If you are looking for public universities in Italy, you have a large choice of universities, degree programmes and English-taught study options. The university directory currently covers 67 public universities in Italy and helps eligible students pursue tuition-reduction and DSU funding pathways, with final funding decisions made by the university and relevant regional authority.

The important point is that public does not automatically mean free. Tuition can depend on the university, programme and income-based rules, while eligible international students may also have access to scholarships and regional financial support.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Public Universities in Italy?

Some of the strongest public-university options to consider through the platform ecosystem include:

This should not be treated as a universal ranking. The best public university in Italy depends on your degree, academic profile, preferred city, budget and English-taught programme availability.

What Makes a University in Italy “Public”?

A public university is part of Italy's public higher-education system rather than being a private institution.

For an international student, the distinction matters because public universities can provide access to:

• income-linked tuition systems
• tuition reductions
• regional scholarships
• DSU-related financial support
• English-taught degree programmes
• research-focused academic environments
• Bachelor's and Master's programmes
• international student services

The university directory covers universities across regions including Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Sicily and other parts of Italy.

The directory is useful because students can begin with a region and then explore universities rather than choosing a university only from a generic ranking.

Top 10 Public Universities in Italy to Consider in 2026

Instead of presenting a ranking as if one university is objectively better than another, the following list focuses on public universities that have a strong presence in selection of English-taught programmes and university ecosystem.

1. Polytechnic University of Milan

The Polytechnic University of Milan (Politecnico di Milano) is a major option for students interested in engineering, architecture and design.

English-taught programmes includes IArchitectural Design and Civil Engineering. One Architectural Design programme is a three-year Bachelor's degree taught in English, with an application fee shown by ApplyAZ of €25.

Best suited for

• Architecture
• Engineering
• Design
• Technology-oriented students

If your priority is studying in Milan while targeting an English-taught technical degree, Politecnico di Milano deserves a place on your shortlist.

2. University of Bologna

The University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna) is one of the most recognisable names in Italian higher education.

Platform features English-taught programmes at Bologna including Bachelor's and Master's options. Its Bachelor in Genomics is a three-year English-taught programme,  also lists Building Construction Engineering, Business Administration and Biomedical Engineering options.

Best suited for

• Engineering
• Genomics
• Biomedical fields
• Business
• International students seeking English-taught programmes

For students who want a broad academic environment rather than a university focused on only one discipline, Bologna can be an especially interesting option.

3. University of Padua

The University of Padua is another strong option for international applicants.

The university offers English-taught programme including Engineering and Management, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Civil Engineering, Physics, ICT for Internet and Multimedia, International Relations and Psychology.

For example, Engineering and Management Master's programme is two years, taught in English, and has an application fee of €30.

Best suited for

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Physics
• Psychology
• International Relations

Padua is therefore particularly useful for students who want several English-taught options within the same public university.

4. Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome is another major public university option for international students.

Platform lists English-taught programmes including Computer Science, Economics and Finance and Archaeological Materials Science.

A Master's in Computer Science listed by Platform is two years, taught in English, with a €30 application fee.

Best suited for

• Computer Science
• Economics
• Finance
• Archaeological sciences
• Students who prefer studying in Rome

5. Polytechnic University of Turin

The Polytechnic University of Turin (Politecnico di Torino) is particularly relevant for engineering and architecture applicants.

It features English-taught programmes such as Automotive Engineering, Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electronic and Communications Engineering and Environmental and Land Engineering.

Its programme pages also demonstrate why applicants should check the specific programme rather than assuming one tuition figure applies to the entire university.

For example, describes an income-based fee model for its Civil and Environmental Engineering programme, with contribution levels varying according to family income.

Best suited for

• Automotive Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Electronics
• Communications
• Architecture

6. University of Milan

The University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano) is a major public university in Lombardy.

It features English-taught programmes including Medical Biotechnology, Industrial Chemistry, Law and Sustainable Development, Economics and Political Science, and Cognitive Sciences and Decision-Making Processes.

One important advantage for students researching this university is the breadth of fields available through English-taught programmes.

Best suited for

• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Political Science
• Law
• Cognitive Science

7. University of Pisa

The University of Pisa is another public university worth considering when searching for English-taught programmes.

It lists English-taught programmes such as Mathematics and Data Science and Business Informatics.

The Mathematics Master's programme is two years and has an application fee of €20 according to the programme page.

Best suited for

• Mathematics
• Data Science
• Computer-related fields
• Engineering
• Research-oriented students

8. University of Naples Federico II

The University of Naples Federico II provides another route for students searching for public universities in southern Italy.

It features English-taught programmes including Design for the Built Environment, International Relations and Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Several programme pages currently show a €0 application fee for selected Federico II programmes, but applicants should always verify the fee for their exact programme before applying.

Best suited for

• Engineering
• International Relations
• Architecture and built environment
• Students considering Naples

9. University of Milan-Bicocca

The University of Milan-Bicocca is a younger public university that can be particularly relevant for international students looking for specialised Master's programmes.

We features English-taught programmes including International Economics and Materials Science and Nanotechnology.

Best suited for

• Economics
• Materials Science
• Science and technology
• Master's applicants

10. University of Turin

The University of Turin is included Italian university directory and gives students another public-university option in Turin.

Students comparing Turin should also consider Politecnico di Torino separately because the two institutions have different academic profiles.

Best suited for

• Students seeking a comprehensive university
• Applicants interested in Turin
• Students comparing academic and technical universities

Which Public Universities in Italy Offer English-Taught Programs?

One of the most important things to understand is that “English-speaking universities in Italy” is not really the right way to evaluate Italian universities.

The better question is:

Which public universities in Italy offer my degree in English?

English-taught programmes are available across universities including:

• Polytechnic University of Milan
• University of Bologna
• University of Padua
• Sapienza University of Rome
• Polytechnic University of Turin
• University of Milan
• University of Pisa
• University of Naples Federico II
• University of Milan-Bicocca

For example, the programme database includes English-taught degrees in Computer Engineering, Data Science, Physics, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Architecture, Economics and other fields.

This means you should search by programme first and university second.

Are Public Universities in Italy Free?

Not automatically.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in articles about studying in Italy.

Public universities can use income-based tuition models and students may qualify for tuition reductions or scholarship support. Eligible students may qualify for tuition reductions and DSU grants of up to €8,000 per year, but the final decision is made by the university and regional authority.

Many programme pages also display €0 tuition. That should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every student at that university pays €0.

Your actual cost can depend on:

• university
• programme
• family income
• scholarship eligibility
• regional funding
• academic profile
• application-specific rules

Therefore, “public university” and “free university” are not synonyms.

How Much Is the Application Fee?

Application fees vary by university and programme.

Examples currently shown include:

These figures demonstrate why students should not publish one universal “Italy university application fee.” The fee can change by programme and application route.

What Scholarships Can International Students Get?

The cost advantage of Italian public universities becomes more significant when you combine university tuition rules with financial aid.

Eligible students may qualify for DSU grants up to €8,000 per year.

The important distinction is that scholarship eligibility is not guaranteed simply because you have been admitted to a public university.

Your funding route can depend on:

• family income
• university
• region
• programme
• scholarship rules
• application timing
• supporting documents

This is why scholarship planning should happen alongside university selection, rather than after admission.

Which Public University in Italy Is Best for Your Subject?

There is no single best university for every student.

Instead, match your academic goal with the university's available English-taught programmes.

Engineering

Consider:

• Polytechnic University of Milan
• Polytechnic University of Turin
• University of Padua
• University of Bologna
• University of Naples Federico II

Engineering options range from Civil Engineering and Automotive Engineering to Computer Engineering, Communications Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.

Computer Science and Data

Consider:

• University of Padua
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Pisa
• University of Milan

Current options include Computer Science at Sapienza, Computer Engineering and Data Science at Padua, Data Science and Business Informatics at Pisa, and multiple technology-related programmes at Milan.

Architecture and Design

Consider:

• Polytechnic University of Milan
• Polytechnic University of Turin
• University of Naples Federico II

English-taught options include Architectural Design at Milan, Architecture at Turin and Built Environment programmes at Naples.

Economics and Business

Consider:

• University of Bologna
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Milan
• University of Milan-Bicocca
• University of Padua

The programme database includes Business Administration at Bologna, Economics and Finance at Sapienza, Economics and Political Science at Milan, International Economics at Milan-Bicocca and Engineering and Management at Padua.

Architecture and Design

Consider:

• Polytechnic University of Milan
• Polytechnic University of Turin
• University of Naples Federico II

ApplyAZ lists English-taught Architectural Design at Milan, Architecture at Turin and Built Environment programmes at Naples.

Economics and Business

Consider:

• University of Bologna
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Milan
• University of Milan-Bicocca
• University of Padua

The ApplyAZ programme database includes Business Administration at Bologna, Economics and Finance at Sapienza, Economics and Political Science at Milan, International Economics at Milan-Bicocca and Engineering and Management at Padua.

What Are the Best Public Universities in Italy for International Students?

International students should evaluate a university using more than its global ranking.

Check these six factors:

1. Is your exact degree taught in English?

A university may have many international students but only a limited number of Bachelor's or Master's programmes in English.

2. Do you meet the programme requirements?

Check your previous degree, academic subjects, English proficiency and any programme-specific entrance requirements.

3. What is the real cost?

Look beyond the headline tuition figure.

Check:

• application fee
• tuition contribution
• regional tax
• accommodation
• food
• transport
• insurance
• scholarship support

4. Does the city fit your budget?

Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna, Padua, Pisa and Naples offer very different student experiences and living-cost environments.

5. Can you apply for funding?

Check whether the university and region provide a scholarship route relevant to your profile.

6. Does the programme fit your career goal?

A university can be highly ranked but still be the wrong choice if the specific programme does not match your academic background or career plan.

How to Apply to Public Universities in Italy

The process depends on your university and programme, but international applicants generally need to plan several stages.

