Italy is a country in South-Central Europe known for its diverse landscapes, astonishing architecture, and incredible cuisine. It has 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich Renaissance art, and a long musical and artistic tradition. Furthermore, Italians are generally friendly and generous people. They enjoy celebrations with family and friends and are known to appreciate the finer things in life.
In terms of education, the country has played a vital role in the Bologna Process, the reform of European higher education. The process began in 1999 with the Bologna Declaration and later led to the European Higher Education Area, which aims to make higher education systems more comparable and compatible across Europe.
With its time-honored and innovative institutions, Italy is becoming a popular study-abroad destination. In this article, we will look at some of the best universities in Italy for international students, so make sure to read the information below.
Top Universities in Italy for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | NOTABLE SUBJECT AREAS |
|---|
| University of Bologna | Economics & Management, Law, and Engineering |
| Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies | Economics & Management, Law, Political Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Agricultural Sciences |
| Scuola Normale Superiore | Mathematics, Physics, Humanities, and Political and Social Sciences |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Classics & Ancient History, Archaeology, and History of Art |
| University of Padua | Medicine and Surgery, Engineering, and Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
| Vita-Salute San Raffaele University | Medicine and Surgery, Psychology, and Philosophy |
| University of Trento | Engineering, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and Sociology |
| University of Milan | Medicine, Law, and Political, Economic, and Social Sciences |
| University of Milano-Bicocca | Medicine and Surgery, Economics, Artificial Intelligence, and Marine Sciences |
| Polytechnic University of Milan | Architecture, Design, and Engineering |
| University of Rome Tor Vergata | Business Administration and Economics, Engineering, and Medicine |
| University of Brescia | Medicine and Health, Law, Engineering, and Economics |
| University of Pavia | Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Economics & Management, and Engineering |
| University of Turin | Medical Sciences, Law, Biotechnology, Sports Sciences, and Strategic & Military Sciences |
| University of Florence | Law, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities |
| University of Pisa | Physics, Engineering, Economics, and Biotechnologies |
| University of Naples Federico II | Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Physics, and Biomedical Engineering |
| Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | Medicine, Psychology, Linguistics, and Law |
| University of Genoa | Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, and Marine Sciences |
| University of Siena | Engineering, Economics & Management, Medicine, and Life Sciences |
1. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is widely regarded as the oldest university in the Western world, with origins dating to 1088. The Bologna Process is named after the city where the Bologna Declaration was signed in 1999, which fits the university’s long academic tradition in Europe. Today, the university offers a broad catalog of degree programs, including many international and English-taught options. Significant subject areas include medicine, mathematics, hard sciences, economics, engineering, and philosophy.
Because of its strong research activity and consistent position among Italy’s leading universities, UNIBO is one of the best universities in Italy for international students. It has campuses in Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini, as well as an international branch in Buenos Aires. Domestic and international students can benefit from academic services, sports facilities, and student clubs that help create a rich learning experience.
2. Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Notable Subject Areas: Economics and Management, Law, Political Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Agricultural Sciences
The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, or Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, is a public university institute with special autonomy in Pisa. It is a leading model of a Superior Graduate School and is known for advanced teaching, applied research, and a highly competitive admission process.
The fields of study are mainly social sciences, including economics, management, law, and political science, and experimental sciences, including agricultural sciences, medicine, industrial engineering, and information engineering. This elite university is especially strong in applied sciences and interdisciplinary research.
3. Scuola Normale Superiore
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Notable Subject Areas: Mathematics, Physics, Humanities, and Political and Social Sciences
Scuola Normale Superiore, or La Normale, is an Italian higher education institution established by Napoleon in 1810. It has campuses in the historic cities of Pisa and Florence. The institution is highly selective and is known for research-intensive education in humanities, mathematical and natural sciences, and political and social sciences.
As a top Italian institution 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 benefit from free internal courses, board, accommodation, and scholarship support based on household income.
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 educated notable historical figures and key players in Italian academic and public life. Its strengths include Classics & Ancient History, Archaeology, and History of Art, all of which perform strongly in international subject rankings.
