If you want to study in a country with deep historical influence, Italy is a great place to consider. With centuries of history surrounding you and famously delicious food available, this country is one of the most beautiful and culture-filled places in the world. Higher education institutions in Italy offer a wide range of programs to both national and international students.
When choosing which university is best for you, you might want to consider things like the city where it’s located, the programs offered, and the program-specific admission process. Here, we’ve gathered information on some Italian universities that are often considered accessible options for international students, so make sure to read the information below!
Universities in Italy with High Rates of Acceptance
1. Polytechnic University of Turin
As Italy’s oldest polytechnic university, the Polytechnic University of Turin has continued its mission for over 160 years. Its origins go back to the Technical School for Engineers, founded in 1859, and today the university offers programs in fields such as engineering, architecture, design, and urban planning.
Admissions are handled by program. Bachelor’s degree applicants should check the relevant admission-test and call-for-applications rules, while most master’s degree programs are not subject to a selection process except for specific programs listed by the university. The university has four main locations in Turin and a regional network of technology clusters, and scholarship and award calls are published periodically.
2. University of Bari Aldo Moro
The University of Bari Aldo Moro is a public university in southern Italy. Its official history states that it was established by Royal Decree in 1923 and officially founded on October 9, 1924. The university offers many undergraduate and graduate programs through its departments and schools.
Admissions vary by course. Some open-access programs use knowledge or skills assessments that are not binding for enrollment, while scheduled-access or limited-enrollment programs require entrance tests and have available places set by the relevant calls. Because the university does not publish a single institution-wide acceptance rate, applicants should check the admissions page and the specific course page for the latest requirements.
3. John Cabot University
John Cabot University is located in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. Founded in 1972, it is an American liberal arts university offering undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and study abroad programs to English-speaking students from around the world. Its bachelor’s degree follows the American liberal arts model and consists of 120 credit hours.
John Cabot University offers programs across fields such as business, economics, international affairs, humanities, art and design, and social sciences. Applicants must submit the required application materials, including transcripts and a college essay, and non-native English speakers must meet the university’s English-language requirements. Financial aid options include merit-based scholarships and need-based grants.
4. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is located in Bologna and is considered the oldest university in the Western world, with 1088 conventionally referred to as the year the Studium of Bologna was founded. The university has a strong research profile and a broad range of academic programs.
Admission requirements depend on the degree program. For all degree programs, students should read the call for applications or admission notice, where details about any required admission tests are provided. The university has campuses in Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini, and it also has a campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
5. University of Pisa
The University of Pisa is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Italy. Officially founded in 1343, it has deep roots in Italian and European history. It is also often among the top universities in Italy, and the university reported that it rose to 341st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 while retaining seventh position in Italy.
Admissions depend on the course. Bachelor’s and single-cycle master’s degree programs may be open admission or regulated admission; open-admission courses can include a skills assessment test, while regulated programs have limited places and follow specific calls. The university offers programs across many fields, including law, engineering, economics, medicine, and the sciences.
Studying in Italy is a unique opportunity, whether it’s for just a semester or your entire degree. With the quality of the universities in this country and the rich culture that will surround you every step of the way, this experience is one you should consider. Admissions vary among institutions and programs, but there are viable options for students interested in Italy as a second home.
We hope this article on Italian universities with accessible admissions options was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, feel free to check out our Italy Page and Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
