Italy is a country in South-Central Europe known for its diverse landscapes, astonishing architecture, and incredible cuisine. It has numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich with renaissance art, and is home to world-famous musicians. Furthermore, Italians are generally friendly and generous people. They like celebrations with family and friends and are known to enjoy the finer things in life.
In terms of education, the country has played a vital role in fostering the Bologna Process, the reform of European higher education. Italy’s universities are among the oldest in Europe and the world, so when the country implemented the reform in 1999, it only strengthened its longstanding academic tradition.
With its time-honored and innovative institutions, Italy is becoming a famed study-abroad destination. In this article, we will look at the best universities in this European country for international students, so make sure to read the information below.
Top Universities in Italy for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| University of Bologna |
Economics & Management, Law, and Engineering |
| Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies |
Biorobotics, Agrobiosciences, and Bionics Engineering |
| Scuola Normale Superiore |
Mathematics, Humanities, and Physics |
| Sapienza University of Rome |
Classics & Ancient History, and Archaeology |
| University of Padua |
Medicine and Surgery, Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences |
| Vita-Salute San Raffaele University |
Psychology, Medicine, and Philosophy |
| University of Trento |
Engineering, Computer Science, and Cognitive Sciences |
| University of Milan |
Medicine, Law, and Sociology |
| University of Milano-Bicocca |
Medicine and Surgery, Economics, and Artificial Intelligence |
| Polytechnic University of Milan |
Engineering, Architecture, and Design |
| University of Rome Tor Vergata |
Business Administration and Economics, Engineering, and Medicine |
| University of Brescia |
Civil and Environmental Engineering, Management, and Biotechnology |
| University of Pavia |
Pharmacy, Health Sciences, and Economics & Management |
| University of Turin |
Medical Sciences and Strategic and Military Sciences |
| University of Florence |
Law, Agricultural Sciences, and Engineering |
| University of Pisa |
Engineering, Economics, and Biotechnologies |
| University of Naples Federico II |
Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Physics, and Biomedical Engineering |
| Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |
Linguistics, Psychology, and Law |
| University of Genoa |
Medicine, Biology, and Computer Science |
| University of Siena |
Engineering, and Economics & Management |
1. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is the world’s oldest institution, founded in 1088. The Bologna Process was held and named after the school, befitting its time-honored academic tradition in Europe. Presently, it has 232 degree programs. Nearly 85 of these are international, and 68 are taught in English. Significant subjects include medicine, mathematics, hard sciences, economics, engineering, and philosophy.
Because it has excellent research activities and is among the top universities in Europe, UNIBO is the best in Italy for international students. It has five campuses all over Italy and a branch in Buenos Aires, ensuring quality education reaches the whole region. The school also develops cross-cultural competence with several global strategies, too. Domestic and international students will have a rich learning experience with excellent academic services, sports facilities, and student clubs.
2. Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies
The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, or Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, is one of the best public universities in Italy for international students. It is a leading model of a Superior Graduate School (grandes écoles), a prestigious institution autonomous from the government. The school is known for advanced teaching, research, and a highly competitive admission process.
The fields of study are mainly social sciences (e.g., business and economics) and experimental sciences (e.g., medical and industrial sciences). This elite university aces international rankings, especially young university rankings. Its economics course is outstanding in Italy, and the Specialized Graduate Study is gaining global attention.
3. Scuola Normale Superiore
Scuola Normale Superiore, or La Normale, is an Italian university established by Napoleon in 1810. It has campuses in the historic cities of Pisa and Florence. The leader’s decree aimed to train teachers in the empire and subsequently educate its citizens. Until now, it has placed first in Italy in the Teaching category in several rankings.
The institution was also the first to create a Ph.D. program in 1927. As a top Italian university for international students, Scuola Normale Superiore offers programs in humanities, mathematical and natural sciences, and political and social sciences. Admission is rigorous but accepted students do not pay any fees.
4. Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome is one of the most prestigious universities in Italy and one of the oldest in the world. Since 1303, Sapienza has been home to notable historical figures, Nobel Prize winners, and key players in Italian politics. Its present teaching and research have placed the institution among the top 3% in the world. Classics & ancient history, as well as archaeology, are some of its leading subjects.
The university has significant research contributions in biomedical sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and engineering. It is first in Italy in the Academic Reputation category, attracting over 1,500 international students every year. Moreover, it is known for its historical library, museums, and the School of Aerospace Engineering.
5. University of Padua
The University of Padua, one of the best universities in Italy for international students, was established in 1222 as a school of law and theology by a group of scholars to pursue more academic freedom. Today, it has eight schools with over 30 departments. Its degrees are broad and multidisciplinary, ranging from information engineering and neurosciences to cultural heritage.
