The Best Universities in Rome: A Complete Guide for Students

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Sep 23
6 min read

Rome, the Eternal City, is a place where ancient history meets modern innovation. It is a city of art, politics, religion, science, and education. For centuries, Rome has been a center of learning — home to popes, philosophers, scientists, and artists whose work shaped Europe and the world. Today, Rome is also one of Europe’s most vibrant academic hubs, attracting students from across the globe.

Studying in Rome means more than just earning a degree. It means living in a city with 3,000 years of history, exploring world-famous monuments, enjoying Italian culture, and learning in institutions that combine tradition with cutting-edge research. From public universities with centuries of academic legacy to private international institutions offering American-style education, Rome provides something for every student: business, engineering, medicine, humanities, arts, and more.

This article presents the QRNW 2025 Ranking of the Top Universities in Rome. It explains why each university stands out, what programs it offers, what the student experience is like, and how it fits into the city’s cultural and academic landscape.

Why Study in Rome

Studying in Rome offers many advantages for international and local students:

Historic Environment: Students live and learn surrounded by ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque architecture.
Diverse Academic Options: From arts and humanities to science and technology, medicine, and business, Rome’s universities cover almost every field.
International Atmosphere: Many programs are taught in English, and thousands of students come from all over the world.
Cultural Opportunities: Rome is home to countless museums, galleries, theatres, and cultural festivals.
Career Prospects: Being the capital city, Rome provides access to international organizations, research centers, companies, and NGOs.

QRNW Ranking: Top Universities in Rome 2025

The following list covers the 15 best universities in Rome according to QRNW criteria: academic strength, research output, international outlook, student satisfaction, and graduate opportunities.

1. Sapienza University of Rome

Overview

Founded in 1303, Sapienza is one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. It has more than 100,000 students and offers programs in almost every academic discipline.

Academic Strengths

Sapienza has faculties in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, architecture, law, economics, medicine, and many others. It is especially known for classics, archaeology, history, physics, and biomedical sciences.

Campus Life

The main campus, Città Universitaria, is like a small city within Rome, with lecture halls, libraries, museums, sports facilities, and gardens. Students can join hundreds of clubs, cultural events, and research projects.

International Outlook

Sapienza has many English-taught programs, international exchange agreements, and double-degree partnerships with universities worldwide.

Why It Ranks First

Its size, history, research power, and diversity of programs make Sapienza the leading university in Rome for 2025.

2. University of Rome Tor Vergata

Overview

Established in 1982, Tor Vergata is a modern university located in southeastern Rome. It has a large campus with green spaces, research labs, and sports facilities.

Academic Strengths

Tor Vergata excels in medicine, engineering, economics, physics, and business studies. It is also home to one of Italy’s most advanced university hospitals.

Student Experience

The campus includes student residences, libraries, sports centers, and cultural spaces. The quieter suburban location offers a focused study environment while remaining connected to central Rome by metro.

International Programs

Many master’s programs are taught in English, attracting students from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Why It Ranks Second

Strong research facilities, modern infrastructure, and internationalization efforts place Tor Vergata high in the QRNW ranking.

3. LUISS Guido Carli University

Overview

LUISS is a private university founded in 1974, specializing in social sciences, law, economics, business, and political science.

Academic Strengths

It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in economics, management, finance, law, and international relations. Many are taught in English.

Career Connections

LUISS has strong ties with Italian and international companies, offering students internships, career fairs, and professional training opportunities.

Campus and Student Life

With campuses in elegant residential districts, LUISS provides modern classrooms, libraries, and collaborative study spaces. Class sizes are smaller than in public universities, allowing closer interaction with professors.

Why It Ranks Third

Its focus on leadership, management, and international careers makes LUISS a top choice for business and social science students.

4. Roma Tre University

Overview

Founded in 1992, Roma Tre is a young and dynamic public university. It has quickly gained a reputation for innovation and quality teaching.

Academic Strengths

Roma Tre offers programs in engineering, architecture, education, languages, law, and humanities. Its architecture and design faculties are especially respected.

Campus Life

The university buildings are spread across several neighborhoods, combining historic structures with modern facilities. Students appreciate the urban campus atmosphere close to cultural landmarks.

