Italy is a popular study destination for international students The country has many old and well-known universities with programs in engineering, medicine, business, computer science, arts, law and social sciences.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 include 54 Italian universities The ranking looks at areas such as teaching, research quality, research environment, industry and international outlook.
Top Universities in Italy 2026
| University | Italy Rank | World Rank 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bologna | 1 | 130 |
| Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa | 2 | 137 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | 3 | =170 |
| Politecnico di Milano | =4 | 201–250 |
| Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies | =4 | 201–250 |
| University of Padua | =4 | 201–250 |
| University of Milan | =10 | 301–350 |
| University of Naples Federico II | =10 | 301–350 |
| University of Rome Tor Vergata | =10 | 301–350 |
| University of Florence | =13 | 351–400 |
These positions are based on the THE World University Rankings 2026.
#1 University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is one of the most famous universities in Italy It was founded in 1088 and is widely known as the oldest university in the Western world.
In the THE World University Rankings 2026 it is ranked 130th in the world and first in Italy The university offers more than 260 degree programs across areas such as business, computer science, engineering, medicine, law and social sciences.
Students can also find scholarships and financial support through the university and other funding programs.
#2 Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
Scuola Normale Superiore is based in Pisa and is known for advanced education and research.
It ranks 137th in the world in the THE 2026 rankings and is second among Italian universities.
The university is particularly focused on research and advanced academic study.
#3 Sapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome is one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe It was founded in 1303.
In the THE 2026 ranking it is third in Italy and ranked =170th worldwide.
Sapienza offers programs in many fields including medicine, engineering, computer science, economics, humanities and social sciences.
#4 Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano is one of Italy’s major universities for engineering, architecture and design.
It is placed in the 201–250 range globally in the THE 2026 rankings and shares fourth place in Italy with two other institutions.
Students interested in technical subjects may want to explore its bachelor’s, master’s and research programs.
#5 Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies
Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies is located in Pisa.
It is ranked in the 201–250 range globally in the THE 2026 rankings The institution focuses strongly on advanced study and research.
#6 University of Padua
The University of Padua is another major Italian university It is also placed in the 201–250 range in the THE World University Rankings 2026.
It offers programs across many academic fields and has a long history of higher education.
#7 University of Milan
The University of Milan is a public research university located in Milan.
It is ranked 301–350 globally in the THE 2026 rankings The university has around 64,000 students and offers programs in areas such as medicine, law, humanities, life sciences and social sciences.
#8 University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples Federico II is one of the major public universities in southern Italy.
It is ranked 301–350 globally in the THE 2026 rankings.
The university offers many study options for both Italian and international students.
#9 University of Rome Tor Vergata
The University of Rome Tor Vergata is another important university in Rome.
It is ranked 301–350 globally in the THE 2026 rankings It offers programs across several academic areas and has a strong research focus.
#10 University of Florence
The University of Florence is located in the historic city of Florence.
It is placed in the 351–400 range in the THE World University Rankings 2026 Other universities in the same Italian ranking group include the University of Pisa, University of Pavia, University of Trento and University of Siena.
Why Study at a University in Italy?
Italy can be an attractive option for international students because it offers:
- Many public universities
- A wide range of degree programs
- Universities with long academic histories
- Programs in different fields
- Scholarship and financial aid opportunities
- Opportunities to study in major cities such as Rome, Milan, Bologna and Florence
- A large number of universities included in international rankings
However, students should check the tuition fee, admission requirements, language requirements, scholarship options and living costs before applying.
Read More: Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students (2027 Guide)
How to Choose a University in Italy
A university’s overall ranking should not be the only factor you consider Check the specific course you want to study and compare:
- Course content
- Tuition fees
- Scholarships
- Admission requirements
- English-taught programs
- City and living costs
- University location
- Career and internship opportunities
For example, a student interested in engineering may want to look closely at technical universities while a student interested in medicine or humanities may prefer a university with strong programs in those areas.
