List of Public Universities in Italy in 2026 for International Students

Looking at admissions to public universities in Italy? There are around 60+ public universities in Italy that offer English taught programs at affordable tuition rates for international students. Check out the list of popular Italian public universities here. 

Students interested in public universities in Italy can benefit largely by studying there. The Italian public universities admit more than 20-30% international students. They offer courses in English and are popular because some of them offer free Italian courses after college. Despite offering low tuition costs, there are also good scholarships available for students. Like University of Bologna offers around 20% of tuition waiver for meritorious applicants. Also, if applicants apply early to public universities in Italy, can get early bird discounts as well.

Public universities in Italy offer all types of courses - undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral. These universities are known for their quality education, research and job prospects. If planning to study in Italy from India, do consider applying to public universities to lower overall study costs and get the experience of Bologna education first-hand. Need more details around the public universities of Italy? Check out the details in this article.

What are Public Universities in Italy?

Public universities in Italy are state-funded universities, which are most affordable for international students. Out of 90 universities in Italy, around 67 are publicly funded. The average annual cost of studying at public universities is €900 – €4,000. These universities offer all major English-medium courses at both UG and PG levels of study. To name a few top public universities in Italy for international students include - University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Milano and others. Want more details? Check out the top ranking public universities in Italy in the sections below and know about them in more detail.

Best Public Universities in Italy 2026

Majority of public universities of Italy make it to the global rankings 2026. They are ranked in top 100 and 200 majorly. Applicants interested can check the list of top ranking public universities in Italy as per QS and THE for 2026 below: 

About the Top Public Universities in Italy 2026

Based on 2026 rankings, the following public universities in Italy have been ranked, check out everything about these universities before applying for admissions: 

1. Politecnico de Milan

Founded in 1863, Politecnico di Milano is a popular public university in Italy. it is known for its top rated courses in engineering, architecture, and design. Politecnico di Milano offers qualiy education and also helps students get some practical experience. Some reasons why international applicants should take admission at Politecnico de Milano are

• Politecnico de Milano ranks in top 100 universities globally. Subject wise, it ranks in engineering and design fields.
• Qualified professors and researchers are faculty here. They 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 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.
• Also, UNIBO is one of the best public universities in Italy for masters. It offers various MS and business PG related courses.

4. University of Padua

Founded in 1222, the University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova) is among the oldest universities in the world. The University is popular for its contributions to modern science. This particular university not only offers its students quality education but also focuses on research and innovation. Reasons to take admission at University of Padua are:

• The University of Padua is among the top rankings within Italy and among the top 250 universities globally.
• It offers English taught programs in different areas of study from health to engineering.
• University of Padua has a good network. Theough this, it offers opportunities for exchange programs and internships in Europe.
• Some of the most popular programs offered at University of Padua include Medicine and Surgery, Psychology, Physics, Astronomy, Biotechnologies, Data Science, Human Rights, Environmental Engineering, and Economics.

5. 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 courses 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, offering students practical experience through internships and research projects.
• Applicants can gain high-quality education plus, gain valuable skills to work in various engineering and design fields.

6. University of Milan

The University of Milan, is another public university in Italy started operations in 1924. It was founded to create a center for higher education in Italy's industrial city. It is a leading Italian university for medicine, humanities, and social sciences. The University of Milan is one of the largest and most research-intensive universities in Italy. Applicants should consider studying at the University of Milan for the following reasons:

• Renowned for its courses and expert faculty, the University of Milan consistently ranks among the top universities in Italy and is the only Italian member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
• University of Milan boasts of latest laboratories, historic libraries, and specialised research centres, equipped with cutting-edge technology to support innovation across its eight faculties and two schools.
• There are ample opportunities to build skills through university sponsored exchange programs at the University of Milan.
• University of Milan has partnerships with different businesses and medical sectors, offering students practical experience through internships, clinical placements, and international exchange programs.

7. University of Rome Tor Vergata

The University of Rome Tor Vergata, officially known as Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata," is a leading public research university in Italy. Founded in 1982, it was designed on the model of Anglo-Saxon campuses and has quickly established a reputation for high-quality education and research excellence. Why international students should consider taking admission at the University of Rome Tor Vergata for the following reasons: 

• As a modern, research-intensive institution, Tor Vergata offers a dynamic educational experience and is home to major research bodies like the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the National Research Council (CNR).
• Why international students consider this renowned public university in Italy because the University of Rome Tor Vergata ranks among the top 400 universities globally and consistently ranks in the top 15 nationally. 
• Courses at the University of Rome Tor Vergata are offered across undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various disciplines, including economics, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, and sciences.
• Also, Tor Vergata has strong ties with industry partners, offering internships and job opportunities with global firms like Deloitte, PwC, and SAP.

8. 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 

Most of the public universities in Italy have a similar set of admission requirements to enroll international students. However, they may vary based on course or degree level sometimes. 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+ 
• 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 differ with each of the public universities an international applicant is applying to for admission.  

Cost of Studying at Public Universities in Italy 

The overall cost of studying in Italy can vary greatly if choosing to study at public universities, because it is cheaper. It often includes your tuition, administration fee, semester fee, student insurance, library fees or student fees (whichever applies). 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. While there are many ways to cut down cost of studying in Italy, applying to public universities in Italy is one of them. If you also want to choose an affordable country for study, then you can shortlist some of its public universities before finally applying.

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