Italy is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant art scene, and mouth-watering cuisine. However, Italy is not only a land of cultural treasures but also boasts a quality education system that has been around for centuries. The country has a network of public universities spread across its cities, offering quality education to both local and international students. Public universities in Italy are known for their academic excellence, diverse student body, and extensive research facilities. Public universities in Italy offer a wide range of degree programs, from medicine to engineering and humanities, providing students with a comprehensive education.
The country’s education system is geared towards providing students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to be competitive in the job market. The public universities in Italy are also known for their affordability, making higher education accessible to all, irrespective of their socio-economic background. In this blog, we will take a closer look at public universities in Italy. We will also explore the benefits of studying at a public university in Italy and why it is an excellent destination for students seeking a quality education.
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Why choose public universities in Italy?
Choosing to attend public universities in Italy can offer students a unique and enriching experience, providing them with a quality education, valuable networking opportunities, and a chance to experience one of the world’s most vibrant cultures. The universities in Italy can offer several benefits, including:
- Affordability: Public universities in Italy are generally less expensive than private universities, and tuition fees are set by the government, making education more accessible to a wider range of students.
- Quality Education: Italian public universities have a strong academic reputation, and many are highly regarded internationally. Additionally, Italian universities offer a wide range of programs, from the humanities to the sciences, providing students with a diverse education.
- Cultural Experience: Studying in Italy offers students a unique opportunity to experience Italian culture, cuisine, and language. Italy is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, art galleries, and historic sites, providing students with access to a wealth of cultural experiences.
- Lifestyle: Italy is known for its relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for students looking to balance their academic and personal lives. Italian universities often offer flexible schedules, allowing students to enjoy their free time and explore the country’s many cultural and recreational opportunities.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities: Italy offers a range of post-graduation opportunities, including internships, research positions, and job placements. The country’s strong economy and diverse industries make it an attractive destination for students looking to start their careers.
List of Best Public Universities in Italy
In the previous section, you have seen the potential benefits of taking admission into public universities in Italy. Now, in this section, we will have a look at the list of the best Italian public universities that could be on your wishlist.
Name of the University | QS World University Rankings 2023 |
University of Bologna | 167 |
University of Rome (La Sapienza) | 171 |
University of Padua | 243 |
University of Milan | 324 |
University of Pisa (Scuola Normale) | 404 |
University of Naples Federico II | 416 |
University of Trento | 457 |
University of Florence | 460 |
University of Turin | 475 |
University of Pavia | 561-570 |
Also, read: Best Universities in Europe
On which factors does QS World Ranking depend?
The QS World University Rankings are based on six key performance indicators (KPIs) that are used to evaluate universities around the world. These six indicators and their weighting are as follows:
Academic Reputation (40%)
- This is based on a global survey of academics who are asked to identify the institutions where they believe the best work is currently taking place within their field of expertise.
Employer Reputation (10%)
- This is based on a survey of employers who are asked to identify the institutions from which they prefer to recruit graduates.
Faculty/Student Ratio (20%)
- This is the ratio of full-time faculty members to the number of enrolled students at the university.
Citations per Faculty (20%)
- This measures the research impact of the university by examining the number of citations per paper produced by the faculty.
International Faculty Ratio (5%)
- This measures the percentage of faculty members who are from other countries.
International Student Ratio (5%)
- This measures the percentage of students who are from other countries.
About The Top 10 Public Universities in Italy
It is quite evident that these public universities offer world-class education and exposure to students. Apart from just their academic curriculum, these universities also focus on extra-curricular activities as well. So, these public universities in Italy could be a great choice for all-round development. Let’s now try to know about these public universities in detail.
University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is a renowned public research university in Italy, established in the 11th century. It is the oldest university in the world and is known for its long-standing tradition of academic excellence and innovation. The university has a diverse student population and a strong international reputation for its research in various fields.
Year of Establishment | 1088 |
Location | Bologna, Italy |
QS Global Score | 47.50 |
Popular Courses Offered | Agricultural and Food Science, Computer Science and Information Systems, Economics and Management, Education, and Engineering and Architecture |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 1.7 Lakhs – INR 3 Lakhs per year |
University of Rome – La Sapienza
The University of Rome – La Sapienza is a public research university in Italy and is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. It is known for its research excellence and has a diverse student population from around the world. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields.
Year of Establishment | 1303 |
Location | Rome, Italy |
QS Global Score | 46.80 |
Popular Courses Offered | Arts and Humanities, Civil and Industrial Engineering, Department of Classics, Information Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, and Medicine and Psychology |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 1.6 Lakhs – INR 3.8 Lakhs per year |
University of Padua
The University of Padua is a public research university in Italy and is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. It is known for its strong tradition of academic excellence and has produced many notable alumni over the centuries. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields and has a diverse student population from around the world.
