University of Ferrara

The University of Ferrara is one of the oldest universities in the world which was founded in 1391 by Alberto (V) d’Este by the consent of Pope Bonifacius IX. In the 15th and 16th centuries it became one of the most magnificent pioneers of the city and also Italian Renaissance culture. During these centuries that stated as the golden age of the city and the University, Copernicus the Astronomer and Dr. Paracelsus, one of the founders of modern medicine, also worked at the University of Ferrara.

Its distinctive urban architecture, which successfully merged the Renaissance and the Middle Ages, made it the first modern city in Europe. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO precisely because of this. In addition, the first Chair of Constitutional Law in Europe was created in this city in 1797. We can list the current faculties of the University of Ferrara, which originally had a faculties of law, arts and theology as follows:

• Architecture
• Economics and management
• Humanities
• Law
• Medical science
• Physics and earth sciences
• Engineering
• Mathematics and computer science
• Morphology, surgery and experimental medicine
• Biomedical and speciality surgical sciences
• Chemical and pharmaceutical sciences
• Life sciences and biotechnology

Research Activities and Collaborations of University of Ferrara

Since 2000, faculties of economics, architecture, medicine, law and engineering of the University of Ferrara (shortly Unife), has been conducting research and experiments in Guangdong, the most industrialized region of China, in collaboration with Chinese universities. There is an active collaboration between the Ferrara economics faculty and the South China University of Technology, while a research project on Guangdong Industry region allowed medical faculty of the University of Ferrara to establish a permanent office at the Capital University of Medical Sciences in Beijing in 2006.

Other joint projects include the restoration of the central part of the historic city Jerusalem on behalf of UNESCO and the pylon reliefs, thanks to an agreement with the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and the Palestinian University Al-Qud in Jerusalem. Analysis conducted at the Temple of Luxor and the temple of Montezuma in the square of Mexico City are also included. UniFE is also take part in important archaeological excavations at sites scattered all around the world.

Where is University of Ferrara Located?

The University of Ferrara is located in the city of Ferrara, from which the university takes its name, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. About 50 km from the Mediterranean and Bologna, the city is situated a few kilometers south of the Po River. This city is a beautiful metropolis of art with a glorious past, with history and culture under every stone. There is the oldest inn in the world that included into the Guinness Book of Records lists, which is located on one of the streets of the city.

Unife offers a unique historical beauty in the form of palaces, houses, churches, museums, squares, gardens and streets from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Ferrara continues to be innovative even in the context of this unique history, with well-maintained roads and a sustainable city approach, where it creates an opportunity for active usage of bicycles. Ferrara is both a silent place to live and full of excitement at the same time, lively place with its festivals and venues. Ferrara offers an ideal atmosphere for students with its undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.

You can also review our article about ” Moving to Italy and Living in Italy “.

World Rankings | Università Degli Studi Di Ferrara

• University of Ferrara was ranked 497th according to CWUR World University Rankings of 2020-21.
• It has been placed between 500 and 600 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2021.
• According to THE European Teaching Rankings of 2019, University of Ferrara was ranked between 151 and 200.
• Università Degli Studi Di Ferrara is among the top 801-1000 universities according to the QS Global World Ranking of 2021.

Additionally, according to QS World University Rankings by Subject of 2020 ;

• In the field of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, ranked in the range of 251 to 300,
• Among the best 451 to 500 Universities in Medicine education,
• Between 501 and 550 in Physics & Astronomy section,
• In Biological Sciences area, it is located at 551 to 600.

Additionally, you can review our article about “Top 500 Italian Universities” .

Famous Graduates of the University of Ferrara

Famous people who graduated from the University of Ferrara are:

• Ludovico Ariosto (Italian poet)
• Nicolaus Copernicus (Mathematician, Astronomer)
• Paracelsus (Doctor, chemist)
• Girolamo Savonarola (Clergyman)
• Marcella Hazan (Italian food writer)
• Michele Ferrari (Italian doctor, cycling coach and writer)
• Massimo Pigliucci (Philosophy professor, presenter, director)

Student Life at the University of Ferrara 

The University of Ferrara (Unife) accepts more than 23,000 students each year and 80% of them come from outside the region. Cycling is very common in Ferrara. From an exhibition at Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamanti Palace), to the library, to the gym, to street shows such as music, theater, dancing and juggling… The bicycle will always remain your primary means of transportation.

The city center is very busy with its numerous restaurants, bars, discos and street pubs, especially on weekends. Whether it’s having a drink in the atmosphere of centuries old streets and buildings, dining in a tower from the past days of Este family, listening to live jazz, wandering late into the night and watching street musicians performing from all over the world, Ferrara has a lot to suggest. The evenings are cheerful, carefree and safe with a unique taste of happiness. Ferrara is a city where students might have a great time as well as study and research.

