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The University of Bologna (UNIBO), officially known as Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, is a prestigious public university in Bologna, Italy. It is widely recognized as the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. Renowned for its academic excellence, global reputation, and strong research output, the University of Bologna consistently ranks among the top universities in Italy and Europe.
According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the University of Bologna is ranked #138 globally, while US News Best Global Universities places it at #141 worldwide, reflecting its strong performance across teaching, research, and international outlook. The university attracts over 90,000 students, including a large and growing number of international students from across the globe.
The University of Bologna offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, with more than 84 international degree courses, including 68 programs taught entirely in English. It also operates across multiple campuses in Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini, providing students with diverse academic and lifestyle options. With affordable tuition fees, extensive scholarship opportunities, and strong career prospects, UNIBO is a top choice for students seeking high-quality education in Italy.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the University of Bologna, including rankings, courses, tuition fees, admission requirements, scholarships, and student life, making it especially useful for international students planning to study in Italy.
Also Check: Study in Italy for International Students
- University of Bologna Rankings
- Popular Courses at the University of Bologna
- University of Bologna Admission
3.1 MBA Programs Admission Deadlines
3.2 University of Bologna Graduate Admission Requirements
3.3 University of Bologna MBA Admission Requirements
3.4 University of Bologna UG Admission Requirements
- University of Bologna Scholarships
- FAQs
University of Bologna Rankings 2026
Tabulated below are the World University Rankings of the University of Bologna by some prestigious Ranking Bodies for 2026:
| Ranking Body | Ranking 2026 | Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking | #138 | #133 |
| US News Best Global University Ranking | - | #141 |
| THE World University Ranking | #130 | #146 |
UNIBO has held the #1 spot in Italy for six consecutive years in the Times Higher Education rankings. Its rise from #146 to #130 in the 2026 cycle represents a climb of over 16 positions in the last two years.
Popular Courses at the University of Bologna
The table below showcases some of the most popular courses chosen by international students at the University of Bologna:
| Course Name | Duration | Tuition Fees (EUR) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA Business Administration and Management | 2 years | €1,530 | ₹1,46,651 |
| MS Automation Engineering | 2 years | €1,020 | ₹97,767 |
| MA Economics | 2 years | €1,530 | ₹1,46,651 |
| MS Civil Engineering | 2 years | €1,657 | ₹1,58,823 |
| MS Food Safety and Risk Management | 2 years | €1,275 | ₹1,22,209 |
| MS Telecommunication Engineering | 2 years | €1,657 | ₹1,58,823 |
| BA Business and Economics | 3 years | €157 | ₹15,048 |
| BA Economics and Finance | 3 years | €157 | ₹15,048 |
University of Bologna Admission
The University of Bologna offers around 232 programmes, of which 84 are International degree courses, out of which 68 are taught in English. The university also enrolls students in its 48 PhD programmes, 53 specialization schools, 86 first and second-level professional master's programmes, out of which 14 are international. For interested students, the upcoming admission deadlines are mentioned below:
| Program Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) Programs | 31 May 2025 |
| Postgraduate (PG) Programs | 31 May 2025 |
MBA Programs Admission Deadlines
| Round | Deadline | Enrollment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 11 April 2025 | 11 April 2025 |
| Round 2 | 17 May 2025 | 17 May 2025 |
| Round 3 | 8 July 2025 | 8 July 2025 |
| Round 4 | 29 August 2025 | 29 August 2025 |
Also Check: Jobs in Italy for International Students
University of Bologna Graduate Admission Requirements
Application Portal: Online
Application Fees: 20-50 EUR
Documents Required:
- Official transcripts of academic records
- Scanned copy of passport
- Diploma supplement
- CV/Certificate
- Copy of residence permit
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
- Additional documents specific to the program (GRE/GMAT if required)
English Proficiency Test Scores:
- TOEFL CBT: 213
- TOEFL PBT: 550
- TOEFL IBT: 70
- IELTS: 5.5
University of Bologna MBA Admission Requirements
Application Portal: Online
Application Fees: 20-50 EUR
Documents Required:
- Official transcripts of academic records
- Scanned copy of passport
- Diploma supplement
- CV/Certificate (Work experience required 3-5 Years)
- Copy of residence permit
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
- GMAT/GRE scores (if required by the program)
English Proficiency Test Scores:
- TOEFL CBT: 213
- TOEFL PBT: 550
- TOEFL IBT: 70
- IELTS: 6.5+
University of Bologna UG Admission Requirements
Application Portal: Online
Application Fees: 20-50 EUR
Documents Required:
- Official transcripts of academic records
- Scanned copy of passport
- Diploma supplement
- CV/Certificate
- Copy of residence permit
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
English Proficiency Test Scores:
- TOEFL CBT: 213
- TOEFL PBT: 550
- TOEFL IBT: 70
- IELTS: 5.5
University of Bologna Scholarships
Tabulated below are some popular scholarships for international students who are looking to ease their financial burden:
Also Check: University of Bologna Scholarship
The University of Bologna offers a variety of services to support international students, including help with visas, residence permits, and accommodation through their housing service. They also provide language courses to help students improve their Italian and adapt to life in Italy. Additionally, the university offers guidance on scholarships, academic support, and career services to help students succeed both during and after their studies.