Step 1: Choose your degree

Start with your intended field and degree level.

For example:

• Bachelor's
• Master's
• integrated degree
• specialised programme

Do not start by choosing a city alone.

Step 2: Check eligibility

Your academic background must match the programme requirements.

For international applicants, this can include checking your previous qualification, grades, academic subjects and English proficiency.

Eligibility checking and programme shortlisting are available as part of the application process.

Step 3: Build your university shortlist

Instead of applying to one university and waiting, compare several realistic programmes.

The process is designed around matching students with best-fit public universities and degree programmes based on their profile.

Step 4: Prepare your documents

Depending on the programme, you may need academic records and other application documents.

The exact checklist should come from the university and programme.

Step 5: Submit the university application

Application procedures and deadlines vary.

Do not assume that every public university follows the same application calendar.

Step 6: Work on scholarships

If you need financial support, prepare your scholarship strategy alongside the admission application.

Scholarship planning and application support are available as part of the Italy process.

Step 7: Complete the visa process

International students who require a study visa must complete the relevant pre-enrolment and visa procedures.

The process includes visa checklist preparation, document support and VFS/consulate guidance.

What Is Universitaly and Why Does It Matter?

Universitaly is the Italian higher-education portal used to provide information about universities and degree programmes and to support international students with pre-enrolment procedures.

For international applicants, the platform can be used to explore programmes and institutions and to handle the relevant pre-enrolment process.

The important point is that university admission and visa approval are separate decisions.

Receiving university-related documentation does not automatically guarantee a visa.

Therefore, students should treat:

university selection → admission → pre-enrolment → visa

as connected but separate stages.

How Should You Choose Between Public Universities in Italy?

Use this simple framework before submitting an application:

This approach is more useful than simply asking, “Which is the number-one university in Italy?”

Why Use ApplyAZ to Apply to Italian Public Universities?

Finding universities is only one part of the process.

ApplyAZ's platform is designed to help students move from university discovery to application, scholarship and visa preparation.

Its process includes:

• eligibility checking
• university matching
• degree matching
• application support
• document preparation
• scholarship support
• application deadline tracking
• visa preparation
• pre-departure guidance

ApplyAZ says students can see matched universities and degrees, track application progress and work through the required tasks from its application control centre.

The university directory also allows students to explore Italian institutions by region before creating a shortlist.

Explore Italian Universities with ApplyAZ

Frequently Asked Questions

Are public universities in Italy free?

Not automatically. Public universities can have income-based tuition and fee-reduction systems. Eligible students may also qualify for regional funding such as DSU grants. Eligible students may qualify for DSU grants of up to €8,000 per year, but final decisions are made by the university and regional authority.

Which are the best public universities in Italy?

Strong options to consider include the Polytechnic University of Milan, University of Bologna, University of Padua, Sapienza University of Rome, Polytechnic University of Turin, University of Milan, University of Pisa and University of Naples Federico II. The best choice depends on your course, eligibility, budget and preferred city.

Can international students study at Italian public universities?

Yes. Italian public universities accept international applicants, although eligibility and admission rules vary by programme. International applicants can receive support across the Italian university network.

Are there English-speaking universities in Italy?

Rather than looking for universities that are completely “English-speaking,” look for English-taught programmes. English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes are available across several public Italian universities.

How much does it cost to apply to an Italian public university?

There is no single application fee. Programme pages currently show fees ranging from €0 on selected programmes to €50 or more on some applications. Always check the fee for your exact programme before submitting.

Can Indian students apply to public universities in Italy?

Yes. Indian applicants can apply to eligible Italian university programmes, subject to the academic and programme-specific requirements. Eligibility, admission, scholarship and visa support are available for students applying to Italy.

Which Italian public university is cheapest?

There is no single university that is cheapest for every student because tuition can depend on the programme and income-based rules. Instead of comparing only headline tuition, compare the full cost after applicable fee reductions and scholarship support.

Is IELTS required for Italian public universities?

There is no single IELTS rule for every Italian public university or programme. English-language requirements can vary by course. Check the exact programme's accepted English-proficiency evidence before applying.

How many public universities are available through ApplyAZ?

ApplyAZ currently states that it prepares and submits applications to 67 public universities in Italy.

Should I apply to only one Italian university?

It is generally better to build a shortlist based on your eligibility, course preference, budget and funding options rather than relying on one university. The application process is built around matching students with multiple best-fit universities and programmes.

Final Takeaway

The best public universities in Italy are not necessarily the same for every student.

If you want engineering, you may prioritise Milan, Turin, Padua or Bologna. If you want Computer Science or Data Science, Padua, Sapienza, Pisa and Milan offer relevant English-taught options through the programme ecosystem. For architecture and design, Milan and Turin are particularly worth investigating.

The smarter strategy is to start with your degree + eligibility + English-taught availability + total cost + scholarship potential, then select the university.

ApplyAZ can help turn that research into a practical shortlist and manage the application, scholarship and visa process from one place.

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