Top 10 Public Universities in Italy for International Students 2026

Key highlights:

• Top Benefits of Studying in Public Universities for International Students
• Top Public Universities for International Students in Italy
• Admission Requirements for International Students at Public Universities in Italy
• Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Italy for International Students
• Career Scope for International Students in Italy

Italy is one of the most preferred educational destinations in Europe. It is home to many renowned public universities offering high-value education. These universities are known for their phenomenal academic history and research prowess. You can study a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields like engineering, architecture, economics, and medicine from any of the leading public universities in Italy.

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Top Benefits of Studying in Public Universities in Italy for International Students

There are many benefits of studying at public universities for international students in Italy:

Affordable High-Quality Education

Italian public universities are known for their high-quality education at cost-effective fees. So, you can access world-class education within a budget when you pursue your preferred course at Italian public university.

English-Taught Programmes

There is a range of programmes available for international students that are taught in English at Italian public universities. It ensures you do not face language challenges during your studies.

Global Recognition

Many public universities, such as Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza, and University of Bologna, are on the list of the best universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. When study at these university you can access globally recognised curriculum.

Cultural Exposure

You can get great exposure to Italian culture by studying at any of the reputed public universities in Italy. It is a great place to study a research-infused programme.

Top Public Universities for International Students in Italy

1. Politecnico di Milano (Milan)

The Politecnico di Milano is also called the Polytechnic University of Milan. It is the largest technical university in Italy. You can pursue PG and PhD courses in different domains, such as engineering, architecture & planning, design, and science, at this public university.

2. Sapienza University of Rome (Rome)

The Sapienza University of Rome is accredited by the Italian National System. It is one of the best public universities in Italy for international students. Here, you can study undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in different study areas. The university is known for courses in nanotechnology, physics, aerospace engineering and power engineering.

3. University of Bologna (Carpi)

The University of Bologna is one of the top public universities in Italy. It is known to be one of the oldest universities in the world that has various programmes for international students. You can study undergraduate and postgraduate courses in different domains, such as humanities & social science, design, arts, and geology.

4. University of Padua (Padova)

The University of Padua has four streams of study for international students, including engineering, science, humanities & social sciences, and medical & health sciences. You can enrol in your preferred programme in one of these streams and opt for a specialisation, such as physics, computer science engineering, biotechnology, agriculture and biomedical engineering.

5. Politecnico di Torino (Turin)

The Politecnico di Torino is also among the most popular public universities in Italy for international students. This university offers three courses in architecture & planning and engineering.

6. University of Milan (Milan)

The University of Milan offers only one course, which is the Master of Science for international students. You can complete this course in 2 years.

7. University of Pisa (Pisa)

The University of Pisa is one of the top public universities in Italy. It offers only one undergraduate course to Indian students in business & management studies. The duration of this course is 3 years.

8. University of Rome Tor Vergata

The University of Rome Tor Vergata is one of the top public universities in Italy for international students. This university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Science, Business & Management Studies, Medicine & Health Science, and IT & Software fields.

9. University of Naples Federico II (Naples)

The University of Naples Federico II offers a postgraduate course in business and management studies to international students. The duration of this course, which is a Master in Economics and Finance, is 1 year.

10. University of Florence (Florence)

The University of Florence offers postgraduate courses in architecture & planning. You can opt for Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, or Master of Architecture programmes.

Also Read: Top 5 Exciting Reasons to Study in Italy

Admission Requirements for International Students at Public Universities in Italy

The admission requirements for international students at public universities in Italy can vary. However, these are some of the common admission requirements:

• Academic transcripts
  • 12th class completion in relevant subjects (for undergraduate courses)
  • A recognised bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate courses)
• Standardised entrance test results (wherever applicable)
  • Test OnLine CISIA (TOLC)
  • International Medical Admission Test (IMAT)
  • Internal test (portfolio review and interview)
• English language test score
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of funds
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Passport-size photographs
• Health insurance
• A valid passport and visa (pre-enrolled via the Italian embassy)

If you are interested in pursuing a course in an Italian public university, you must prepare your finances to avoid any hassle in your educational aspirations.

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