List of Public Universities in Italy for International Students

Public universities in Italy for international students are widely recognized for their academic reputation, historic legacy, and accessible tuition fees supported by the Italian government. These institutions offer high-quality teaching, strong research facilities, and a multicultural learning environment that attracts thousands of students each year. Italy’s public universities combine affordable education with world-class academic standards, making them a preferred destination for students seeking degrees in arts, engineering, sciences, humanities, business, and technology. With centuries-old institutions and modern campuses, students benefit from both tradition and innovation while experiencing the vibrant cultural diversity that Italy is globally celebrated for.

Studying at top public universities in Italy for international students means joining a dynamic academic community that encourages global thinking, collaborative learning, and career development. These universities maintain strong ties with industries, research centers, and international organizations, providing students with extensive networking and internship opportunities. Whether it is exploring Renaissance architecture, learning in technologically advanced labs, or participating in student-led initiatives, Italy offers an enriching and supportive educational environment. Most universities offer programs in English, flexible tuition fee systems, scholarship opportunities, and simplified visa processes, making Italy one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international scholars.

Also check,Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy

1. Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano is one of Italy’s most competitive public universities in Italy for international students , known for architecture, engineering, and design programs that attract applicants from across the world. International students benefit from a highly structured admission system with separate calls for general programs and design-specific courses. The university offers multiple English-taught Master’s programs, strong industry connections, and research-driven curricula. Tuition fees are moderate for a top-ranked European institution, and the environment supports innovation, collaboration, and practical learning. Based on the intake list, Politecnico di Milano announces early and first-call deadlines months in advance, giving students clear timelines to prepare their applications.

Benefits

• Wide range of English-taught Master’s programs.
• Strong global reputation in engineering, design, and architecture.
• Excellent research facilities and industry partnerships.
• Affordable tuition compared to other European tech-focused universities.

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Portfolio required for architecture/design programs.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught courses.
• Minimum CGPA requirements depending on program (varies by call).

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50
• Early Call: October–December windows.
• First Call: Opens around November/December depending on program.

2. University of Bologna

The University of Bologna, Europe’s oldest existing institution, is one of the most prestigious top public universities in Italy for international students. Known for its academic excellence, Bologna offers a wide variety of English-taught programs in sciences, humanities, business, and social sciences. It attracts a large international population due to its vibrant student life, strong global rankings, and scholarship opportunities like Unibo Action 1 & 2. The university’s historic campus, modern departments, and globally recognized degrees make it a preferred destination. Bologna’s clear admission windows and annual intakes ensure students can plan their applications confidently and on time.

Benefits

• One of Europe’s oldest and highest-ranked universities.
• Wide range of English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
• Scholarships available for international students.
• Strong academic networks and research collaborations.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree (depending on level).
• English proficiency test for English-taught courses.
• Some programs may require entrance exams or interviews.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: Approx. €50.
• Bachelor/Master Deadlines: Vary by program (usually Feb–Apr).
• Scholarship Deadlines: Typically March–April.

3. Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome is one of the largest and most influential top public universities in Italy for international students, offering dozens of English-taught programs across science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Located in the capital city, Sapienza provides students exposure to Italy’s cultural and political center while maintaining affordable tuition and strong academic standards. The university is known for high research output, global partnerships, and accessible support services for international students. Its structured admission cycles allow applicants to prepare ahead, and Rome’s lively atmosphere creates an enriching experience for both academic and personal growth.

Benefits

• Large selection of English-taught programs.
• Strong research culture and European collaborations.
• Affordable tuition for a capital-city institution.
• Vibrant international student community.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree (as required).
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Some programs may require an entrance test.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €30–€50 depending on program.
• Main Intake Deadlines: March–June for most programs.
• Scholarship Deadlines: February–April annually.

4. University of Padua

The University of Padua is a historic public university in Italy for international students, founded in 1222, offering renowned programs in medicine, law, science, and humanities. Its international reputation attracts students worldwide to English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Padua provides strong research facilities, vibrant student life, and modern campus resources. The university emphasizes practical learning and global collaborations, allowing students to gain both academic knowledge and professional experience. With early and main call application deadlines clearly communicated, students can organize their documents and submit applications on time.

Benefits

• Strong programs in medicine, science, law, and humanities.
• High international reputation and research opportunities.
• Modern campus and supportive student community.
• Scholarships and financial aid for international students.

Eligibility

• High school diploma or Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Entrance exams may be required for specific programs.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: Approx. €50.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–May depending on the program.

5. University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano)

The University of Milan is a major public university in Italy for international students, offering programs in science, economics, law, and humanities. With a strong focus on research and international collaborations, it provides English-taught Master’s programs tailored for global students. Milan’s urban environment combines academic rigor with cultural exposure, giving students access to internships, events, and professional networking. Tuition is reasonable for Italy’s largest city, and the university communicates early deadlines, ensuring applicants can complete prerequisites, prepare motivation letters, and submit documents efficiently.

