The University of Milano Bicocca is one of the most dynamic research and innovation-orientated public universities of Italy. It is one of the youngest universities in the world, founded on 10 June 1998 as an autonomous organization. In 2014, it was ranked 100th among the universities under 50 years old in the Times Higher Education rankings and 1st in Italy.
The University of Milano Bicocca (Unimib) is located on the northern outskirts area of Milan, occupied by the Pirelli industrial complex until the late 1980s. The industrial area was transformed by the architect Vittorio Gregotti into an urban complex, including university research laboratories and student residences.
The University of Milano Bicocca established as the result of the division of the University of Milan in 1990s, which reached its maximum limits with around 90,000 students. Bicocca is a large area in the north part of Milan, that was chosen as the location for the new university. The campus in this area is a part of a large urban regeneration project.
The University is a multidisciplinary educational institution which offers a wide range of academic programs in areas such as economics, informatics, statistics, law, education, sociology, medicine and surgery, mathematics, natural sciences, physics and astrophysics, chemistry, computer science, biotechnology and psychology.
General information about the University
Research at the University of Milano Bicocca is conducted by 16 departments and 37 research centers, which carry out a multitude of activities. There are researchers or research teams in each area with a high reputation in the international scientific community. Research is supported by organizations with highly qualified professionals and advanced scientific tools.
Bicocca have been created together with 31 research canters and consortia through international agreements, collaboration and/or funding to manage major multidisciplinary research activities and to engage in important long-term research projects.
The University of Milano Bicocca is the 3rd largest university in Lombardy, ranked 2nd among similar universities according to ANVUR (National Agency for University Quality Research Evaluation), with 8 of its 14 departments recognized for excellence. With 900 teachers and researchers, Bicocca offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees in economics-statistics, law, medicine, phytology (botanic, plant science), science, sociology and education.
Current programs offered are: 32 bachelor’s degrees, 36 master’s degrees and 5 long-term master’s degrees (5 or 6 years) with a total of 33,000 students enrolled, 2484 of whom are international students.
The current mobility program includes 250-320 students from Europe through Erasmus, 100-150 students from all countries through the exchange programs, and 90-120 students from China through the Marco Polo program. The University has signed more than 358 agreements with research and international educational institutions.
Where is University of Milano Bicocca (Unimib) Located?
The University of Milano Bicocca is located in Milan, Italy. Primary facilities of the university are situated in the north-east part of the city, very close to the Greco Pirelli railway station. The main campus is located in Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo and is known as one of the largest university campuses in Italy. The other campus is located in Via Bicocca degli Arcimboldi.
You can also take a look at our article about “Cities to Visit in Italy“.
Student Life at University of Milano Bicocca
University of Milano Bicocca is a very large university based on its campuses as well as its capacity. In addition to its campuses in the city center, it also has campuses in different parts of Milan.
The University of Milano Bicocca has a campus which is open to everyone, not just students. There are large open spaces, conference rooms, study areas, well-equipped laboratories and a large library in three areas according to the specialization. Additionally, the campus facilities include a university sports canter, disabled assistance, a university medical canter, a cafeteria, a bank and residence halls.
The University of Milano Bicocca is a business and university district, with cosy student cafés, bars and cultural spaces in the surrounding area. Musicals and famous rock concerts take place at the Teatro degli Arcimboldi, while the Pirelli Hangar Bicocca Art Centre hosts a variety of activities. Various shops are concentrated in the Bicocca shopping canter and the nearby Parco Nord Milano offers a large green area with paths and picnic areas. Students often use bicycles as a means of transportation.
Life in Milan
Milan is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. Its ancient history, traditions and industrial position make it a pleasant place combining leisure, business, culture and sport together.
Culture addicts can choose places to visit from a wide range list of theatres, cinemas, museums and art galleries. Sports fans, meanwhile, might visit snow-capped mountains, lakes and even the sea without wasting any time or simply go to one of the many gyms of the city.
On the other hand, those looking for some good, old-fashioned entertainment can meet up with friends in some places popular with young people and try the “happy hour” of the city for just a few euros.
You can also check our articles about “Moving to Italy and Living in Italy” and “Making a Living as a Student in Italy“.
University of Milano Bicocca World Rankings | Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca
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University of Milano Bicocca was ranked at 404th in the world and 15th in Italy by CWUR World University Rankings of 2018-2019 , and its overall score is 74.9. In 2020-2021 ranking, it was ranked 344th in the world and 13th in Italy, and its overall score went up to 76.1.
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According to The World University Rankings 2020-2021 data, it is ranked between 351 and 400 in the world and 83rd in Young University Rankings.
- It is between 521 and 530th place according to QS’s World University Ranking pf 2020-2021, and 301-500th place according to Graduate Employability Ranking of QS.
You can also take a look at our articles about “Italian Universities in the Top 500” and “The Best Technical Universities in Italy“.
Departments of University of Milano Bicocca
Undergraduate studies at the University of Milano Bicocca are taught in Italian and this programs are 3 years long. Italian language proficiency is required for admission. There may also be a local entrance examination test for each program.
