The best medical public universities in Italy include the University of Milan (Statale), Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, the University of Naples Federico II, the University of Rome Tor Vergata, and the University of Pavia. These public institutions are known for strong medical research, hospital-based training, English-taught medicine programs, and affordable public tuition for international students.
Top 15 Public Universities in Italy to Study in 2026
Public universities in Italy attract thousands of international students each year due to strong global rankings and public funding. Italy has 61 public state universities recognized by the Ministry of University and Research. The top public universities in Italy include Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, Politecnico di Torino, the University of Milan (Statale), the University of Pisa, the University of Rome Tor Vergata, the University of Naples Federico II, and the University of Florence.
State-funded universities in Italy offer English-taught programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Low tuition fees combined with merit-based scholarships make these universities go-to option for international students. Admission to Italian public universities remains accessible, and some programs do not require IELTS or other English language proficiency certificates.
What is the Difference Between Public vs Private Universities in Italy?
The main differences between public vs private universities in Italy are summarized in the table below.
| Aspect | Public Universities in Italy | Private Universities in Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Lower fees based on family income | Fixed and higher tuition fees |
| Funding | Government-funded institutions | Funded through tuition and private endowments |
| Global Rankings | Dominate Italy university rankings and QS world rankings | Appear mainly in specialized fields |
| English-Taught Programs | Wide range across engineering, medicine, science, economics | Mostly focused on business and management |
| Scholarships | Tuition waivers, DSU regional aid, government scholarships | Limited merit-based discounts |
| Admission Process | Standardized rules and entrance exams | Interviews and internal evaluation |
What are the Top-Ranked Public Universities in Italy?
The 10 top-ranked Italian public universities are listed below.
Politecnico di Milano – Global Rank 98
Sapienza University of Rome – Global Rank 128
University of Bologna – Global Rank 138
University of Padua – Global Rank 233
Politecnico di Torino – Global Rank 242
University of Milan (Statale) – Global Rank 276
University of Pisa – Global Rank 343
University of Rome Tor Vergata – Global Rank 355
University of Naples Federico II – Global Rank 379
University of Florence – Global Rank 404
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice – Global Rank 660
University of Pavia – Global Rank 330
University of Trento – Global Rank 321
University of Siena – Global Rank 465
- University of Milano-Bicocca – Global Rank 332Ca’
1. Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano leads the best public universities in Italy and globally for engineering and design. It ranks high in Italy university ranking QS and attracts internationa students from India and other asian countries. English-taught engineering and architecture programs including Civil, Aerospace, Biomedical, Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Design, Architecture Design and Communication make it a top choice among international students. Politecnico di Milano offers merit-based and MAECI scholarship options to reduce the living and studying expenses of students from third-world countries.
2. Sapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome, founded in 1303, stands among the most famous universities in Italy by scale and research output. It appears consistently in the Italy top universities list. International students can choose undergraduate and postgraduate levels for medicine, humanities, and English-taught master’s degrees. Sapienza University of Rome offers scholarship options such as Lazio DiSCo and MAECI to help international students meet their living and study expenses.
3. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna, being one of the oldest known universities, ranks high among the top public universities in Italy and holds strong global visibility. Unibo offers bachelor’s and master’s programs taught in English for business, social sciences and STEM fields.The University of Bologna provides tuition fee waivers and scholarship opportunities (Unibo Action & MAECI) for international students to study for free throughout their entire program.
4. University of Padua
The University of Padua ranks among the top public universities in Italy, known for science, medicine, and research excellence. It offers several English-taught programs, attracting international students in STEM and health sciences. Scholarships such as the Padua International Excellence Awards and tuition fee waivers support global applicants, making it easier to study at one of Italy’s leading universities.
5. Politecnico di Torino
Politecnico di Torino, a public Italian university known for engineering, architecture, and automotive studies, earning global recognition for research and innovation. Students prefer Polito for hands-on technical training, strong industry connections, and English-taught programs in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. International applicants can benefit from scholarships such as EDISU Piemonte, MAECI and Invest Your Talent in Italy program and merit-based tuition waivers, making it easier to pursue advanced studies at this globally respected institution.
6. University of Milan (Statale)
The University of Milan (Statale) ranks among Italy’s top public universities, recognized globally for life sciences, medicine, and social sciences. Students choose this university for its strong research programs, modern labs, and international collaborations. English-taught programs in biomedical sciences, economics, and computer science attract global applicants. Scholarships such as Invest Your Talent in Italy, merit-based tuition waivers, and research grants make studying accessible for international students.
7. University of Pisa
The University of Pisa is best known for physics, computer science, and engineering programs. University of Pisa offers research-driven programs, historic campus, and strong international reputation. English-taught degrees in computer science, engineering, masters in business and economics attract global applicants. Scholarships like DSU Toscana in Italy, merit-based tuition waivers, and departmental grants support international students throughout their studies at University of Pisa.
