25 Best Universities In Italy For International Students 2023

If you are looking to study in Italy, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 85 universities and colleges in Italy, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 85 universities in Italy, University of Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome are the top-performing schools in Italy. This list covers both public and private institutions in Italy.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Italy. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Italy.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Italy?

Applying to the universities in Italy involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Italy to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Italy?

Tuition fees at Italy’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 0 Euros to 300,000 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 Euros to 300,000 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Italy!

As we cover the best universities in Italy for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Italy for International Students

Known as the oldest running university in the world, the University of Bologna continues to provide high-quality education and research to local and international students. With their long history in the industry of education, they have produced graduates who greatly contributed to the advancement of science, literature, and more. Today, they are home to more than 90,000 students.

The Sapienza University of Rome is a public research university in Rome, Italy. It was founded in 1303 and is one of the oldest in history. Sapienza is one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, frequently ranking first in national rankings. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available in a variety of fields, including its world-renowned Classics and Ancient History courses.

The University of Padua is a remarkable institution that has been at the forefront of offering high-quality Italian education for 800 years. The university is considered the second-oldest educational institution in the country and is among the few that remain still to this day. The legacy that the university has maintained throughout the years signifies its efficiency in providing academic programs and training to students across all disciplines.

Scuola Normale Superiore is one of the most prestigious universities in Italy. Its admission process will require prospective students to undergo an admission competition or call, and only a select number of qualified students will be admitted yearly. The quality of training and research is first-class and unlike anything else. And graduates of the institute have occupied or are currently occupying high positions and have become global leaders, experts, and innovators.

The Polytechnic University of Milan is the oldest educational institution in its region. It started as an institute that only offered courses in civil and industrial engineering. At present, the university prospered and now has 12 departments that cater to more than 40,000 students annually. The Polytechnic University of Milan is internationally-known for its comprehensive training when it comes to science and research education.

The University of Milan is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently being among the top 300 in reputable world university rankings. With over 60,000 enrollees, it is home to one of the largest student populations in Europe. Several Nobel laureates and distinguished academics are part of its faculty.

Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) is a research higher education school popular among professionals and PhD-seeking students. The main areas of study currently offered are doctoral programs in Physics, Neuroscience, and Mathematics. SISSA students and researchers are among the best in Europe. Most of their scientific works have been internationally acknowledged and are printed in major publications.

The University of Naples Federico II is a public university located in Naples, Italy. It was founded in 1224 by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and is now one of the world’s oldest public universities. The university offers degree programs for undergraduates and postgraduates. Several of its graduates have become prominent political figures in the country, academics, and artists.

The University of Pisa is an Italian public university located in Pisa. It was founded in 1343, though some scholars believe it dates back to the 11th century. The university provides over 150 degree programs through 20 departments and 1500 faculty members. Galileo Galilei, Giosuè Carducci, Carlo Rubbia, and Andrea Bocceli are among their famous graduates.

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is a top-ranked university that best trains students that want to pursue a career in psychology, medicine, and philosophy. More than its outstanding facilities, the university also provides intensive supervision to hone students’ skills and mindsets. It also collaborates with other educational institutions, allowing its instructors to simulate real-life scenarios and level up their course offerings.

The University of Trento is a public university located in Trento, Itlay. It began as a Higher University Institute for Social Sciences in 1962. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees are available at the university in a variety of fields. Trento students can also choose to study in partner institutions around the world during the second year of their studies.

Situated in the capital city of Italy, the University of Rome Tor Vergata is a young institution that has already made significant contributions to scientific research and innovation in the country. Since its inception, the university has always aimed to become one of the best universities in Europe. Thus, it continues to enhance the quality of education it currently provides and develop more advanced and innovative future-oriented programs.

The University of Turin is a public university that actively participates in research activities. Its effectiveness in delivering higher education showcases the talents and skills of the students, allowing them to meet leading experts in the industry. The university is among the 5 best Italian universities, which is why it continuously garners a number of students worldwide.

The University of Florence is a public research university located in Florence, University. It was established in 1321 as one of the first universities in Florence. As one of the largest and most productive public research systems in Italy, the university offers over 130 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs through 12 schools. 

The University of Pavia is an outstanding Italian university that started in 1361. This university has built its reputation for providing quality academic undergraduate and graduate programs. They have a consistent position in global rankings as an institution and for their courses as well. As they continue moving forward, they aim to produce more graduates in various academic fields.

Turin Polytechnic University is a public university located in Turin, Italy. It is the oldest Italian public technical university, having been founded in 1859. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering, architecture, urban planning, and industrial design through eleven departments and several research institutes. PoliTO is consistently ranked as one of Italy’s and Europe’s best universities.

The University of Genoa (UniGe) is a public university in Genoa, Italy. It was established in 1481. As one of the largest universities in Italy, the University of Genoa has several independent campuses in different city areas. UniGe offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in natural sciences, medical sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.

Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is a public institute that provides higher education in the field of applied sciences. It has collaborated with some renowned universities in Italy and other foreign institutions to offer unique educational programs. With this kind of curriculum, the university has attracted countless local and international students. However, stiff competition among prospective students can be expected as the university only has limited seats offered to students.

The University of Milano-Bicocca is a university located in the populous city of Milan, Italy. It was established in 1998 as a cutting-edge complex with research laboratories and large study areas. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs are available at the university. Milano-Bicocca University is ranked highly by reputable global rankings, including the Times Higher Education.

The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (UCSC) is a private research university in Milan, Italy. Other campuses can be found in Brescia, Cremona, Piacenza, and Rome. It was founded in 1921, but its history dates back to around 1870. The university grants Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in a variety of fields of study. Legal studies, economics, agriculture, accounting, and business are among the top disciplines at UCSC.

The Polytechnic University of Bari is a comprehensive university that caters best to aspiring engineers. It is equipped with the tools and resources needed to fulfill the students’ learning process as they strive to provide solutions for complex problems in the industry. The university also collaborates with corporations and other educational institutions to participate in exchange programs and offer high-quality internships to students.

The University of Perugia, more commonly known by its Italian name Università degli Studi di Perugia is an outstanding public institution that provides high standards of teaching and research. It was initially established to offer law and arts programs which over the years has since expanded to offer various academic disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences. In addition, internationalization plays a big part in the university’s success. Since it is dedicated to providing internationally acknowledged programs, the institute has made long-term partnerships with higher education schools across the globe to collaborate and give countless opportunities to its students.

Established in 1175, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is one of the first universities in Italy. It has a long history of upholding academic excellence and is recognized as one of the best public schools in the country. The university welcomes over 21,000 students and offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The University of Bari is among the prominent universities in the country and has 13 faculties in various disciplines. The university provides highly-interactive research centers where students can connect and collaborate with other intelligent individuals. It maintains a productive academic community, enabling students to achieve their dreams and career ambitions in science and technology.

The University of Verona is n institution that deeply focuses on the social and economic development of a country. Because of this, its goals and objectives are aligned with producing competent individuals that are willing to serve the Italian community. Over the years, the university has been successful with its international collaborations and interdisciplinary research programs.