Best universities in Italy 2024 – Top colleges in Italy

Italy’s education system is well-renowned throughout the world. Be it a design course or a business course, one has several options to choose from. The top universities have started offering courses in the English language too, for the benefit of international students. But which are the best universities in Italy to choose from? Read on to find out more. 

Top universities in Italy for international students

1. University of Bologna

Among the oldest universities in the western world, The University of Bologna has a rich variety of fields like Humanities, Economics, Engineering, and Management. It is also among the best medical universities in Italy. A public institution dating back to 1088, its five campuses are located in Bologna, Cesena, Forli, Ravenna, and Rimini. There are numerous research opportunities, in-curriculum internships, and guided job placements. The university also provides post-graduate and professional degrees.

• Average tuition fee: 23,000 Euros
• Acceptance rate: 50-60%
• Scholarships: Up to 11,000 Pounds for international students. 
• Graduation rate: 71%

2. University of Milan

A research-intensive university, the University of Milan has a wide spectrum of subjects and courses for students. Ranked among the best public universities in Italy, it offers undergraduate, post-graduate, doctoral, and specialization courses. Its practical and research-based scientific programs have garnered international recognition. Most of the courses taught here are in the Italian language. However, they also have excellent scholarship opportunities for international students and it is one of the universities in Italy with high acceptance rate. 

• Average tuition fee: 4,000 Euros per year
• Acceptance rate: 90%
• Scholarships: Excellence scholarships worth 6,000 Euros each and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship. 
• Graduation rate: 51.15%

3. University of Trento

The University of Trento is known for its international relations program, and extensive courses on didactics, research, and philosophy. You can pursue your undergraduate, master’s, and even doctoral levels of degrees here. Its main aim is to enhance research and provide vocational training to its students. Other courses include cognitive sciences like Biomolecular Science, Engineering, ICT, Physics, all of which are supported by meticulous research facilities. This is a must-consider university if you are looking for a good master’s program and one of the best Italy universities for international students. 

• Average tuition fee: 5,287 Euros
• Acceptance rate: 50%-60%
• Scholarships: EIT International Excellence Scholarship Grant, Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant. 

4. Universitta Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore

A top private university in Italy, the Cattolica is a prestigious institution that has impressive programs for Business Studies, Accounting, Agriculture, Linguistics, Psychology, and the Contemporary Arts. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. courses. They also organize special summer and winter exchange trips for additional learning. 

• Average tuition fee: 8,690 Euros per year
• Acceptance rate: 64%
• Scholarships: International students can apply for the ‘UCSC’ scholarship which covers 37% of the total cost of tuition. 

5. Politecnico Di Milano

Politecnico is the largest Italian University for Architecture, Engineering, Design and the best leading technical university in Italy. With the aid of European funds, the university can provide corporate-level research and innovative technology. You can select from several undergraduates, master’s, and MBA courses. 

• Average tuition fee: 2500-3,300 Euros
• Acceptance rate: 49%
• Scholarships: The DSU scholarship provides financial aid benefits. Merit-based scholarships like the Platinum and Gold Scholarship reward an amount of 10,000 and 5,000 Euros respectively, along with a tuition fee waiver. 

6. Sapienza University of Rome 

Reputed for its international aspect of cooperation, experimental freedom, and good quality of education. The Sapienza University of Rome has 11 vast facilities for aspiring students to apply in. From Civil and Industrial Engineering to Pharmacy and Medicine, and even Sociology and Communication Science, Sapienza is known for its exceptional master’s program.

• Average tuition fee: 2924 Euros
• Acceptance rate: 60-70%
• Scholarships: You can apply for the post-graduate degree scholarships that cover most of your tuition fees. 

7. Bocconi University

The Bocconi University established by the grants of Ferdinando Bocconi was the first university in Italy to establish a degree in Economics. Despite being an elite private university, Bocconi has stood for socio-economic development by providing financial aid to students from lower economic rungs of society. The university also promotes liberalism, pluralism, and progress. It has several global tie-ups with American and European Universities that grant marvelous research and internship opportunities. It has an international reputation for its Business, Cyber risk, Law, Finance, data science, and Economics Degree. Hence, making it among the best universities in Italy for Business. 

• Average tuition fee: 10,000-17,000 Euros
• Acceptance rate: 38%
• Scholarships: The WBB Scholarship is awarded to those students who excel in their academics and are instantly considered during the application process. 

Key takeaways

• Italy has some of the best universities for international students.
• Each individual must choose their desired university based on the course they want to pursue and merit. You must plan which university is best suited for you.
• Keep your options open, and prepare for standardized tests like TOEFL and others.
• If you are applying for a university that requires knowledge of Italian as a necessity, learn the language accordingly. 

Liked this blog? Read Study in Italy | 10 important things you should know!

FAQ

Q1. Can I work part-time while studying at a university?

Answer – Yes, your student visa allows you to work 4 hours a day and a maximum of 20 hours a week. It can be any type of part-time job. However, make sure to apply for the visa that allows a student to work, and not the special category kind.

Q2. What do educational ‘cycles’ mean in Italy?

Answer – The Italian Education System refers to undergraduate, post-graduate, and Ph.D. courses as the first, second, third cycle. They also have only two semesters – one starting from September or October to January or February and the other is from February to July. 

Q3. Do I have to leave immediately after my graduation?

Answer – If you have graduated with a master’s or a Ph.D. you can apply for a temporary work permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) which lasts for about 6-12 months. You can look for jobs during this time, in or outside Italy. However, if you are pursuing an undergraduate course you must leave before your student visa expires. 

Q4. What is the average living cost for a student in Italy?

Answer – The living expenses range from 300-800 Euros. If you live in a shared dorm or apartment, your rent will be lower, and your internet services will also be less because of the shared cost. You can access a MetroCard for a cost-efficient method of travel. It is recommended to set aside some money for going out and entertainment.