Italy

Italy is also home to some of the best universities in Europe and the world. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the top ten universities in Italy according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.

University of Bologna

The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. It has a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, especially in the fields of humanities, law, engineering and medicine. The university has campuses in several cities across Italy and abroad, and offers a wide range of programmes in English and Italian.

 Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa

The Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa is a public institution that focuses on advanced studies and research at graduate level and above. It is one of the most selective and prestigious universities in Italy, admitting only a few dozen students each year through a rigorous entrance exam. The school offers courses in humanities, sciences and social sciences, and has produced many notable alumni, including Nobel laureates and presidents.

 Humanitas University

Humanitas University is a private university in Milan that specialises in medicine and health sciences. It was founded in 2014 by the Humanitas Research Hospital, one of the most renowned hospitals in Italy and Europe. The university offers an innovative curriculum that integrates basic sciences, clinical skills and humanities, as well as international opportunities and collaborations.

University of Padua

The University of Padua is one of the oldest and largest universities in Italy, established in 1222. It has a strong tradition of academic excellence and innovation, especially in the fields of medicine, engineering, natural sciences and humanities. The university boasts a vibrant student life, with over 100 student associations and clubs, as well as cultural events and sports facilities.

Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa

The Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa is a public institution that offers high-level education and research in various disciplines, such as economics, law, engineering, medicine and agriculture. It is part of the Scuola Superiore Universitaria system, which selects the best students from all over Italy and provides them with scholarships and personalised support. The school also collaborates with national and international partners from academia, industry and government.

Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome is the largest university in Europe by enrolment, with over 100,000 students. It was founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII and has a long history of excellence and innovation in education and research. The university offers a wide range of programmes in English and Italian, covering all fields of knowledge, from arts and humanities to engineering and medicine.

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

The Vita-Salute San Raffaele University is a private university in Milan that focuses on biomedical sciences, psychology and philosophy. It was founded in 1996 by the San Raffaele Hospital, one of the leading research hospitals in Italy and Europe. The university aims to provide students with a multidisciplinary and humanistic education that combines scientific rigour with ethical values.

University of Trento

The University of Trento is a public university located in the north-east of Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It was founded in 1962 as a centre of excellence for social sciences and has since expanded its offer to include engineering, natural sciences, humanities and law. The university is known for its international outlook, with over 20% of its students coming from abroad and many joint programmes with foreign institutions.

University of Pavia

The University of Pavia is one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to 1361. It has a reputation for quality and innovation in teaching and research, particularly in the fields of medicine, engineering, physics and humanities. The university has a unique collegiate system that provides students with accommodation, academic support and social activities.

University of Naples Federico II

The University of Naples Federico II is the oldest public university in the world, founded by Emperor Frederick II in 1224. It has a diverse and comprehensive offer of programmes in English and Italian, covering all areas of knowledge from arts and humanities to engineering and medicine. The university also has a strong commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement.