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics, or a BA or B.Sc. in Economics, where computing, maths, statistics or economics subjects easily pass 30 credits.
- Check carefully: a B.Com or BBA, where economics, business economics, management and statistics count but accounting-heavy or law-heavy plans need a closer look, and a life sciences, pharmacy or public health degree, where only biostatistics, maths, statistics or computing courses count.
- Often short: a BA in humanities, languages or law without maths, statistics, economics or computing courses.
Meeting the credit rule is not enough on its own: the background test covers economics, statistics, mathematics and computer science in equal parts. [3]
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher is required for admission. You can show it with an accepted certificate issued no more than three years before you apply, uploaded with the application, or by passing the university language centre's entry test. If you do not take or pass that test, you must submit an accepted certificate by the programme's deadline, or you are not admitted. [2]
On the university's list, B2 corresponds to IELTS 5.5 to 6.5, TOEFL iBT 72 to 94, PTE Academic 59 to 75 or Cambridge B2 First, and certificates must cover all four skills. [5]
For 2026/27, non-EU visa applicants also uploaded to Universitaly a B2 certificate in English or Italian accepted by the university, or a medium of instruction (MOI) certificate. [4]
Students with a foreign qualification take 3 credits of Italian language and must reach Italian at A2 before completing the programme. [2]
Background test and selection
Every applicant takes an online background knowledge test in English: 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, 10 each on economics, statistics, mathematics and computer science. For 2026/27 the pass mark was 40%, meaning at least 16 correct answers, with at least 8 in economics and statistics and 8 in mathematics and computer science. You can sit the test only once, in the session you are invited to. [3]
If you pass, the admission board checks your credits, then assesses the quality of your degree, your average grade, your grades in mathematics, statistics, computer science and economics, and how well your background fits the programme. It may ask for an online technical interview. [2][3]
For 2026/27, 50 places were reserved for non-EU students living abroad. [2]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, non-EU citizens applying for a visa had to apply between 22 January and 30 April 2026, and EU applicants by 20 July 2026. Background tests ran on 17 April, 15 May, 19 June and 3 August 2026, assigned by application month. Admitted students enrol between 5 May 2026 and 15 January 2027. [1][3]
Universitaly pre-enrolment for visa applicants closed on 31 July 2026. The 2027/28 admission notice sets the next dates. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
Applicants with a foreign degree apply on the university's international platform. The admission notice lists your degree or degree-awarding certificate, a Diploma Supplement or a transcript with courses, marks, credits and the grading system, and your passport. The programme also asks for a short CV and any English certificate. The application cannot be changed once submitted. [1][3]
- Non-EU visa applicants complete Universitaly pre-enrolment for one university and one programme. [4]
- At enrolment you provide your bachelor's degree legalised or apostilled, your high school diploma, a Statement of Comparability from CIMEA or a declaration of value from the Italian embassy, an Italian tax code and, for non-EU citizens, your residence permit or the receipt of its application. [1]
- For 2026/27 these documents were due by 30 November 2026, and admission stays provisional until they are checked. [1]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Milan. Admission notice for the Master's degree programme in Data Science for Economics and Health (LM-DATA), academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan. Programme description (manifesto), Master's degree in Data Science for Economics and Health (LM-DATA), students enrolling in 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan, Data Science for Economics and Health programme website. Admission 2026/27: how to apply and background knowledge test. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan, International Admissions. Enrolment of international students and documents to upload on Universitaly, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan. Accepted English language certificates, list updated June 2025. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Milan. Fees for students with income and assets abroad, with country groups, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Data Science for Economics and Health (DSEH) is a two-year master's degree in the data science class LM-DATA, taught entirely in English at the University of Milan. It replaced the former Data Science for Economics (DSE) and is run by the Department of Computer Science Giovanni degli Antoni with the Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods. Classes are split between the Città Studi area and the political science buildings in Via Conservatorio.
The programme teaches methods and tools from computer science, statistics and mathematics to interpret complex phenomena in economics and health, supported by economic theory, econometrics, biostatistics and epidemiology. It suits graduates in computer science, mathematics, economics, statistics or medical statistics who want an applied data career.
