
Italy is an excellent destination for international students seeking to study in Europe. The country boasts a unique blend of world-class education, rich cultural experiences, and vibrant student life in historic cities. Italy's higher education system includes several top-ranked universities in Europe, such as the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Padua, and the University of Pisa. These institutions offer a range of academic programmes, innovative research facilities, and English-taught courses, attracting students from around the world. Additionally, cities like Milan, with its diverse student population and cosmopolitan atmosphere, provide a stimulating environment for international learners. Italy's affordable tuition fees and immersive cultural experiences further enhance its appeal as a study destination, making it a popular choice for those seeking a well-rounded educational journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best university in Italy for international students | Sapienza University of Rome |
| Oldest university in Italy | University of Bologna, founded in 1088 |
| Largest student community in Italy | Milan, with eight universities |
| Italy's highest entry in the 2019 ranking | Politecnico di Milano |
| Other internationally ranked universities in Milan | Università degli Studi di Milano, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, University of Milano-Bicocca, Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi |
| University outside of Milan with international programs taught in English | Università degli Studi di Pavia (UNIPV) |
| University with the most international students | Sapienza University of Rome, with nearly 9,000 international students |
| University with the most degree programs | Sapienza University of Rome, with 280 degree programs |
| University with the most libraries | Sapienza University of Rome, with 50 libraries |
| University with the most museums | Sapienza University of Rome, with 18 museums |
| University with a strong international focus offering numerous English-taught programs | University of Bologna |
| University with the lowest tuition fees for bachelor's degree programs | University of Pisa, with fees ranging from 1,000 EUR to 4,000 EUR per academic year |
| University with the lowest tuition fees for master's degree programs | University of Pisa, with fees ranging from 1,000 EUR to 6,000 EUR per academic year |
| University with a rich history and excellent global collaborations | University of Turin |
| University known for its commitment to research and active role in cultural and social development | University of Turin |
| City with the best student life | Bologna, for its medieval architecture, lively cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere |
| City with the highest standard of living | Milan |
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What You'll Learn

Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome, founded in 1303, is one of the world's oldest universities and the largest university in Europe, with approximately 115,000 to 140,000 students, including nearly 9,000 international students. It is a public research university located in Rome, Italy, and is considered one of the top Italian universities, excelling in various rankings. The university offers a vast range of degree programmes, with 280 degree programmes and 200 specialist courses across 63 to 65 departments. Many of these programmes are taught entirely in English, making it accessible to international students.
The university has eleven faculties, including significant research programmes in engineering, natural sciences, biomedical sciences, and humanities. It is a global education and research centre, known for its size, funding, and numerous laboratories and libraries. Sapienza houses 50 libraries with over 2.7 million books and 18 to 19 museums, a botanical garden, and three university hospitals. It also has multiple campuses in Rome, with its main campus, Città Universitaria, covering 110 acres near the Roma Tiburtina Station.
Sapienza University promotes international research and student mobility by facilitating joint research projects and hosting visiting researchers and professors from foreign universities. It has bilateral agreements with many prestigious foreign universities, allowing students to complete part of their studies abroad and obtain degrees recognised in multiple countries. The Erasmus+ Programme and other mobility programmes further enhance international opportunities for students.
The university has a rich history, initially founded as a Studium for ecclesiastical studies under Pope Boniface VIII's control. It expanded in 1431 to include the schools of Law, Medicine, Philosophy, and Theology, and later experienced rapid growth after the capture of Rome in 1870. Sapienza University of Rome continues to be a leading educational institution in Italy and Southern Europe, attracting thousands of international students each year.
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University of Milan
Milan is celebrated as one of the world's best cities for students, offering a full package of world-class universities, a high standard of living, and a large and diverse student population. The University of Milan, founded in 1924, is a public institution with a main campus in the city. It is one of eight universities in Milan and has the largest student community in Italy. The University of Milan offers a range of programmes in English, a specific fee system, and scholarships and support for international students.
International students at the University of Milan must follow certain enrolment procedures. There is a fixed number of places in each degree programme for non-EU students resident abroad, and all non-EU students residing abroad must submit a pre-enrolment application on the Universitaly website. Additionally, students must pass an Italian proficiency test to be admitted to Bachelor's or single-cycle Master's degree programmes taught in Italian. To enrol in a Master's degree programme, visa applicants must apply by 30 April 2025.
The University of Milan offers a vibrant student life, with student associations and music opportunities. The city of Milan itself is a thriving economic hub in northern Italy, known for its fashion and design industries. It boasts a strong sense of its past while also representing modern urban Italian life. Milan is also home to world-renowned football teams AC Milan and Internazionale.
The University of Milan is a great choice for international students looking for a world-class education in a culturally rich and vibrant city. With its diverse student population, English-language programmes, and support for international students, the university provides an ideal environment for those seeking a global study experience.
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University of Bologna
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is believed to be the world's oldest university. It has campuses in Bologna, Cesena, Forli, Ravenna, and Rimini in Italy and an international campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The university is also responsible for the Bologna Process, a series of agreements between European countries to ensure cooperation and comparability between their higher education systems.
The University of Bologna is a public institution with a long list of notable alumni, including Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket, several popes, Nobel-winning inventor and engineer Guglielmo Marconi, and Enzo Ferrari and Giorgio Armani, founders of their eponymous brands. The university is one of the founding members of the Guild of European Research Intensive Universities, an association of prestigious European universities distinguished for their excellence in research, education, and the third mission.
The university offers a wide range of programmes for international students, including 25 Professional Master's Programmes in English or Spanish. These programmes are designed to facilitate international students and provide opportunities for language skill development, including subject-specific languages. International students can enrol simultaneously in up to two programmes at the same university or at different universities, including foreign ones, under certain circumstances.
