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University of Brescia (Università degli Studi di Brescia)
A gateway to English‑taught programs in Italy
International students often search for English‑taught programs in Italy that blend high academic quality with fair costs. The University of Brescia delivers that mix. As one of the forward‑looking public Italian universities, it belongs to a system famous for tuition‑free universities Italy when family income meets certain bands. Combine those low fees with strong laboratories, expert professors, and an inclusive campus, and you have a compelling choice for anyone who wants to study in Italy in English.
A modern history with solid roots
Founded in 1982, the University of Brescia is young by Italian standards, yet it has grown fast in research and teaching stature. Its engineering origins link back to Lombardy’s industrial rise, while its medical and economics schools respond to regional needs for health and innovation. Today the institution houses four macro‑areas—Economics and Law; Engineering and Technology; Medicine; and Science. Despite its short lifespan, it ranks among the top 200 young universities worldwide in several global surveys, thanks to citation impact and industry collaboration.
Reputation drivers
- Regular placements in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings
- Research partnerships with EU Horizon projects
- High graduate employability, reinforced by local industry links
- Certified quality systems that ensure transparency and continuous improvement
Academic portfolio: breadth, depth, and flexibility
Across the four macro‑areas, students can pick from over 70 degrees. Many master’s tracks run fully in English, including Industrial Automation Engineering LM‑25, Civil and Environmental Engineering LM‑35, and Business and Green Technology. These English‑taught programs in Italy cover pressing global themes such as digital transformation, climate resilience, and sustainable finance.
Key departments
- Engineering: robotics, data science, materials, and renewable energy
- Medicine and Surgery: public health, nanomedicine, neuroengineering
- Economics and Management: global markets, circular economy, fintech
- Law: European business law, comparative public law
Faculty members publish in leading journals, patent new devices, and consult for businesses. That research energy filters into classrooms, so even introductory courses include fresh case studies and lab work.
Student support and affordability
Public Italian universities follow a fee law that links tuition to household income. When income falls inside low‑to‑middle bands, costs can drop to almost zero, placing Brescia among tuition‑free universities Italy for many ApplyAZ applicants.
DSU grant and other funding
The DSU grant (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) provides:
- Full tuition waivers
- Cash stipends up to €6,000 a year
- Free meals at campus cafeterias
Additional scholarships for international students in Italy come from regional foundations, corporate donors, and EU mobility funds. ApplyAZ helps collect documents, translate income statements, and file each application before deadlines.
Campus life: facilities that foster discovery
The main engineering hub lies near the historic castle, while the medicine and science buildings sit closer to the hospital zone. Every campus hosts:
- Free‑access libraries with group‑study rooms
- Computer labs running advanced simulation software
- Makerspaces equipped with 3‑D printers and laser cutters
- Sports courts, gyms, and wellness classes
- Mental‑health and career‑counselling centres
Students shape policy through elected councils that review teaching quality, digital resources, and environmental footprint.
Living in Brescia: affordability meets culture
Brescia, Lombardy’s second‑largest city, offers an engaging blend of Roman ruins, medieval squares, and modern industry. Rent for a single room averages €350–€450 per month, while university residences cost less. Groceries, public transport, and health care remain below the prices in Milan or Rome.
Climate and seasonality
- Winter: mild days around 6 °C, ideal for low‑altitude hikes
- Spring: blooming parks and outdoor concerts
- Summer: warm but breezy evenings at nearby lakes
- Autumn: grape‑harvest festivals in local vineyards
Public transport
Students ride buses, metro, and suburban trains on a single monthly pass. A direct rail link reaches Milan in under an hour, and regional trains head to Verona, Bergamo, and Lake Garda. Bike lanes and e‑scooter rentals help you zip across campus zones in minutes.
Cultural pulse
- Museums on Roman archaeology and contemporary art
- Music festivals mixing jazz, rock, and classical nights
- Local cuisine built on risotto, polenta, and Alpine cheeses
- Open‑street markets that sell seasonal fruit and vintage goods
International offices run tandem‑language cafés where local and foreign students swap Italian and English phrases over espresso.
Industry landscape: internship and job prospects
Lombardy hosts Europe’s densest network of small‑to‑medium enterprises. Brescia itself specialises in metallurgy, automotive components, machine tools, and health technology. That industrial belt feeds the university with internship offers, research contracts, and guest lecturers.
