Politecnico di Milano, hosting approximately 46,000 students, is one of the oldest technical universities in Italy, offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, focusing on engineering, architecture and design. The university is the largest university in Italy with its 7 campuses that was established in 1863.
General Information About Politecnico di Milano University | Polytechnic University of Milan
Two of the campuses of University are located in Milan and five of them in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna region. The one in Milan is the central campus, where the most of the research and teaching activities are carried out. The central offices and the rectorate of the university are also located on the campus in Milan. Founded in 1927 and in operation since then, the Milan campus is the oldest and largest campus of the university.
Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi) is scientific-technological university, emphasizes quality and innovation in education by providing education through experimental research and productive relations with the world. Since the 2000-2001 academic year, the institution also offers the first online bachelor’s degree in computer engineering field in Italy.
You can also check our article about “Best Technical Universities in Italy“.
The University has multiple international mobility programs. In addition to Erasmus, there are several international mobility programs offered by University. These include Unitech and the TIME program. According to figures of year 2019, the current number of enrolled students is 45,304, of which 6,606 are students coming with international programs.
The university has 12 departments and 4 schools, taught in Italian and in English. There are 40 master’s, 2 bachelor’s and 19 doctoral programs taught in English. 281 projects have been funded by the EU. The University owns 580 inventions and 1396 patents. In addition, a step has been taken towards the climate change and sustainable campus development with the CO2 emission reduction plan approved in 2019.
Where is Politecnico di Milano Located?
The 2 campuses of Politecnico di Milano are located in Milan, in the Lombardy Region in the north part of Italy. The other 5 campuses are located in Como, Cremona, Lecco, Mantova and Piacenza.
The location of the university campuses and the programs on campus are as follows;
- Leonardo Campus: Located in the south-west of Milan. It is the main campus of Politecnico di Milano and hosts most of the faculties as engineering, architecture and design. There is also a large library and a sports canter near the campus.
- Bovisa Campus: Located in the northwest of Milan, this campus includes programs as electrical, electronic and computer engineering, chemical engineering, materials science and nanotechnology.
- Como Campus: The Como Campus is located in the northwest of Milan, close to Lake Como and its study programs are in energy and environmental engineering.
- Cremona Campus: This campus is located in the south of Milan. It houses part of the business and economics faculties.
- Lecco Campus: The Lecco Campus is located in the northeast of Milan, near Lake Como. The campus hosts the faculty of mechanical engineering.
Politecnico di Milano offers a free shuttle service between its campuses. This allows students to travel between the campuses in an easy way. Extensive public transport network of Milan also helps students to travel between the campuses and around the city.
You can also take a look at our article about “Moving to Italy and Living in Italy“.
Student Life at Politecnico di Milano
Being a student at Politecnico di Milano offers students an opportunity to be intertwined with the city as well as the campus life due to its central location. As it is known, the city receives many tourists all around the year, there are many places to visit in Milan.
In addition, there are many social activities in the city. Since Milan is a crowded city, it is possible to spend according to every budget.
The Polytechnic University of Milan offers workshops, various cultural activities, concerts and exhibitions. International films from all over the world are offered free of charge to students from September to June.
The university additionally offers free language courses for students who wants to learn Italian. Due to the high number of international students, you will be able to improve yourself considerably thanks to the opportunity to study in a multicultural environment.
What is the “Buddy Project” at Politecnico di Milano?
The Polytechnic University of Milan has introduced a buddy system starting from the 2015-2016 academic year. It proposes a pairing between new international students and already enrolled students, which helps new students for three months before and after their arrival.
The first three months are the most challenging for someone coming from a very distant country and experiencing adaption problems not only to a new academic environment, but also to a culture and customs that are often different from their own. A warm welcome can therefore make all the difference!
WHAT DOES A BUDDY DO?
- Contacts with the matched students before and after their arrival. Participates in cultural events and activities organized at Politecnico di Milano, addressed to friends and new students.
- They help new students become familiar with the campus and its facilities.
- They facilitate the understanding of the didactic organization: the structure of the academic year, lectures, exams.
- They help students get to know the city and its opportunities.
- Willing to help with any general problem.
- They direct the student to the authorized offices on certain issues.
- He is willing to devote at least one hour a week for meeting new students to whom he will be entrusted.
Politecnico di Milano World Ranking | The Polytechnic University of Milan
- According to the QS World University Rankings of 2021, it is ranked 137th in the world.
- In accordance with THE World University Rankings 2021 data, it is placed between 351 and 400 in the world and 164th in Europe.
You can also review our articles about “Italian Universities in the Top 500” and “Top 10 Oldest Universities in Italy“.
Famous Graduates of Politecnico di Milano
In 1963, Giulio Natta was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and Carlo Emilio Gadda was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Additionally, in 2019, Prof Pierangelo Metrangolo was awarded with the 2019 Fluorous Technology Award.
Departments of Politecnico di Milano
Undergraduate Programs in English
- Architectural Design
- Biomedical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Architecture and Building Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Design and Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Management Engineering
- Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology
- Mathematical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Master’s Degrees in English
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Architectural Design and History
- Architecture – Building Architecture
- Architecture – Built Environment Interiors
- Architecture and Urban Design
- Automation and Control Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Building and Architectural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering for Risk Mitigation
- Communication Design
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Design & Engineering
- Design for the Fashion System
- Digital and Interaction Design
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental and Land Planning Engineering
- Food Engineering
- Geoinformatics Engineering
- Integrated Product Design
- Interior and Spatial Design
- Landscape Architecture. Land Landscape Heritage
- Management Engineering
- Management of Built Environment
- Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology
- Mathematical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mobility Engineering
- Music and Acoustic Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Product Service System Design
- Space Engineering
- Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design
- Telecommunication Engineering
- Urban Planning and Policy Design
Doctorate Departments in English
- Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering
- Architectural, Urban and Interior Design
- Aerospace Engineering
- Bioengineering
- Data Analytics and Decision Sciences
- Design
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology
- Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering
- Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Management Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematical Models and Methods in Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Preservation of the Architectural Heritage
- Structural Seismic and Geotechnical Engineering
- Urban Planning, Design, and Policy
Additionally, don’t forget to take a look at our articles about “University Education in Italy (Bachelor’s Degree)” and “Postgraduate Education in Italy“!
