Top Global Universities in Italy in 2025
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Planning to study in Italy soon and want to know about some of the best and top-ranking Italian universities? Then here you will find everything about Italian universities that have made it to the global rankings. This will help you decide where you can study in Italian universities based on their rankings. Check them out now!
Best Universities in Italy: The powerhouse of art, architecture, and fashion, Italy is often referred to as the birthplace of Renaissance art and has often featured as one of the growing study destinations for Indian and international students alike. Not many would be aware of the fact that Italy is also home to the University of Bologna - founded in 1088, which is recognized as the oldest university in the world to still operate. Read on about: International Student Guide for Italy.
Why Study in Italy's Top Universities?
Here is why students must consider studying in top universities of Italy:
- Studying in popular universities in Italy offers students quality higher education coupled with affordable tuition fees.
- Italy follows multiple levels of high education among its institutions.
- Candidates are required to complete undergraduate study which is typically 3 years in duration, followed by post-graduation which could take anything between 1-2 years depending on the student’s preferred course, and then candidates can opt for research work more commonly referred to as PhD which is again for a minimum of three years.
- Candidates looking to study in Italy would want nothing but the best.
Read on as we talk about the best universities in Italy for 2023.
Related Reads
Italy is home to some of the best universities in the world which are regularly featured on the official website of QS World University Ranking and the Times Higher Education (THE) Best University Ranking. Today we are going to take a closer look at the top universities in Italy for 2024-25. These rankings include a mix of public universities in Italy and private universities.
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Top Ranking Universities in Italy 2024-25
Here is a comprehensive comparison between QS World University Ranking 2023 and the Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking for the Best University 2023 in Italy. Candidates should note that multiple factors are taken into account while deciding the ranks to be able to provide readers with a balanced point of view.
| Universities in Italy |
QS World University Ranking 2025 |
THE World University Ranking 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| #111 |
301-350 |
|
| #132 |
201-250 |
|
| University of Bologna |
#133 |
#161 |
| #236 |
201-250 |
|
| University of Milan |
#285 |
301-350 |
| Politecnico di Torino |
#241 |
- |
| University of Pisa |
#382 |
401-500 |
| #347 |
- |
|
| Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele |
#389 |
- |
| University of Trento |
#506 |
401-450 |
| #440 |
#301-350 |
Read about:
Best Universities in Italy 2024-25
Dotted with architectural wonders, the art capital of the world is considered the mecca for studying a degree in the fields of art, architecture, and fashion. Living expenses in Italy could depend on the place of residence, while Bologna, Milan, and Rome are considered expensive, cities such as Turin, Padua, and Pisa cost less. However international students and foreigners to the Italian language could be disheartened to know that most of the courses are taught in Italian, but the number of English-taught programs is increasing gradually, given the steady influx of the international crowd. Know more about the universities in detail, below.
Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano is a scientific-technological university that is renowned for training engineers, architects, and industrial designers. By means of experimental research and technological transfer, the University has always focused on the quality and innovation of its teaching and research and developed a fruitful relationship with the business and productive world. The University offers several courses that are entirely taught in English. Few details on Politecnico Di Milano - Courses are given in the table below:
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 12 Months | INR 34.17L |
| MS | 24 Months | INR 3.41L |
| MArch | 2 Years | INR 3.42L |
| MIM | 1.3 - 2 Years | INR 3L - 13L |
University of Bologna
Often recognized as one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and predominantly focuses on research programs. The university has multiple schools of specific studies such as the School of Arts, Humanities and Cultural Heritage, School of Economics and Management, School of Engineering, School of Medicine, and School of Science. Check out University of Bologna – Courses below:
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MIM | 2 Years | INR 2.7L |
| MS | 24 Months | INR 2.5L - 2.9L |
Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome serves as a collegiate research institution which is situated in Rome, Italy. Earlier referred to as "La Sapienza", it is considered as one of the largest European universities based on enrolments. As it was established in the year 1303, it is also one of the oldest universities in Italy. At present, it provides about 270 degree programs offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees to students, in the fields of natural sciences, humanities, biomedical sciences, and engineering, and a variety of research programs are offered by Sapienza University. Some of the popular Sapienza University of Rome - Courses and their corresponding fee details are as follows:
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS | 24 Months | INR 1L - 2.5L |
| MIM | 2 Years | INR 2.4L |
University of Padova
A hotbed for research, experimentation, and progress, the University of Padova was established in 1922 and is a leader among great universities for providing quality teaching, research, and services along with collaborations with major international research institutions. The university provides over 5,000 scholarships and has 32 departments that have multiple courses on offer for students looking to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and research studies. Courses delivered in English, as well as online courses, are constantly increasing to meet the gradual demand from international students. Get details about University of Padova - Courses in the following table:
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 24 Months | INR 2.1L |
| MS | 24 Months | INR 2.1L |
| MIM | 2 Years | INR 2.1L |
University of Milan
One of the largest universities in Europe, the University of Milan was established in 1924 and has constantly been featured among the top universities in Italy both overall and in specific subject areas. The University of Milan has ten schools that offer 140 undergraduate and graduate degree programs along with multiple research options. The research and teaching activities of the University of Milan has grown over the years and garnered international recognition.
