The University of Bologna is recognized as the oldest university in the western world, although it has very ancient origins. The University was founded in 1088 and experienced its golden ages in the 17th century with the Marcello Malpighi being the lecturer here.

University of Bologna (Unibo) holds the title of “Alma Mater” as it was the first educational institution to use the University title. It first included jurists in its teaching staff and from the 14th century onwards, it expanded teaching staff to offer courses such as logic, astronomy, medicine and philosophy. In addition, Gaspare Tagliacozzi completed the first plastic surgery studies in the 16th century at the university, which got a reputation with its studies in the field of Medicine.

Bologna konum, lokasyon

General information about the University of Bologna (Unibo)

Reputation of the University in Europe began to rise again with Giosuè Carducci winning the Nobel Prize. On 18 September 1988, the “Magna Charta Universitatum Europaeum” was signed in Piazza Maggiore by the rectors of 430 universities from all continents. Thus, it was recognized that there would not be geographical and political borders in education and research.

Unibo – University of Bologna has changed the education system that existed until 1989 only within the borders of Bologna, creating an education system that has become widespread among all local universities in Rome. In 2000 it established the scientific and teaching campuses of Cesena, Forli, Ravenna and Rimini. The university also has a campus in Buenos Aires.

Bologna Üniversitesi Fizik Bölümü

There are more than 200 programs at the university where students can study. There are also 78 international programs. 62 of them are taught in English and 38 in Italian. The University of Bologna has 197 research projects funded by the European Union within the framework of H2020 and LIFE, 72 PRIN projects funded by MIUR (Italian Ministry of University and Research), 80 projects funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region and 10 research and training canters.

The university aims to be international in education and has taken many steps in this regard. It is at the forefront of international exchange programs and agreements with other universities. The Erasmus exchange program for European universities offers students an opportunity to study at educational institutions with the ones it has agreements overseas. Students in engineering, economics and politics programs have the chance to study at the Buenos Aires campus and can also go to other contracted Argentine universities. It has also opened its doors to Chinese students coming with the Marco Polo project.

Unibo offers many scholarships and fee exemptions for international students. Students who comply with certain procedures can benefit from these opportunities. There is also tutoring maintenance for students who may need economic support.

Where is the University of Bologna Located?

The University of Bologna is situated in Bologna, known as the “Red City” in Italy. Bologna is 82 km away from Florence, 375 km from Rome and 276 km from Milan. The city is the part of Emilia-Romagna Region, known as the richest region of Italy.

Also, do not forget to take a look at our article about “Cities to Visit in Italy“.

Student Life at the University of Bologna

Studying at the University of Bologna makes a real difference with the international education system of the university and studying in Bologna is also a privilege for them. The University, which has a very deep-rooted history, also hosts many historical buildings and cultural heritage of the city.

İtalya'da Erasmus Yapmak

As the university hosts many students from abroad, there are many events organized among the students. Unibo has a network of museums and art galleries. The university also has a website with a calendar of current events. Transportation within the city is provided by bicycles, trains and buses. All 3 lines have a valid transport card.

Being a student at the University of Bologna is also gives invaluable opportunities because of the location of Bologna. Surrounded by many beautiful cities of Italy, students in Bologna can travel more frequently compared to the students of other cities.

You can also check our articles about “Making a Living as a Student in Italy” and “Job Opportunities After Graduation in Italy“.

University of Bologna World Rankings | Università di Bologna

  • University of Bologna is ranked 182nd in the world and 4th in Italy based on CWUR World University Rankings of 2020-2021, with an overall score of 79.1.
  • According to The Times Higher Education 2021 ranking, it’s ranked 167th in the world and the number of full-time students enrolled in University is 67,298.
  • It is ranked 160th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2021 data.
  • The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2020 places it among the top 300 universities worldwide.
  • It is ranked 1st among Italian universities list prepared by Censis.

You can also check our article about “Italian Universities in the Top 500“.

Famous Alumni from The University of Bologna

Since the University of Bologna has a long past, many famous people whose names are familiar to us today obtained their education here. These graduates include; Italian inventor Gulelmo Marconi, Enzo Ferrari, creator of the Ferrari car brand, Giorgio Armani, the man behind the Armani fashion brand, Galileo Galilei and Nikolas Copernicus, known as the father of astronomy.

