University of Bologna

Università di Bologna - The World's Oldest University (1088)

Founded 1088World's OldestBologna, Italy85,000+ Students

Italian Diploma

80-95/100

Program dependent

International GPA

3.0-3.8/4.0

US equivalent

Language Requirement

B2-C1

Italian or English

Total Students

85,000+

Including 5,000+ international

About University of Bologna (Università di Bologna)

Università di Bologna, established in 1088 as the world's oldest continuously operating university with over 935 years of unbroken academic excellence, stands as the most historically significant and academically distinguished institution of higher learning in human history, where the very concept of modern university education was born and the foundations of Western academic tradition were established, creating the blueprint for university education that continues to shape academic institutions worldwide while maintaining its position as Italy's most prestigious comprehensive university and Europe's most historically important center of learning, scholarship, and intellectual advancement. Located in Bologna, Italy's intellectual capital and one of Europe's most dynamic university cities known for its exceptional concentration of academic institutions, research centers, cultural heritage sites, innovation hubs, and vibrant student life, University of Bologna has evolved into Italy's largest and most comprehensive academic institution serving over 85,000 students including more than 5,000 international students from over 90 countries who benefit from exceptional academic programs spanning all major disciplines, world-class faculty including internationally acclaimed scholars and researchers, distinguished alumni who have shaped world history including popes, emperors, scientists, and Nobel laureates, and the extraordinary advantages of studying at the birthplace of university education while experiencing the perfect combination of historic academic tradition, cutting-edge research, innovative pedagogy, cultural sophistication, and international connectivity that creates an unmatched environment for intellectual growth and scholarly achievement in the heart of one of Europe's most culturally rich, academically vibrant, and historically significant educational regions where the very foundations of modern learning were established and continue to flourish.

Distinguished for its legendary academic achievements spanning law, medicine, philosophy, humanities, sciences, and engineering that have fundamentally shaped Western civilization, intellectual thought, and academic methodology with particular excellence in law where the university pioneered the study of Roman law and civil jurisprudence, medicine where groundbreaking anatomical discoveries were made, humanities where Renaissance scholarship flourished, and sciences where modern scientific methodology was developed, comprehensive offerings spanning 23 schools and 232 degree programs covering virtually every field of human knowledge from traditional liberal arts to cutting-edge technology and innovation, world-class faculty including leading European scholars, Nobel Prize winners, internationally recognized researchers, and distinguished practitioners who continue to drive innovation across multiple disciplines from legal theory and medical research to engineering solutions and cultural studies, and strategic partnerships with major universities, research institutions, governmental organizations, and international bodies worldwide, University of Bologna maintains its position as the world's most historically significant university and Italy's premier comprehensive academic institution while serving as the eternal symbol of university education, scholarly excellence, intellectual freedom, and academic tradition that connects ancient wisdom with modern knowledge, traditional scholarship with contemporary research, historic achievement with future innovation throughout Europe's most educationally influential and culturally sophisticated academic ecosystem. The university's unique position as the birthplace of university education provides students with unparalleled access to academic traditions, scholarly methodologies, intellectual heritage, and educational innovations while its emphasis on rigorous scholarship and comprehensive education ensures that students receive exceptional preparation grounded in historic academic tradition, methodological excellence, original research, practical application, and international perspective. University of Bologna's distinctive approach emphasizes excellence in traditional scholarship, innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement, creating graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for leadership roles in academia, research, government, business, law, medicine, and cultural institutions while contributing meaningfully to human knowledge, societal progress, and cultural advancement through rigorous scholarship, innovative thinking, and commitment to advancing human understanding in the tradition of academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and scholarly achievement that has made University of Bologna the eternal cornerstone of university education and the most historically significant center of learning and scholarship in human civilization.

University of Bologna Excellence Indicators

1088
Founded - World's Oldest
5,000+
International Students
232
Degree Programs
23
Schools & Departments
90+
Countries Represented

Academic Schools & Excellence

  • Law: Birthplace of modern legal education and jurisprudence
  • Medicine & Surgery: Historic medical school and modern healthcare
  • Engineering: Innovation in technology and applied sciences
  • Economics: Business, management, and economic studies
  • Arts & Humanities: Literature, philosophy, and cultural studies
  • Sciences: Mathematics, physics, chemistry, and natural sciences

Bologna & Italian Academic Advantages

  • Historic Significance: World's oldest university tradition
  • Cultural Heritage: UNESCO World Heritage city center
  • Academic Excellence: Nearly 1000 years of scholarly tradition
  • Student Life: Vibrant university town atmosphere
  • European Integration: Strong EU academic partnerships
  • Career Prospects: Excellent European job market access