FAQs
Ques: What are the pros and cons of studying at the University of Bologna?
Ans: Based on students' review pros and cons of studying at the Univerisity of Bologna are tabulated below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-Known University: The University of Bologna has a good reputation globally, with a ranking under 200 by various reputed ranking bodies. | Not Enough Support for International Students: There isn’t much help or guidance for foreign students. |
| Good Teachers: Many professors have strong backgrounds and are experienced in their fields. | Language Barriers: Some professors have a heavy accent or make mistakes in English, making classes hard to follow. |
| Free Language Classes: You can take free Italian classes to help you fit in better. | No Central Campus: Classes are spread out across the city, making it tiring to get from one to another. |
| Chance to Explore: Since classes are spread around the city, you’ll get to see different parts of Bologna. | Bureaucracy Problems: The university’s rules and processes are hard to understand, especially for international students. |
| Repeat Exams: If you’re unhappy with your exam score, you can retake it. | Strict Rules for Foreign Students: International students face stricter rules and less protection than local students. |
| International Exposure: You’ll meet a variety of people from different countries. | Limited Social Spaces: There aren’t many places where students can hang out or relax together. |
| Prestige: The university is recognized worldwide, adding value to your degree. | Hard to Communicate: Some university staff don’t speak English well, which can make it tough to get help. |
Ques: What accommodation options are available for international students at the University of Bologna?
Ans: The University of Bologna offers convenient housing options for international students through its residential halls managed by Er.Go and Ser.In.Ar. These halls are located close to the university campuses.
- Forli Campus:
- Sassi Masini Hostel: 120 students (34 single, 86 double rooms).
- San Francesco Hostel: Hosts over 200 students.
- Rimini Campus:
- 14 double rooms, 57 single rooms, and 5 rooms for disabled students. All rooms come with TV, internet, air-conditioning, cooking facilities, and private bathrooms.
- Cesena and Ravenna Campuses: No accommodation provided.
Cost of accommodation:
- Single rooms: €270-€300 per month.
- Double rooms: €200-€250 per month.
- Apartments: €400-€500 per month.
Ques: Is it hard to get into Bologna University?
Ans: The University of Bologna has an acceptance rate of around 73%, meaning it admits a good number of applicants. For non-EU students, admission requirements vary by program, including the need for specific academic qualifications, proof of English proficiency, and possibly entrance exams. While competitive, the process is manageable if you meet the requirements, and the university provides detailed guidance on their website for each program.
University of Bologna Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Automation Engineering 2 years | USD 3,828 /Yr EUR 3,217 /Yr | 100 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 72, PTE: 59 | |
M.S Civil Engineering 2 years | USD 4,132 /Yr EUR 3,472 /Yr | 100 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 72, PTE: 59 |
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University of Bologna Student Profiles
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University of Bologna Reviews
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Likes
- The environment and the community : Moving to a new country is hard, especially when you are not familiar with the language, which was my case. However, my team and colleagues were very welcoming and proud of their international community and this was a huge factor that helped in easy integration.
- PhD modules to get you into shape: My PhD program does not include any coursework here, but there are some modules, which are weeklong classes of 2-3 hours each where some specialized topics are covered. These not only include astrophysics, but also modules of scientific writing and presentations. These are very important to get a sense of what we are stepping into.
- Flexible work environment: work-life balance is of absolute importance here. We periodically take vacations, we work from home when required, and no questions are asked. This allows us to view work as enjoyable and not some 9-5 ritual.
Dislikes
- Paperwork: The formalities to be completed on arrival in Italy are to be handled on our own, which can get overwhelming. However, experienced seniors can definitely help you, which is how I figured everything out!
- Finding accommodation: Its very difficult to find accommodation in Bologna. To get the visa, we need to show them proof of our accommodation for the first month. So, we have to look houses online in a country we barely know! While the university had portals for international students to look for accommodation options, its not guaranteed that we obtain a room through them.
- Health insurance : The Italian national health insurance is extremely expensive. So I took an insurance policy from India.
Campus Life
- There are many many campuses and it's difficult to list all of them. This information is easily available on the University of Bologna website. The physics and astronomy department is in a place called Navile.
- There are well-furnished lecture halls, libraries and study rooms for students. There are dedicated computer labs for the computational lab courses. About sports, I cannot comment, as I am not a big sports person!
Fees
- There is an enrolment fee of around 150 euros. After that, there are no other expenses. PhD students receive a monthly stipend, which can comfortably support one person. The salary depends on the department, and you can easily find this information on the department websites.
- Bologna is very expensive in terms of accommodation. Students spend up to half of their stipend on rent. There is an option to get cheaper yearly passes for buses, which significantly reduces expenses.
- Groceries will come to around 150 euros a month and bills like electricity, water, gas, and wifi can amount to around 100 per month. A nice weekend trip can be covered by 50-100 euros if you plan it well!
University of Bologna Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | ||||
| GRE | 312.9 | - | - | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of Bologna Campus Location
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