Major employers and innovation hubs
- A2A: advanced energy and circular‑economy solutions
- OMR: automotive chassis and lightweight materials
- Camozzi Group: pneumatics, digital manufacturing, and robotics
- HIT Centre: hospital innovation startup incubator
- Brescia Smart Factory Consortium: 60 high‑tech firms sharing labs and training programmes
Engineering students test drive collaborative robots, while medical students work on AI‑assisted diagnostics. Economics majors model sustainable supply chains in partnership with local exporters.
Cross‑sector advantages
- Software and data skills gained in automation labs translate into fintech roles.
- Civil engineers who study seismic design can consult for global NGOs in earthquake zones.
- Biomedical researchers collaborate with material scientists to craft implantable devices.
Employers praise Brescia graduates for blending theoretical rigour with hands‑on expertise.
Language, community, and personal growth
Although you study in Italy in English, the university offers free Italian classes from A1 to B2. Multilingual clubs meet weekly, and the International Student Network runs trips to Venice, Florence, and the Dolomites.
Volunteer programmes pair students with local schools, charity kitchens, and environmental NGOs. These experiences develop soft skills—leadership, empathy, time management—that boost employability.
Sustainability and social responsibility
The university’s Green Office pushes carbon‑neutral goals, zero‑waste cafeterias, and solar roofs. Mechanical engineers design energy‑saving HVAC systems for campus buildings, while law students draft mock climate policies. Such projects illustrate the community’s commitment to global citizenship.
A future‑ready choice
The University of Brescia stands out among public Italian universities because it marries affordable study—often reaching tuition‑free levels—with high research output and vibrant industry links. Whether you aim to code smarter robots, design earthquake‑safe bridges, or lead climate‑smart businesses, you will find a course shaped for the challenges ahead. Living in a mid‑sized city keeps daily costs low yet places you a train ride from Milan’s global hubs. This balance of academic depth, practical experience, and cultural richness makes Brescia a confident step toward an international career.
In two minutes we’ll confirm whether you meet the basic entry rules for tuition-free, English-taught degrees in Italy. We’ll then quickly see if we still have space for you this month. If so, you’ll get a personalised offer. Accept it, and our experts hand-craft a shortlist of majors that fit your grades, goals, and career plans. Upload your documents once; we submit every university and scholarship application, line up multiple admission letters, and guide you through the visa process—backed by our admission-and-scholarship guarantee.
Civil and Environmental Engineering LM‑35 at University of Brescia
English‑taught programs in Italy create new paths for global talent. They let you study in Italy in English, tap the low‑fee model of tuition‑free universities Italy, and earn a respected degree from public Italian universities. The Civil and Environmental Engineering LM‑35 master at the University of Brescia (Università degli Studi di Brescia) is a leading example. Below, you will see how the programme works, what you learn, and how you can fund your journey toward a sustainable engineering career.
How English‑taught programs in Italy shape global engineers
Engineering problems ignore borders: rising sea levels, resilient buildings, and clean water systems affect every nation. English‑taught programs in Italy answer this challenge by bringing diverse minds into one classroom. Lecturers teach in English and draw on European teaching standards, yet fees remain within the public Italian model. That means you pay a fraction of the cost charged by many English‑speaking countries while enjoying similar learning quality.
The Civil and Environmental Engineering LM‑35 degree nurtures two core mind‑sets:
- Systems thinking. You learn to view structures, rivers, and soil as parts of one dynamic system, not isolated pieces.
- Sustainability. Each course integrates climate goals, green materials, and circular‑economy concepts.
Because courses run inside a public Italian university, the charter sets strict quality checks. External boards review syllabi, labs, and assessment. This transparency builds trust with future employers and academic evaluators worldwide.
Curriculum and learning journey
Degree format
- Duration: two academic years (four semesters).
- Credits: 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
- Teaching mode: full‑time, face‑to‑face, with digital support.
- Language: 100 % English.
Year one
- Advanced Structural Mechanics
- Hydrology and Water Resources
- Geotechnical Engineering Principles
- Construction Materials and Durability
- Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology
- Numerical Methods for Engineers
Year two
- Seismic Design and Risk Mitigation
- Wastewater Treatment Engineering
- Transportation Infrastructure Planning
- Energy‑Efficient Building Design
- Elective cluster (choose two)
- Coastal Engineering
- River Basin Management
- Sustainable Pavement Materials
- Life‑Cycle Assessment
- Professional Internship or Applied Research Project
- Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)
Active learning methods
Lecturers mix theory with practice to keep sessions engaging:
- Studio projects. Teams solve real design briefs, such as redeveloping an industrial waterfront or planning a flood‑protection levee.
