Top 10 Universities in Italy 2027: Rankings & Fees

September 14, 2026

If you’re planning to study abroad in 2026-27, the top 10 universities in Italy offer a powerful mix of global rankings, affordable public tuition, and hundreds of English-taught courses.

In the latest QS World University Rankings 2027, Italy’s best universities have climbed sharply: Politecnico di Milano is now 87th in the world, Sapienza 111th, and Bologna 123th, with Padua and Politecnico di Torino also hitting historic highs. Most public universities charge income-based fees (ISEE) between €0–4,000 per year, and there are 600+ English-taught programmes, especially at master’s level

This guide walks you through the top 10 universities in Italy 2026, their standout courses, realistic fees, and how to pick the right one without falling into common traps.

Top 10 Universities in Italy by QS 2026

Rank (Italy)	University	QS World Rank 2027	Popular Courses	Approx. Tuition (EUR/year)
1	Politecnico di Milano	87	Engineering, Architecture, Design	€900–3,900 (ISEE)
2	Sapienza University of Rome	111	Physics, Engineering, Medicine, History	€900–4,000 (ISEE)
3	University of Bologna	123	Law, Arts & Humanities, Medicine, Data Science	€900–4,000 (ISEE)
4	University of Padua	204	Medicine, Psychology, Law, Engineering	€900–4,000 (ISEE)
5	Politecnico di Torino	206	Mechatronics, Automotive Engineering, ICT, Industrial Design	€900–4,000 (ISEE)
6	University of Milan	270	Medicine, Law, Economics, Biotechnology	€900–4,000 (ISEE)
7	University of Pisa	341	Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics	€900–4,000 (ISEE)
8	University of Rome Tor Vergata	342	Economics, Engineering, Medicine, Law	€900–4,000 (ISEE)
9	Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore	388	Economics, Psychology, Medicine (private)	€3,800–11,500
10	University of Naples Federico II	401	Medicine, Engineering, Naval & Robotics Engineering	€900–4,000 (ISEE)

Key points to note:

Politecnico di Milano is the only Italian university in the global top 90, making it a top choice for anyone targeting top universities in Italy for engineering.
Nine of these ten are public universities with ISEE-based fees; only Cattolica is private, with higher but scholarship-supported fees .
IMAT is required only for English-taught Medicine at Sapienza, Bologna,

Padua, Milan, Tor Vergata, and Federico II

Let us know more about the top 10 Universities in Italy. what it’s known for, who it suits best, and what funding/support looks like. Use this to move beyond QS ranks and pick the right fit.

1. Politecnico di Milano

Founded in 1863 and located In Milan, Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi) is the best university in Italy and one of the world’s leading universities in engineering, architecture and design. Its alumni are Nobel Laureate Giulio Natta, and the university maintains links with the design, fashion and manufacturing sectors in Milan.

Good for: Students undertaking courses in engineering, architecture and design and looking for an employer reputation in Italy.

Scholarships: The DSU Lombardia scholarship, which is a right to study scholarship program, can pay for your tuition fees and living expenses.

2. Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza was founded in 1303 and is the largest university in Europe in terms of number of enrolled students (115,000 +). It’s a very diverse institution boasting strong programs in many different fields: Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Humanities.

Good for: Prospective graduate students seeking an extremely wide variety of English-taught programs offered by a major public university.

Scholarships: The LazioDiSCo (Regional Office) provides tuition fee waivers and living allowances according to your financial status.

3. University of Bologna

Founded in 1088, it is the world’s oldest university and the originator of the university system. It produced famous graduates such as Copernicus and Marconi, and continues to be a hub for law, humanities and data science studies.

Good for: Students applying to law, humanities and data science.

Scholarships: ER.GO (Emilia-Romagna) covers tuition and stipend.

4. University of Padua

Founded in 1222, Padua is where Galileo taught for 18 years and home to the world’s first permanent anatomical theatre (1594). It’s part of the Coimbra Group of leading European research universities .

Best for: Medicine, Psychology, and Engineering students who want a research-heavy, internationally connected campus.

Scholarships: ESU di Padova (Veneto region) supports tuition and accommodation for eligible students .

5. Politecnico di Torino

Established in 1859, Politecnico di Torino is Italy’s oldest technical university and, together with PoliMi, anchors most top 10 engineering universities in Italy lists. Its long-standing relationship with Fiat and Turin’s automotive industry gives students unique access to industrial research.

Best for: Engineering students focused on automotive, energy, or industrial design.

Scholarships: EDISU Piemonte covers tuition and stipends based on income .

6. University of Milan (“La Statale”)

Founded in 1924, the University of Milan is a research-intensive public university with over 130 programmes and three historic botanical gardens still used for teaching . It runs one of Italy’s most competitive English-taught Medicine programmes.