Why It Ranks Fourth

Its growth, academic diversity, and commitment to sustainability make Roma Tre a rising star in Italian higher education.

5. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Rome Campus)

Overview

The Rome campus of Università Cattolica focuses on medicine, health sciences, psychology, and bioethics.

Academic Strengths

It is closely linked to the Policlinico Gemelli Hospital, one of Italy’s most important medical centers, offering students real-world clinical experience.

Why It Ranks Fifth

For students in medicine and healthcare, this university combines academic study with direct access to clinical practice and research.

6. Foro Italico University of Rome

Overview

Foro Italico University is Italy’s only institution dedicated to sport sciences, physical education, and human movement.

Academic Strengths

It offers degrees in sports coaching, physiotherapy, physical education, and sports management.

Facilities

Students have access to advanced laboratories, training centers, and partnerships with sports organizations.

Why It Ranks Sixth

Its unique specialization and high-quality facilities make it the best choice for sports and physical education studies.

7. John Cabot University

Overview

John Cabot University is an American liberal arts university in the heart of Rome.

Academic Strengths

Programs follow the U.S. education model, with majors in business, international relations, communications, art history, and political science.

Student Life

Its English-speaking environment and international student body create a multicultural campus experience.

Why It Ranks Seventh

It offers an American-style education in a European setting, ideal for international students.

8. American University of Rome

Overview

Like John Cabot, the American University of Rome provides English-taught liberal arts education.

Programs

Students can study archaeology, art history, film, media studies, and business.

Campus Atmosphere

Small class sizes, interactive teaching, and strong community life define the student experience.

9. Link Campus University

Overview

Link Campus combines Italian and international education models, offering programs in business, international studies, and communication.

Why It Stands Out

It focuses on modern fields like digital innovation, cybersecurity, and global relations, preparing students for emerging careers.

10. Unitelma Sapienza

Overview

Unitelma Sapienza is the online branch of Sapienza University, offering distance-learning programs in economics, law, and management.

Who It’s For

It serves working professionals and students who need flexible study options while earning a recognized Italian degree.

11. Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma

Overview

Rome’s Academy of Fine Arts specializes in painting, sculpture, set design, and visual arts.

Facilities

Studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces provide practical training for future artists and designers.

12. Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA)

Overview

RUFA offers modern programs in visual arts, design, photography, cinema, and multimedia arts.

Why It’s Unique

It blends traditional artistic training with contemporary digital media education.

13. Pontifical Gregorian University

Overview

One of the oldest Catholic universities, the Gregorian specializes in theology, philosophy, and church history.

Global Role

Students come from over 100 countries, making it a center for international religious and philosophical studies.

14. Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum)

Overview

Known as the Angelicum, it offers programs in philosophy, theology, and social sciences, with a focus on ethical and moral studies.

15. Pontifical University of the Holy Cross

Overview

Specializing in communications, theology, and canon law, it attracts students interested in religious leadership and ethical communication.

Student Life in Rome

Life as a student in Rome goes beyond academics. The city offers:

Affordable student housing options in shared apartments or dormitories
Public transportation with metro, buses, and trams connecting campuses
Cafés, restaurants, and street food offering delicious Italian meals
Cultural events, concerts, museums, and theatres providing endless entertainment
Part-time work opportunities for international students in tourism, language teaching, or hospitality

Cost of Living and Tuition

Public universities: Generally affordable tuition, especially for EU students.
Private universities: Higher fees but often smaller class sizes, more international programs, and stronger industry connections.
Living costs: Average monthly expenses including housing, food, transport, and leisure range from moderate to high depending on lifestyle and location.

QRNW Top 5 for 2025

Sapienza University of Rome
University of Rome Tor Vergata
LUISS Guido Carli University
Roma Tre University
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Rome Campus)

Conclusion

Rome is one of the best places in Europe to study, combining world-class education with cultural immersion. Whether you want to become a doctor, engineer, artist, diplomat, or entrepreneur, Rome’s universities offer the programs, facilities, and opportunities to help you succeed.

Choosing the right university depends on your academic interests, budget, and career goals — but with so many excellent options, Rome truly has something for everyone.