University of Bologna's Historic Legacy & Distinguished Alumni

University of Bologna's distinguished alumni network spans nearly a millennium of human achievement and includes some of history's most influential figures who have shaped law, medicine, science, literature, philosophy, and governance. The university's graduates include three Popes, numerous saints and scholars, Renaissance humanists, Nobel Prize winners, world leaders, supreme court justices, renowned authors, and pioneering scientists who continue to influence global society, academic thought, and cultural development through their groundbreaking work, innovative discoveries, and commitment to advancing human knowledge and welfare in the tradition of Bolognese academic excellence, scholarly rigor, and intellectual achievement.

Historic Leaders & Scholars

  • Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia)
  • Pope Gregory XV (Alessandro Ludovisi)
  • Dante Alighieri (studied here)
  • Thomas Becket (Archbishop of Canterbury)

Scientific Pioneers

  • Marcello Malpighi (Father of Microscopy)
  • Luigi Galvani (Bioelectricity pioneer)
  • Augusto Righi (Physics and radio waves)
  • Giovanni Capellini (Geology pioneer)

Modern Leaders

  • Romano Prodi (Former EU Commission President)
  • Giorgio Napolitano (Former Italian President)
  • Umberto Eco (Renowned author and philosopher)
  • Nobel Prize winners and academics

Academic & Cultural Leaders

  • University presidents and rectors
  • Supreme court justices worldwide
  • Leading European intellectuals
  • Cultural and artistic innovators

Admission Requirements & Academic Standards

Academic Requirements by Program Level

Program LevelItalian DiplomaInternational GPALanguage Requirement
Medicine & Surgery90-95/1003.6-3.8/4.0Italian B2/C1
Law (Giurisprudenza)85-92/1003.4-3.7/4.0Italian C1
Engineering80-88/1003.2-3.6/4.0Italian B2 or English B2
Economics & Management78-85/1003.0-3.5/4.0English B2/C1
Arts & Humanities75-82/1003.0-3.4/4.0Italian B2/C1
Sciences75-85/1003.0-3.5/4.0Italian B2 or English B2

International Qualification Conversion

Qualification SystemCompetitive ProgramsStandard ProgramsGeneral Programs
US GPA (4.0 scale)3.6-3.83.2-3.63.0-3.4
UK A-LevelsA*AAAAB-ABBBBB-BBC
IB Diploma36-4232-3628-32
German Abitur1.0-2.01.5-2.82.0-3.5
Canadian High School88-95%80-88%75-80%

Bologna Excellence & Italian Academic Advantage

Historic & Academic Excellence

  • World's Oldest: 935+ years of continuous university education
  • Academic Prestige: Birthplace of modern university system
  • Research Leadership: Strong European research partnerships
  • Faculty Excellence: Internationally renowned scholars and researchers
  • Alumni Network: Historic network of global leaders and scholars
  • Cultural Heritage: UNESCO World Heritage city setting

Bologna & Italian Advantages

  • Historic Capital: Italy's premier university city
  • Student Life: Vibrant university town atmosphere
  • Cultural Richness: Renaissance art, architecture, and cuisine
  • Affordable Excellence: High-quality education at reasonable costs
  • European Gateway: Central location for European travel and opportunities
  • Career Prospects: Strong Italian and European job markets

English-Taught Programs & International Opportunities

Available English-Taught Programs

Bachelor's Degrees (Laurea)

  • Business and Economics - International focus with European perspective
  • International Relations - Global politics and diplomacy studies
  • Computer Science - Technology and software engineering
  • Engineering - Selected programs in aerospace and automation
  • Medicine (Limited) - Highly competitive international track

Master's Degrees (Laurea Magistrale)

  • International Management - MBA-style business education
  • Economics and Finance - European economic perspectives
  • Engineering - Advanced engineering specializations
  • Data Science - AI and machine learning applications
  • European Forestry - Erasmus Mundus joint program

Language Proficiency Requirements

Italian Programs

  • Required Level: B2-C1
  • Accepted Tests: CILS, CELI, PLIDA
  • University Test: Internal assessment available
  • Preparation: Pre-enrollment Italian courses offered

English Programs

  • Required Level: B2-C1
  • Accepted Tests: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90+
  • Alternative: Cambridge FCE, CAE, CPE
  • Native Speakers: May be exempt with documentation

Language Support

  • Italian Courses: Free courses for international students
  • Language Exchange: Tandem programs with Italian students
  • Academic Writing: Support centers for thesis writing
  • Multilingual Services: Administrative support available