UNIPD is part of the Coimbra Group, an international league of research universities. Its campus in the art city of Padua is home to medieval buildings, a library, a museum, and a university hospital. This Italian institution also operates the Padua Botanical Garden and Astronomical Observatory at Asiago.
6. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is one of the renowned private universities in Italy dedicated to medicine, philosophy, and psychology. These three faculties fortify the school’s practice of humanistic medicine. UniSR ranked first in Italy for research citations in international journals. It is renowned for its exceptional primary care, as experienced by its affiliated medical institution, the San Raffaele Hospital.
Moreover, UniSR offers an international MD program in English. Students can also study in its internationally recognized science park. The university campus is also student-centered, with high-quality teaching, research, sports, and living facilities.
7. University of Trento
The University of Trento started as a social science institute in 1962 and pioneered Italy’s first Faculty of Sociology. Over time, it has expanded into physics, mathematics, psychology, industrial engineering, biology, economics, and law. UniTrento presently has ten academic departments and several doctoral schools. This top institution values internationalization and has alliances with educational institutions globally.
UniTrento confirms its first-class teaching by achieving several international university rankings. It excelled in Young Universities rankings and Microsoft Academic Ranking, which recognized its computer science department.
8. University of Milan
The University of Milan is a leading public research school in Italy for international students. With over 60,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in Europe. The institution comprises ten faculties, 33 departments, and 53 research centers. It provides quality education overall and is best known for sociology, philosophy, political science, and law.
UniMi is also the only institution in Italy that is included in the 23-member League of European Research Universities. Its campus in La Statale includes historic buildings, a rich archive, botanical gardens, and the Brera Astronomical Observatory for students to enjoy. The university implements comprehensive internationalization strategies to increase its current 2000 international students.
9. University of Milano-Bicocca
The University of Milano-Bicocca is young and future-oriented in Milan and Monza. Its well-known subject areas include sociology, psychology, law, sciences, economics, medicine & surgery, and educational sciences. Research here also covers a broad range of topics with a cross-disciplinary approach. This top institution in Italy for international students transformed the Pirelli industrial complex into state-of-the-art learning facilities and research centers.
The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings awarded Bicocca for its environmental sustainability efforts. This Italian institution is also known for operating the Maldives Marine Research and High Education Center, which studies marine biology, tourism science, and environmental science.
10. Polytechnic University of Milan
The Polytechnic University of Milan, or Politecnico di Milano in Italian, is Italy’s most significant technical institution dedicated to engineering, design, and architecture. From the 2024 QS World University Rankings results, the school placed 23rd in Engineering & Technology. It ranked 12th for Civil & Structural Engineering, 9th for Mechanical Engineering, and 7th for Architecture and Art & Design.
PoliMi, one of Italy’s top universities, has always focused on experimental research and technological transfer to create a more productive world. It collaborates with leading European institutions and creates agreements that extend to countries from North America to Southeast Asia. It also participates in scientific research globally, with over 2,000 patents and 700 inventions.
11. University of Rome Tor Vergata
Another top higher institution in Italy is the University of Rome Tor Vergata, locally known as Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata. It placed among the best 500 universities in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. This school also belongs to the European University Association (EUA) Network, an organization of representatives for higher education.
There are on-campus facilities at the university, including a health surveillance clinic and the Policlinico Tor Vergata hospital. Carsharing and carpooling services are also available for students and staff at the university.
12. University of Brescia
Grounded in the Ursuline tradition, the University of Brescia calls for educating the student holistically— mind, body, and soul. As a Catholic institution, it follows the mission of Christ and aids students in cultivating their God-given talents. It is ranked among the top 500 universities in Italy, according to the 2024 Times Higher Education.
It is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to provide high-quality education and award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.
Learn More: Cheapest Universities in Italy for International Students
13. University of Pavia
The University of Pavia was established in 1361 as an institution devoted to the study of the law. It is one of the world’s oldest universities and a leading school in Italy. With a strong international vocation, it has been a member of the European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) Alliance since 2017. It also has hundreds of projects financed by both public and private foundations, ministries, and regional and local authorities.
With over 30 departments and faculties, this Italian institution provides a diverse range of studies to more than 20,000 students from Italy and other countries. Several of the university’s programs are available in English, and there are more than 100 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
14. University of Turin
Considered a city within a city, the University of Turin is one of the largest universities in Italy. It houses facilities for the study of critical disciplines, such as medical diagnostics, nanotechnology, military strategy, and sports sciences, to name a few. UNITO is distinguished as the top 485th university by the 2024 QS World University Rankings.
UNITO also houses historic museums featuring different collections like the Cesare Lombroso Museum, the Criminal Anthropology Museum, the Luigi Rolando Museum, and the Human Anatomy Museum.
