With historical sites such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Michelin-star culinary experiences, and home to some of the most famous art pieces in the world, Italy is the dream country to pursue your studies.
Every year since 2022, international enrolments have increased by about 10%, making it the second-fastest growth rate in Europe after Spain.
Asia and Africa account for a large portion of international students in Italy, at 50% and 30% respectively, though in terms of specific countries, Romania ranks highest. Search activity has spiked in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Egypt, and the nation is now the fifth-most-searched study destination.
What might stop you from going there, however, is that the universities naturally tend to teach in Italian rather than English.
But what if we told you there’s a way to study in Italy in English?
Here, where the shores boast some of the oldest universities in the world that date as far back as the 11th century, many institutions offer programmes that still preserve old methods of teaching but with an updated curriculum to adapt to today’s issues — including allowing you to study in Italy in English.
One university that provides a uniquely American college experience while overlooking the historic city of Rome is theAmerican University of Rome. Here,English-speaking students from all over the world pursue an American liberal arts degree.
There are more institutions like the American University of Rome — 60 of the 90 universities in the country offer programmes taught in English.
Ultimately, you shouldn’t let your lack of Italian language skills discourage you from pursuing your education here.You just have to opt for these universities that offer English programmes.
Need a quick summary? Here’s the TL;DR
- Italy has the second-fastest growth rate for international enrolment in Europe after Spain. Enrolment has been increasing by about 10% yearly since 2022.
- 60 of the 90 universities in Italy offer English-taught programmes, though applying often requires proof of English proficiency, sucwwwh as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Some of the most well-known universities offering English-taught programmes include the University of Bologna and the Polytechnic University of Milan.
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Where to study in Italy in English
1. Università di Bologna (University of Bologna)
Location: Bologna
Fee: Starts at 157.04 euros (US$179.39) per semester
As the oldest university in the Western world, theUniversity of Bologna is rich in history. So much so that there is a network of 15 museums and various collections dedicated to the university.
More than 8,000 international students call thebest university in Italy their home as they enrol in one of the 107 international degree programmes, 89 of which are taught in English.
Programmes include:
- Business and Economics
- Genomics
- International Studies
- Artificial Intelligence
- Electric Vehicle Engineering
2. Politecnico di Milano (Polytechnic University of Milan)
Location: Milan
Fee: 3,726 euros (US$4,256.32)forannual all-inclusive contribution
ThePolytechnic University of Milan is a scientific-technological university that trains future engineers, architects, and industrial designers to make a difference to the nation and the world.
The university adapts experimental research as its approach to teaching, making sure you learn the ins and outs of the industrial world. Lessons take place in specific research centres like theWind Tunnel,Polifactory, thecleanroom atPoliFAB, and theMaterials Testing Laboratory.
Programmes include:
- Interaction Design
- MEDTEC – Medicine and Biomedical Engineering
- Space Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
3. University of Padua
Location: Padua
Fee: Starts at 1,000 euros (US$1,142.33) for EU, and 2,000 euros (US$2,284.66) for non-EU at the bachelor’s level
Some of the brightest minds in education come from theUniversity of Padua. Andrea Vesalio, who founded modern anatomy, as well as astronomers Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei, are all alumni of the university, changing the cultural and scientific history of humanity.
In addition to becoming one of the oldest universities in Europe, it also has the oldest university botanical garden in the world to have retained its original location, thus holding its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
English programmes include:
- Animal Care
- Earth and Climate Dynamics
- Psychological Science
- Forest Sciences
- Cybersecurity
- Astrophysics and Cosmology
4. Sapienza Università di Roma (Sapienza University of Rome)
Location: Rome
Fee: Starts from 1,500 euros (US1,713.49) for international students
TheSapienza University of Rome is the largest in Europe, with a whopping 125,332 student population in 2025/2026 alone.
Another thing to be proud of is that the university counts 10 Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty members, with physicist Giorgio Parisi being the latest winner in 2021 for “the discovery of the interplay of disorder and fluctuations in physical systems from atomic to planetary scales.”
The university is all about making an impact in the field, as evidenced by its award-winning alumni and commitment to achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its educational activities, research, outreach, and cross-cutting policies.
