Best Universities in Italy for International Students

A Quick Overview

Italy has more than 90 public and private universities, several ranked among the world's best. From historic institutions to modern technical schools, there is a strong option for almost every field and budget.

Top-Ranked Institutions

Politecnico di Milano leads in engineering, design and architecture. The University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world, excels across the humanities and sciences. Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Padua and the Polytechnic of Turin also rank highly worldwide.

Universities with English-Taught Degrees

Many universities offer full bachelor's and master's programs in English, especially in engineering, economics, medicine and data science. This makes Italy accessible even before you master Italian.

How to Choose the Right One

Look beyond rankings. Consider tuition (income-based at public universities), city cost of living, available scholarships, and whether your program is taught in English or Italian. Our interactive rankings let you compare institutions side by side.

Location Matters

Northern cities like Milan and Turin offer strong job markets but higher rents; central and southern cities such as Bologna, Rome and Naples balance quality and cost. Explore campuses on our university map.

Plan Your Application

Once you have a shortlist, prepare your admission documents early and apply for a DSU scholarship. See our FAQ for the full timeline.