About the Country
Welcome to Italy, a country located in Southern Europe, known for its rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Italy has a long tradition of excellence in the fields of arts, architecture, and humanities, making it a top destination for international students seeking a unique educational experience.
Education System: Italy offers a high-quality education system with over 90 universities and study programs taught in English. Some of the top universities in Italy include Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna, and Sapienza University of Rome. Italian universities are known for their strong research focus and academic rigor, providing students with a solid foundation for their future careers.
Tuition Fee: Tuition fees in Italy vary depending on the university and study program. Public universities in Italy offer lower tuition fees, ranging from €900 to €4,000 per year for undergraduate courses, while private universities have higher fees, ranging from €6,000 to €20,000 per year.
Scholarship Opportunities: Italy offers various scholarships to international students to help offset the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Some of the most popular scholarships include the Italian Government Scholarships, Erasmus+ Program, and the Politecnico di Milano Scholarships.
Work Opportunities: International students in Italy can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. Italy offers a post-graduation work permit, which allows international students to stay and work in Italy for up to 12 months after graduation.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Italy can vary depending on the city and region. On average, students can expect to spend around €800 to €1,200 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Italy offers a high standard of living with access to affordable healthcare, public transportation, and cultural amenities.
Cultural Experiences: Italy is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning art, and architecture, as well as its famous cuisine and wine. From the historic city of Rome to the picturesque Tuscan countryside, Italy offers a wealth of cultural experiences for students and visitors alike. Whether you're interested in exploring museums, attending cultural events, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, Italy has something for everyone.
Top Universities
Italy is also home to some of the best universities in Europe and the world. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the top ten universities in Italy according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
1. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. It has a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, especially in the fields of humanities, law, engineering and medicine. The university has campuses in several cities across Italy and abroad, and offers a wide range of programmes in English and Italian.
2. Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
The Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa is a public institution that focuses on advanced studies and research at graduate level and above. It is one of the most selective and prestigious universities in Italy, admitting only a few dozen students each year through a rigorous entrance exam. The school offers courses in humanities, sciences and social sciences, and has produced many notable alumni, including Nobel laureates and presidents.
3. Humanitas University
Humanitas University is a private university in Milan that specialises in medicine and health sciences. It was founded in 2014 by the Humanitas Research Hospital, one of the most renowned hospitals in Italy and Europe. The university offers an innovative curriculum that integrates basic sciences, clinical skills and humanities, as well as international opportunities and collaborations.
4. University of Padua
The University of Padua is one of the oldest and largest universities in Italy, established in 1222. It has a strong tradition of academic excellence and innovation, especially in the fields of medicine, engineering, natural sciences and humanities. The university boasts a vibrant student life, with over 100 student associations and clubs, as well as cultural events and sports facilities.
5. Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa
The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa is a public institution that offers high-level education and research in various disciplines, such as economics, law, engineering, medicine and agriculture. It is part of the Scuola Superiore Universitaria system, which selects the best students from all over Italy and provides them with scholarships and personalised support. The school also collaborates with national and international partners from academia, industry and government.
6. Sapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome is the largest university in Europe by enrolment, with over 100,000 students. It was founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII and has a long history of excellence and innovation in education and research. The university offers a wide range of programmes in English and Italian, covering all fields of knowledge, from arts and humanities to engineering and medicine.
7. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
The Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is a private university in Milan that focuses on biomedical sciences, psychology and philosophy. It was founded in 1996 by the San Raffaele Hospital, one of the leading research hospitals in Italy and Europe. The university aims to provide students with a multidisciplinary and humanistic education that combines scientific rigour with ethical values.
8. University of Trento
The University of Trento is a public university located in the north-east of Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It was founded in 1962 as a centre of excellence for social sciences and has since expanded its offer to include engineering, natural sciences, humanities and law. The university is known for its international outlook, with over 20% of its students coming from abroad and many joint programmes with foreign institutions.
9. University of Pavia
The University of Pavia is one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to 1361. It has a reputation for quality and innovation in teaching and research, particularly in the fields of medicine, engineering, physics and humanities. The university has a unique collegiate system that provides students with accommodation, academic support and social activities.
10. University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples Federico II is the oldest public university in the world, founded by Emperor Frederick II in 1224. It has a diverse and comprehensive offer of programmes in English and Italian, covering all areas of knowledge from arts and humanities to engineering and medicine. The university also has a strong commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement.