Study in Italy

Top 10: The most sought-after university cities in Italy

The 10 most desirable university cities in Italy in 2024 and their outstanding universities.

Published

November 28th, 2024

What are the most sought-after university cities in Italy?

A recent survey conducted by Preply highlighted the preferences of Italian and Erasmus students, revealing surprising destinations and showcasing the cultural and educational strength of the country's iconic regions.

Bergamo: absolute leadership with 4.400 searches

Bergamo is the most sought-after university city in Italy, with 4.400 searches in the survey. Much of the preference comes from Lombardy itself, highlighting the region's strength in academic education.

Università degli Studi di Bergamo (UniBG): recognized for its strong links with the job market, especially in the areas of economics, engineering and human sciences | Photo: My Valley — **University of Bergamo** (UniBG): recognized for its strong connection with the job market, especially in the areas of economics, engineering and human sciences | Photo: My Valley

Catania: tradition in Southern Italy

Catania ranks second in the rankings, being one of the main destinations in the South. The city combines academic tradition with a Mediterranean climate, attracting local and foreign students.

Università degli Studi di Catania: the oldest university in Sicily, founded in 1434, is a reference in law, medicine and natural sciences | Photo: Berthold Werner/Wikipedia — **University of Catania**: the oldest university in Sicily, founded in 1434, is a reference in law, medicine and natural sciences | Photo: Berthold Werner/Wikipedia

Padova: history and academic excellence

With one of the oldest universities in Europe, Padova secures third place. Recognized for the quality of its teaching, it attracts young people from various Italian regions.

Università degli Studi di Padova: founded in 1222, it is one of the oldest and most respected in Europe, especially in the areas of medicine, law and science | Photo: Depositphotos — **University of Padua**: founded in 1222, it is one of the oldest and most respected in Europe, especially in the areas of medicine, law and science | Photo: Depositphotos

Bari: a vibrant university hub in Puglia

Bari is the fourth most sought-after city, with a vibrant atmosphere and welcoming atmosphere. The Capoluogo of Puglia is known for combining tradition and modernity in its academic life.

Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro: known for its excellence in law, economics and agricultural sciences, as well as being a research hub in Puglia | Photo: Università — **University of Bari Aldo Moro**: known for its excellence in law, economics and agricultural sciences, as well as being a research hub in Puglia | Photo: Università

Parma: international relevance and quality of life

Parma ranks fifth and stands out for being a prestigious educational center. Its quality of life and international recognition also make it one of the favorites.

Università degli Studi di Parma: renowned for its engineering, law, veterinary medicine and gastronomy courses, reflecting the city's rich culinary tradition | Photo: Wikipedia — **University of Parma**: highlighted by courses in engineering, law, veterinary medicine and gastronomy, reflecting the city's rich culinary tradition | Photo: Wikipedia

Pisa: more than the leaning tower

In addition to the famous tower, Pisa is ranked sixth thanks to its renowned university. It is a highly attractive destination for students from all over the country.

Università di Pisa: renowned for its physics, engineering, and mathematics courses, and also the alma mater of Galileo Galilei. Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa: one of the most prestigious teaching and research institutions in Italy, focusing on science and humanities. — **University of Pisa**: renowned for its physics, engineering and mathematics courses, as well as being the alma mater of Galileo Galilei. The city is also home to the *Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa*: one of the most prestigious educational and research institutions in Italy, focusing on science and humanities | Photo: Guida Toscana

Rome and Milan: major centers outside the Top 5

Rome
Despite its prestige, Rome didn't make the Top 5, but it's still one of the most sought-after destinations.

Sapienza University of Rome: one of the largest universities in Europe, a benchmark in engineering, law, medicine, and architecture. University of Rome Tor Vergata: focused on technological innovation and research. — **Sapienza University of Rome**: one of the largest universities in Europe, a reference in engineering, law, medicine and architecture. The city is also home to the Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, which focuses on technological innovation and research | Photo: fanpage

Milan
Milan, another major center, also appears outside the Top 5, but maintains its status as an educational hub.

Featured Universities:

Università degli Studi di Milano (La Statale): highlight in medicine and biological sciences.
Politecnico di Milano: international reference in architecture, design and engineering.

Turin: modern education in Piedmont

Turin appears on the list as an essential destination for those seeking innovation and tradition. The city combines academic and cultural excellence, and is a reference in Piedmont.