10 Best Universities in Italy
Italy is world-renowned for its marvellous architectural beauty, fashion designs, artistic expressions, etc. Despite its size, several of the best universities in Italy provide enormous and abundant opportunities to International students.
These universities also rank in the QS and other indexes because of their academic excellence, low student-teacher ratio, modern campus infrastructure, etc.
Have a look at the blog and start preparing to fulfil your aspirations.
Why Study in Italy?
Indian students have the unique opportunity to study in Italy, which is located in Italy. Bologna University, the oldest university in the world, is home to thousands of students who attend to further their education and experience the nation’s rich cultural legacy and customs.
Various best universities in Italy are included in the QS World University Ranking 2024 index of international universities, demonstrating the nation’s dependability and dedication to offering students a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. As a result, some 5,000–6,000 Indian students decide to study in Italy every year.
Additionally, eight colleges are included in the top 300 ranking list of Times Higher Education 2024. They are now categorised as the best universities in Italy for Indian students. Modern facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and an exceptional faculty with a wealth of subject-matter knowledge have all helped to establish national institutions as globally recognised entities.
Study Intakes in Italy
Italian universities accept student enrollment twice a year. The major study intake in Italy is the fall intake, also known as primary intake, which is considered by most students to be a suitable time to start their studies in Italy.
On the other side, because there aren’t many master’s programs available to students, winter or autumn admission is considered secondary intake.
10 Best Universities in Italy for Indian Students
1. University of Padua
The University of Padua is a public institution in northeast Italy. It was established in 1222 and is the second-oldest university after the University of Bologna.
The primary language of instruction is Italian, but programs are primarily taught in English at the graduate level. The university uses both semester and trimester systems, depending on the school and program. In recent years, around 60,000 students have enrolled at the university.
They share the university’s medieval buildings with more than 20,000 professors and research staff.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #219
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #1
Top Courses at the University of Padua
The University of Padua offers hundreds of courses to Indian students in 8 different schools. Below are the top courses which most of the international students prefer to study
- Arts & Humanities
- Business & Economics
- Computer Science
- Engineering & Technology
- Education
- Life Sciences
- Law
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees at the University of Padua for International students range from € 1,014 to €1,158 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Padua
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
2. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is a public university in Italy founded in 1088. It has five campuses in Cesena, Rimini, Ravenna, Bologna, and Forli and an international campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The university offers around 200 degree programs, and the academic calendar is semester-based. For nondoctoral programs, Italian is the principal language of instruction; however, many programs at these levels, such as several international degree programs, are taught in English. It follows a semester-based system.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #154
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #2
Top Courses at the University of Bologna
The different academic courses at the University of Bologna are distributed in 11 other schools. Below are the top courses which most of the international students prefer to study
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Chemistry
- Communication & Media Studies
- Divine & Religious Studies
- Education
- Law
- Sports
- Statistics
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Bologna for International students range from € 3,106 to €3,200 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Bologna
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
3. Sapienza University Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome is a public university in Italy founded in 1303. The university campus is located near the city centre of Rome. Currently, around 110,000 students are pursuing their degree programs at the university.
The university offers over 275 programs spread over 11 academic divisions. Almost all of the university’s programs are taught in Italian, though there are few Engish-taught master’s programs. It has 60 libraries and a network of 20 museums, including herbarium.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #134
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #3
Top Courses at the University of Bologna
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at Sapienza University Rome
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Dentistry
- Data Science
- History
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Psychology
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the Sapienza University Rome for International students are €1,000-€2500 per year, depending upon the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Bologna
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
4. University of Milan
The University of Milan is a public university in Italy founded in 1924. Its campus is located in the city centre of Milan. The university offers studies in various subject areas and around 150 higher degree programs.
The university’s academic calendar is semester-based, and the primary language of instruction is Italian.
However, the university does offer some English-taught degree programs, such as master’s programs in economics and finance and sustainable development. The university has three botanical gardens, which are used for education and research activities.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #123
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #4
Top Courses at the University of Milan
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at the University of Milan
- Arts & Humanities
- Agricultural & Food Sciences
- Education
- Humanities
- Law
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Milan for International students range from € 1,000 to €4000 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Milan
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
5. University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples Federico II is a public research university in Campania, Italy, established in 1224. It is one of the world’s ten oldest continuously operating universities.
It provides around 100 higher degree programs to students from all over the world. It is also one of Europe’s largest universities, with around 90,000 enrolled students. The university’s academic calendar is semester-based, and the primary language of instruction is Italian.
However, the university does offer some English-taught degree programs, too.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #335
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #5
Top Courses at the University of Naples Federico II
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at the University of Naples Federico
- Architecture
- Biotechnological Science
- Engineering
- Law
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Niples Federico for International students range from € 1,000 €3000 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Naples Federico
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
6. University of Turin
The University of Turin, sometimes called Unito, is a public university in Turin, Italy, established in 1404. It offers around 150 higher degree programs from six schools to students from all over the world.
It is also one of Italy’s largest universities, with around 58,463 enrolled students. The university’s academic calendar is semester-based, and the primary language of instruction is Italian. However, the university does offer some English-taught degree programs, too, such as business management, economics, molecular biotechnology, etc.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #364
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #6
Top Courses at the University of Turin
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at the University of Turin
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Engineering
- Ecology
- Law
- Material Science
- Neuroscience
- Space Sciences
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Turin for International students range from € 1,400 to €2,800 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Turin
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
7. University of Pisa
The University of Turin is a public research university in Pisa, Italy, established in 1343. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe and offers more than 100 higher-degree courses.