The University of Bologna has partnerships with several US universities, which provide support and guidance for US students studying in Bologna and Bologna students intending to study at partner universities in the United States. The university also participates in TNE projects, which aim to foster a culture of exchange and mutual enrichment among the student body and teaching staff, positively impacting society as a whole.
Bologna, the city, is known for its vibrant nightlife and live music, ranging from opera to modern DJs and bands. It is also worth noting that Milan is a popular student city with the largest student community in Italy and a world-class university selection. Additionally, all students arriving in Italy, including international students, must apply for a residence permit.
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University of Cagliari
Italy is home to some of the world's oldest universities, with a variety of higher education options available for international students. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is believed to be the world's oldest university, while Sapienza University in Rome, founded in 1303, is the largest university in Europe, with around 9,000 international students. The University of Padua, established in 1222, and the University of Turin, founded in 1404, are other notable mentions.
Milan is a popular student city, with eight universities, including Politecnico di Milano, Italy's highest entry in the 2019 rankings. The city offers a rich blend of history and modern urban life, a diverse student population, and a thriving economic hub.
Now, let's focus on the University of Cagliari, a public research university located in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. Founded in 1606 as the Studium Generalis Kalaritanum, it is one of the oldest institutions in the country. The university has a rich history, modelled after the old Spanish universities of Salamanca, Valladolid, and Lleida (or Lorida). It began operating as the "Universidad y Estudio General de Caller en el Reyno de Cerdeña" (University and General Study of Cagliari in the Kingdom of Sardinia) in 1620 with the privilege granted by King Philip III of Spain.
The University of Cagliari has a significant focus on research, with internationally acclaimed achievements by its students and professors. It is organised into six main faculties:
- Biology and Pharmacy
- Engineering and Architecture
- Medicine and Surgery
- Sciences
- Economic Sciences, Law, and Political Sciences
- Humanities
The university has a diverse student body, with approximately 36,000 enrolled students, a teaching staff of over 1,200, and a technical-administrative staff of about 1,300. The academic calendar is divided into two semesters, and tuition fees for international students start at a minimum of 1,000 USD per year, with financial aid programmes available. The main campus is in central Cagliari, with a new 73-hectare campus in Monserrato offering a more metropolitan experience, located about 5 km northeast of the city.
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University of Padua
The University of Padua is a great choice for international students wanting to study in Italy. Founded in 1222, it is one of the oldest universities in Italy and has a strong reputation for research quality and academic freedom. The university is located in the city of Padua, which is known for its history, culture, and thriving businesses. With students making up 30% of the local population, Padua offers an organised, friendly, and culturally diverse student environment.
The University of Padua offers a wide range of incentives for international students, including competitive tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. The cost of studying at the university is calculated based on family income and the student's country of origin, ranging from 150€ to 3500€. Padua also provides 45 programmes taught in English, special welcome initiatives, free Italian language courses, and personalised support for international students.
The university is well-regarded academically, ranked between 201 and 250 in the World University Rankings of 2019-2020 and placed 249th in the QS 2019 World University Rankings. It was also ranked first in Italy for teaching and research quality by the ANVUR, the national agency for the evaluation of Higher Education institutions. The University of Padua offers a multidisciplinary curriculum and participates in international studies and projects, contributing to its strong academic reputation.
The city of Padua is conveniently located near famous travel destinations such as Venice, Milan, Verona, the Alps, the Dolomites, and Lake Garda. With its proximity to two airports, international students can easily explore Italy and Europe during their time at the university. Padua's location provides a dynamic and exciting environment for students, combining historical charm with modern urban life.
The University of Padua offers a unique learning environment, with research centres and campuses distributed throughout the city. Padua provides ample opportunities for curriculum development and gaining first-hand professional experiences. The university offers internships, collaborations with partner universities, industry-led projects, and soft-skill development events, enhancing the overall student experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of some of the best universities in Italy for international students:
- The University of Cagliari, or UNICA, is among Italy’s oldest universities and is home to over 29,000 students.
- The University of Bologna is believed to be the world's oldest university, founded in 1088, and has a strong international focus.
- The Sapienza University of Rome is the largest university in Europe, with about 115,000 students, and is a member of the Coimbra Group, a network of prestigious learning institutions.
- The University of Padua is one of Italy's leading academic institutions, known for its pioneering research.
- The University of Pisa has a strong international presence and is part of several prestigious international research networks.
- The University of Turin is consistently ranked among the top five learning institutions in Italy and is known for its excellent global collaborations.
Italy has the perfect combination of stunning history, academic tradition, and innovative education. Here are some of the best cities for international students:
- Milan is celebrated as one of the world's best cities for students, offering world-class universities, a high standard of living, and a large and diverse student population.
- Bologna, known as the "City of Learning", provides a vibrant student life with its medieval architecture, lively cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere.
- Rome is an exceptional destination for international students, offering an immersive experience with its rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and lively social scene.
Many universities in Italy offer programmes taught in English. Here are some of the best universities for international students who don't speak Italian:
- Politecnico di Milano is Italy's highest-ranked university, providing courses in engineering, architecture, and design, with many programmes taught in English.
- The University of Bologna has a strong international focus and offers numerous programmes in English.
- The Sapienza University of Rome offers a wide range of courses, with many programmes taught in English.
- The University of Padua provides impressive learning through innovative research facilities, lecture halls, libraries, and exceptional student support services, with a focus on promoting global engagement.
- The University of Pisa has a strong international presence, attracting students and researchers from around the world.











