Departments at the University of Ferrara 

• Physics
• Biomolecular and Evolutionary Sciences
• Biotech, Health and Environment
• Chemical Sciences
• Civil Engineering
• Computer and Automation Engineering
• Cultures and Traditions in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
• Economics, Markets and Management
• Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
• Foreign Languages ​​and Literature
• Geologic Sciences, Geo-resources and Territory
• Health Professions of Rehabilitation Sciences
• Health Professions of Technical Sciences (Diagnostic)
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nursing and Midwifery Sciences
• Preventive and Adapted Physical Activity
• Quaternary, Prehistory and Archeology

Undergraduate Programs taught in English

• Architecture and design
• Economics and management
• Chemistry and pharmacy
• Human studies and foreign languages (All English Language and Literature subjects are taught in English.)
• Law
• Mathematics and computer science
• Morphology, surgery and experimental medicine
• Physics and earth sciences

For detailed information, you can check our ” Undergraduate Education in Italy ” blogpost.

Master’s Degrees taught in English

• Physics
• Master’s track in Small and Medium Enterprises in International Markets
• Master’s track in Green Economy and Sustainability

For detailed information, you can check our topic “Postgraduate Education in Italy “.

Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities | University of Ferrara

Tuition fees at the University of Ferrara  are calculated based on family income and the student’s country of origin. Fees range from €500 to €3,000. Italy is one of the countries with the highest number of scholarships in Europe.

According to the annual announcement of the University of Ferrara, students can apply for a scholarship/fee reduction provided by the Regional Student Services Institution. The application process for scholarships/ fee reductions is provided every year and continues for entire study period.

Scholarship opportunities vary according to the university and departments that students are going to apply. In Italy, which consists of regions, each region offers scholarships according to its own rules. These scholarships vary according to family income, success and personal income of the students.

For more detailed information, you can check our article about “Scholarship Opportunities in Italy“.

Dormitory and Accommodation Facilities at The University of Ferrara

The University of Ferrara provides dormitory facilities for its students. The University has also an agreement with numerous agencies. There are many accommodation options such as private dorms, residences, apartments of different sizes so students have many alternatives to choose from. Prices are also considerably lower than in other cities of Italy.

You can also take a look at our article about “Accommodation in Italy”

Application and Admission Requirements

In order to study at Unife – University of Ferrara in undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs, international students must meet certain criteria in the application process and educational choices.

The application and enrollment process for studying at the University of Ferrara combine the following requirements;

• Students who wish to study at bachelor’s degree must have completed 12 years of education
• In order to study at the University of Ferrara, a valid score must be obtained in the university entrance exams (exceeding the minimum score or being a current student at any university are valid reasons).
• Both undergraduate and graduate (master’s) degree courses require B2 level of language competence in order to pursue studies in English. (You can also take a look at our “IELTS Exam” and “TOEFL Exam” articles).
• If the language of the program to be studied is Italian, B2 level language proficiency must also be certified.
• Student visa, passport issuance and other necessary consular procedures must be completed.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Ferrara (Unife) public or private?

The University of Ferrara is a public university. Located in Ferrara, one of the most beautiful cities of Italy, this public University offers numerous undergraduate, graduate and PhD programs taught in English. Hosting many international students from all over the world annually, this University offers its students a prestigious education in Italy.

Is the University of Ferrara free and if not, how much does it cost?

Despite the University of Ferrara is a public University, there is a modest tuition fee. The average price per year at Unife across bachelor’s, master’s and all doctoral programs is between 500 and 3,000 Euros. The variation in fees depends on factors such as the chosen program, the language of study, and the income of the student’s family.

Is it expensive to live in Ferrara and how much does it cost to live there?

The cost of living in Ferrara is lower than in other Italian cities when it comes to accommodation, shopping and social activities. The average monthly cost of living in Ferrara is €700 to €900. However, depending on personal lifestyle, these prices may fall below or above these numbers.

What are the dormitory and scholarship opportunities at the University of Ferrara?

In Ferrara and nearby cities, students will be able to benefit from majority of public and private dormitory opportunities. In terms of international students, they will be able to take advantage of these opportunities in Italy if they make their scholarship and dormitory applications consciously before the start of the academic year.

What is the language of study at the University of Ferrara?

The University of Ferrara has two languages of study which are English and Italian. In general, many programs at the University are taught in English and in Italian. For that reason, international students make up a large percentage of admissions every year at Unife.