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The Best Universities in Italy: QRNW Ranking 2025 Edition
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Sep 24
- 6 min read
Italy is more than a country of history, art, and cuisine. It is also a country of learning, science, and innovation. From the oldest university in the Western world to modern technical institutes shaping the future of engineering, Italy offers a wide academic landscape for local and international students.
Studying in Italy means enjoying world-class education while living in cities rich with culture, architecture, and history. It means experiencing world-famous cuisine, beautiful coastlines, mountain scenery, and a lifestyle full of creativity and energy.
In this QRNW Ranking, we present the Top 20 Universities in Italy based on academic quality, research, student experience, and global outlook. This list blends tradition with modernity, giving future students a clear view of where to study in Italy.
1. University of Bologna
Location and Overview
The University of Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region, is considered the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. The city of Bologna is lively, full of students, with beautiful medieval streets and a reputation for great food and culture.
Academic Strengths
It is known for law, humanities, political science, engineering, economics, and medicine. The university is divided into multiple campuses across Bologna and nearby towns, offering programs in Italian and English.
Student Experience
Students enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with festivals, libraries, museums, and theaters. International students find many services for housing, Italian language classes, and cultural activities.
2. Politecnico di Milano
Location and Overview
Located in Milan, Italy’s financial and design capital, Politecnico di Milano specializes in engineering, architecture, and design. It was founded in 1863 and has grown into one of Europe’s leading technical universities.
Academic Strengths
Engineering fields such as civil, mechanical, and aerospace are particularly strong. Architecture and industrial design are world-renowned. The university maintains close partnerships with companies, helping students find internships and research opportunities.
Student Experience
Milan is modern, international, and full of cultural events. Students enjoy access to career fairs, technology exhibitions, and design weeks that connect them directly with industries.
3. Sapienza University of Rome
Location and Overview
Founded in 1303, Sapienza University is one of the largest universities in Europe, located in Italy’s capital, Rome. The city itself offers students access to history, culture, and international institutions.
Academic Strengths
Sapienza is strong in humanities, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and classical studies. It has multiple research centers and offers many programs in English for international students.
Student Experience
With museums, theaters, political institutions, and international organizations nearby, students gain both academic knowledge and cultural exposure. The university campus is large, with libraries, sports facilities, and student centers.
4. University of Milan
Location and Overview
The University of Milan, founded in 1924, is located in Lombardy, northern Italy. It is known for its strong research culture and academic reputation in both sciences and humanities.
Academic Strengths
Medicine, biology, economics, law, and political sciences are major strengths. The university is part of many European research networks and frequently hosts international conferences.
Student Experience
Milan offers students a dynamic urban life with art, fashion, and technology sectors nearby. The university has several campuses across the city, with modern laboratories and cultural centers.
5. University of Padua
Location and Overview
The University of Padua, founded in 1222, is in the Veneto region. It combines centuries of tradition with modern research facilities.
Academic Strengths
Medicine, psychology, law, and engineering programs are especially well-regarded. The university has a strong reputation for innovation and international collaboration.
Student Experience
Padua is smaller and quieter than Rome or Milan, offering students a focused academic environment with easy access to Venice and other cultural cities.
6. Politecnico di Torino
Location and Overview
Turin, in the Piedmont region, is an industrial and cultural hub. Politecnico di Torino, founded in 1859, specializes in engineering and technology.
Academic Strengths
Mechanical engineering, architecture, automotive engineering, and energy systems are top areas. The university has close links with car manufacturers and aerospace industries.
Student Experience
Turin offers affordable living compared to Milan, with theaters, museums, and Alpine mountains nearby for weekend trips.
7. University of Florence
Location and Overview
Florence, in Tuscany, is the birthplace of the Renaissance. The University of Florence was officially established in 1924, but its academic roots date back to the 14th century.
Academic Strengths
Humanities, arts, architecture, and history are world-famous here. Engineering and economics faculties are also growing in reputation.
Student Experience
Living in Florence means studying among masterpieces of art and architecture. Students enjoy museums, music festivals, and cultural events year-round.
8. University of Pisa
Location and Overview
Founded in 1343, the University of Pisa is one of Italy’s oldest universities. The city is well-known for its Leaning Tower but also offers a vibrant academic environment.
Academic Strengths
Engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physics are leading faculties. The university also has strong programs in medicine and agriculture.