- Flipped lectures. Short videos and quizzes prepare you before class, freeing time for peer discussion and problem solving.
- Field labs. You collect soil samples, test water quality, and scan structures with laser instruments.
- Simulation exercises. Software such as ANSYS, HEC‑RAS, and OpenSees lets you model bridges, reservoirs, and soil‑structure interaction.
Assessment spreads across written exams, project reports, code reviews, and oral defences. Continuous feedback helps you improve steadily rather than cram at semester’s end.
Competencies you gain
By graduation, you will be able to:
- Design resilient structures that meet Eurocode and international norms.
- Model hydrological cycles, forecast floods, and plan mitigation strategies.
- Choose eco‑friendly materials and evaluate their life‑cycle impact.
- Size wastewater plants and apply biological treatment processes.
- Use finite‑element and computational‑fluid‑dynamics tools with confidence.
- Communicate technical results to engineers, planners, and policy makers.
Labs, resources, and academic support
The University of Brescia invests in modern facilities:
- Structural Testing Lab. Equipped with servo‑controlled actuators for static and dynamic load tests up to 2 MN.
- Geotechnical Lab. Performs triaxial, direct shear, and oedometer tests, plus centrifuge modelling.
- Environmental Engineering Lab. Analyses water, air, and soil samples using spectrometry and chromatography.
- Hydraulic Flume. A 30‑metre channel simulates river flow, sediment transport, and scour.
- Digital Modelling Suite. High‑performance workstations run BIM (Building Information Modelling) and GIS (Geographical Information System) software.
Academic help includes:
- Tutorial hours where senior researchers answer course questions.
- A writing centre that refines technical English and thesis chapters.
- Peer‑mentoring sessions for first‑year students.
Funding your master: DSU grant and other scholarships for international students in Italy
Public Italian universities follow income‑based fees. Annual charges drop sharply when family income is moderate or low. That is why many campuses often rank among tuition‑free universities Italy. The University of Brescia follows the same model.
DSU grant
The DSU grant (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) is Italy’s flagship student aid. Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver.
- Yearly cash allowance up to €6,000.
- One free meal per day at university canteens.
Selection criteria combine income and academic merit. Early application improves chances, so gather income statements and translations well before the deadline.
Other scholarships for international students in Italy
- Merit awards. The university rewards top applicants with grants worth €2,000 to €5,000 per year.
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs bursaries. Open to specific non‑EU countries and include health‑insurance cover.
- Regional project funding. Sustainable‑engineering research topics may receive dedicated stipends from Lombardy’s innovation agendas.
- Erasmus+ mobility grants. If you join an exchange semester, the EU covers travel and living expenses.
When combined, these funds can cover most study and living costs, making the programme accessible even for students from modest backgrounds.
Internship and applied research
Semester four centres on practical training.
Internship path
- Minimum 300 hours in a consultancy, construction firm, or public‑works agency.
- Tasks may involve site supervision, environmental impact assessment, or digital model validation.
- A university tutor and a company mentor track learning progress.
Research path
- Work under a professor on topics such as smart materials, green roofs, or seismic retrofit methods.
- Collect data, run experiments, and present results at internal seminars.
- Turn findings into a journal manuscript or conference poster.
Both paths feed into your 30‑ECTS thesis, which must include original analysis and design proposals.
Career prospects and professional recognition
An internal survey shows that 90 % of graduates secure relevant work within six months. Typical roles include:
- Structural engineer designing bridges, high‑rise buildings, and off‑shore platforms.
- Hydraulic engineer planning dams, canals, and storm‑water networks.
- Environmental consultant assessing pollution and advising on remediation.
- Project engineer supervising construction timelines and budgets.
- Resilience analyst advising insurers and municipalities on disaster‑risk reduction.
The LM‑35 classification aligns with the European Qualifications Framework Level 7, ensuring recognition for professional registration across the European Union. Many alumni later earn Chartered Engineer status or doctoral positions worldwide.
Research clusters and industry links
The University of Brescia partners with:
- European research consortia. Ongoing projects tackle flood prediction, low‑carbon concrete, and smart‑grid water management.