Politecnico di Torino
Established in 1859, the Polytechnic University of Turin also referred to as Politecnico di Torino in Italian is a public university based in Turin, Italy. The university is one of Italy’s oldest technical universities and offers several courses in the fields of Engineering, Architecture, and Industrial Design.
University of Pisa
Established in 1343, the University of Pisa, or referred to as Università di Pisa in Italian is a public research university located in Pisa, Italy. The University of Pisa is a torchbearer in the fields of philology and cultural studies and has multiple undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and specialization courses that students can pursue.
University of Naples - Federico II
Established in 1224, the University of Naples Federico II is the oldest public non-sectarian university in the world which is now organized into 26 departments. The university has 13 faculties and these include, Agriculture, Architecture, Biotechnology, Economics, Engineering, Law, Letters and philosophy, Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Political sciences, Sociology, and Veterinary Medicine. Students can pursue a number of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs from the university. Check out University of Naples - Federico II - Courses and their fee structure:
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MIM | 0.7 Year | INR 2.6L |
The above tabular data has been sourced from Shiksha Study Abroad from an earlier date. The numbers could vary subject to the current economy.
Universita Vita-Salute San Raffaele
Founded in 1996, the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is a private university in Milan, Italy. The university has multiple undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and specializations for students to undertake. The university is organized into three departments which include Medicine, Philosophy, and Psychology.
University of Trento
Established in 1962, the University of Trento is a public research university located in Trento, Italy. The university is known to have shown strides in the fields of didactics, research, and international relations and offers multiple programs for students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Candidates looking to study in Italy would have to shell out an average of INR 6.4 Lakhs per year as living expenses in Italy. This amount greatly depends on the location of residency. International students are allowed to work part-time in Italy during their course for up to 20 hours a week. Post-study work permit in Italy or Residence Permit as referred to in Italy is only for students who have completed their PhD or level 2 Masters's Program in Italy. The residence permit allows students to stay back for 6 to 12 months depending on the nature of the course. For more queries feel free to write to us in the comments section below.
Top Universities in Italy FAQs
Q. What is the number 1 university in Italy?
A. As per rankings, Politechnico de MIlano is Italy's number 1 university, but based on the year of establishment, the University of Bologna is number 1 in Italy.
Q. What is the hardest university to get into in Italy?
A. The University of Florence is the hardest university to get into in Italy, the reason being that medium of instruction is Italian and for those who do not know the language can face diffuiculties for admission.
Q. Is it good to study in Italy for Indian students?
A. Yes, Italy is a good place to study for Indian students for the following reasons:
- It is home to oldest university in the world.
- The entire Europe follows the education system set up by Bologna Process.
- Universities offer English medium programs for international students.
- The tuition is lower for students in comparison to other European countries/
Q: What is the acceptance rate for Istituto Marangoni Italy?