Enzo Ferrari

Departments of The University of Bologna

Università di Bologna – Unibo offers many undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral (PhD) programs. The university has a high number of programs taught in English and a high rate of international students.

Undergraduate Programs in English

  • Economics and Management
  • Pharmacy and Biotechnology
    • genomics
  • Engineering and Architecture
    • Automation Engineering
  • Political Sciences
    • International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs
  • Sciences
    • Statistical Sciences
  • Medicine
    • Medicine and Surgery
  • Pharmacy and Biotechnology

At the University of Bologna, undergraduate education is given in Italian and English, and the departments are 3 years. It is also required to pass a local entrance examination test for each department (TOLC). You can take a look at our topics named Undergraduate Education in Italy and Postgraduate Education in Italy.

The University of Bologna – Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in English Combined Departments

  • Medicine
    • Medicine and Surgery
  • Pharmacy and Biotechnology
    • Pharmacy

The undergraduate programs at the University of Bologna are taught in Italian and in English and are 3 years long. For each program it is also necessary to pass a local entrance examination test (TOLC Exam).

bologna üniversitesi kütüphane ve çalışma alanı

Master’s Degrees in English

  • Agricultural and Food Sciences
    • Food Safety and Food Risk Management
    • International Horticultural Science
  • Economics and Managements
    • Business Administration
    • Business Administration and Management
    • Economics
    • Economics and Economics Policy
    • Economics and Management
    • Healthy Economics and Management
    • Innovation and Organization of Culture and the Art
    • Law and Economics
    • Resource Economics and Sustainable Development
    • Tourism Economics and Management
  • Engineering and Architecture
    • Advanced Automotive Electronic Engineering
    • Advanced Automotive Engineering
    • Aerospace Engineering
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Automation Engineering
    • Chemical and Process Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Electrical Energy Engineering
    • Electronic Engineering
    • Engineering of Building Processes and Systems
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Offshore Engineering
    • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Humanities
    • Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge
    • Fashion Studies
    • History and Oriental Studies
    • International Cooperation on Human Right and Intercultural Heritage
    • Italian Studies, European Literary Cultures, Linguistics
    • Visual Arts
  • Languages and Literatures, Interpreting and Translation
    • Language, Society and Communication
    • Specialized Translation
  • Law
    • Legal Studies
  • Medicine
    • Medical Biotechnology
  • Pharmacy and Biotechnology
    • Bioinformatics (IBMB)TDM
    • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
  • Psychology
    • Work, Organization, Personnel Psychology & Services, Curriculum Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology
  • Political Sciences
    • Interdisciplinary Research and Studies on Eastern Europe
    • International Politics and Markets
    • International Relations
    • Politics Administration and Organization, Curriculum Politics and Social Policy
  • Sciences
    • Advanced Cosmetics Sciences
    • Environmental Assessment and Management, Curriculum Water and Coastal Management
    • Geology and Land Management, Curriculum Raw Materials Exploration and Sustainability
    • Low Carbon Technologies and Sustainable Chemistry
    • Physics, Curriculum Materials Physics and Nanoscience
    • Physics, Curriculum Theoretical Physics
    • Physics, Curriculum Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics
    • Physics, Curriculum Applied Physics
    • Photochemistry and Molecular Materials
    • Sciences and Management of Nature, Curriculum Global Change Ecology and Sustainable Development Goal
    • Sciences for the Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage
  • Sport Sciences
    • Wellness Culture: Sport, Health and Tourism
  • Statistics
    • Quantitative Finance
    • Statistical Sciences

You can also take a look at our articles about “University Education in Italy (Bachelor’s Degree)” and “Postgraduate Study in Italy“.

University of Bologna Medical Education

The primary objective of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bologna has been training doctors with all the necessary skills and competences since its foundation date to be the best of themselves.

Medical education at the University offers a program in line with the European Thematic Network (MEDINE). The program is divided into 3 separate programs, which run over 2 consecutive years. This program also includes a compulsory internship as a graduation requirement.

italyada tıp eğitimi ve imat

Medical education at the University of Bologna lasts for 6 years. There is only one test in English for admission, the International Medical Admission Test (IMAT). The cost of the test is approximately 130 €.

Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities at the University of Bologna

Fees at the University of Bologna range between €150 and €3,500. Fees may vary depending on the student’s family income status, the program and degree to be chosen.

Italy is one of the countries in Europe which offers the most scholarship opportunities for international students. The Italian government, educational institutions, foundations also private organizations are offering scholarships and other types of financial support for master’s and doctorate degree students. Scholarships may not only cover tuition fees, but also living expenses as accommodation, food and travel costs.

International students who manage the scholarship application process correctly might benefit from these annual scholarship opportunities.

Cost of Living in Bologna | Università di Bologna

Books and teaching material expenses additional to the tuition fees are not the only costs that students have to cover. Accommodation and living expenses should be also considered. Rent is one of the most important expenses that students have to take into account before moving to Italy.

The following information provided are averages based on data collected from several locations of Bologna. The cost of living may be slightly lower in the towns where the Romagna Campuses are located.

Single room in a shared flat : Average cost € 400.00 per month + utilities

Shared room in a shared flat : Average cost € 300.00 per month + utilities

Weekly expenses on food in a supermarket : € 60.00

Pizza in a pizzeria + beer : Approx. 15.00 €

Cappuccino + croissant in a café : About 2.50 €

Meal in the university canteen : 4.50 € – 6.00 € for a full menu

Meal in a café (drink + a sandwich) : About 5.00 €

 disco-pub in the city center: Approx. 10.00 €

Bus ticket (regular ticket, inner city, validity 75 minutes) : 1.50 € (it is possible to buy plane tickets for 2.00 €)

“City pass” (Bus ticket for 10 trips ) , within the city, (75 minutes validity per journey) : 14.00 €

Monthly bus ticket (for students up to 27 years old) : 27.00 €

Newly released film: 9.00 € (students can get a discount during the weekdays)

Permit of Stay / application for renewal (non-EU students) : approx. 120 € for non-EU students

Annual registration to the Italian National Health Service (NHS) : Approximately 150 €

You can also take a look at our article about “Moving to Italy and Living in Italy“.

Bologna Arkeolojik Kent Müzesi (MCA)

Dormitory and Accommodation Facilities at the University of Bologna

University of Bologna offers separate accommodation services for Bologna, Cesena, Forli, Ravenna and Rimini campuses. Since it is a university that receives intensive enrolment requests every year, it is better to apply online before going for education.

In addition to the dormitory facilities offered by the university, low-cost alternatives such as room rental, studio apartments or shared apartments can be considered for those who want to stay with their families and stay outside the university facilities.

In addition, Bologna attracts a large number of students, especially Erasmus students coming with exchange programs may have difficulty finding accommodation. Students are informed by the University to book accommodation before their arrival in Bologna. If you want to get detailed information and professional help on this issues, you can consult us by filling out our application form.

Do not forget to take a look at our related article “Accommodation in Italy“!

What are the Application and Admission Requirements for the University of Bologna?

Students who wish to study at Unibo on a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral (PhD) program must meet certain requirements.

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 the University of Bologna (Unibo) public or private?

The University of Bologna is a public educational institution. This university provides education in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. The density of international students is very high in this educational institution, which has programs in various fields.

Which programs are offered at Bologna University?

The University of Bologna offers almost all university majors, some of the most popular and preferred programs include: medicine, engineering, economics, business, pharmacy, psychology, law, humanities and social sciences.

Is the University of Bologna paid?

Despite the University of Bologna is a public university, it charges an annual tuition fee. Foreign students who are willing to study at this university, where annual fee varies between 150 € and 3,500 € based on program, might also benefit from discount options by evaluating certain criteria.

In which countries is the diploma of the University of Bologna valid?

Graduates from Unibo receive a blue diploma, which is recognized all around Europe and the world. Students will have an opportunity to build their careers anywhere in the world thanks to the blue diploma they will obtain.

What is the language of instruction at the University of Bologna?

Almost all of the degree programs at Università di Bologna are parallelly available in English and in Italian. In other words, students who want to study in Bologna will be able to study in English or in Italian in the program of their choice if they can meet the language level requirements.

Is Bologna expensive and what is the cost of living?

The average monthly living expenses of a student in Bologna is approximately between 800 and 1200 euros, including accommodation, food, clothing, transportation and entertainment costs.