The university has significant research contributions in biomedical sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and engineering. Sapienza is also known for its libraries, 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 by a group of students and teachers who sought greater academic freedom. Today, it has eight schools and more than 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 network of historic research universities. Its campus in Padua includes historic buildings, a library, museums, and a university hospital. The university also operates the Padua Botanical Garden and astronomical facilities connected to the Asiago area.
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 support the school’s interdisciplinary approach to humanistic medicine and health sciences. The university is closely connected to the San Raffaele Hospital and research environment in Milan.
Moreover, UniSR offers an International MD Program in English, along with other English-taught programs in fields such as biotechnology, health informatics, cognitive psychology, and politics, philosophy, and public affairs. The university campus is student-centered, with teaching, research, sports, and living facilities.
7. University of Trento
The University of Trento started in 1962 as a higher institute for social sciences and became home to Italy’s first Faculty of Sociology. Over time, it expanded into physics, mathematics, psychology, industrial engineering, biology, economics, and law. UniTrento values internationalization and maintains alliances with educational institutions globally.
UniTrento continues to perform well in international rankings, especially in areas such as law, computer science, psychology, life sciences, and physical sciences. Its academic profile makes it an attractive option for students interested in a research-oriented university in northern Italy.
8. University of Milan
The University of Milan is a leading public research school in Italy for international students. With around 60,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in the country. The institution includes a wide range of departments and research centers, with strengths in medicine, law, political science, economics, and social sciences.
UniMi is the only Italian member of the League of European Research Universities. Its La Statale campus includes historic buildings, archives, botanical gardens, and the Brera Astronomical Observatory. The university also implements internationalization strategies to support students from around the world.
9. University of Milano-Bicocca
The University of Milano-Bicocca is a young and future-oriented public university in Milan and Monza. Its well-known subject areas include sociology, psychology, law, sciences, economics, medicine and surgery, and educational sciences. Research at the university covers a broad range of topics with a cross-disciplinary approach. This top institution in Italy for international students was developed in the former Pirelli industrial area, which became a modern learning and research district.
Milano-Bicocca is also known for its sustainability efforts and for operating the Marine Research and Higher Education Center in the Maldives, which supports work in 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 largest technical university dedicated to engineering, design, and architecture. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the school ranked 6th globally for Architecture and the Built Environment, 7th for Design, and 20th for Engineering and Technology.
PoliMi, one of Italy’s top universities, focuses on experimental research and technology transfer. 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 and supports innovation through patents, inventions, and industry links.
The university’s academic experience is designed to be deeply enriching, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. Sonia Pradhan from India, an architect who pursued a master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design, shared that her experience at Politecnico di Milano “has been deeply enriching, both academically and personally.” She particularly “appreciated the balance between theory and hands-on design work,” which is a hallmark of the university’s approach to technical education. This balance ensures that students gain not only a solid theoretical foundation but also practical skills essential for their future careers.
Furthermore, Politecnico di Milano’s international setting and course structure significantly enhance the learning journey for international students. Sonia noted that “living and studying in Italy also exposed me to diverse architectural contexts and cultures, which has expanded my creative perspective.” This exposure, combined with the university’s studio-based learning, provides opportunities for growth, allowing students to integrate into a global professional landscape and broaden their understanding beyond their home countries.
11. University of Rome Tor Vergata
Another top higher education institution in Italy is the University of Rome Tor Vergata, locally known as Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata. It is ranked #=342 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and is a member of major European higher education networks.
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
The University of Brescia is a public university in Brescia, Lombardy, established in 1982. It offers study and research opportunities across medicine and surgery, engineering, economics, law, and related fields. Its academic profile is closely connected to the industrial and health-care strengths of the Brescia region.
The university is ranked #=581 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 351–400 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. These results make it a competitive option for students seeking a public university in northern Italy.
13. University of Pavia
The University of Pavia was established in 1361 and is one of the world’s oldest universities. With a strong international vocation, it is part of the EC2U European university alliance and participates in academic and research collaborations across Europe.