It has around 50,000 enrolled students. The university’s academic calendar is semester-based, and the primary language of instruction is Italian. However, the university strives to expand upon its internationalism by promoting multiculturalism and multiethnicity by dissolving the boundaries of language and region.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #388
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #7
Top Courses at the University of Pisa
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at the University of Pisa
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Law
- Material Science
- MBA
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Pisa for International students range from € 1,500 to €4,000 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Pisa
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- January/February
8. University of Florence
The University of Florence is an Italian research university in Florence, Italy. It was founded in 1321. It provides approximately 125 higher-degree courses and has around 50,000 enrolled students in 12 schools.
The University of Florence is an important centre for research and training in Italy because it administers degree programs under the supervision of highly qualified faculty and has a strong international vocation.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #388
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #8
Top Courses at the University of Florence
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at the University of Florence
- Applied & Pure Sciences
- Architecture & Construction
- Business & Management
- Computer Science & IT
- Humanities
- Social Studies & Media
- Travel & Hospitality
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Florence for International students are €156-€2,650 per year, depending upon the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Florence
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
8. University of Trento
The University of Trento is an Italian university located in Trento, Italy. It was founded in 1962 and has partnerships with prestigious universities worldwide. Around 17,000 students are pursuing higher degree courses in various streams distributed in 10 schools.
It has always aimed at building alliances and efficiency with Italian and international institutes to better serve the students’ growth and development.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #429
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #9
Top Courses at the University of Trento
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at the University of Trento
- Business & Management
- Computational Biology
- Economics & Management
- Humanities
- Information Engineering & Computer Science
- Law
- Mathematics
- Sociology & Social Research
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Trento for International students range from € 4,500 to € 6,000 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Trento
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
9. University of Milano-Bicocca
The University of Milano-Bicocca is a public university in Milan, Italy, founded in 1998. Around 40,000 students pursue higher degree courses in 70 academic programs in 16 departments.
It is one of the most dynamic and research-oriented universities. It has 32 university buildings, three libraries, 195 modern classrooms, and 226 research labs. It also includes residence halls, canteens, cafeterias, theatres, and well-equipped sports facilities.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #481
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #10
Top Courses at the University of Milano-Bicocca
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at the University of Trento
- Accounting & Finance
- Business & Management
- Chemistry
- Communication & Media Studies
- Education
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Law
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Milano-Bicocca for International students range from €156-2,550 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Milano-Bicocca
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
10. University of Milano-Bicocca
The University of Milano-Bicocca is a public university in Milan, Italy, founded in 1998. Around 40,000 students pursue higher degree courses in 70 academic programs in 16 departments.
It is one of the most dynamic and research-oriented universities. It has 32 university buildings, three libraries, 195 modern classrooms, and 226 research labs. It also includes residence halls, canteens, cafeterias, theatres, and well-equipped sports facilities.
Rankings in 2024
QS (World University Rankings)- #481
US News & World Report (Best University in Italy) – #10
Top Courses at the University of Milano-Bicocca
Below are the top courses which most international students prefer to study at the University of Trento
- Accounting & Finance
- Business & Management
- Chemistry
- Communication & Media Studies
- Education
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Law
Tuition Fees in 2024
The tuition fees at the University of Milano-Bicocca for International students range from €156-2,550 per year, depending on the course or program.
Study Intakes at the University of Milano-Bicocca
- Fall Intake- September/October
- Spring Intake- February/March
Also read – Part time jobs in Ireland
Top Courses in Italy
We have enlisted the popular courses in Italy in which international students, including Indians, choose to pursue their aspirations in that particular field.
If you look forward to making your career in the fields below, you will not find a better study destination than Italy.
During your study abroad journey, AdmitX will surely help you make the best career decision, which you will be proud of.
- Archaeology
- Arts, Creative Studies & Media
- Business & Economics
- Culinary Arts
- Humanities
- Fashion & Design
Also read – Cost of Living in Ireland 2024
Conclusion
Millions of people visit Italy yearly because of its rich history, art, and culture. But this isn’t the only thing the country has to offer. The education system is also unique, with a vast selection of courses and programs that attract many foreign students every year.
According to official figures, about 6,000 Indian students were enrolled in higher education institutions in Italy as of 2024.
If students choose to study in Italy, they can experience the lively Italian way of life, learn a new language, and gain valuable intellectual and cultural knowledge. Italy is an excellent place for students to go to college because it has universities that are known worldwide, school fees that aren’t too high, and a friendly atmosphere.
FAQs
In Italy, is higher education free?
No, higher education in Italy is not entirely free, but unlike other European countries, Italian universities charge the same fees for both EU and non-EU students. In addition, depending on whether the university is public or private, they may charge very reasonable and cost-effective fees.
Can an international student get PR in Italy?
Anyone who is not from Europe and studies in Italy can get permanent residency after they finish their studies. They must obtain a temporary residency visa within eight days of their first arrival in Italy. Only one person can apply for a PR pass.
How much bank balance is required for an Italian student visa?
To meet the financial requirements for an Italian student visa, you need to have about 448.07 EUR in your bank account every month. That’s a total of 5824.91 EUR per year. You need to set aside at least 3,000 EUR for six months.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.