Italy flag

Bologna, Italy

University of Bologna

#154 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#154

Acceptance Rate

50%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$3,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

Application Deadline

May 30

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

87,000

students

International Students

8%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

The world's oldest university (1088) in Italy's food capital, offering degrees at very low cost.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#51–100Law#51–100Arts & Humanities#101–150Engineering & Technology

Notes for US Students

The world's oldest university (1088). Many English programs. Bologna is Italy's foodie capital.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to University of Bologna

Acceptance Rate

50%

Moderately selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

May 30

Instruction Language

Italian/English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$3,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via Universitaly portal (international student portal)
  • University entrance qualification (high school diploma + transcript)
  • Italian language proficiency required for Italian programs; English programs available
  • IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ for English programs
  • Income-based tuition: free for low income; higher for high income families
  • Pre-enrollment through Italian consulate required

Class Size

Avg. Lecture250 students
Avg. Seminar30 students
Student : Faculty20:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermMid-SeptemberLate January
Spring TermEarly FebruaryLate June
BreaksJul–Sep

One of the oldest universities in the world (founded 1088).

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
Italian/English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$3,000 / year
Application Deadline
May 30
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
50%

Programs Offered

LawArts & HumanitiesSciencesEngineeringMedicineBusiness

Scholarships to Explore

  • ER.GO Regional Scholarship
  • University merit grants

Cost of Living — Bologna, Italy

Low Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$620/mo
Groceries & dining$250/mo
Transportation$50/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$170/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,090

vs. avg US college student

43% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Bologna is one of the best-value cities in Western Europe. Famous food culture, walkable city, and very low student costs.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at University of Bologna as a US Student

University of Bologna is located in Bologna, Italy and is ranked #154in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Law, Arts & Humanities, Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and more. Instruction is offered in Italian/English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$3,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 50%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of May 30. Scholarships available include the ER.GO Regional Scholarship.