Programmes include:
- Bioinformatics
- Nursing
- Sustainable Building Engineering
- Atmospheric Science and Technology
- Business Management
- Clinical Psychosexology
The University of Milan has its own orchestra ensemble. Source: Università degli Studi di Milano/Facebook
5. Università degli Studi di Milano (University of Milan)
Location: Milan
Fee: Paid in two instalments across the year. The first for 2026 to ’27 is 146 euros (US$166.78), and the second varies according to the student’s financial condition
Also known as La Statale, theUniversity of Milan offers a multidisciplinary educational programme involving different faculties and schools where you can conduct scientific research and participate in various related educational activities.
Here, you’ll be presented numerous opportunities to partake in science events to learn, network, and overall, cement your passion for the scientific field.
English programmes included:
- Ancient Civilizations for the Contemporary World
- International Politics, Law and Economics
- Safety Assessment of Xenobiotics and Biotechnological Products
- Migration Studies and New Societies
6. Università di Pavia (University of Pavia)
Location: Lombardy
Fee: 390 euros – 4,550 euros (US$445.51 – US$5,197.60) per year for non-EU
TheUniversity of Pavia is a student-centred campus integrated with a medium-sized city, where everything you need is within a 15-minute walk. This city campus houses over 26,000 students worldwide to develop meaningful research ranging from infectious diseases to quantum technology and from biodiversity to neuropharmacology.
This has resulted in high employment rates, with 91% of graduates here finding jobs within one year of graduation, compared to the national average of 85%.
English programmes include:
- Computer Engineering
- Neurobiology
- The Ancient Mediterranean World
- History
- Archaeology and Art
- Agri-food Sustainability
7. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Catholic University of Sacred Heart)
Location: Milan
Fee: 6,560 euros/8,800 euros (US$7,493.68/US$10,052.50) per year (EU/non-EU)
Enlightened by the Christian message and moral principles, theCatholic University of Sacred Heart is dubbed the most important Catholic university in Europe, boasting five campuses all around the country.
The university is not only focused on providing you with academic excellence. It also emphasises shaping you to become a new person as a whole, following a strong code of ethics and integrating European tradition and culture into your daily life.
English programmes include:
- Criminology
- Food Production Management
- Finance
- Psychology
- Communication Management
Being able to study in Italy in English also means you’ll be able to explore some of the world’s most important fashion capitals, like Milan and Paris. Source: Mihaela Claudia Puscas on Unsplash
8. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna)
Location: Pisa
Fee: 7,500 – 10,000 euros (US$8,567.47 – US$11,423.30) per year or 850 euros (US$970.98) per module
If you are interested in learning about applied sciences, theSant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is where you should enrol. Here, you will address worldly issues like equity and social inclusion, environmental sustainability, access to health and human rights, and the impact on economic systems and technologies, to name a few.
This is done through extensive research at eight institutes, two interdisciplinary centres, and two Departments of Excellence.
English programmes include:
- Bionics Engineering
- Economics
- Innovation Management
- International Security Studies
9. Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele (Vita-Salute San Raffaele University)
Location: Milan
Fee: 20,000 euros (US$22,846.60) per year
TheVita-Salute San Raffaele University, although new compared to others on the list, has risen to prominence. Since starting in 1996, the institution began with only Psychology courses, then expanded to Medicine and Philosophy.
Today, it is one of the top-ranked universities that allows you to study in Italy in English. With its close collaboration with San Raffaele Hospital, you will be working on research that will be recognised at a European and international level.
English programmes include:
- Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs
- Biotechnology and Medical Biology
- Health Informatics
- Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication
Humanitas University’s integration with Humanitas Hospitals allows you to take a peek into the real world. Source: Abdulai Sayni on Unsplash
10. Humanitas University
Location: Pieve Emanuele
Fee: 23,206 euros (US$26,508.91) per year for non-EU
Active learning is well-practised atHumanitas University. This applies to all courses where you will balance theory and practical work, developing critical thinking skills alongside specific professional competences which will help you in your future career.
Its integration with Humanitas Hospitals around the country allows you to take a peak into the real world as you find permanent solutions for the prevention and treatment of cancer, and cardiovascular, neurological, and orthopaedic diseases.
If you want to pursue an English programme in medicine or surgery in Italy, this is the place to be.
11. University of Florence
Location: Florence
Fee: As low as 1,200 euros (US$1,370.80), according to University Living
TheUniversity of Florence traces its roots to the Studium Generale, founded by the Florentine Republic in 1321, offering courses in law, literature, and medicine.
Between 1924 and 1938, faculties in subjects like Agriculture, Architecture, Economics, Pharmacy, Humanities, Teacher Training, Mathematics, Physics, Natural Science, and Political Science were established, with Engineering added in 1970 and Psychology in 2002.
Today, it stands as one of Italy’s most extensive research and higher education institutions, with 1,800 faculty members, 1,600 staff, and over 1,600 doctoral and post-doctoral researchers.
Programmes include:
- Sustainable business for societal challenges
- Advanced molecular sciences
- Design of sustainable tourism systems
- Economics and development
- Geoengineering
- Finance and risk management
- Mechanical Engineering
12. University of Pisa
Location: Pisa
Fee: 2,900 euros (US$3,312.76) per year
Officially founded in 1343, theUniversity of Pisa has roots stretching back to the 11th century. Renowned mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci, who introduced Arabic mathematics and Greek geometry to Europe, worked here.
Other prominent scholars, including Andrea Cesalpino, an Italian physician, philosopher, and botanist who made significant contributions to plant classification and physiology, as well as Galileo Galilei, who also studied and taught at the university, also contributed to the university’s legacy.
Today, the University of Pisa is a leading institution with 20 departments, over 150 degree programs, 50 speciality schools, and around 43,774 enrolled students.
Programmes include:
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Neuroscience
- Aeropsace Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering
13. University of Genoa
Location: Genoa
Fee: Approximately 989.21 euros (US$1,130) per year
Founded in 1481, theUniversity of Genoa is one of Italy’s oldest institutions, with over six centuries of academic tradition.
The university stands out for its excellence in areas such as marine sciences, thanks to Genoa’s strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea, which has enabled the development of studies related to oceanography and marine biology.
Today, the university hosts around 36,000 students, including over 3,000 international students, across campuses in Genoa, Imperia, Savona, and La Spezia.
Programmes include:
- Bioengineering
- Architecture Composition
- Computer Engineering
- Economics and Data Science
- Electrical Engineering for Energy Transition
- Environmental Engineering
- Maritime Science and Engineering
14. NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti)
Location: Milan and Rome
Fee: 22,250 euros (US$25,526.31) per year for non-EU, BA students
If you want to see your artistic vision bloom across real companies and institutions, Nuova Accademia delle Belle Arti, better known as NABA, is the best place to be. It’s the largest art academy in Italy, ranked #41 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Founded in 1980 and now home to more than 6,000 students from over 90 nationalities, NABA has campuses in Milan and Rome. Grow your skills in the nation that birthed figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and gain access to live projects, internships, and more for your career.
There are several Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Academic Master programmes taught in English, though availability may vary.
Check out their catalogue here:
The University of Turin
Location: Turin
Fee: 156.00 euros (US$178.97) for the first instalment, 200 euros (US$229.45) for the second
Founded in 1404, the University of Turin is one of the most ancient universities in Europe — perfect if you’re a history buff at heart. It’s got a massive campus in Turin, in the Piedmont region of Italy, with over 83,000 students and 120 buildings. That’s why it’s called a “city within a city.”
The university ranks globally for a wide spectrum of fields, from agricultural sciences to philosophy. As of the 2025 to 2026 academic year, the university offers more than 25 English-taught degree programmes, with courses that adopt a challenge-based learning approach to broaden your skills and perspectives.
Undergraduate programmes include:
- Business & Management
- Economics and Finance with Data Science
- Global Law and Transnational Legal Studies
Check out its English-taught postgraduate catalogue here.
FAQ
What is the best university for international students in Italy?
The “best” university for international students highly depends on your field of study. However, if we’re going by language accessibility, Politecnico di Milano is known for its English-taught programmes, having announced in 2012 that nearly all of its postgraduate degrees would be taught in English.
How different are English-taught programmes from Italian-taught programmes?
Generally, English-taught programmes do not differ in academic structure from Italian-taught programmes, and they often lead to the same recognition. For example, NABA highlights that all academic programmes — both English and Italian — are officially recognised and accredited by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.
Are language proficiency tests required to study in Italy?
If you’re pursuing your degree in Italian, most universities will require a B2 Italian language certificate. For English-taught programmes, universities may ask for proof of English proficiency, so be sure to check the specific requirements. Typically, you’ll need to earn a B2 certificate through TOEFL or IELTS.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on June 19, 2026.