- Engineering councils. Students can join site visits, workshops, and career fairs.
- Construction and design firms. Industry specialists join advisory boards and provide thesis topics.
- Standard‑setting bodies. Faculty members sit on Eurocode committees, letting you learn from engineers who draft design rules.
These links keep the course content up to date and give you a network that supports future job searches.
Soft skills and professional tools
Technical skill alone is not enough. The programme offers workshops on:
- Technical writing. Compose clear specifications and environmental‑impact reports.
- Stakeholder engagement. Learn to present plans to non‑specialists, from local officials to community groups.
- Project finance. Understand cost‑benefit analysis, payback periods, and risk assessment.
- Ethics and sustainability. Explore the social impact of engineering decisions and learn to apply life‑cycle thinking.
The result is a well‑rounded engineer who can lead interdisciplinary teams.
Entry requirements and admissions
Academic prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree worth 180 ECTS (or equivalent) in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or related fields such as mechanical or geological engineering.
- At least 60 ECTS in core topics: maths, physics, materials, structural analysis, hydraulics, and geotechnics.
Language and documents
- English at B2 level proven by IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, or completion of an English‑medium degree.
- Academic transcript, CV, and motivation letter (max 700 words).
- One reference letter from a lecturer or professional supervisor.
Application timeline
- Online pre‑application. Upload scanned documents.
- Faculty review. Professors verify credit match and grades.
- Conditional offer. Arrives within four weeks.
- Scholarship and DSU forms. Submit translated income documents.
- Visa request. Non‑EU applicants book embassy appointments.
- Final enrolment. Present originals and receive your student card.
ApplyAZ tracks each stage and reminds you of every deadline, easing paperwork stress.
Assessment, grading, and feedback
Italian universities use a 30‑point grading scale, with 18/30 as pass. Assessment types include:
- Written exams focusing on problem solving and conceptual questions.
- Oral exams where you defend design choices in front of a panel.
- Lab reports graded on clarity, accuracy, and critical analysis.
- Group presentations and peer feedback sessions.
- Thesis defence lasting around 30 minutes, including questions from experts.
Feedback reports pinpoint areas to improve, helping you refine projects before final submission.
Digital relevance and adaptable learning
Though teaching is face‑to‑face, digital resources add flexibility:
- Recorded lectures for asynchronous review.
- Virtual labs that simulate river basins or structural loads.
- Discussion forums for peer help and tutor guidance.
- Cloud storage for large datasets and BIM files.
These tools support students who balance part‑time jobs or fieldwork.
Equality, inclusion, and well‑being
The University of Brescia maintains:
- Accessibility services. Extra exam time or assistive software for students with disabilities.
- International welcome office. Orientation events, language courses, and cultural mentoring.
- Counselling centre. Free sessions in several languages.
- Gender‑equality projects. Support networks for women in engineering.
A safe, inclusive environment helps every student thrive.
Sustainability focus
Civil and environmental outcomes now sit at the heart of global policy, from the UN Sustainable Development Goals to national recovery funds. The master embeds sustainability across modules:
- Renewable energy solutions for buildings and infrastructure.
- Green materials such as recycled aggregate concrete and low‑carbon steel.
- Integrated water‑resource management that balances human and ecological needs.
- Circular‑economy models to reduce waste in construction.
Learning these concepts prepares you for markets that increasingly demand climate‑smart engineers.
Continuous improvement
Every semester ends with course evaluations. Students rate clarity, workload, and lab quality. A teaching‑improvement committee reviews results and updates syllabi. Recent changes include adding a resilience‑engineering module and expanding coding practice in numerical‑methods classes.
Conclusion
Civil and Environmental Engineering LM‑35 at the University of Brescia (Università degli Studi di Brescia) blends rigorous science, advanced tools, and a sustainability lens. The fully English medium places it among top English‑taught programs in Italy. Because fees follow the public Italian model and the DSU grant offers generous aid, the programme can match the affordability of many tuition‑free universities Italy. Graduates emerge ready to design resilient structures, manage water resources, and lead green projects across the globe.
Ready for this programme?
If you qualify and we still have a spot this month, we’ll reserve your place with ApplyAZ. Our team will tailor a set of best-fit majors—including this course—and handle every form and deadline for you. One upload, many applications, guaranteed offers, DSU grant support, and visa coaching: that’s the ApplyAZ promise. Start now and secure your spot before this month’s intake fills up.
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