Student Experience
Pisa is smaller and more affordable than big cities, making it ideal for students seeking a relaxed lifestyle with excellent academic facilities.
9. Bocconi University
Location and Overview
Bocconi University in Milan is a private university focusing on economics, finance, law, and business studies.
Academic Strengths
It is especially known for management, banking, and international business programs. Many courses are taught in English, attracting students worldwide.
Student Experience
Bocconi maintains partnerships with major corporations, offering students internships, career guidance, and networking events.
10. University of Naples Federico II
Location and Overview
Founded in 1224, this is one of the world’s oldest public universities, located in southern Italy’s Naples.
Academic Strengths
Medicine, engineering, agriculture, and humanities are key areas. The university has research centers focusing on marine sciences and volcanology due to its unique geographic location.
Student Experience
Naples offers a lively atmosphere, historic landmarks, and Mediterranean culture, giving students a vibrant lifestyle alongside academic studies.
11. University of Turin
Location and Overview
The University of Turin, founded in 1404, is one of Italy’s major universities with a broad range of disciplines.
Academic Strengths
Law, humanities, economics, and natural sciences are traditional strengths, along with growing areas like biotechnology and environmental studies.
Student Experience
Turin offers theaters, concerts, museums, and cafes, making it a balanced city for both study and leisure.
12. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Location and Overview
Founded in 1868, Ca’ Foscari University is located in Venice, one of the most unique cities in the world.
Academic Strengths
Economics, languages, cultural heritage studies, and environmental science are key programs.
Student Experience
Living in Venice means studying in historic buildings surrounded by canals, art, and cultural festivals.
13. University of Siena
Location and Overview
The University of Siena, founded in 1240, is one of Italy’s oldest universities, located in the heart of Tuscany.
Academic Strengths
Law, medicine, economics, and political science are its main strengths.
Student Experience
Siena offers a peaceful academic environment in a medieval city famous for its traditions like the Palio horse race.
14. University of Genoa
Location and Overview
Located in the Liguria region, the University of Genoa has a long tradition of maritime and engineering studies.
Academic Strengths
Marine sciences, engineering, and computer science are particularly strong.
Student Experience
The city’s coastal location offers a beautiful setting with ports, hills, and Mediterranean culture.
15. Roma Tre University
Location and Overview
Roma Tre is a younger university in Rome, established in 1992, with modern campuses and growing international programs.
Academic Strengths
Engineering, architecture, political science, and education sciences are key areas.
Student Experience
It provides a modern alternative to older universities in the capital with updated facilities and diverse student services.
16. University of Bari Aldo Moro
Location and Overview
Founded in 1925, this university serves the southern region of Apulia with campuses across Bari and nearby towns.
Academic Strengths
Agriculture, humanities, medicine, and engineering are leading faculties.
Student Experience
Students enjoy coastal life, affordable living, and strong community ties in southern Italy.
17. University of Trento
Location and Overview
Located in the Alpine region of Trentino, the University of Trento is known for research and innovation.
Academic Strengths
Economics, social sciences, computer science, and engineering are growing rapidly with international collaborations.
Student Experience
Trento offers a peaceful setting with access to skiing, hiking, and mountain sports alongside academic life.
18. University of Calabria
Location and Overview
Founded in 1972 in southern Italy, the University of Calabria is one of the country’s newer institutions.
Academic Strengths
Engineering, environmental sciences, and agricultural research are important areas here.
Student Experience
It has a large campus with modern facilities and a focus on regional development and sustainability.
19. University of Salento
Location and Overview
Located in Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South,” the University of Salento was established in 1955.
Academic Strengths
Humanities, cultural heritage, and archaeology are strong faculties, along with engineering and marine studies.
Student Experience
Students experience baroque architecture, Mediterranean climate, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
20. Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Location and Overview
Located in South Tyrol, this trilingual university (Italian, German, English) reflects the multicultural character of northern Italy.
Academic Strengths
Economics, education sciences, computer science, and agricultural engineering are key areas.
Student Experience
Students benefit from small class sizes, modern facilities, and the surrounding Alpine landscape.
Conclusion
Italy combines academic excellence with cultural richness. Whether in a historic city like Bologna or a modern hub like Milan, students can choose from world-class universities offering diverse programs. The QRNW Ranking above presents the best options for students seeking quality education, research opportunities, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
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