International Student Advantages at Bologna

Academic & Cultural Benefits

  • Historic Significance: Study at the world's oldest university
  • Academic Tradition: Nearly 1000 years of scholarly excellence
  • Research Opportunities: Access to European research networks
  • Cultural Immersion: Renaissance art, architecture, and Italian culture
  • Alumni Network: Connection to historic global leader network
  • European Integration: Strong EU academic and professional connections

Practical & Career Advantages

  • Affordable Excellence: Low tuition fees for world-class education
  • Student City: Bologna designed around university life
  • Central Location: Easy access to European destinations
  • Culinary Capital: World-renowned cuisine and food culture
  • Post-Graduation: EU work opportunities and career prospects
  • Quality of Life: High safety, healthcare, and living standards

Application Process & Timeline

Application Timeline

  • December-February: Research programs and prepare documentation
  • March-May: Submit applications and language certifications
  • April-June: Entrance exams and additional assessments (if required)
  • June-July: Admission decisions and enrollment procedures
  • August: Visa applications and accommodation arrangements
  • September: Arrival, orientation, and academic year begins

Required Documents

  • Academic Records: Certified transcripts and diplomas with official translation
  • Language Certification: Italian (B2-C1) or English (B2-C1) depending on program
  • Declaration of Value: Diploma recognition from Italian consulate
  • Personal Statement: Motivation letter for chosen field of study
  • Portfolio: Required for art, architecture, and design programs
  • Entrance Exams: TOLC tests for science and engineering programs

Admission Assessment Criteria

Academic Excellence (60%)

  • Strong academic record in relevant subjects
  • Standardized test scores and entrance exams
  • Mathematical and analytical skills
  • Subject-specific knowledge and preparation

Language & Cultural Fit (25%)

  • Italian or English language proficiency
  • Understanding of Italian academic culture
  • Ability to integrate in Bologna's student community
  • Communication skills and cultural awareness

Motivation & Goals (15%)

  • Clear academic and career objectives
  • Understanding of program requirements and content
  • International perspective and experience
  • Contribution potential to university community

Your Gateway to 935 Years of Academic Excellence

University of Bologna represents the ultimate academic achievement, where students gain access to the world's oldest and most prestigious university tradition while experiencing over 935 years of continuous academic excellence, scholarly achievement, and intellectual advancement in the birthplace of modern university education and the heart of one of Europe's most culturally rich and academically vibrant cities known for its exceptional combination of historic significance, academic prestige, cultural sophistication, student life, and unparalleled opportunities for intellectual growth, scholarly research, cultural immersion, and personal development in the institution that created the very concept of university education and continues to shape academic excellence throughout the world. With exceptional comprehensive programs spanning all major disciplines from traditional humanities and law to cutting-edge sciences and technology, University of Bologna empowers students from around the world to pursue their academic passions while contributing meaningfully to human knowledge, cultural advancement, and societal progress through rigorous scholarship, innovative research, and commitment to advancing human understanding in the tradition of Bolognese academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and scholarly achievement that has made University of Bologna the eternal cornerstone of university education and the most historically significant center of learning and scholarship in human civilization, European academic development, and global intellectual advancement throughout nearly a millennium of continuous educational excellence, scholarly innovation, and academic leadership.

Ready to Join the World's Most Historic University?

Take the first step toward an extraordinary academic journey at the birthplace of university education, where historic tradition meets modern excellence in the heart of Bologna's vibrant academic and cultural landscape.

Historic Legacy
World's oldest university (1088)
Academic Excellence
935+ years of scholarship
Bologna Advantage
UNESCO heritage university city

University of Bologna Success Formula: The university seeks students who combine strong academic preparation with intellectual curiosity, language proficiency, and appreciation for historic academic tradition. Your journey to Bologna begins with excellent academic credentials, language skills (Italian B2-C1 or English B2-C1 for select programs), and clear understanding of how University of Bologna's unique combination of historic significance, academic prestige, cultural richness, and scholarly tradition will enhance your education and prepare you for significant contributions to human knowledge, cultural advancement, and societal progress through rigorous scholarship, innovative thinking, intellectual growth, practical application of knowledge, and lifelong commitment to advancing human understanding and welfare in the tradition of Bolognese academic excellence, scholarly rigor, and intellectual achievement that has made University of Bologna the eternal symbol of university education and a beacon of academic excellence throughout nearly a millennium of continuous educational leadership, scholarly innovation, and intellectual advancement that continues to shape university education, academic methodology, and scholarly achievement throughout Italy, Europe, and the world's most academically distinguished and culturally sophisticated educational institutions.