Study in Italy in English: These are the 15 best universities in 2026

Italy's English-Taught University Boom: A Global Draw for Aspiring Scholars

Imagine walking through cobblestone streets steeped in history, the aroma of authentic espresso filling the air, and the world's most iconic art adorning your surroundings. This is Italy, a nation increasingly becoming a top-tier destination for international students, and a surprising number are finding their academic dreams fulfilled entirely in English.

While the allure of Italy's cultural riches is undeniable, a significant shift is underway in its higher education landscape. For years, the primary barrier for many international scholars was the language. However, a robust expansion of English-taught programmes has transformed Italy into a highly sought-after study location, experiencing a remarkable surge in global interest.

The Rise of English in Italian Academia

The numbers paint a compelling picture: international student enrolments in Italy have been climbing by approximately 10% annually since 2022. This growth trajectory positions Italy as the second-fastest-growing study destination in Europe, trailing only Spain.

Students from Asia and Africa represent a substantial portion of this influx, accounting for 50% and 30% of international enrolments respectively. While countries like Romania lead in sheer numbers, search activity for Italian universities has spiked dramatically in nations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Egypt, propelling Italy to become the fifth-most-searched study destination globally.

This burgeoning popularity is largely fueled by a significant increase in the availability of university programmes taught entirely in English. While Italian remains the dominant language of instruction, a substantial portion of the country's institutions now offer English-language curricula, dismantling a key obstacle for international aspirants.

Where Ancient Roots Meet Modern Education

Italy boasts some of the oldest universities in the Western world, with foundations stretching back to the 11th century. These venerable institutions are not merely preserving historical teaching methods; they are dynamically updating their programmes to address contemporary global challenges, all while embracing English as a primary language of instruction.

This blend of historical gravitas and modern pedagogical approaches makes Italy an exceptionally attractive option. Students can immerse themselves in centuries of academic tradition while engaging with cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary studies, often without needing to master a new language.

Indeed, approximately 60 out of Italy's 90 universities now offer programmes conducted in English. This means that the dream of studying in Italy, surrounded by unparalleled cultural heritage and culinary delights, is more accessible than ever, regardless of your Italian language proficiency.

Pioneering Institutions Leading the Charge

Several universities have emerged as frontrunners in offering high-quality English-taught programmes, attracting a diverse international student body. These institutions are not only providing academic excellence but also offering unique educational experiences that resonate with students worldwide.

The Esteemed University of Bologna

As the oldest university in the Western world, the University of Bologna in Bologna is a beacon of historical significance. Its rich legacy is palpable, with a network of 15 museums and extensive collections dedicated to its storied past.

More than 8,000 international students call Bologna home, drawn by its 107 international degree programmes, a remarkable 89 of which are delivered in English. The university offers a wide array of disciplines, including:

• Business and Economics
• Genomics
• International Studies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Electric Vehicle Engineering

The tuition fees at the University of Bologna are notably accessible, starting at approximately 157.04 euros per semester, making it an economically viable option for many.

The Innovative Polytechnic University of Milan

Located in the fashion capital of Milan, the Polytechnic University of Milan is a leading scientific and technological institution. It is dedicated to training future engineers, architects, and industrial designers equipped to make a global impact.

The university champions an experimental research-driven approach to teaching, ensuring students gain deep insights into the industrial world. Their state-of-the-art research centres, including a wind tunnel and advanced materials laboratories, provide hands-on learning opportunities.

Programmes offered in English at the Polytechnic University of Milan cover a range of cutting-edge fields:

• Interaction Design
• MEDTEC – Medicine and Biomedical Engineering
• Space Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering

The annual all-inclusive contribution for these programmes stands at approximately 3,726 euros.

The Historic University of Padua

The University of Padua, situated in Padua, has a legacy of nurturing some of history's most brilliant minds. Alumni include figures like Andrea Vesalio, the father of modern anatomy, and astronomers Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei, whose work profoundly shaped human understanding.

