15 Best Public Universities in Italy for International Students

There are many excellent public universities in Italy for international students to get a world-class education without having to pay international tuition fees.

When it comes to studying in Italy, it is imperative to apply to the top schools in the country; public universities in Italy are considered ideal for many internal students. Not only are they less expensive than some Italian private universities; but they also offer tuition aid to some of the best courses to study in Italy like business, fashion, law, and arts.

If you’d love to study in Italy sometime, then this is one article you must read to the end to find out where some of the top schools international students trooping into the country are studying.

Overview of the Italian Education System

The Italian education system is one of the best in Europe. The Italian education system is divided into three levels, primary, secondary, and higher. Students are required to study for a minimum of 19 years before they can enter university. The first 8 years are spent at school learning about math, science, and history (preschool then primary school education).

The Italian education system is organized into four main levels: preschool, primary school, secondary school, and higher education (university).

• Preschool or kindergarten, or scuola dell’infanzia – for children above 3 years and below age 6.
• Primary school, or scuola elementare – for children between ages 6 – 11.
• Secondary school, or scuola secondaria di primo grado – for teenagers between 11 to 19 (three years for middle school and five years for upper secondary school.)
• Higher education (universities) in Italy is divided into three main types of institutions: universities, higher education institutions (istituti universitari), and academies of art, music, and dance.

Benefits of Studying in Italy

Studying in Italy is a great opportunity to explore a beautiful country. It has a rich cultural heritage and is considered one of the most romantic places on Earth, so it’s no surprise that many people choose to study abroad in Italy.

From ancient cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice; to modern fashion capitals like Milan and Verona; there are plenty of reasons why you should consider studying in Italy.

Italy’s higher education system is also one of the best in Europe, as well as well-respected worldwide.

To articulate the experiences you stand to enjoy in the Italian education system, you will:

• learn about Italian culture while you study.
• learn the Italian language, which is one of the most popular languages in the world.
• get the best education in art-related courses, medicine, law, and business.
• learn in an immersive environment.
• try out great cuisines, as Italy is known for its sumptuous dishes.
• pay less money for your studies in Italy as it is one of the cheapest countries to study in.
• explore the beautiful cities of Italy with ancient architecture.

Essentially, Italy is one of the friendliest places to travel to for study. And if you are worrying about the language barrier, then it is important that you know that some universities offer courses in the English Language; however, learning a little Italian will be really helpful to navigate around the locals and city.

The List of 15 Best Public Universities in Italy for International Students

The list of the 15 best public universities in Italy for international students is as follows:

• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Padua
• University of Bologna
• Politecnico di Milano
• University of Pisa
• University of Florence
• University of Siena
• Tor Vergata University of Rome
• Universita Ca’ Foscari
• Polytechnic University of Turin
• Scuola Normale Superiore (La Normale)
• University of Trento
• University of Milano-Bicocca
• University of Brescia.

15 Best Public Universities in Italy for International Students

Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, and international students have the opportunity to study at top-ranked public institutions that offer a variety of degree programs and research opportunities.

1. Sapienza University of Rome

Tuition Fee: €2,821

Sapienza University of Rome is the largest university in Italy, with over 130,000 students. Sapienza’s Faculty of Engineering (Facoltà di Ingegneria) is one of its best-known faculties for international students as it offers an excellent reputation for research and innovation.

Students can choose from various specializations in any course offered at the university. Some of its popular courses are Classic and Ancient History, Archaeology, Physics, Nanotechnology, and Design and Aerospace Engineering.

2. University of Padua

Tuition Fee: €2,463

The University of Padua is one of the oldest universities in Italy. It was founded in 1222 and is located in Padua, Italy.

The language used for teaching at this university is English so you don’t need any knowledge of the Italian language if your first language is not English.

The top courses with a high appraisal at the University of Padua are Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. It is considered one of the best public universities in Italy, especially for those two disciplines. If you are passionate about getting the best education in vet science, then UofP is highly recommended.

3. University of Bologna

Tuition Fee: €2,925 – €3,295 per year.

The University of Bologna is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1088.

The University of Bologna offers all kinds of courses at all levels: you can study Medicine and Surgery; Dentistry; Law; Philosophy; Mathematics; Physics; Chemistry; Biology and Biomedicine at the undergraduate level.

4. Politecnico di Milano

Tuition Fee: €3,891.59 per year.

Founded in 1863, the Politecnico di Milano has a long history of producing highly skilled and innovative professionals in a variety of fields. It has strong partnerships with industry and regularly collaborates with companies on research projects and internships, providing students with valuable practical experience and helping them to develop a network of professional contacts.

Politecnico di Milano is a top-ranked university in Italy and is particularly well-known for its engineering, architecture, and design programs.

In terms of academic performance and repute, Politecnico di Milano is consistently ranked among the top universities in Italy and is also highly ranked internationally.

5. University of Milan

Tuition Fee: €156 – €3,500

The University of Milan is one of the largest universities in Italy, founded in 1924. Today, with more than 61,000 students, it is considered one of the most prestigious institutions in Italy.

Students come to UniMi for its strong programs in social sciences and humanities. Students pay low tuition fees for profitable career education in courses like agriculture, humanities, linguistics, law, veterinary medicine, and political science.

In addition to that, UniMi is one of the most affordable universities in Italy.

