71 public universities in Italy in 2026
The public universities in Italy offer accessible education to as many students as possible, with recognised programs and a strong tradition of academic research.
71 public universities
Italy has public institutions offering a wide range of programs, often with government-regulated fees and a strong tradition of academic research.
University of Genoa
Historic public Ligurian university (1481), strong in engineering, medicine, and marine sciences.
University of L'Aquila
Public university in Abruzzo (1452), recognized in engineering, physics, and computer science.
University of Insubria
Young public Italian university between Lombardy and Switzerland, with an international focus.
University of Basilicata
Public university in southern Italy, active in sciences and humanities.
University of Aosta Valley
Public alpine bilingual university in economics, social sciences, and languages.
University of Macerata
Public Italian university in Marche (1290), specialized in humanities and social sciences.
University of Catanzaro
Public university in Catanzaro specializing in medicine, sciences, and law.
University of Messina
Historic public Sicilian university (1548), recognized in medicine, law, and pharmacy.
University of Milan
Major public Lombard university (1924), one of Italy’s most renowned.
University of Milano-Bicocca
Modern public Milanese university (1998), recognized in sciences, economics, and psychology.
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Public Emilian university (1175), recognized in medicine, automotive engineering, and economics.
University of Naples Federico II
Historic public Campanian university (1224), the world’s oldest secular university.
University of Naples L'Orientale
Public Neapolitan university (1732), pioneer in Oriental languages and international relations.
University of Padua
Historic public Venetian university (1222), globally renowned for scientific research.
University of Palermo
Historic public Sicilian university (1806), the largest in western Sicily.
University of Parma
Historic public Emilian university (1117), one of the oldest in the world.
University of Pavia
Historic public Lombard university (1361), recognized for its colleges and medical research.
University of Perugia
Historic public Umbrian university (1308), recognized in medicine, law, and sciences.
University of Pisa
Historic public Tuscan university (1343), renowned in physics, computer science, and aerospace.
University of Rome Tor Vergata
Public Roman university of excellence in medicine, economics, and sciences.
Roma Tre University
Modern public Roman university, recognized in economics, law, and architecture.
University of Salerno
Public Campanian university (1968), one of southern Italy’s largest.
University of Sassari
Historic public Sardinian university (1562), strong in medicine, economics, and agricultural sciences.
University of Siena
Historic public Tuscan university (1240), renowned for research and student quality of life.