8. University of Rome Tor Vergata
University of Rome Tor Vergata stands out for economics, engineering, and medicine. It is recognized globally for research and modern facilities. Rome Tor Vergata university offers practical training, international partnerships, and English-taught programs in economics, engineering, and life sciences. Scholarships, including Lazio DiSCo, MAECI, and merit-based tuition reductions, make it easier for international applicants to study at Rome Tor Vergata.
9. University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples Federico II ranks among Italy’s oldest and most respected public universities, with strong programs in engineering, medicine, and sciences. Students prefer this university for its research opportunities, diverse course offerings, and English-taught programs in engineering and health sciences. International students can access scholarships such as DSU Campania, MAECI, and Invest Your Talent in Italy, merit-based tuition waivers, and departmental awards while studying at University of Naples Federico II.
10. University of Florence
The University of Florence is a leading public university in Italy, known for arts, architecture, economics, and life sciences. Students choose University of Florence for its vibrant city location, research opportunities, and English-taught programs across humanities and STEM. Scholarships, including DSU Toscana, merit-based tuition waivers, and departmental grants, help international students study and live affordably in Florence.
11. Ca' Foscari University of Venice
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice stands among Italy’s well-established state-funded universities, especially known for economics, international relations, languages, and environmental sciences. Students choose Ca’ Foscari for its strong international focus, wide range of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, and global academic partnerships. The university supports international enrollment through merit-based tuition fee waivers, regional DSU scholarships, and dedicated international student services, making it a practical choice for students seeking quality education in a globally connected environment.
12. University of Pavia
The University of Pavia ranks among Italy’s leading state-funded universities, known for medicine, law, engineering, and life sciences. International students from India chose University of Pavia for strong research culture, historic academic colleges, and English-taught master’s programs. Scholarship options include merit-based tuition fee waivers, regional DSU grants, and national schemes such as Invest Your Talent in Italy that support international applicants.
13. University of Trento
The University of Trento is a public institution known for computer science, engineering, economics, and social sciences. Trento University in Italy offers research-led teaching, strong global partnerships, and English-taught programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels. Scholarship options include merit-based tuition fee waivers, provincial scholarships from the Trentino government, and national programs such as Invest Your Talent in Italy that support global applicants financially.
14. University of Siena
The University of Siena ranks among established public universities in Italy, known for economics, law, medicine, and life sciences. Students around the globe choose University of Siena for its tranquil location, rich history, and advanced research. University of Siena supports scholarship options including merit-based tuition fee waivers, regional DSU grants, and national schemes such as Invest Your Talent in Italy, which support international applicants financially.
15. University of Milano-Bicocca
The University of Milano-Bicocca ranks among best public universities in Italy, known for data science, economics, psychology, and life sciences. International students choose this public university for modern campuses, strong research output, and English-taught programs at master’s level. Scholarship options include merit-based tuition fee waivers, regional DSU grants, and national programs such as Invest Your Talent in Italy, which support global applicants financially.
Which English-Taught Programs Are Offered by Public Universities in Italy?
English-taught degree programs offered by public universities in Italy are listed below.
- STEM & Engineering
- Business & Economics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Life Sciences & Medicine (Graduate Focused)
- Law & Social Sciences
What are the Best Public Universities in Italy for Engineering?
The top public universities for engineering in Italy include Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, University of Bologna, University of Padua, University of Pisa, University of Rome Tor Vergata, and University of Naples Federico II. These institutions are recognized globally for research, industry connections, and English-taught undergraduate and post-graduate programs in mechanical, civil, computer, aerospace, and biomedical engineering.
What are the Best Public Universities in Italy for Civil Engineering?
The best civil engineering universities in Italy include Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, and University of Naples Federico II.
Which Public Universities in Italy Offer MBA Programs in English?
Public universities in Italy offering MBA programs in English include the University of Bologna (Bologna Business School), Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Milan (Statale), the University of Padua, the University of Pisa, and the University of Rome Tor Vergata. These institutions deliver English-taught MBA or MBA-equivalent programs through public business schools, combining international curricula with lower tuition fees compared to private universities.
What are Best Medical Public Universities in Italy?
What are Best Public Universities in Italy for Computer Science?
The best public universities in Italy for computer science include Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, the University of Pisa, the University of Trento, and the University of Milan (Statale).
How to Apply Admission in Public Universities in Italy?
To apply admission in public universities in Italy, follow the steps below.
- Choose a public university and program to study
- Register on the Universitaly portal and submit a pre-enrollment application for the chosen university
- Submit university application
- Receive admission offer
How PathwaytoOverseas.com Helps to Enroll in Public Universities in Italy?
PathwaytoOverseas.com helps students in India to get enroll in the top public universities in Italy. We follow strict rules for admission processing. The steps we follow are mentioned below.
- Our experience staff carefully analyze your previous educational qualifications and then suggest you public universities with higher chances of getting admission.
- We ask students to choose universities and programs they wish to enroll in.
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