With a broad set of departments and faculties, this Italian institution provides a diverse range of studies to students from Italy and other countries. Several of the university’s programs are available in English, and its academic strengths include health sciences, pharmacy, economics, management, and engineering.
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. UNITO is ranked #405 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
UNITO also houses historic museums featuring different collections, such as 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 Italy’s respected public universities, with roots in the early 14th century. It ranks #=409 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and recruits students from around the world to promote scientific and cultural exchange. UniFl uses research-backed strategies to maximize learning opportunities for students.
Through its services for international students, it can help undergraduate and graduate students find appropriate arrangements within the city. Aside from academic activities, students can also participate in the university choir, orchestra, and theater company.
16. University of Pisa
Founded in 1343, the University of Pisa is one of the best and most recognizable universities in Italy. It is associated with great minds, including Galileo Galilei and Nobel Prize winners Giosuè Carducci, Enrico Fermi, and Carlo Rubbia. UNIPI is a public institution with strengths in physics, engineering, economics, computer science, and biotechnology.
UNIPI also partners with major research institutions and industry, including organizations focused on information technology. International students are welcome to enroll in short-term summer courses, and a student guidebook is available on the university’s website.
17. University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples Federico II is one of the oldest public, non-sectarian universities in the world. Founded in 1224 by Frederick II, it was created to establish an independent center of higher learning in Naples. UNINA has produced and hosted notable figures, including Saint Thomas Aquinas and Samantha Cristoforetti.
International students at UNINA are exposed to a diverse environment and culture through the university’s broad network of international agreements. Students can also explore double and joint degree programs, depending on their field and partner institution.
18. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore ranks #=388 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Cattolica has campuses in Milan, Brescia, Cremona, Piacenza, and Rome. Università Cattolica offers a Christian-centered higher education that values knowledge and aligns academic inquiry with Catholic teaching.
It presents various opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom and laboratories. Through the university’s internship programs and research projects, students can apply what they learn from lectures to real-life projects.
19. University of Genoa
The University of Genoa is another top-ranking public institution in Italy, ranked #=502 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It has different schools and departments that deliver quality programs, including mathematical, physical and natural sciences, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities.
UniGe holds Open Day events to invite prospective students to discover which degree program suits them most. During these events, applicants can learn more about offered courses, available school services, lodging, and recreational activities.
20. University of Siena
Founded in 1240, the University of Siena is a public institution in Siena, Italy. The Tuscany Agency for University Services, or DSU Toscana, provides services and support for students in Tuscany, including international students who meet eligibility requirements.
To help its students study abroad and broaden their horizons, the university participates in exchange programs, including Erasmus. Moreover, to enrich its students’ educational experience further, the institution runs 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 follows the Bologna Process and is part of the European Higher Education Area, which makes degrees more comparable across participating countries. 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.
Public universities in Italy are generally affordable compared with many other study-abroad destinations. Tuition varies by institution, program, and family income; as a general guideline, public universities charge about €900-€4,000 per year, while private institutions may charge more. 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 depend on the city, but students typically spend about €700-€1,100 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 1,040 hours per year. EU/EEA nationals can generally work under EU free-movement rules, while non-EU students must follow the conditions of their student residence permit. To work full time or remain in Italy after the study permit expires, a student usually needs to convert the permit into the appropriate residence permit for work or job search purposes.
Can International Students Stay in Italy After Graduation?
International students who complete a degree in Italy may be able to apply for a Residence Permit for Job Search, known as Permesso di soggiorno per attesa occupazione, if they meet the required conditions. This permit can generally last up to one year. Applicants typically need a valid study residence permit, a university degree or diploma, and registration with an Italian employment office. Once the student finds employment or starts a business, they may then apply to convert their status into the appropriate residence permit for employed or self-employed work.
Pursuing a degree in Italy can benefit international students because they can experience local culture, sample authentic foods, and learn a new language while earning a respected degree. Moreover, studying in Italy allows them to immerse themselves in a beautiful and culturally rich nation while receiving a strong 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, check out the Italy Page and the Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
