University of Bologna

Established in 1088, the University of Bologna (Unibo) is the oldest public university in continuous operation in the world. Ranked among the top 150 best universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025), the university attracts thousands of international students every year who are looking for a world-class education in Europe.

Locally known as Università di Bologna, it offers a wide range of English-taught programs, affordable tuition fees, and generous scholarships. Whether you are planning to pursue engineering, humanities, economics, or advanced research, Unibo offers a perfect blend of practical and theoretical knowledge, making it a top destination for international students.

This article explores the university’s popular courses, eligibility requirements, campus life, and more.

Highlight Table

QS Ranking133
LocationBologna
Official Websitehttps://www.unibo.it/en
University TypePublic
Popular CoursesArts & Humanities,
Law, Medicine,
Engineering
Course Duration

Undergraduate Programs – 3 years
Postgraduate Programs – 1-2 years
Phd Programs – 5-6 years

Course Duration

Undergraduate programs – €900 and €4,000 
Postgraduate programs – €1,200 to €5,000

Tuition Fee ApproxYes

Why Choose University of Bologna?

When you choose the University of Bologna Italy as your education partner, you are not only committing to high-quality education at an affordable price, but also becoming a part of the rich legacy with an international outlook. It’s not only one of the best public universities in Italy but also a hub of innovation, research, and multicultural learning.

Here are some of the reasons that make this university the best choice for international students:

  • Highly Ranked & Globally Recognized: The university de Bologna has ranked among the top 150 universities worldwide (QS Rankings 2025), making it a fantastic choice for students. Additionally, the university is a member of prestigious networks like the Coimbra Group and UNA Europa.
  • English-Taught Programs: Since 2009, this university has been offering english-taught programs, making high-quality education available to international students without any language barrier. Students can choose from courses, such as data science, economics, international relations, and engineering.
  • Affordable Tuition Fee & Scholarship Options: Being a public university in Italy, the tuition fee of the university is very affordable, generally ranging between €2,000 and €3,000/year. Further, scholarships like Unibo Action and DSU make education highly affordable for international students.
  • Vibrant Campus Life:  University of Bologna Italy is not only known for its academic quality, but has also carved a name for itself for its inclusive services, and vibrant campus life. Students get psychological support, disability assistance, sports clubs, cultural events, and more, which creates a supportive study environment.

Popular Courses Offered by Bologna University

The University of Bologna offers a wide range of courses across different disciplines. From bachelor’s to PhD, Unibo combines academic depth with global relevance, making it a great choice for students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Undergraduate Programs

  • BSc in Business and Economics (English-taught)
  • BA in International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs
  • BSc in Engineering Technologies for Industry 4.0
  • BA in Cultural Heritage
  • BSc in Computer Science
  • BSc in Economics and Finance
  • BSc in Genomics
  • BA in Philosophy

Postgraduate Programs

  • MSc in Artificial Intelligence
  • MSc in Data Science
  • MSc in International Management
  • MSc in Sustainable Industrial Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
  • MSc in Quantitative Finance
  • MA in Legal Studies
  • MSc in Aerospace Engineering
  • MSc in International Cooperation on Human Rights and Intercultural Heritage

MBA Programs

  • Global MBA (with tracks like Design, AI, Food & Wine, etc.)
  • Executive MBA
  • Master in Marketing, Communication and New Media
  • Master in Finance and Fintech
  • Master in Business Management (several specializations)

(Note: This university offers specialized business master’s programs through its Bologna Business School)

PhD Programs

  • PhD in Data Science and Computation
  • PhD in Law, Science and Technology
  • PhD in Engineering and Architecture
  • PhD in Cultural and Environmental Heritage
  • PhD in Economics
  • PhD in Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Cost of Studying in Bologna University

The university of Bologna Italy is a public university, and therefore the tuition fee is very affordable. Here’s the breakdown of tuition fee based on different programs:

Program Tuition Fees 
Bachelor’s€2,000 – €3,000/year 
Master’s€1,000 – €3,000/year
MBA-Level (e.g., Business & Economics)€2,500–€3,500/year

Cost of Living 

Bologna, being a small town in Italy, is affordable as compared to big cities, such as Milan and Rome. Here in Bologna, the average cost of living per month falls between €600 and 1,000, varying with accommodation type and lifestyle.

Scholarships in University of Bologna

The University of Bologna offers generous scholarship options to help international students manage their tuition and living expenses. These scholarships in Italy are based on academic merit, financial need, or country of origin, to access quality education in Italy. Here is the detailed list of scholarships available to international students:

Scholarship NameOffered ByBenefits
Unibo Action 1University of BolognaFull tuition fee waiver
Unibo Action 2University of BolognaStudy grant of €11,000/year
DSU Regional Scholarship (ER.GO)Emilia-Romagna Region (via ER.GO)Tuition waiver + up to €6,157 + meals & accommodation
MAECI ScholarshipItalian Government (MAECI)Monthly stipend + full tuition + health insurance
Bologna Business School ScholarshipsBologna Business SchoolPartial to full tuition waivers
Invest Your Talent in Italy ScholarshipMAECI + Partner CompaniesTuition waiver + €8,100 grant + internship
Research Grants for PhD StudentsUniversity of Bologna (Doctoral Schools)Monthly stipend + travel + research support
150 Hours Work-study GrantsUniversity of BolognaPaid on-campus work (up to €1,500–€2,000/year)

Admission Requirements in Bologna University

The University of Bologna acceptance rate is pretty high, making it easy for international students getting admission. While the requirements vary by course and discipline, the university has clear criteria for each academic level. Here’s what you’ll need depending on the program you’re applying for:

Undergraduate Program Requirements

  • Higher Secondary School Certificate (12th grade or equivalent)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL, or equivalent – if applying to English-taught programs)
  • Italian language certification (B2 level) for Italian-taught programs
  • SAT, TOLC, or entrance test scores (for select programs)
  • Valid passport and study visa
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) (optional but recommended)
  • Application via the Unibo Portal with uploaded documents

Postgraduate Program Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (minimum 3-year degree)
  • English proficiency test (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT, or equivalent)
  • Academic transcripts of all post-secondary education
  • CV/Resume and Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation (often 1–2)
  • Some programs may require GRE or entrance exams
  • Portfolio (for design, architecture, or arts-related programs)

MBA Program Requirements

  • Recognized bachelor’s degree in any discipline
  • Minimum 2–3 years of work experience (for MBA)
  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90+)
  • Resume/CV, SOP, and at least one LOR
  • Online interview or written assessment (program dependent)
  • GMAT/GRE scores (optional but preferred for some tracks)

PhD Program Requirements

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent 5-year qualification)
  • Strong academic transcripts and research background
  • Research proposal aligned with the department’s focus areas
  • CV, Statement of Research Intent
  • 2–3 Academic Recommendation Letters
  • English or Italian language proficiency (varies by program)
  • Some programs may require an oral or written exam/interview

University of Bologna Campus Life

Life at the university of Bologna is vibrant and cheerful. It’s a rich, multicultural experience in one of the best cities in Italy. Here is what you can expect at Unibo:

  • Multiple Campus Locations: University is spread across Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini. With each city offering a unique local flavor and a supportive academic environment, students can enjoy the best the country has to offer.
  • International Student Community: The university is home to 0ver 8,000 international students. This creates a truly global and inclusive atmosphere on campus.
  • Student Services & Facilities: Students can access libraries, study rooms, research labs, psychological counselling, language centres, and career services. This helps students enjoy 360 degree growth.
  • Accommodation Support: The university of Bologna Italy provides students with housing via ER.GO regional agency; options include university dorms and private/shared flats.
  • Clubs, Sports, & Cultural Events: When at university campus, students can be a part of associations, theatre groups, music clubs, and participate in intramural sports or yoga sessions, giving them options to network.

How YES Italy Helps You Apply to University of Bologna?

YES Italy initiates for admission to University of Bologna through the following steps:

  • First of all, we provide in-depth details to students for enrollment at Bologna University successfully.
  • Next we suggest students to take a glance at the document requirement and the last date of submission of the application form.
  • We at YES Italy consultant helps students fulfill all necessary documents along with letting you know about the Italy Student visa.
  • Further, we help students to submit the application form for admission correctly to avoid the risk of rejection.

Job Opportunities from Bologna University in Italy

University of Bologna Italy is the most prestigious university with excellent academic standards. The university has helped students to get placed with top Italian companies like:

  • Ferrero: It is popular for manufacturing confectionary products and hiring employees for multiple to manage product development, sales, and marketing.
  • Eni S.p.A.: This is another Italian company that hires Bologna University students to run the operational activities across the energy management and engineering department.
  • Luxottica: Apart from these, you may find it as a leading company involved in making eyewear and hiring employees to create designs and manage manufacturing activities

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a university that combines academic excellence, affordability, global exposure, and a vibrant student life, This university is a great choice. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, master’s, MBA, or PhD, university de Bologna gives you access to top-quality faculty, cutting-edge research, and a multicultural community, all in one of Italy’s most lively and student-friendly cities. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, choose University of Bologna as your education partner.

Related Services

University of Milan

University of Milan

17,000+ Programs Available 40 Lakh+…

University of Trento

University of Trento

University of Trento Fulfill Your…

Marche Polytechnic University

Marche Polytechnic University

Marche Polytechnic University Fulfill Your…

University of Tuscia

University of Tuscia

17,000+ Programs Available 40 Lakh+…

University of Pisa

University of Pisa

University of Pisa Fulfill Your…

Answer You Need To Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Got queries in your mind? Here are some frequently asked questions by the visitors or applicants. Take a look at these FAQs and see if they answer to your queries, or you can always reach out to us on official contacts.

While the admission at Bologna university is moderately competitive, and falls around 60–70% acceptance rate, a seat at the university is fairly easy as compared to the US universities. 

While the admission at Bologna university is moderately competitive, and falls around 60–70% acceptance rate, a seat at the university is fairly easy as compared to the US universities. 

Yes, you may easily pursue a masters at Bologna University by choosing the courses of your choice.

Yes, Bologna University helps students to meet all trending business and corporate requirements by upgrading their theoretical and practical knowledge with its perfect academic system.

Yes, Bologna University offers accommodation and education at an affordable fee to make students’ academic journey stress-free.

This is a public university, the education fee is very affordable. Add to that, students can apply for scholarship options and financial grants, which further decrease down the overall cost of education in Italy.

Bologna University is ranked at #133 globally in QS World University Rankings 2025. Additionally, it is among the top 5 universities in Italy.

Student Visa