Benefits

• Broad range of English-taught programs.
• Strong research facilities and international partnerships.
• Vibrant city life with internship opportunities.
• Moderate tuition fees for international students.

Eligibility

• High school diploma or relevant Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Some programs require entrance exams or interviews.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

6. University of Turin (Università degli Studi di Torino)

The University of Turin is a prestigious public university in Italy for international students, known for engineering, law, medicine, and arts programs. It offers several English-taught Master’s programs and actively supports international student mobility. Turin is a student-friendly city with affordable living costs compared to northern Italian cities. The university provides strong academic support, research opportunities, and clear application timelines. Students planning their studies can rely on early calls and main intake windows to organize their submissions and ensure timely completion of all requirements.

Benefits

• English-taught Master’s programs in multiple disciplines.
• Affordable living costs for international students.
• Active research and internship opportunities.
• Supportive student services for global applicants.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency required for international programs.
• Program-specific entrance exams may apply.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €30–€50.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–May.

7. University of Naples Federico II

University of Naples Federico II is one of Italy’s oldest public universities for international students, offering programs in engineering, medicine, and social sciences. The university combines historic prestige with modern research facilities. English-taught Master’s programs attract global students, providing international collaborations and internships. Naples’ vibrant culture, affordable living, and supportive academic environment make it an appealing destination. With structured early and main call deadlines, students can prepare applications, transcripts, and language tests without last-minute stress.

Benefits

• Wide range of English-taught programs.
• Historic reputation with modern research facilities.
• Cultural and affordable student-friendly city.
• Internship and exchange opportunities.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Entrance exams may be required for selected programs.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: November–December.
• Main Call: January–March.

8. University of Pisa

The University of Pisa is a renowned public university in Italy for international students, with strong programs in engineering, computer science, and humanities. It offers English-taught Master’s programs, fostering research collaborations and international networking. Pisa is known for affordable living, student-centered campuses, and cultural richness. Clear early and main call deadlines allow students to complete their applications efficiently, ensuring they meet program prerequisites, submit documents, and prepare motivation statements for admission consideration.

Benefits

• English-taught programs in multiple fields.
• Strong research culture and international collaborations.
• Affordable student life and historic campus.
• Internship and study abroad opportunities.

Eligibility

• High school diploma or Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Some programs require entrance exams.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

9. University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze)

The University of Florence is a public university in Italy for international students, providing English-taught Master’s programs in arts, social sciences, and engineering. Florence’s historic city environment, combined with vibrant student life, offers cultural and academic exposure. Research-driven curricula, international partnerships, and moderate tuition make it attractive to global students. The university publishes early and main intake deadlines, ensuring students have adequate preparation time for their applications, document submission, and language proficiency requirements.

Benefits

• Diverse English-taught programs.
• International collaborations and research opportunities.
• Rich cultural environment in Florence.
• Affordable tuition fees for international students.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Program-specific entrance exams if required.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–May.

10. University of Genoa (Università di Genova)

The University of Genoa is a public university in Italy for international students, known for engineering, maritime studies, and economics programs. It offers several English-taught Master’s programs and encourages global student participation through scholarships and internships. Genoa provides a lively student environment with affordable living costs. With early and main call deadlines clearly posted, students can plan document preparation, language tests, and application submissions to ensure smooth entry into programs.

Benefits

• Engineering, maritime, and economics programs in English.
• Scholarships and internship opportunities for international students.
• Affordable living and student-friendly city.
• Active research collaborations and exchange programs.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Program-specific entrance exams may be needed.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50.
• Early Call: November–December.
• Main Call: January–March.

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11. University of Verona

The University of Verona is a public university in Italy for international students, offering programs in law, economics, medicine, and humanities. It provides English-taught Master’s programs with strong international collaborations and research opportunities. Verona’s student-friendly city, affordable living, and cultural richness make it an attractive choice. Early and main call deadlines are communicated clearly to support smooth application planning, ensuring international students can prepare transcripts, motivation letters, and language tests efficiently.

Benefits

• English-taught programs in law, economics, and medicine.
• International partnerships and research-driven education.
• Affordable student life with cultural opportunities.
• Scholarships and internships available.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Entrance exams may be required for some programs.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

12. University of Salerno

The University of Salerno is a modern public university in Italy for international students, offering programs in engineering, economics, and humanities. It supports English-taught Master’s programs and international mobility through Erasmus and partnerships. Salerno’s welcoming city atmosphere and moderate living costs complement its academic offerings. Structured early and main call deadlines ensure students can submit complete applications, including transcripts, language proof, and any program-specific requirements.

Benefits

• Diverse English-taught programs.
• Active research and international exchange opportunities.
• Affordable city for students.
• Scholarships for merit-based applicants.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency required.
• Program-specific entrance exams may apply.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50.
• Early Call: November–December.
• Main Call: January–March.