Year of Establishment | 1222 |
Location | Padua, Italy |
QS Global Score | 38.90 |
Popular Courses Offered | School of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, School of Engineering, School of Human and Social Sciences and Cultural Heritage, and School of Psychology |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 0.8 Lakh – INR 4.3 Lakhs per year |
University of Milan
The University of Milan is a public research university in Italy and is one of the largest universities in the country. It is known for its academic excellence and research capabilities, particularly in the fields of science, medicine, and social sciences. The university has a diverse student population from around the world and offers a wide range of academic programs.
Year of Establishment | 1924 |
Location | Milan, Italy |
QS Global Score | 33.20 |
Popular Courses Offered | Ancient Civilizations for the Contemporary World, Cosmetic Industrial Science, Global Environment and Development, Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Migration Studies, and New Societies |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 0.9 Lakh – INR 4.2 Lakhs per year |
University of Pisa (Scuola Normale)
The University of Pisa, also known as Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, is a public university in Italy that is known for its excellence in research and teaching in a variety of disciplines. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and has produced many notable alumni, including Nobel laureates and other distinguished scholars.
Year of Establishment | 1810 |
Location | Pisa, Italy |
QS Global Score | 28.20 |
Popular Courses Offered | Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Medicine and Surgery, Political Science, History and Cultural Heritage, economics and Management, Law, Linguistics and Foreign Language, Agriculture, and Veterinary Science |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 2.1 Lakhs – INR 6.4 Lakhs per year |
University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples Federico II is one of the best public universities in Italy. It is a public research university in Italy that is committed to providing high-quality education and conducting cutting-edge research in a variety of fields. It is one of the oldest and largest universities in the country and has a diverse range of academic programs and research centers.
Year of Establishment | 1224 |
Location | Naples, Italy |
QS Global Score | 27.50 |
Popular Courses Offered | Medicine and Surgery, Economics and Management, Engineering, Architecture, Law, Political Science, Agriculture, Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Humanities and Cultural Heritage |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 0.8 Lakh – INR 4.3 Lakhs per year |
University of Trento
The University of Trento is a public research university in Italy that is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary research and providing high-quality education to its students. It is recognized as one of the best young universities in the world and has a strong reputation for innovation and excellence in teaching and research.
Year of Establishment | 1962 |
Location | Trento, Italy |
QS Global Score | 25.70 |
Popular Courses Offered | Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Sociology, and Cognitive Science |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 0.8 Lakh – INR 4.7 Lakhs per year |
University of Florence
The University of Florence is a public research university in Italy that is widely recognized for its excellence in teaching and research. It has a diverse community of students and faculty members from around the world who contribute to a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Year of Establishment | 1321 |
Location | Florence, Italy |
QS Global Score | 25.60 |
Popular Courses Offered | Economics, Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities, including Art History and Italian Studies |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 0.8 Lakh – INR 3.2 Lakhs per year |
University of Turin
The University of Turin is a public research university in Italy that offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields, including humanities, science, economics, law, and medicine. The university has a long history of academic excellence and innovation and is known for its research-intensive environment and international collaborations.
Year of Establishment | 1404 |
Location | Turin, Italy |
QS Global Score | 25.00 |
Popular Courses Offered | Economics, Law, Medicine, Engineering, Foreign Languages and Literature, and Political Science |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 0.8 Lakh – INR 3.8 Lakhs per year |
University of Pavia
Last, but not the least, the University of Pavia is among the top public universities in Italy. It is a public research university located in Pavia, Italy. It is one of the oldest universities in the world, having been established in the 14th century. The university is known for its excellence in research and teaching.
Year of Establishment | 1361 |
Location | Pavia, Italy |
QS Global Score | NA |
Popular Courses Offered | Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics |
Average Tuition Fee | INR 2.4 Lakhs per year |
It’s a Wrap!
Italy is home to many excellent public universities that offer high-quality education, world-class research facilities, and a diverse range of academic programs. These universities have a rich history, with many of them dating back several centuries, and are highly respected both nationally and internationally.
Whether you are looking to study medicine, engineering, law, or any other field, you are sure to find a public university in Italy that meets your needs and offers you an enriching academic experience. So, if you are considering studying abroad, be sure to explore the opportunities offered by Italy’s public universities.
Still unsure of yourself? Why not speak with one of our knowledgeable advisors at iDreamCareer?
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FAQs
A public university in Italy is a higher education institution that is funded by the government and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degree programs.
Attending a public university in Italy can provide students with access to high-quality education at a lower cost compared to private universities. Additionally, public universities in Italy offer a diverse range of degree programs and research opportunities.
The admission requirements for public universities in Italy vary depending on the institution and the program. Generally, students are required to have a secondary school diploma or an equivalent qualification and must pass an entrance exam or submit other required documents.
The language requirements for studying at a public university in Italy vary depending on the institution and the program. However, most universities require applicants to have a good command of the Italian language, as many degree programs are taught in Italian.
Yes, there are scholarships available for international students at public universities in Italy. These scholarships are offered by the Italian government, universities, and other organizations and foundations, and can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.

Sushant has been writing since his early days of childhood and currently, he’s serving as a Content Writer with iDreamCareer. Sushant has two start-ups of his own and he has been writing content for them since their inception. Apart from that he is passionate about writing which is why he is following his passion for writing with iDreamCareer.