Italy is rich in culture and history. After all, it is home to famous sites, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and to some of the world’s oldest universities.
Keep reading to learn more about several Italian institutions that offer degree programs taught in English.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in Italy
1. Polytechnic University of Milan
The Polytechnic University of Milan, or Politecnico di Milano, was founded in 1863 and is Italy’s largest science and technology university. It has six campuses: Milano Leonardo, Milano Bovisa, Cremona, Lecco, Mantova, and Piacenza. It is also regarded as one of Italy’s top universities. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, it ranks sixth worldwide for architecture and the built environment, seventh for art and design, and 20th for engineering and technology.
At Politecnico di Milano, the Bachelor of Science equivalent is a Laurea, while the Master of Science equivalent is a Laurea Magistrale. Its current bachelor’s catalog includes programs delivered in English or in Italian and English, such as Architectural Design, Civil Engineering, Engineering Science, Industrial Engineering, Interaction Design, MEDTEC School, and Process Engineering.
MEDTEC School is an English-taught bachelor’s program offered in cooperation with Humanitas University. At the postgraduate level, students can also explore English-taught Master of Science and Ph.D. opportunities.
2. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna, also known as Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, traces its origins to 1088 and is considered the oldest university in the Western world. Its notable former students include Nicolaus Copernicus, who studied canon law in Bologna and later proposed a heliocentric system.
Università di Bologna has five campuses: Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini. Its 2026 brochure reports 97,235 students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in the 2024/25 academic year, including 11,302 international students. The university’s approved 2026/27 catalog contains 261 degree programs.
The university offers first-cycle, second-cycle, and single-cycle degree programs. Its 2026 brochure reports that, in the 2025/26 academic year, 115 of its degree programs were international programs, including 60 taught in English. It also offers double, multiple, and joint-degree options. Its 2026/27 Ph.D. catalog includes programs delivered in English as well as multilingual programs.
3. Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome, or Sapienza Università di Roma, was founded in Rome in 1303. It is the city’s oldest university and has more than 700 years of history.
For 2026/27 international admissions, Sapienza lists 59 bachelor’s and master’s programs entirely taught in English and more than 240 bachelor’s and master’s programs taught in Italian. Students can also explore the university’s libraries, museums, and other campus services.
Sapienza also offers Ph.D. programs in most disciplines. Because language arrangements vary by doctoral program, applicants should check the relevant Ph.D. program page before applying.
4. University of Padua
The University of Padua, or Università di Padova, is one of Europe’s oldest universities. It was founded in 1222. It is home to the world’s first university botanical garden and the first permanent anatomical theater. In 1678, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia became the first woman in the world to receive a university degree.
The University of Padua reports more than 70,000 enrolled students. Aspiring international students may also be interested in its English-taught degree programs at the bachelor’s level.
These bachelor’s programs include Animal Care, Information Engineering, Psychological Science, and Italian Medieval and Renaissance Studies. The university also offers English-taught master’s programs, including Forest Sciences, European and Global Studies, and programs in engineering. It also offers a six-year, English-taught, single-cycle Medicine and Surgery program.
5. University of Milan
The University of Milan, or Università degli Studi di Milano, is a relatively young university founded in 1924. It is also known as La Statale.
The university is a founder and the only Italian member of the League of European Research Universities. The league was founded in 2002 as a partnership between 12 universities and has since expanded to include 24 multidisciplinary universities in 12 European countries. The University of Milan also participates in the 4EU+ European University Alliance, which currently brings together eight universities.
The University of Milan currently lists four English-taught bachelor’s programs: Artificial Intelligence; Ancient Civilizations for the Contemporary World; Economics: Behavior, Data and Policy; and International Politics, Law and Economics. It also offers the English-taught single-cycle International Medical School program, many English-taught master’s programs, and multiple Ph.D. programs delivered entirely in English.
International students can engage with Italian culture while studying in programs taught in English. Immersing yourself in the country’s culture and history while pursuing a degree in English can be a valuable part of studying abroad. Students can also broaden their horizons by studying in another country, so consider the institutions above as you explore your options.
We hope this article on English-taught schools in Italy was helpful. If you’re interested in studying in Italy, make sure to check out the Italy Page and some of the Available Programs in Europe to explore other options!
