Best Public Universities in Italy for International Students 2025

Home to 61 public universities, Italy is one of the most preferred countries for international students because of their reputation and cheap rates for study. Out of the 61 public universities in Italy for international students, around 20 of them rank globally. Italy public universities attract students from all across the world annually. One of the oldest public universities in Italy is the University of Bologna. Read on for more details on Italy's public universities for international students. 

Italy, a country renowned for its rich history, art, and culture, has emerged as a popular destination for international students. With its world-class universities, affordable tuition fees, and vibrant cities, Italy offers a unique and enriching educational experience. In this article, we delve into the world of Italy's public universities. We'll explore why these institutions are attractive to international students, highlight some of the top-ranked universities, and provide insights into the admission process and costs.

Why Study in Public Universities in Italy? 

Wish to study in Italy as an international student, and then go to public universities for the following reasons: 

• Free education in Italy at public universities. 
• Good level of scholarship availability for international students in Italy’s public universities. 
• Universities in Italy which are public, offer free Italian language classes for international students. 
• Some public universities in Italy may charge a minor fee for extra Italian language classes. 
• There are ample opportunities on-campus at specifically public universities in Italy for students to gain hands-on experience.  
• Finally, accommodations at public universities in Italy are cheaper in comparison to private universities in Italy. 

Overall, it is a lucrative option to study at public universities in Italy gain hands-on experience and moreover, get cheaper rates for study and accommodation.  

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Best Public Universities in Italy 2025

Top-ranked public universities in Italy as per QS and THE for recent years are as follows: 

The list of public universities in Italy is though long but only a couple of them have been ranked for the year 2025. 

About the Top 5 Public Universities in Italy 

Based on 2025 rankings, the following public universities in Italy have been ranked, check out everything about these universities before choosing admission: 

1. Politecnico de Milan

Founded in 1863, Politecnico de Milano is a prestigious public university in Italy renowned for its excellence in engineering, architecture, and design. Located in the heart of Milan, Italy, it offers a world-class education experience that blends academic rigour with practical application. Some of the reasons why international applicants should take admission at Politecnico de Milano are the following:

• Politecnico de Milano ranks consistently among the top universities globally, particularly in engineering and design fields.
• Renowned professors and researchers who are experts in their respective fields.
• Diverse student body from around the world, fostering a multicultural learning experience. Plus, Politecnico de Milano collaborates with leading universities and industries worldwide.
• Some of the popular courses offered at Politecnico de Milano include - Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Architecture, Industrial Design, Design and Communication. and others.

2. Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome, officially known as Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza," is one of the largest and oldest universities in the world. Founded in 1303, it has a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence. Why international students should consider taking admission at Sapienza University of Rome for the following reasons:

• As one of the world's oldest universities, Sapienza offers a unique educational experience. Plus, it is renowned for its academic excellence and contributions to various fields of study.
• Why international students consider this renowned public university in Italy because Sapienza University of Rome ranks among the top 500 universities globally and in the top 10 nationally. 
• Courses at Sapienza University of Rome are offered across undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, and law.
• Also, Sapenza has strong ties with industry partners, offering internships and job opportunities. And there are also career counselling and job placement services to help students transition into professional life.

3. University of Bologna

The world's first university and most renowned public university in Italy is The University of Bologna (UNIBO) or Alma Mater Studiorum. The University of Bologna is a prestigious public research university in Bologna. It holds the distinction of being the oldest university in continuous operation in the world, tracing its origins back to 1088. There are various reasons why international applicants want to take admission at University of Bologna, some of them are as follows:

• University of Bologna ranks among the top public universities in Italy and the best 10 universities in Italy and globally.
• Courses at the University of Bologna are given a wide variety of options for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the fields of - humanities, sciences, engineering, law, medicine, and economics.
• The UNIBO offers good scholarships and the tuition fee charged is next to NIL for international students, which is a plus point.
• Finally, the University of Bologna has historic buildings and modern facilities and some of the oldest buildings that are over 930+ years old.

4. Politecnico di Torino 

Politecnico di Torino, often referred to as the Polytechnic University of Turin, is a prestigious institution with a rich history dating back to 1859. It was founded as a technical school for engineers and has since evolved into one of Italy's leading universities for engineering, architecture, and design. Politecnico di Torino is a university renowned for its excellence in engineering, architecture, and design. It is also one of the oldest technical universities in Italy. Applicants should consider studying at Politecnico di Torino for the following reasons:

• Renowned for its rigorous academic programs and world-class faculty, Politecnico di Torino consistently ranks among the top universities in Italy and Europe.
• Politecnico di Torino boasts modern laboratories, workshops, and libraries, equipped with cutting-edge technology to support research and innovation.
• The university also maintains close ties with industry leaders, providing students with practical experience through internships and research projects.
• Applicants can gain high-quality education plus, gain valuable skills and knowledge to excel in various engineering and design fields.

5. University of Naples Federico II 

The University of Naples Federico II is a prestigious public research university in Italy. Founded in 1224 by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, it holds the distinction of being the oldest state-supported university in the world. What makes it special is that it is the oldest public university in Italy and the following reasons why Indian students thrive to study here:

• A wide range of courses is offered at University of Naples Federico II in various fields of - humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, law, and economics.
• There are student exchange programs and study abroad opportunities at the University of Naples Federico II.
• University of Naples Federico II ranks among the popular universities in Italy and also among the oldest universities in the world and Italy. 
• Compared to many other universities, especially in English-speaking countries, tuition fees at the University of Naples Federico II are relatively affordable.

Admission Requirements at Public Universities in Italy 

The following admission requirements are required for public universities in Italy: 

• Secondary school qualification and a minimum of 12 years of schooling 
• GPA of 6.5 or higher 
• Successfully pass the admission test for a bachelor’s degree for postgrad admissions 
• Standardised test scores of either: 

• • UG: SAT or ACT score 
  • PG: GRE / GMAT  
• English language proficiency test scores of either TOEFL or IELTS 

Additional Documents Required 

• Transcripts  
• Proof of financial support, certification of finances, and bank statements 
• Copy of passport 
• Statement of Purpose 
• Letter of Recommendation 

Please note that some documents may vary with each of the public universities an international applicant is applying to for admission.  

Cost of Studying at Public Universities in Italy 

The cost of studying at public universities in Italy is quite cheap, Check out the lowest possible tuition options offered at these universities for international students in the table below: 

Applicants can also study for free in Italy in terms of tuition fees only at selective public universities. However, applicants will have to pay for the living costs and bear personal costs as well. Check out: Cost of Studying in Italy

Italy, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class universities, offers a unique and enriching study-abroad experience. Public universities in Italy, particularly those mentioned above, provide international students with affordable, high-quality education and a chance to immerse themselves in Italian culture. By considering factors such as academic reputation, program offerings, and cost of living, international students can make informed decisions about their study abroad journey in Italy. Have more queries? Write to us in the comments below or sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling.