Top universities in Italy 2026 | Studyportals University Meta Ranking
Choosing a university in Italy can be a rewarding experience for international students, offering a blend of rich history, culture, and top-tier education. To assist in making this decision, we have compiled a ranked list of universities in Italy using a meta-ranking score. This score takes into account various factors such as academic reputation, faculty quality, and student satisfaction. Italy boasts a diverse range of institutions, with 13% of programmes available online, catering to different learning preferences and needs.
Tuition fees in Italy vary significantly depending on the university and the programme chosen. For international students, the lower-end tuition fee, represented by the €156, offers an affordable option for those on a budget. On the other end of the spectrum, the higher-end tuition fee, indicated by the €30,392, reflects the premium institutions that offer exceptional facilities and resources. The typical tuition fee, shown by the €3,893, provides a middle ground, balancing quality education with affordability.
When considering universities in Italy, it's essential to look beyond just the tuition fees. Factors such as location, campus facilities, and the availability of scholarships can greatly influence your overall experience. Additionally, the meta-ranking score offers a comprehensive view of each university's standing, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and personal goals.
Sapienza University of Rome
4.2(534)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campus / BlendedGlobal Ranking110Institution typePublicMasters57Scholarships44University of Bologna
4.2(407)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking132Institution typePublicMasters83Scholarships44University of Padua
4.2(487)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking156Institution typePublicMasters67Scholarships44The University of Milan
4.2(180)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking195Institution typePublicMasters34Scholarships44Politecnico di Milano
4.2(106)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking198Institution typePublicMasters47Scholarships44MIP Politecnico Di Milano
4(18)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking199Institution typePrivateMasters35Scholarships44University of Pisa
4.1(154)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking248Institution typePublicMasters15Scholarships44University of Naples Federico II
4.2(288)LocationNapoli, ItalyAttendanceOnline / On campusGlobal Ranking250Institution typePublicMasters9Scholarships44University of Turin
4.2(222)LocationTorino, ItalyAttendanceOnline / On campus / BlendedGlobal Ranking275Institution typePublicMasters23Scholarships44University of Florence
4.1(60)LocationFlorence, ItalyAttendanceOn campus / BlendedGlobal Ranking288Institution typePublicMasters10Scholarships44University of Trento
4(109)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking295Institution typePublicMasters28Scholarships44Tor Vergata University of Rome
4.2(189)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking299Institution typePublicMasters22Scholarships44Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
4.1(22)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campus / BlendedGlobal Ranking303Institution typePrivateMasters4Scholarships43University of Pavia
4.2(177)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking317Institution typePublicMasters23Scholarships44
University of Milano - Bicocca
4.1(149)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking330Institution typePublicMasters14Scholarships44
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
4.1(115)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campus / BlendedGlobal Ranking331Institution typePrivateMasters40Scholarships44University of Genoa
4.4(110)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking342Institution typePublicMasters20Scholarships44
Politecnico di Torino
4.2(213)LocationMultiple locationsAttendanceOn campus / BlendedGlobal Ranking378Institution typePublicMasters30Scholarships44University of Siena
4.3(140)LocationSiena, ItalyAttendanceOn campusGlobal Ranking421Institution typePublicMasters16Scholarships44University of Verona
4.1(58)LocationVerona, ItalyAttendanceOn campus / BlendedGlobal Ranking451Institution typePublicMasters10Scholarships44
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to study in Italy?
Tuition fees in Italy vary depending on the university and the programme. Public universities generally charge lower fees compared to private ones. International students can expect to pay between 1,000 to 3,000 euros per year for most master's programmes. However, some top universities like Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Bologna may have higher fees. It's important to budget for living expenses, which can range from 800 to 1,200 euros per month. For detailed information on affordable programmes, visit affordable master's programmes in Italy.
- Can I study online at universities in Italy?
Yes, online study options are available in Italy. Many universities offer online master's programmes, especially in fields like business, IT, and education. These programmes provide flexibility for students who cannot attend classes in person. To explore online programmes, check out online master's programmes in Italy.
- Are there part-time study options available in Italy?
Part-time study options are available in Italy, though they may be less common than full-time programmes. These options are ideal for students who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments. To find part-time programmes, visit part-time master's programmes in Italy.
- Are there 1-year master's programmes in Italy?
Yes, 1-year master's programmes are available in Italy. These intensive programmes are designed for students who want to complete their studies quickly. They are often found in fields like business, engineering, and social sciences. To explore 1-year programmes, visit 1-year master's programmes in Italy.
- Can I study at a top-ranked university in Italy with a scholarship?
Yes, scholarships are available for international students wishing to study at top-ranked universities in Italy. Institutions like Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Bologna offer various scholarship opportunities. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. To find scholarships, visit scholarships for master's programmes in Italy.
- How is the Studyportals University Meta Ranking calculated?
The Studyportals University Meta Ranking aggregates multiple ranking sources to provide a comprehensive comparison of universities globally. This ranking helps students evaluate the best universities in Italy and compare them with institutions worldwide. For a detailed explanation, visit Studyportals University Meta Ranking.