What are the job opportunities (Employment) after graduation from Politecnico di Milano?
Politecnico di Milano assists students in finding job by providing career guidance throughout their studies and after graduation. More than 200 companies participate in the annual job fairs organized on campus and every week companies are invited to the campus to have meetings with students.
There is also an opportunity to secure scholarships through internships. The University can provide scholarships from companies and create internship opportunities thanks to the numerous companies that it has agreements.
The Polytechnic University of Milan is a key member of the IDEA League, a strategic alliance among five leading European technological universities which aims to train the next generation of engineers through extra-curricular activities for selected and highly talented students.
You can also take a look at our articles about “Making a Living as a Student in Italy” and “Job Opportunities After Graduation in Italy“.
What are the Application and Admission Requirements for Politecnico di Milano?
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
Dormitory and Accommodation Facilities at Politecnico di Milano
There are many public and private dormitory facilities in Milan and at Politecnico University. Students who do not have access to university or other dormitory facilities may choose to rent a room, share a flat or rent an apartment for a reasonable price.
At Politecnico di Milano, students should expect to pay an average of €400 to €700 per month only for accommodation. Costs vary according to the area, the type of room (single or double) and facilities you can access.
The university offers a variety of accommodation opportunities to its students in dormitories on campus. Private rooms, double or single rooms are available at different prices. It is only necessary to apply online for getting a chance.
Those who wish to stay privately in a separate place other than the accommodation facilities provided by University should collect documents stating their compliance with various procedures.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities at Politecnico di Milano
Fees at PoliMI vary depending on family income and the student’s country of origin, ranging from €150 – €3500 per month on average.
In addition, Italy is one of the countries with the most scholarship opportunities in Europe. Scholarship opportunities vary according to the university and department you will apply to. Thanks to these scholarships provided annually, students can spend their education period quite comfortably.
In general, scholarship applications may include different processes according to family income, success status and personal income of students. However, foreign students who carry out the application processes well can easily access scholarship opportunities.
Cost of living in Milan | The Polytechnic University of Milan
Living costs and spending habits in Milan might vary considerably depending on your individual expectations and needs and of course where you live, so it is not easy to give advice that suits everyone. First of all, you will need an immediate availability of cash for travelling, food and other expenses upon your arrival in Italy.
It is advisable to bring approximately €200-250 in cash to cover necessities on your trip to Italy. Plan carefully how and when you will change your currency to get the best exchange rates. It is not advisable to bring larger amounts of cash unless you are sure you will need it.
To avoid any financial stress during your trip to Milan, make sure to estimate all your costs accurately, taking into account unexpected and emergency costs.
Below is a list of possible expenses (these costs are approximate and may be used only as a guideline:
Food Expenses
In Italy, your food and beverage expenses are expected to be 150 € to 200 € per month. Some basic meal expenses are listed below with approximate prices (in Euros):
- Milk: 1.20 €/Liter
- Bread: 4,00 €/Kilo
- Butter: 1.70 €/250 g
- Meat: 9,00-19,00 €/Kilo
- Chicken: 8,00-10,00 €/Kilo
- Rice: 1.70-2.50 €/Kilo
- Pasta: 0,80-1,20 €/Kilo
- Water: 0.50-1.00 € Liter
Social Life Expenses
- Cinema: 9-11 Euros
- Eating out: 20-35 €
- Pizza: 15-20 €
- Fast food menu: 6.50 €
- Happy Hour: 8-12 €
- Clubs and bars: 10-20 €
- Concerts: 40-50 €
- Private gym: 40-50 €/month
- University gym: 15-20 €/month
- Sim card price: 10-30 €/month
Travelling Expenses
At PoliMi – Polytechnic University of Milan, your travel expenses are estimated to be 20-30 € per month.
- Public transport: Monthly subscription 22 €
- Taxi: 15-20 € taxi fare
- BikeMi: 9,00 € (weekly subscription) bicycle service
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Politecnico di Milano University (PoliMi) public or private?
Politecnico di Milano is a public university. This university, which offers technical programs as engineering, architecture and design, is located in Milan, one of the most important cities of Italy.
What is the language of instruction at Politecnico di Milano?
At PoliMi (Polytechnic University of Milan), education programs are offered in English or in Italian. There are many departments in English at the university, where education is provided in technical fields such as engineering and architecture.
Which programs are offered at Politecnico di Milano?
Among the most popular programs at PoliMi are Architecture and Building Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Design and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The master’s and doctoral (PhD) programs include specialized branches of mentioned fields.
How much is the tuition fee at Politecnico di Milano
Tuition fees for non-EU students depending on the program level are as follows;
- 4,000€ to 6,000 € per year for undergraduate degree programs
- 4,500€ to 7,500 € per year for master’s degree programs
- €4,500 per year for PhD degree programs
What are the dormitory and accommodation facilities at Politecnico di Milano?
There are dormitory facilities offered by PoliMi and students have a high chances of being placed in dormitories if they complete the necessary procedures. Students who cannot benefit from dormitory facilities can consider low-cost options such as room rental options.