Best for: Medicine applicants targeting a highly competitive English MD, plus Law and Economics.

Scholarships: DSU Lombardia (like PoliMi) and university-specific merit awards.

7. University of Pisa

Founded in 1343, Pisa is where Galileo studied before he taught at Padua. It was the first Italian university to launch a dedicated Computer Science degree and shares its city with the elite Scuola Normale Superiore and Sant’Anna School .

Best for: Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics students who prefer a smaller, research-focused environment.

Scholarships: DSU Toscana provides tuition waivers and stipends .

8. University of Rome Tor Vergata

This university was founded in 1982 and is among the youngest but rising universities in Italy in the last decade. The university has established strong corporate pipelines with companies such as Deloitte, PwC, and SAP.

Best for: Students studying Economics and Medicine with a need for good corporate links in Rome

Scholarship opportunities: LazioDiSCo (the same regional organization as Sapienza).

9. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Founded in 1921, Cattolica is the largest private, non-state university in Europe, with five campuses across Milan, Brescia, Piacenza, Cremona, and Rome. Its Rome campus, linked to the Gemelli hospital, runs a highly respected Medicine programme

Best for: Economics, Psychology, and Medicine students who prefer a private university with a clear scholarship path.

Scholarships: UCSC International Scholarship can reduce full tuition to around €5,900/year for eligible international students .

10. University of Naples Federico II

Founded in 1224 by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, Federico II is one of the oldest state-funded universities in the world, with alumni ranging from Thomas Aquinas to astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti . It’s now one of Europe’s largest universities by enrollment.

Best for: Engineering and Medicine students who want a historic, research-strong faculty at public ISEE fees.

Scholarships: International scholarship with Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo (~€11,060 over two years) plus Campania’s regional DSU support.

How to Choose the Right University

Selecting among the best universities in Italy cannot be solely based on ranking. Different universities are suitable for different individuals depending on factors such as course preference, financial capability, and the nature of city one prefers. One easy approach to selection of university would be based on three main aspects: your subject, your total cost, and your lifestyle.

1. Choose a University Based on Your Course

Different universities are known for different subjects. Start by finding the one that is strongest in your field.

For Engineering & Design:

Politecnico di Milano (global top 20 in many engineering/design subjects)

Politecnico di Torino (automotive, aerospace, mechanical)
Padua, Pisa, Federico II for strong technical programmes at lower living costs.

For Medicine (English-Taught):

Sapienza (MEDTECH), University of Milan, Padua, Bologna, Tor Vergata, Federico II.
All require the IMAT entrance exam, so your choice may depend on IMAT preparation and competition level .

For Business, Economics, and Finance:

Cattolica (private, strong corporate links)
Also consider Bocconi and LUISS if you expand beyond this top 10, they’re not in the overall top 10 but are elite for business .

For Computer Science, Maths & Physics:

Pisa (tied to Scuola Normale and Sant’Anna), Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza, Trento (rising star).

For Law & Humanities:

Bologna (oldest university in the world), Sapienza, Cattolica, Tor Vergata.

2. Understand the Total Cost

Italy is more affordable than many Western European countries, but costs can vary depending on the city.

Tuition fees:

Public universities: typically €0–4,000/year based on ISEE income; some non-EU students can get flat fees as low as €306 for certain master’s programmes .
Private universities (e.g., Cattolica): €3,000–12,000/year, but often offer merit scholarships

Monthly Living Costs:

Milan: €1,000–€1,400
Rome and Bologna: €800–€1,200
Padua, Pisa, Pavia, Turin: €700–€1,000
Naples: €600–€900

Before deciding, calculate your total yearly expenses:

Total Cost = Tuition Fees + (12 × Monthly Living Expenses)

For example, studying in Milan may cost more because of higher rent, while cities like Pisa or Naples can be much more budget-friendly.

3. Check Language and Admission Requirements

To avoid last-minute surprises, confirm:

Language of instruction:

Many master’s programmes are fully in English, but bachelor’s options are more limited .Look specifically for “English-taught programmes in Italy” on university websites.

English tests:

IELTS 6.0–6.5 is common for master’s; some accept TOEFL, DET, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate .

Entrance exams:

IMAT for English Medicine & Surgery.TOLC or SAT for many engineering/economics courses .

If you’re targeting study in Italy for Indian students or other non-EU countries, also factor in document attestation (apostille, DOV/CIMEA) and Universitaly pre-enrolment timelines .

4. Fit the City to Your Personality

Your daily life matters as much as your degree:

Milan: High-energy, fashion, finance and design city, great for internships, but expensive.

Rome: Historical, political and media center, ideal for humanities, law and medicine studies.