Beyond its academic prestige, the university boasts the world's oldest botanical garden that has maintained its original location, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university offers a diverse selection of English-taught programmes, including:

• Animal Care
• Earth and Climate Dynamics
• Psychological Science
• Forest Sciences
• Cybersecurity
• Astrophysics and Cosmology

Tuition fees for bachelor's level programmes begin at around 1,000 euros for EU students and 2,000 euros for non-EU students.

The Expansive Sapienza University of Rome

As Europe's largest university, Sapienza University of Rome in the nation's capital is an academic powerhouse with an immense student population. Its faculty and alumni include 10 Nobel laureates, most recently physicist Giorgio Parisi.

The university is deeply committed to making a tangible impact, aligning its educational activities and research with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Its English-taught programmes span a variety of critical areas:

• Bioinformatics
• Nursing
• Sustainable Building Engineering
• Atmospheric Science and Technology
• Business Management
• Clinical Psychosexology

International students can expect to pay starting fees of approximately 1,500 euros.

The Multidisciplinary University of Milan

Also known as La Statale, the University of Milan offers a rich tapestry of multidisciplinary educational experiences. Its various faculties and schools foster scientific research and engagement in related academic activities.

Students have numerous opportunities to participate in science events, fostering networking and deepening their passion for scientific exploration. The university provides English-taught programmes such as:

• Ancient Civilizations for the Contemporary World
• International Politics, Law and Economics
• Safety Assessment of Xenobiotics and Biotechnological Products
• Migration Studies and New Societies

Tuition is structured in two instalments, with the first for the 2026-2027 academic year set at 146 euros, while the second instalment varies based on financial circumstances.

The Integrated Campus of the University of Pavia

The University of Pavia, located in Lombardy, offers a unique student-centred campus seamlessly integrated with a medium-sized city. Essential amenities are typically within a 15-minute walk, creating a highly convenient living and learning environment.

This vibrant city campus is home to over 26,000 students engaged in cutting-edge research across diverse fields, from infectious diseases to quantum technology. This focus on research translates into impressive graduate employment rates, with 91% of graduates securing jobs within a year, surpassing the national average of 85%.

English programmes at the University of Pavia include:

• Computer Engineering
• Neurobiology
• The Ancient Mediterranean World
• History
• Archaeology and Art
• Agri-food Sustainability

Annual fees for non-EU students range from 390 euros to 4,550 euros.

The Ethically-Grounded Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

Guided by Christian principles, the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan is recognized as a leading Catholic university in Europe, with five campuses across the country. It emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of students, instilling a strong ethical code and integrating European traditions.

The university offers a range of English-taught programmes designed to shape well-rounded individuals:

• Criminology
• Food Production Management
• Finance
• Psychology
• Communication Management

Annual tuition fees are set at 6,560 euros for EU students and 8,800 euros for non-EU students.

The Applied Science Focus of Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies

For those interested in applied sciences and addressing pressing global issues, the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa is an ideal choice. The school tackles challenges related to equity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, healthcare access, and the economic impact of technology.

This is achieved through extensive research conducted across eight institutes, two interdisciplinary centres, and two Departments of Excellence. Their English programmes are geared towards innovation and impact:

• Bionics Engineering
• Economics
• Innovation Management
• International Security Studies

Annual fees range from 7,500 to 10,000 euros, or 850 euros per module.

The Rising Star: Vita-Salute San Raffaele University

Established in 1996, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan has rapidly gained prominence. Initially offering only psychology courses, it has expanded to include medicine and philosophy, becoming a top-ranked institution for English-taught programmes.

Its close collaboration with the San Raffaele Hospital ensures that research conducted by students is recognized at both European and international levels. The university offers English programmes in:

• Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs
• Biotechnology and Medical Biology
• Health Informatics
• Cognitive Psychology in Health
• Communication

The annual tuition fee for these programmes is 20,000 euros.

The Practice-Oriented Humanitas University

Humanitas University, located in Pieve Emanuele, champions active learning, balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application. This approach cultivates critical thinking and specific professional competencies essential for future careers.

Its integration with Humanitas Hospitals across the country provides students with invaluable real-world experience, focusing on finding solutions for complex medical conditions. This makes it a premier destination for English-taught medicine and surgery programmes in Italy.

The annual fee for non-EU students is 23,206 euros.

The Historic Heart of the University of Florence

With roots tracing back to the Studium Generale founded in 1321, the University of Florence is a cornerstone of Italian higher education. It has evolved significantly, adding faculties in agriculture, architecture, economics, and engineering over the centuries.

Today, it stands as one of Italy's most extensive research and higher education institutions, with a vast faculty and a significant number of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. Its English programmes cater to contemporary needs:

• Sustainable business for societal challenges
• Advanced molecular sciences
• Design of sustainable tourism systems
• Economics and development
• Geoengineering
• Finance and risk management
• Mechanical Engineering

Tuition fees can be as low as 1,200 euros, according to University Living.

The Legacy of the University of Pisa

Officially founded in 1343, the University of Pisa's origins extend back to the 11th century. It was a hub for intellectual giants like Leonardo Fibonacci and Galileo Galilei, whose contributions shaped mathematics and science.

Today, the University of Pisa is a leading institution with 20 departments and over 150 degree programmes. Its English-taught offerings are diverse and forward-looking:

• Economics
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Neuroscience
• Aerospace Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering

The annual tuition fee is 2,900 euros.

The Maritime Expertise of the University of Genoa

Founded in 1481, the University of Genoa possesses over six centuries of academic tradition. Its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea has fostered exceptional expertise in marine sciences, including oceanography and marine biology.

The university hosts around 36,000 students, including over 3,000 international students, across multiple campuses. Its English programmes reflect its strengths and broader academic reach:

• Bioengineering
• Architecture Composition
• Computer Engineering
• Economics and Data Science
• Electrical Engineering for Energy Transition
• Environmental Engineering
• Maritime Science and Engineering

The annual tuition fee is approximately 989.21 euros.

The Creative Hub: NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti)

For aspiring artists and designers, NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) in Milan and Rome offers a vibrant environment to bring creative visions to life. Ranked among the top art academies globally, NABA is the largest in Italy.

Founded in 1980, it hosts over 6,000 students from more than 90 nationalities. NABA provides access to live projects and internships, connecting students with real-world opportunities in the nation that produced Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. A variety of Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Academic Master programmes are available in English.

Annual tuition for non-EU BA students is 22,250 euros.

The Ancient and Global University of Turin

The University of Turin, founded in 1404, is one of Europe's most ancient universities, offering a deep dive into history for its students. Its expansive campus in Turin is a "city within a city," housing over 83,000 students.

Globally recognized across a wide spectrum of fields, from agricultural sciences to philosophy, the university offers more than 25 English-taught degree programmes for the 2025-2026 academic year. These programmes adopt a challenge-based learning approach to broaden student skills and perspectives. Undergraduate programmes include:

• Business & Management
• Economics and Finance with Data Science
• Global Law and Transnational Legal Studies

The first instalment of tuition is 156.00 euros, with a second instalment of 200 euros.

Navigating Your Italian Academic Journey

The increasing availability of English-taught programmes has democratized access to Italy's esteemed higher education system. While many programmes require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, the academic structure of these courses generally mirrors their Italian counterparts, leading to equivalent recognition.

The decision of which university is "best" ultimately hinges on your chosen field of study. However, institutions like the Polytechnic University of Milan are particularly noted for their extensive English-taught postgraduate offerings, having committed to this approach for nearly all their advanced degrees.

As Italy continues to solidify its position as a premier international study destination, the prospect of immersing yourself in its rich culture and history while pursuing a world-class education in English is more tangible than ever. The blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation promises an enriching and transformative academic experience.