Undergraduate Departments
- Economics
- Business Management
- Statistics and Information Science
- Law
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Math
- Archaeology
- Linguistics and Intercultural Communication
- Literature and Intercultural Studies
Master’s Departments in English
- Applied Experimental Psychological Sciences (AEPS)
- Global Management (ECOMARKS)
- International Economics
- Marine Sciences
- Materials Science
- School of Medicine and Surgery
There are 5 different master’s degree programs in English language. The duration of master’s degree programs is 2 years. Despite the master’s degree application requirements may vary among departments, in general, a language certificate proving language proficiency at least B2 level and the required undergraduate graduation are required.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Milano Bicocca
The Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Surgery of the University of Milano Bicocca (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery) accepted more than 2700 students since its foundation in 1999.
The Medical and Surgical canter is located in Monza, close to the San Gerardo Clinical Hospital, which hosts welfare and clinical research activities for personal healthcare, independent of the University of Milano Bicocca.
The teaching methodology at the Medical faculty of the University of Milano Bicocca is quite different from all other medical faculties in Italy. In order to further improve the quality of education, the medical school makes use of a teaching methodology called PBL (Problem Based Learning). This teaching methodology is largely concerned with increasing group co-operation and improving team learning, which is considered to be more effective compared to the teacher-classroom teaching methodology.
With this unique methods of teaching medicine, the University of Milano Bicocca offers courses in neuroscience, digestive health, locomotor system, onchematology, cardiovascular and respiratory system, pediatrics and endocrine kidney, gynecologic and urinary tract.
Medical education at the University of Milano Bicocca lasts for 6 years. There is only one test in English for admission: the International Medical Admission Test (IMAT). The test costs approximately €120.
Tuition Fees at The University of Milano Bicocca
Fees at the University of Milano Bicocca are paid annually and average prices range from €150 to €3500. Prices may vary depending on the student’s international status, family income declaration and the program students will choose.
In addition, Italy is one of the countries offering the most scholarship opportunities in Europe. Scholarship opportunities vary according to the university and department you will apply to. In Italy, which consists of regions, each region provides scholarships according to the rules determined internally. These scholarships vary according to family income, success status and personal income of students.
The University of Milano Bicocca has an advantageous facility for international students. In order to simplify the enrolment of international students in Master’s degree programs taught entirely in English, for all students not having Italian citizenship and with a diploma qualification, it has provided:
- There is no obligation to pay any amount for registration in the first year.
- For enrolment in any academic year after the first year students have to pay €600 for Marine Sciences, Materials Science, School of Medicine and Surgery and €500 for International Economics and Applied Experimental Psychological Sciences.
The University of Milano Bicocca makes efforts to provide a useful and reliable fee policy, funding and scholarship search facility for prospective and current students. Students will also be able to benefit from these supports and make their study life easier.
Also, don’t forget to take a look at our related article about “Scholarship Opportunities in Italy“!
Dormitory and Accommodation Facilities at University of Milano Bicocca
The University of Milano Bicocca offers accommodation options to its students depending on their needs. There are 5 different dormitories contracted with the university. Special facilities can also be provided for Erasmus exchange students. Information should be obtained prior to arrival.
Students who do not get results from applications to benefit from the accommodation facilities provided by the university generally evaluate other low-cost accommodation alternatives. Students will be able to continue their education life by considering low-cost options in Milan and nearby areas such as room rental, shared apartment rental, low-cost studio apartment rental.
Additionally, do not forget to take a look at our “Accommodation in Italy” article on the subject!
What are the Application and Admission Requirements at Milano Bicocca University?
Undergraduate degree program requirements
- Completion of the 12 years of education
- Having exceeded the minimum score in the university entrance exam
- B2 level language proficiency on IELTS or TOEFL exams is required for programs taught in English
- Programs taught in Italian also require a B2 level language qualification (CELI and CILS exams)
- To complete student visa, passport issuance and other consular procedures
Postgraduate and Master’s Programs requirements
- To have completed any undergraduate degree program
- B2 language proficiency is required for programs taught in English or in Italian
- Master’s or doctoral (PhD) programs must be compatible with the obtained undergraduate program
- Meeting the prerequisites of programs having prerequisites
- All other necessary paperwork such as student visa, passport and translation of bachelor’s degree certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Milano Bicocca (Unimib) public or private?
The University of Milano Bicocca is a public university. Located in Milan, the most touristic city of Italy, this university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral (PhD) programs in different fields.
Which programs are offered at the University of Milano Bicocca?
Unimib – The University of Milano Bicocca offers undergraduate and master’s programs in fields of economics, business, law, humanities and social sciences. In general, humanities and social sciences departments are leading in the educational institution and the proportion of international students enrolled in master’s programs is relatively high.
What is the language of instruction at the University of Milano Bicocca?
Programs offered at Bicocca University are taught in English or in Italian. In undergraduate degrees, all programs are in Italian, on the other hand graduate and master’s programs are in English.
What is the academic calendar of the University of Milano Bicocca?
The University of Milano Bicocca follows an academic calendar, which usually starts in September-October. The courses are organized into first semester (October-January) and second semester (February-May), which are held on a semester basis. In addition, the university also offers some courses during the summer months.
What are the campus facilities at the University of Milano Bicocca?
The University of Milano Bicocca offers a modern and technologically equipped campus. For students there is a library, computer laboratories, a sports canter, a dining hall, student clubs and a student life canter offering social activities. Furthermore, the university offers students accommodation in student residences or near the campus.