6. University of Pisa

Tuition Fee: €2,400

The University of Pisa is one of the oldest universities in Italy. It offers undergraduate degrees as well as postgraduate courses such as MSc and Ph.D. programs and is another great option for international students to consider.

The prices of tuition are less expensive than in most other European countries, and the courses are top-notch.

7. University of Florence

Tuition Fee: €2,650

The University of Florence is a public university located in Florence, Italy. It was founded in 1343 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe.

It offers courses in arts, science, and management. Some of the best courses at the University of Florence include Arts & Humanities, Society & Management, Life Sciences & Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering disciplines.

8. University of Siena

Tuition Fee: €500 per month.

The University of Siena was founded in 1348 and is one of the oldest universities in Italy.

The campus is located in Siena, Tuscany. The city is known for its famous cathedral and art museums with works from various known Italian artists.

If you’re looking for a university that offers an excellent education but also allows you to experience life outside of class then this may be the right choice for you.

9. Tor Vergata University of Rome

Tuition Fee: €2,500

Tor Vergata University of Rome is a public research university located in Rome. Tor Vergata is a member of the prestigious group of Università Ateneo di Roma.

The university offers a wide range of programs such as Architecture, Medicine, Law, and Political Science. The campus is well-equipped with modern facilities to meet the needs for both educational purposes and recreation.

10. Universita Ca’Foscari

Tuition Fee: €1,900

Ca’ Foscari University of Venice is a public university located in Venice, Italy. The university has a long history and is considered one of the top universities in Italy.

It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including economics, business, humanities, and sciences. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, where students and faculty can collaborate on research projects.

11. Polytechnic University of Turin

Tuition Fee: Depends on your location. Find your fee range using this map. For example, a Nigerian student looking to study in this school will expect to pay between €921 to €2,601 per year for tuition.

The Polytechnic University of Turin, founded in 1859 and located in Turin, is one of the best public universities in Italy for international students. It was originally created as a school for industrial studies but later expanded to include other fields such as engineering, economics, architecture, and design.

The Polytechnic University of Turin has quite a high reputation among international students and is one of the popular places to study in Italy.

12. Scuola Normale Superiore

Tuition Fee: Free.

Scuola Normale Superiore is a public research university located in Pisa, Italy. Scuola Normale Superiore is one of the top institutions for higher education in Italy. The institution has also played an important role in the development of medicine and chemistry over the years.

13. University of Trento

Tuition Fee: €5,300

The University of Trento, located in Trento, Italy, is a public university that offers a wide range of courses in English. It has a strong reputation for research and teaching, as well as its student life.

The University of Trento is a public research university located in Trento, Italy. It was founded in 1962 and is organized into six faculties: Economics, Humanities, Law, Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, Psychology, and Sociology. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including economics, business, humanities, and sciences.

The university is known for its strong focus on research and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.

14. University of Milano-Bicocca

Tuition Fee: €2,550

The University of Milano-Bicocca is a public university located in Milan, Italy. It offers courses in various fields including engineering, business administration, and architecture.

UMB is a relatively newer school compared to the others on this list; but if you are looking for a school that’s not overly populated, innovative, and offers ample opportunities for students to grow and evolve in their specializations, then you should consider UMB.

The only downside is the limited number of courses being offered at this school. Currently, courses offered at the University of Milano-Bicocca are:

• Economics and Statistics;
• Sciences like biological sciences, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, physics, and optometry;
• Law;
• Medicine & Surgery;
• Sociology;
• Psychology;
• and Educational Sciences.

15. University of Brescia

Tuition Fee: €1,100 – €3,500

The University of Brescia is a public university in the city of Brescia, Lombardy, Italy. It is one of the most prestigious public universities in Italy for international students to check out.

The university offers courses in various specializations and research fields such as science and technology, economics, management sciences, and humanities.

FAQs and Answers

What is the tuition fee at Italian public universities?

The price varies. But an average range of tuition cost at public universities in Italy will be between €500 to €3,000 per year; although, the fees tend to go higher or lower than this range in some schools. The general perception is that Italian public universities are really affordable, compared to other European countries like the U.K. And at that price, these Italian schools do not compromise educational quality.

How can international students apply to universities in Italy?

To apply to a public university in Italy as an international student, you will need to follow these steps:

• Check the admission requirements of the university and make sure you meet them
• Check the deadlines for applications
• Obtain a valid passport
• Check if you need a visa to study in Italy
• Obtain a valid health insurance policy
• Obtain any required language proficiency certificates (such as Italian language proficiency for programs taught in Italian)
• Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement
• Submit your application online through the university’s website or through the online platform Universitaly

Is it expensive to study at a public university in Italy as an international student?

Tuition fees at public universities in Italy are generally lower compared to those at private universities. However, living costs in Italy can be quite high, especially in larger cities like Rome and Milan.

As an international student, you will also need to budget for costs such as housing, food, transportation, and insurance. Also, thorough research on these areas for the cheapest deals will save you a lot of expenses you’d otherwise incur.

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• 10 Cheap English-Speaking Universities in Europe.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re looking to study in Italy but don’t know where to start, this article is a great place about the top public universities in Italy for international students. All of these universities are highly ranked and offer courses in English. You can also find out more about studying abroad by checking out our posts on different guides to help you get started.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you found this article helpful.