Are you looking for the best private universities in Italy for international students? Italy’s private and non-state institutions offer programs in fields such as business, economics, medicine, law, psychology, communication, and the humanities, with several universities providing degrees taught partly or entirely in English.
Depending on the institution and program, students may benefit from smaller classes, closer interaction with professors, internships, employer partnerships, international exchanges, and practical training. Teaching languages vary considerably, so applicants should confirm whether their chosen program is offered in English, Italian, or both.
This guide highlights top private universities in Italy based on factors such as academic reputation, program selection, international accessibility, industry connections, and student support. It also introduces relevant features of Italy’s higher education system and lets you compare each university’s programs, admissions information, tuition fees, and scholarships.
Top Private Universities in Italy
| University | Selected Academic Areas |
|---|
| Bocconi University | Economics, Management, Finance, Political Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Legal Studies |
| European University of Rome | Economics and Business Management, Law, Psychology, Primary Education, Tourism, Digital Transformation |
| Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | Business and Management, Banking and Finance, Data Science, Psychology, Medicine, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Humanities |
| LUISS University | Economics, Business, Management, Law, Political Science, Public Affairs, Finance, Data Science, International Relations |
| Vita-Salute San Raffaele University | Medicine and Surgery, Psychology, Philosophy |
| IULM University | Communication, Languages, Interpreting and Translation, Arts, Fashion, Cultural Industries, Tourism |
| John Cabot University | Liberal Arts |
1. Bocconi University
Established in Milan in 1902, Bocconi University is an accredited, nonprofit private university focused primarily on the social sciences. Its current teaching areas include economics, management, finance, political science, data science, artificial intelligence, and legal studies.
Bocconi offers bachelor’s, master’s, law, specialized master’s, and PhD programs. Current options include the Master of Science in Finance and bachelor’s programs in Economics, Finance, International Politics and Government, Management, and other related fields. The university also provides career services and opportunities for internships and international study.
2. European University of Rome
Founded in 2004, the European University of Rome is a private, legally recognized university. Its current academic areas include economics and business management, law, psychology, primary education, tourism, and digital transformation. Most degree-level instruction is in Italian, although selected courses and international academic opportunities are available in English.
The European University of Rome emphasizes direct interaction between students and professors. It also supplements academic study with opportunities such as international mobility, internships, traineeships, and career support. International applicants should confirm the teaching language and curriculum of their intended program before applying.
3. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Founded in 1921, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is the largest non-state university in Europe. It offers programs in fields such as business and management, banking and finance, data science, psychology, medicine and surgery, agricultural and food sciences, communication, humanities, political and social sciences, languages, and education.
Università Cattolica operates campuses in Milan, Rome, Piacenza, Cremona, and Brescia. It offers programs taught in both Italian and English and welcomes degree-seeking students from a wide range of countries. Applicants should check the relevant campus and teaching language when selecting a program.
One student’s journey: Darina is pursuing a three-year PhD in Plant Pathology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore through a fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Fellowship. She tailored her CV and motivation letter specifically to the research position, studied the project’s literature before interview, practiced both technical and general interview questions, and had her English proficiency assessed directly in that interview rather than through a standardized test. She attributed her selection in part to specialized coursework, laboratory activities, practical work experience, and demonstrating a clear link between her research skills and the project’s applied goals. View More Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore recipients →
4. LUISS University
In 1974, a group of entrepreneurs led by Umberto Agnelli launched the educational project that became Luiss Guido Carli. The university specializes in the social sciences, with programs in areas such as economics, business, management, law, political science, public affairs, finance, data science, and international relations.
Its current offerings include the Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business and the Master’s Degree in International Relations. Some degree programs are taught in Italian, while others are taught in English. Luiss combines academic study with practical and interdisciplinary learning and provides internship, recruiting, and career services through its connections with employers.
One student’s journey: Minh Vo enrolled in a Master’s in Management at LUISS Guido Carli after nearly two years in human resources, using the Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship for a full tuition waiver and living support. She began preparing about a year ahead, submitted transcripts and English-proficiency evidence without the optional GMAT/GRE, and condensed her case for the scholarship into the required one-minute motivation video. Minh said the consistency between her academic background, professional experience, future HR Business Partner goal, and motivation video helped make her application coherent. View More Luiss University recipients →
5. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
Established in 1996, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University offers programs through its faculties of medicine and surgery, psychology, and philosophy. Its English-taught options include the International Medical Doctor Program and selected master’s degree programs.
The university is closely affiliated with San Raffaele Research Hospital, giving students in relevant programs access to clinical, laboratory, and research environments. For example, the English-taught International Medical Doctor Program is a six-year, single-cycle degree that includes clinical and laboratory rotations. Admission procedures and available places vary by program, so applicants should consult the current official admissions notice.
6. IULM University
Established in 1968, IULM University specializes in communication, languages, interpreting and translation, arts, fashion, cultural industries, and tourism. Its current bachelor’s programs include Communication, Media and Advertising; Corporate Communication and Public Relations; Arts and Cultural Events; Fashion and Creative Industries; and Tourism, Management and Culture.
Italian is IULM’s official teaching language, and most courses and examinations are conducted in Italian. However, the university also offers a selection of courses and degree options in English. IULM maintains relationships with companies and institutions and provides international mobility and dual-degree opportunities through selected programs.
7. John Cabot University
Founded in 1972, John Cabot University is an independent American liberal arts university in Rome. It offers undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and study abroad programs to English-speaking students from around the world.
John Cabot University reports an average class size of 15 students and emphasizes participation and interaction with professors. It also partners with multinational companies, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and cultural institutions to provide internships and hands-on learning opportunities.
Italy is home to a range of private and non-state institutions with different academic strengths, teaching languages, admissions procedures, and campus models. International students should compare official program pages for the curriculum, teaching language, fees, entry requirements, and application deadlines before choosing a university.
We hope this article will serve as a guide in your search for the best private universities in Italy. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
