Italy is the pioneer of university education in Europe with some of the universities, half as old as time: the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, or the University of Padua. With around 32,000 students choosing Italy for their higher studies every year, there ought to be something about the nation. Here is why you should consider for your higher studies.

• Its academic offerings shine across many disciplines
• Its higher education system is excellent
• Wide range of Italian degrees are taught in English
• It heartily welcomes students from across the globe
• You can learn Italian

And if you want to know what a real pizza tastes like, Italy is your destination!! Keep on reading as this blog will squint you with best public universities in Italy!

Top 10 Public Universities in Italy for 2024

Here is a  list of best public universities in Italy for international students in 2024:

Let us know the details of each of these universities, that form part of the vibrant education system in Italy:

1. Politecnico di Milano

Established in 1863, Politecnico di Milano is among the eminent public universities in Italy for international students. It is the largest technical university in Italy with around 42,000 students pursuing various disciples across engineering, architecture, and design. Politecnico di Milano has two main campuses in the city of Milan and 5 other campuses in various regions.  

2. University of Bologna

Over centuries, with the rise and fall of empires in Italy public universities, have been doomed too. But the University of Bologna is the oldest university in continuous operation in the world, imparting top-notch quality of education to thousands of students since 1088. With around 86,500 students in its 11 schools, this university has often been termed a school of excellence.

3. Sapienza University of Rome 

Sapienza University of Rome or the University of Rome is ranked among the top Italy public university list. It is a public research university and of the largest European Universities by enrollments. Established in 1303, it is one the ancient universities in the world!! Sapienza University has educated many Nobel laureates.

4. University of Padua

The University of Padua is one of the best public colleges in Italy. Established some 800 years ago in 1222 by a group of students and teachers from Bologna, the university is the second oldest university to study in Italy and the world’s fifth oldest surviving university.Nicholaus Copernicus, the man who placed the Sun at the center of the Solar system, is probably the most celebrated alumni of the university.

5. University of Milan

In Italy public universities have emerged rather recently and have grown to great success. Such is the University of Milan established in 1924. Only a century old, this university has around 60,000 students and a huge fraction of international learners. Colloquially known as UniMi, the University of Milan offers 140 undergraduate, 32 doctoral, and 65+ specialization courses. 

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6. Politecnico di Torino

Politecnico di Torino is a young Italian public university offering 28 bachelor's, 32 master's, and 24 PhD programs. Ranked 252 in the 2024 QS World ranking, this university is among the top research universities around the globe. This rather young university is among the fastest growing and developing institutions and has produced many proud alumni members.

7. University of Pisa

The University of Pisa is one of the best public universities of Italy for international students. Pisa is known to welcome its international guests with open arms. Founded in 1343, it is among the oldest universities both in Italy and in Europe. If you have been celebrating men of science like Galileo Galilei, you must be delighted to know that he was a then student of this prestigious university. 

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8. Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University was established in 1996. It continues to impart higher studies in the fields of medicine, psychology, and philosophy. The university has an excellent pool of professors renowned for their mastery over their disciples and is the dream college to pursue MBBS in Italy.

9. University of Naples Federico II

“For the inculcation of the sciences and the dissemination of knowledge”, the University of Naples has been functional since 1224. It is the oldest non-sectarian university in the world, now divided into 26 departments. The university also claims to have the 3rd largest student population in Italy.

10. University of Trento

Last but not least, the University of Trento is among the best public universities in Italy. The University of Trento was founded in 1962 as a Higher University Institute for Social Sciences. It was the first school of sociology in Italy. Since then it has expanded its disciples over a wide range.

This was a detailed list of public universities in Italy and its features. This land continues its legacy of imparting knowledge with young and old Universities. There are around 90 universities in Italy most of which are publicly funded. Under the new nuovo ordinamento system, higher education in Italy now consists of a 3 year bachelor’s degree ( laurea triennale ) which can be followed by a 2 year masters degree in Italy ( laurea magistrale ). We hope you have found your dream Italian university by now.