Cover Story

Top 10 Promising Universities & Colleges In Italy - 2025

Italy has long been synonymous with art, culture, and history - yet its universities stand today as dynamic centers of global education and innovation. From the ancient halls of the University of Bologna, the oldest in the Western world, to cutting-edge institutions in Milan, Rome, and Turin, Italy seamlessly fuses centuries-old academic legacy with contemporary excellence.

For international students, Italy offers more than just a degree - it offers a transformative experience. The country’s universities are deeply rooted in research, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning, preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global economy. Programs taught in English across disciplines such as architecture, fashion, design, business, and engineering have positioned Italy as a hub for forward-thinking education that respects its heritage while embracing progress.

Affordable tuition fees, globally recognized qualifications, and an unparalleled cultural backdrop make Italy an irresistible destination for higher studies. Students find themselves not only surrounded by masterpieces of art and architecture but also immersed in a lifestyle that values innovation, dialogue, and discovery.

Whether pursuing a master’s in design in Milan, studying economics in Rome, or exploring engineering in Turin, learners in Italy gain access to a world-class education shaped by excellence, diversity, and inspiration. In Italy’s universities, the past and the future don’t merely coexist they create a living classroom for global thinkers.

This issue of Higher Education Review talks about some of the professionally managed colleges in the country, which has been nurtured with best technical and professional infrastructure and assistance from efficient and skilled faculties ensuring delivery of quality higher education and research. This issue spotlights a list of ‘Top 10 Promising Universities & Colleges in Italy - 2025’, the list has been crafted by a team of Industry veterans, CEOs, VCs and the Higher Education Review editorial team.

Top 10 Promising Universities & Colleges In Italy - 2025

College Logo

College

Management

Description

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

Milan

Elena Beccalli, Rector Provides a wide range of programs in economics, humanities, medicine, law, and social sciences, combining academic excellence with strong ethical and cultural values
Marche Polytechnic University

Ancona

Prof. Gian Luca Gregori, Chancellor Offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across five faculties, such as Agriculture, Economics, Engineering, Medicine and Surgery, and Sciences
San Raffaele Telematic University of Rome

Rome

Dr Ennio Tasciotti, Founder & Director The institute offers a portfolio of industryaligned programs that encompass digital health, cybersecurity, and sustainable business transformation
Sapienza University of Rome Rome

Rome

Antonella Polimeni, Rector The university offers more than 280 degree courses in diverse fields, including engineering, architecture, medicine, economics, humanities, and social sciences
University of Milan Milan

Milan

Marina Brambilla, Rector Offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs across various schools, including Law, Medicine, Humanities, and Agricultural and Food Sciences
University of Padova

Padua

Daniela Mapelli, Rector The university offers a wide range of programs in various fields, including law, medicine, science, engineering, and humanities
University of Pisa

Pisa

Riccardo Zucchi, Rector Provides a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and is internationally recognized for its contributions to fields like physics, computer science, medicine, and mathematics
University of Siena

Siena

Prof. Roberto Di Pietra, Rector Offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as economics, law, medicine, engineering, political science, biotechnology, and humanities
University of Trento

Trento

Flavio Deflorian, Rector Provides a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields like science, engineering, humanities, law, and business
University of Turin

Turin

Cristina Prandi, Rector Offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, law, economics, medicine, and natural sciences