15. University of Florence
The University of Florence is one of the most prestigious public universities in the world, ranking 358th-best in the QS World Rankings 2024. It recruits students from all over the world to promote both scientific and cultural exchange. UniFl employs research-backed strategies to maximize learning opportunities for students.
Through its Welcome Service, it can help various international students, both undergraduate and graduate, to find appropriate arrangements within the city. Aside from academic activities, students can also participate in the university choir, orchestra, and theatre company.
Learn More: Cheapest Universities in Italy for International Students
16. University of Pisa
Founded in 1343, the University of Pisa is one of the best and most recognizable universities in Italy. It is where great minds studied, including world-renowned scholar Galileo Galilei and Nobel Prize winners Giosuè Carducci (Literature), Enrico Fermi (Physics), and Carlo Rubbia (Physics). UNIPI is a public institution that centers its education on the growth of the economy and shaping entrepreneurial interests across different fields.
UNIPI also partners with the Pisan Institutes of the National Board of Research and industries focused on information technology. International students are welcome to enroll in short-term summer courses. A student guidebook is readily available on their website.
17. University of Naples Federico II
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Top-Rated Programs: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Physics, and Biomedical Engineering
The University of Naples Federico II is one of the oldest public universities in the world that is non-sectarian. It was built to establish a standard of independent, quality education across Naples. UNINA has produced brilliant minds by the likes of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Samantha Cristoforetti.
International students in UNINA will be exposed to a diverse environment and culture due to the university’s partnership with more than 260 universities. They can also apply to double and joint degree programs.
18. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore places among the top 510 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings. Cattolica has five campuses situated in Milan, Brescia, Cremona, Piacenza, and Rome. Università Cattolica offers a Christian-centered higher education that values all knowledge and aligns science with Catholic teaching, the universal nature of Catholicism.
It presents various opportunities for students to learn outside the four walls of the classroom and laboratories. Through the university’s internship programs and research projects, students can apply what they learned from lectures to real-life projects.
19. University of Genoa
The University of Genoa is another top-ranking institution in Italy, consistently placing among the top 550 universities in the world, according to the 2024 QS World Rankings 2024. This private school has different departments that deliver quality programs, including the School of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Social Sciences, and School of Humanities.
UniGe holds the Open Day to invite prospective students to discover which degree program suits them the most. In this event, applicants can engage with a professor to learn more about the offered courses, available school services, lodging, and recreational activities.
20. University of Siena
Founded in 1240, the University of Siena is a world-renowned public institution in Siena, Italy, consisting of 15 departments. The Tuscany Agency for University Services (DSU-Toscana) holds events for students that foster camaraderie in the cultural diversity of the UNISI. Moreover, it conducts guidance counseling and tutoring sessions to help international students psychologically, socially, and academically cope during their stay at the university.
To help its students study abroad and broaden their horizons, it is a member of many exchange programs, including Erasmus. Moreover, to enrich its students’ educational experience further, the institution runs some museums devoted to science and culture.
FAQs: Studying in Italian Universities
Is Italy a Good Place to Study for International Students?
Italy provides high-quality academic programs and innovative research opportunities. The Italian education system is recognized by 42 countries, meaning a degree earned in Italy is equivalent to degrees earned in the UK, France, Sweden, Denmark, and more. The country encourages international students through programs, such as Invest Your Talent in Italy and the yearly Italian Government Scholarship by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Italian government sustains most of the costs in public universities. Because of this, Italians and international students pay their tuition depending on their family income. Fees range from a total exemption to around €5,000 annually for specialized programs. There are also many affordable universities in Italy for international students. Knowing Italian is recommended, but many programs are taught entirely in English. Living costs here depend on the city, but they range from €700-1,000 per month.
Can International Students Work in Italy While Studying?
International students and holders of a residence permit for study can work in Italy alongside their studies. However, they should not exceed 20 hours per week and 1040 hours per year. EU/EEA nationals can work immediately, while non-EU students need an Italian work permit. You must have a job offer from an Italian company or employer to acquire this permit.
Can International Students Stay in Italy After Graduation?
If you wish to find work in Italy after graduation, you must apply for a residence permit. You must present the following to the Immigration Law: a valid residency permit for study, a housing contract, and proof of your bank account. Next, you will choose what type of work permit you need, if it’s for subordinate work or self-employment. The Immigration office will then evaluate your application against quotas for the year. Once granted, the permit is valid for one year and can be renewed once you’re employed or started a business.
International students pursuing a degree in Italy can be beneficial, as they can expose themselves in the local culture, sample authentic foods, and gain a second language simultaneously! Moreover, studying in Italy allows them to immerse themselves in a beautiful and culturally rich nation while getting the best education. So, consider the institutions listed above if you’re interested!
We hope this article on the best universities in Italy for international students was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more about studying abroad, check out the Italy Page and sample some of the Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
