Studying engineering in Italy: the top 5 universities
Are you thinking of studying engineering abroad and considering pursuing your engineering graduate studies in Italy? If so, you should know that, according to a recent survey conducted by Bocconi University and published by Uni-Italia, engineering is one of the top fields chosen by international students. This confirms that Italy is becoming an increasingly popular destination for technical and scientific studies.
The survey, focused on the economic impact of international students in Italy, revealed that among 3,576 international students enrolled in 27 Italian universities, about 21% chose an engineering course.
How many years is engineering in Italy?
In Italy, an engineering education under the current university system typically follows the “3 + 2” structure:
- Bachelor’s degree (“laurea triennale”)
- Master’s degree (“laurea magistrale”)
After the 3-year bachelor’s, the majority of students opt to continue with the 2-year master’s, which allows for deeper specialization and better professional recognition.
Best 5 Italian universities for engineering courses
Italian public universities offer high-quality engineering programs, especially in specialized fields such as automotive, aerospace, mechanical, civil, and industrial engineering. The Polytechnic University of Bari, for example, is known for its programs in naval and industrial engineering, while the Polytechnic University of Turin has long been recognized for its excellence in automotive engineering.
As with our article on the best universities for architecture, this selection of top universities for engineering courses is based on the QS World University Ranking by subject 2025.
Polytechnic University of Milan
Given Milan’s economic importance and industrial ecosystem, Politecnico di Milano is often the go-to university for ambitious engineering students seeking quality, connections, and strong career paths.
Some of the most popular programs in the faculty are mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and biomedical engineering, but the overall range of options is very broad, especially when it comes to English-taught master’s degrees.
Some of them are:
- Aeronautical engineering
- Space engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Robotics and automation engineering
Polytechnic University of Turin
If you are interested in mechanical, automotive, or aerospace engineering, Politecnico di Torino is considered one of the best universities in Italy. Turin has a strong industrial tradition (FIAT being the most famous example) and remains a major hub for design, manufacturing, and automotive innovation.
One of its most sought-after programs at the Polytechnic of Turin is Civil and Environmental Engineering, taught in English and on-site.
Sapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome is one of the oldest and largest universities in Italy. While not strictly a “polytechnic”, it still offers solid engineering and technology programs.
Some of the most popular bachelor’s degree courses are:
- Clinical engineering
- Management engineering
- Civil and industrial engineering
Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is often considered one of the most prestigious and historic universities in Italy. It offers a very wide range of programs covering many fields of engineering and technology. It also places strong emphasis on graduates’ employment prospects and supports this through professional internships.
Engineering bachelor’s degrees at University of Bologna:
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical energy engineering
- Management engineering
University of Padua
Although historically more renowned for other fields, the University of Padua is increasingly recognized for its engineering programmes and offers attractive conditions for students (like a lower cost of living compared to the cities listed before). Some of the bachelor’s courses offered by the faculty are:
- Information engineering (in English)
- Aerospace engineering
- Civil engineering
- Environmental engineering
Where to study engineering in English
As you may have noticed, studying engineering in Italy in English is quite doable, since many universities have expanded their English-taught programs in recent years to become more accessible to international students. However, the range of options is much broader at the master’s level than at the bachelor’s level.
To find out exactly which degree programs are available in English, check the updated course catalogue on the website of the university you are interested in.
How much does it cost to study engineering in Italy?
One of the main attractions of studying engineering in Italy is the affordable tuition fees, especially at public universities. In universities like those listed before, annual tuition typically ranges from €900 to around €4,000, depending on the student’s financial situation.
Of course, tuition is only part of the total cost of living: rent, cost of living and transportation have a strong impact on the global cost of studying in Italy.
Still, even considering all of the living costs, studying engineering in Italy tends to be more affordable than in many other Western European countries (especially if you choose a public university and benefit from a scholarship).
Studying engineering in Italy: admission requirements
What do you need to study in Italy? Requirements vary depending on your level of study, your country of origin, your language skills, and other specific conditions.
To enroll in a bachelor’s program, you typically need a secondary school diploma, while a master’s program requires a relevant bachelor’s degree. Italy follows the Bologna Process, so its bachelor’s and master’s degrees are aligned with the European higher-education framework.
English-taught programs generally require proof of English proficiency, and the same applies to Italian-taught programs for the Italian language.
If you need support with the enrollment process at an Italian university, you can explore our free guide and contact Welcome Association Italy for assistance.
