Some private universities in Italy emphasize small-group teaching, close interaction with faculty, employer partnerships, internships, or international mobility. These features vary by institution and degree program, so prospective students should compare the academic structure and services offered by each university.
Several private and non-state universities in Italy maintain relationships with companies, hospitals, international organizations, and partner universities. Depending on the institution and program, these connections may support internships, practical training, study abroad opportunities, and career services.
For anyone interested in pursuing higher education at a private university in Italy, this article outlines some features of Italy’s higher education sector and introduces several private and non-state universities available to international students.
Top Private Universities in Italy
1. Bocconi University
- Admissions
- Location: Milan, Italy | Medium of Instruction: English, Italian
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
- Admissions
- Location: Rome, Italy | Medium of Instruction: Italian; selected courses in English
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
- Admissions
- Location: Milan, Rome, Brescia, Piacenza, and Cremona, Italy | Medium of Instruction: Italian, English
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.
4. LUISS University
- Admissions
- Location: Rome, Italy | Medium of Instruction: Italian, English
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.
5. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
- Admissions
- Location: Milan, Italy | Medium of Instruction: Italian, English
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
- Admissions
- Location: Milan, Italy | Medium of Instruction: Italian; selected courses and programs in English
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
- Admissions
- Location: Rome, Italy | Medium of Instruction: English
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. For more study options, check out available programs on our Available Courses for International Students! You can also visit the Study in Italy Page to read more articles about studying abroad.