13. University of Catania

The University of Catania is one of the historic public universities in Italy for international students, offering English-taught programs in science, law, engineering, and arts. Its strong research environment, Mediterranean location, and student-friendly campus make it an appealing destination. The university publishes clear early and main call deadlines, enabling applicants to plan for transcripts, English tests, and motivation letters without last-minute stress.

Benefits

• Wide range of English-taught programs.
• Historic and research-focused institution.
• Affordable living in Sicily.
• Internship and scholarship opportunities.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency required.
• Entrance exams for selected programs.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

14. University of Bari Aldo Moro

The University of Bari Aldo Moro is a public university in Italy for international students, known for medicine, engineering, and humanities programs. English-taught Master’s programs are available for global applicants, with opportunities for scholarships and internships. Bari offers affordable living and a welcoming student environment. Clear early and main call deadlines help students organize application documents, language tests, and motivation letters efficiently.

Benefits

• English-taught Master’s programs in multiple fields.
• Research-driven programs with international exposure.
• Affordable city with student-friendly services.
• Scholarship and internship support.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Entrance exams may be required.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

15. University of Parma

The University of Parma is a public university in Italy for international students, offering programs in law, medicine, economics, and engineering. English-taught Master’s programs attract global students seeking research opportunities and cultural exposure. Parma provides a student-friendly environment with affordable living costs. Its structured early and main call deadlines ensure applicants can complete requirements such as transcripts, language proficiency, and motivation letters on time.

Benefits

• English-taught programs in law, medicine, and engineering.
• Research-oriented curriculum with international collaborations.
• Affordable city with supportive student life.
• Scholarships for international applicants.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Entrance exams may be required.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

16. University of Trieste

The University of Trieste is one of the most renowned public universities in Italy for international students, offering programs in science, engineering, and humanities. It supports English-taught Master’s programs and emphasizes research and international collaboration. Trieste’s moderate living costs and student-centered environment make it an ideal study destination. The university’s early and main call deadlines allow students to plan submissions, ensuring smooth application processing.

Benefits

• English-taught Master’s programs across disciplines.
• Strong research culture and international exposure.
• Affordable living and welcoming city.
• Scholarship and internship opportunities.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency required.
• Entrance exams may be required for some programs.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

17. University of Siena

The University of Siena is one of the historic public universities in Italy for international students, offering programs in medicine, law, economics, and humanities. It provides English-taught Master’s programs with strong international networks. Siena’s affordable city life and vibrant student community complement academic offerings. Early and main call deadlines enable applicants to prepare transcripts, language tests, and motivation letters well in advance, ensuring timely application submission.

Benefits

• Wide selection of English-taught programs.
• Research-driven and globally recognized.
• Affordable city with cultural opportunities.
• Scholarships and internships available.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Program-specific entrance exams may apply.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

18. University of Lecce (Salento)

The University of Salento (Lecce) is one of the top public universities in Italy for international students, offering English-taught programs in engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It provides research-oriented curricula, international partnerships, and moderate tuition fees. Lecce’s vibrant culture, affordable living, and student-focused services make it ideal for global learners. Clear early and main call deadlines assist applicants in preparing all requirements efficiently.

Benefits

• English-taught Master’s programs in various fields.
• International collaborations and research opportunities.
• Affordable living and student-friendly city.
• Scholarship support for international students.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Entrance exams may be required.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

19. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is one of the many top public universities in Italy for international students, offering English-taught programs in engineering, economics, and humanities. It emphasizes research, innovation, and international collaboration. Modena and Reggio Emilia offer affordable living and student-centered support. Early and main call deadlines provide students enough time to prepare applications, language tests, and supporting documents for smooth admission.

Benefits

• English-taught Master’s programs in multiple disciplines.
• Strong research culture and international partnerships.
• Affordable city with student-friendly environment.
• Scholarship opportunities available.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Program-specific entrance exams may be required.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

20. University of Ferrara

The University of Ferrara is one of the top public universities in Italy for international students, offering programs in medicine, science, law, and humanities. It provides English-taught Master’s programs with strong research facilities and international partnerships. Ferrara’s affordable living and student-focused environment attract global applicants. Clear early and main call deadlines help students plan submissions, ensuring all documents, transcripts, and language certifications are prepared on time.

Benefits

• English-taught Master’s programs in multiple fields.
• Research-focused with international collaborations.
• Affordable city and supportive student environment.
• Scholarships and internships for international students.

Eligibility

• High school diploma/Bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Entrance exams may be required for specific programs.

Deadlines & Fees

• Application Fee: €50 approx.
• Early Call: October–December.
• Main Call: February–April.

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Studying at top public universities in Italy for international students offers a unique blend of high-quality education, rich cultural experiences, and affordable living. These universities provide diverse English-taught programs across disciplines such as engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences, alongside strong research opportunities and global collaborations. With clear admission processes, early and main call deadlines, and scholarship support, international students can plan their academic journeys confidently. Italy’s vibrant student cities, historic campuses, and supportive environments make it an ideal destination for those seeking academic excellence and international exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)