Bologna: Traditional student city, gastronomic city, central location, academic environment.

Padua, Pisa, Pavia: Smaller cities with focus on education, research, lower prices.

Turin: Industrial, automobile city, less expensive than Milan.

Naples: Very low prices, dynamic, but chaotic – choose this one only if price is your first concern.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Picking a University

Even smart students end up in the wrong programme because they follow generic advice. Avoid these traps when shortlisting the top 10 universities in Italy.

1. Choosing Only by Overall QS Rank

a university ranked 120th in the world can still be a better choice than a university ranked 90th in a particular discipline. This is because:

The Politecnico di Milano is in the 20 for many engineering and design subjects even though the Politecnico di Milano’s overall rank is 87th. This shows that overall rank does not always reveal the strength of a discipline.

Not every university higher in the list will have the same industry connections or deep expertise in the discipline you need. A university ranked higher might not offer the programs you want.

2. Ignoring English-Taught Options and Entry Tests

Many students assume:

“Everything is in Italian”. wrong. There are 600+ English-taught programmes, mostly at master’s level .
“I can apply without any entrance test”. also wrong for many popular courses.

Common oversights:

Not preparing for IMAT when targeting English medicine programmes.
Missing TOLC/SAT deadlines for engineering/economics.
Applying to programmes that are actually taught in Italian because they didn’t check the language of instruction carefully .

Always verify: language, entry test, and deadline on the official programme page.

3. Underestimating Total Cost and Scholarship Opportunities

Two big money mistakes:

Looking only at the “published” tuition range (e.g., €900–3,900) without calculating your ISEE-based fee. Many students end up paying the minimum bracket if their family income is modest .
Not applying for regional DSU/EDISU scholarships or university merit awards, which can cover part or all of tuition and even provide a stipend .

Before finalising your list, check:

ISEE Parificato requirements for your country.
DSU scholarship pages for the region (Lombardia, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, etc.).
University-specific “Excellence” or international scholarships.

A slightly less famous university with a full scholarship can be a smarter financial move than a “brand name” with no aid.

4. Starting the Application Process Too Late

Typical late-stage problems:

Universitaly pre-enrolment slots fill up quickly for popular universities.
Attestation (HRD + MEA apostille) and Declaration of Value / CIMEA statements take weeks or months.
Visa appointments get booked out, especially for September intake .

Students who wait until after board/university results often miss deadlines or have to defer by a year. Build a simple timeline:

Shortlist universities and programmes (Jan–Mar).
Prepare for IMAT/TOLC/SAT and English tests (Mar–Jun).
Start document attestation and ISEE paperwork (Apr–Jul).
Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and visa application (Jun–Aug).

Treat this like a project plan, not a last-minute form fill.

5. Picking a City Without Thinking About Internships & Jobs

Your first university job or internship often comes from local networks. Common mismatches:

Choosing a cheap city with almost no industry in your field
Choosing Milan for prestige but struggling with high rent and part-time work competition.

Ask yourself:

Which city has companies, research labs or creative studios in the field I want to work in?

Does the university offer career support and has partnerships for internships?

Can I really afford the rent, food and transportation while I am studying?

Conclusion

Italy’s top ten universities in 2026 offer global rankings, very low tuition fees and real industry connections in engineering, medicine, design and business. The best plan is not to chase the QS ranking but to match your course, budget and city with the university from this list then plan your applications, scholarships and visa early.

if you treat this as a long‑term project of a last‑minute form fill, Italy can easily become one of the most affordable and career‑relevant study destinations in Europe. These ten universities mentioned above make Italy a great choice, for students seeking value and opportunity.

FAQs

Can I work in Italy after graduation from these top 10 universities?

Yes. After finishing your degree at any of the top 10 universities in Italy, you can convert your student permit into a “permesso di soggiorno per ricerca lavoro” (job-search residence permit) for up to 12 months.

What are the main reasons for Italy student visa rejection, and how can I avoid them?

Italy’s student visa approval rate is roughly 85–92%, meaning 8–15% get rejected, mostly due to preventable documentation and motivation issues.

Am I able to apply for more than one university from the top ten using only one application?

No, All the universities have separate portals and deadlines, as well as their entrance exams like IMAT, TOLC, SAT, and so on. Thus, you need to apply to every program that interests you separately.

Is there an application fee for these top 10 universities?

Most public universities charge a small application or pre-enrolment fee, often between €20–60, depending on the university and programme. Private universities like Cattolica may have higher application/administrative fees.

Is accommodation guaranteed for international students?

No. Most Italian universities do not guarantee on-campus housing, especially in big cities like Milan and Rome. You usually need to apply early for university residences or arrange private housing.