What you will study
The first year builds the core in coding, statistics and machine learning. You then choose one of three paths, Data Science, Economic Data Analysis or Health, which sets a first-year option and three second-year electives. Units include:
- Coding for Data Science and Data Management (12 ECTS)
- Statistical Theory and Mathematics (12 ECTS)
- Data-Driven Economic Analysis (12 ECTS)
- Machine Learning and Statistical Learning (12 ECTS)
- Introduction to Biostatistics and Epidemiology (Health path)
- Data Governance and Data Protection: Technical and Legal Perspectives
- Cloud Computing and Algorithms for Massive Datasets
- Electives such as Natural Language Processing, Bayesian Analysis, Reinforcement Learning and Advanced Causal Inference and Policy Evaluation
How the programme is taught
The second year includes 9 ECTS of free electives, a 3 ECTS internship in a company or public body, a 3 ECTS unit of Italian language for students with a foreign qualification, who must reach Italian at A2 before graduating, and a 12 ECTS thesis. [2] Erasmus+ links the programme with more than 50 partner universities, and a double degree agreement with the University of Warsaw's master in Data Science and Business Analytics lets up to five selected students a year on the Data Science and Economic Data Analysis paths spend their second year in Warsaw and earn two degrees. [2]
Career paths
The university describes six professional profiles. Sectors it names include manufacturing, telecommunications, media, banking and insurance, utilities, consulting, public administration, international organisations and healthcare.
- Data scientist in large companies, SMEs, start-ups and public administration
- Data analyst supporting marketing, business, innovation and finance decisions
- Data-driven economist
- Data-driven decision maker in managerial roles
- Development project and economic policy analyst
- Health analyst in healthcare companies and hospitals
Fees and scholarships
DSEH is in fee Area B. For 2026/27, the university charges students whose family income and assets are abroad a fixed second instalment by country group, and India, Nepal and Sri Lanka are in Group A, the lowest group. [6] Full winners of the regional DSU scholarship, which the university runs with Lombardy funding, pay no second instalment, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Every applicant, including visa applicants, sits the online background test in English and must reach the 40% threshold; the board then weighs your academic record and may hold an online interview. [3] We apply on apply.unimi.it in the non-EU visa applicant category. For 2026/27 the window opened on 22 January 2026 and closed for visa applicants on 30 April 2026. The 2027/28 admission notice sets the next dates. [1][3]
Admitted students complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment (by 31 July for 2026/27), apply for a type D study visa and, by 30 November for 2026/27, provide a CIMEA statement of comparability or a declaration of value. [1]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Milan's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your admission application, Universitaly pre-enrolment and enrolment documents.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your University of Milan DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
Is this the same as the old Data Science for Economics master?
It is its successor. Data Science for Economics and Health replaced Data Science for Economics, is taught entirely in English and offers three paths: Data Science, Economic Data Analysis and Health. [2]
What bachelor's degree do I need for Data Science for Economics and Health at Milan?
A bachelor's from any field with at least 30 credits in computer science and mathematics, economics and statistics, or medical statistics, already on your record when you apply. Your average grade and your grades in maths, statistics, computing and economics also count. [2]
Is there an entrance exam?
Yes. Every applicant sits an online background test in English: 40 multiple-choice questions on economics, statistics, mathematics and computer science in 60 minutes. For 2026/27 the pass mark was 40%, with at least 8 correct answers in each half. An online interview may follow. [3]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at B2 is required for admission. You can upload an accepted certificate issued no more than three years before you apply, such as IELTS 5.5 or above, or pass the university's English entry test after applying. [2][5]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU citizens applying for a visa had to apply between 22 January and 30 April 2026, and complete Universitaly pre-enrolment by 31 July 2026. The 2027/28 admission notice sets the next dates. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, but the 30 subject credits must already be on your record when you apply. For 2026/27, applicants who were still finishing had to graduate by 31 December 2026. [1][2]
I have a B.Com or BBA. Can I apply?
Possibly. The 30-credit rule counts economics, statistics, business economics and management sectors as well as computing and maths, so many commerce transcripts can reach it. You still need to pass the background test, which includes mathematics and computer science. [2][3]
What jobs do graduates do?
The university lists data scientist, data analyst, data-driven economist, data-driven decision maker, development project and economic policy analyst, and health analyst, in companies, public administration, international organisations and healthcare. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Data Science for Economics and Health at Milan?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Milan's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the University of Milan DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Data Science for Economics and Health?
Indian graduates from many fields, such as a B.Tech, BCA, B.Sc., B.Com, BBA or BA in Economics, can meet the rule if the transcript shows at least 30 credits in computing and maths, economics and statistics, or medical statistics. You also need English at B2 and a pass in the online background test. The steps are the online application, the test, the admission review and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2][3] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Data Science for Economics and Health are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: online admission application, the online background test, admission review and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Data Science for Economics and Health are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: online admission application, the online background test, admission review and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Data Science for Economics and Health are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: online admission application, the online background test, admission review and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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