According to a few unofficial sources, Istituto Marangoni acceptance rate is around 80%. This means that the institute is not too selective at the time of granting admissions. As per an unofficial source, about 67% of BA students at Istituto Marangoni are international. If the acceptance rate is considered to be around 80%, then it means that students having a good academic background and meeting all the requirements have a higher chance of getting admission.
Q: Why do Indian students choose to study at Istituto Marangoni - Italy?
Indian students choose to study at Istituto Marangoni in Italy for several reasons. With a broad choice of undergraduate and graduate executive programs in business, fashion, and design offered by Istituto Marangoni, students have the chance to collaborate on industry projects with renowned businesses and establish high-level connections with the fashion and luxury sectors. Students who wish to work in the fashion and design industries find the school's approach appealing as it combines the newest trends, industry advancements, and practical skills. The possibility to work on real-life industrial projects and the association with the prominent fashion company N21 are other factors that make Istituto Marangoni a desirable option for Indian students.
Q: How can I get admission to the Sapienza University of Rome?
Sapienza University of Rome offers a number of certificates, diplomas and degree programmes at the undergradaute and postgradaute levels .To get Sapienza University, international students must meet the course-specific and general admission requirements. Check below the general admission requirements for international students are:
- International applicants must have a high schoolDiplomaearned after at least 12 years of study for a Bachelor’s program
- International applicants must have at least a 3-year bachelor’s degree from arecogniseduniversity in a relevant discipline for a Master’s program
- Students must have at least an upper-intermediate knowledge of English or Italian (B2 level), depending on their chosen program
- Proficiency in the English language
Q: Is the Sapienza University of Rome good?
Yes, the Sapienza University of Rome is one of the finest and among the best universities in the world. Sapienza University of Rome rankings consistently puts Sapienza University among the top universities globally and nationally. The QS World University Rankings 2024 ranked the Sapienza University of Rome #134 in the world. Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 ranked the Sapienza University of Rome in the range of #181 in the world. Also, the U.S. News and World Report 2023 ranked the university #125 among the global universities
Q: What is the ranking of the Sapienza University of Rome for MBA?
The Sapienza University of Rome offers a variety of MBA programs to international students. Sapienza University of Rome programmes in the business and management are recognised all over the world. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023 ranked Sapienza University in the range of #201-250 for its business and economics programmess. Sapienza University has improved its rankings significantly from last year’s #251-300 in the same category.
Q: Which university is better to study as an international student in Italy, University of Pavia or the University of Bologna?
University of Pavia or the University of Bologna offer unique campus cultures and academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rates of University of Pavia or the University of Bologna . Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.
Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance Rate | 1st Year Tuition Fee |
University of Pavia | #469 | 50% | INR 36K |
University of Bologna | #154 | 73% | INR 54K- 1L |
Q: What are the documents required in the visa process for indian students at Bocconi University, Italy?
The documents required for Indian students in the visa process for Bocconi University, Italy, include the following:
- Original certificate of high school/bachelor's degree
- Documented guarantees regarding the applicant's study curriculum
- Acceptance of enrollment by Bocconi University
- Receipt of full payment of the first part of tuition fees
- Application form downloaded from the Italian Consulate Webpage
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Passport with a validity of 90 days from the date of expiry of the visa and at least 1 blank page
- "Dichiarazione di Valore" (Declaration of Value) of the applicant's educational certificates
- Permit of Stay for study purposes, once in Italy
The official Acceptance Letter issued by Bocconi University is also required for the visa application. The visa application process involves completing a 2-step application, pre-registering, and submitting the application on the Universitaly portal. Once in Italy, all non-EU students will have to obtain a "Permesso di Soggiorno" (Permit of Stay). It is important to apply for the appropriate visa at the Italian diplomatic authority of the country of residence and to follow the instructions provided on the website of the relevant consulate.
Q: What are the documents required at Milano?
International students who wish to study Masters Programs at MFI must submit the below documents:
· Application form
· Copy of degree certificate
· Copy of ID card or Passport
· A CV in European format
· Passport-size photos
· Motivation letter
· Copy of official transcript
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