The University of Parma is one of the oldest universities in Europe that was founded in Parma on March 13, 962 by Emperor Ottonian. Until 1854, the University experienced a lot of negative events and was repeatedly closed and reopened.
During this processes, the University established an astronomical observatory, a botanical garden, physics and chemistry laboratories, and reopened in a more advanced form with every change. Since 1854, it has been following its active education process. The University currently has approximately 30,000 enrolled students, 1,800 academic staff and 9 major departments and approximately 5,000 graduated students each year.
Each year hundreds of international students start their degree programs at the University of Parma (Unipr). The University of Parma, which offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, also has an education program called “Foundation Course”. This program is a language/culture development program requested by students who are willing to receive undergraduate education as a next step.
Unipr, the University of Parma, has an extensive library, sport centers, congress halls, language training center and state-of-the-art laboratories.
World Rankings of University of Parma
The University of Parma is the 355th the best University in the world according to the 2020-21 CWUR rankings. The University ranked 201 to 300 in THE University Impact Rankings of 2020, 151 to 200 in European Teaching Rankings of 2019, the University is also listed in the top, 351 to 400 in Medical education according to QS World Ranking of 2021. It is also in between 401 and 450 range in Chemistry education, in the 251 to 300 range in Pharmacy education and in the 101 to 150 range in Agriculture and Forestry education.
Additionally, you can review our article about “Top 500 Italian Universities” .
Where is The University of Parma Located?
The University of Parma is a perfect combination of elegance and efficiency, crowded but not chaotic, organized but not boring: a pleasant medium sized city of about 197,000 population in the Emilia-Romagna region, where bicycle is the ideal mode of transportation to get around.
The City of Parma welcomes all tourists every year with its famous culinary delicacies and historical and cultural buildings dispersed around the city. This beautiful city, where the Mediterranean climate prevails is 45 minutes away from Milan and is visited by many people daily.
Famous Graduates of University of Parma | Università degli studi di Parma
Notable alumni, famous people or faculty members who graduated from the University of Parma or in local language “Università degli studi di Parma”, are the following;
- Marta Catellani (Chemist)
- Flavio Delbono (Economist, Politician)
- Giacomo Rizzolatti (Neuroscientist)
- Vittorio Gallese (Currently Neuroscience Professor)
- Attilio Bertolucci (Italian Poet and Writer)
- Macedonio Melloni (Physicist)
- Cesare Beccaria (Lawyer, Criminologist, Economist, Philosopher)
Student Life at UniPR (The University of Parma)
The University of Parma or shortly Unipr is located in a city where students might have a pleasant time. Here is how the University officially describes the city it is located: “Busy but not chaotic, organized but not boring. Beautiful, efficient and pleasant; Parma is the best place to live.” Indeed, Parma is a charming city that offers students many opportunities in case of social life, while at the same time to enjoy their time without stress.
Parma received many awards in recent years for its historical beauties such as Cathedral of Parma, Garibaldi Square, Ducale Park, Pilotta Palace, Farnese Theater, as well as its museums: Since 2003 it has been the headquarter of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), it has been named a “Creative City for Gastronomy” by UNESCO since 2015 and in 2020 the City was awarded with the title of “Italian capital of culture”. It is also close to major Italian cities such as Milan and Bologna, so there are plenty of places for students to socialize, travel and have a good time.
Parma offers a wide range of cultural and entertainment opportunities all year round: about 20 theaters and cinemas, exhibitions, museums and art galleries, where you can admire the masterpieces of local painters like Correggio and Parmigianino and the world famous opera house “Teatro Regio”. Music plays a leading role in the City with performances at the Verdi Opera Festival or the international jazz music festival, rock concerts and the performances in Modern Paganini.
In addition to the activity opportunities offered by the City, the University of Parma also offers student clubs, a university choir and orchestra, sports facilities and other activities. Thanks to these activities, students have the opportunity to socialize and have a productive time.
You can also take a look at our article about “Making a Living as a Student in Italy” where you can find information about how to work as a student in Parma and in Italy.
Departments at University of Parma
Undergraduate Departments
There is no English undergraduate department at University of Parma . However, students might study in Italian here. Some of the departments where undergraduate education in Italian can be obtained are:
- Artistic and Performing Art Heritage
- Biotechnology
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer, Electronic and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Modern Foreign Languages and Civilizations
- Architecture Regeneration Sustainability
- Chemistry
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Law
- Pharmacy
- Medicine and Surgery (single-cycle)
For detailed information, you can read our article about ” Undergraduate Education in Italy “.
Master Programs Taught in English
- Communication Engineering
- Food Safety and Food Risk Management
- International Business and Development
- Foundation Course
For detailed information, you can read our article about ” Postgraduate Study in Italy “.
Foundation course at The University of Parma is a 10-month program that prepares students to meet the minimum requirements of higher education system of Italy . It is especially preferred by students who have not obtained B2 level language proficiency or have not completed 12 years of study.
Students who complete the Foundation Course receive a certificate confirming their competence in either Italian or English, allowing them to apply to any Italian or English taught department.
The Foundation Course also aims to develop educational and cultural competences in an academic context in Italy, regardless of the duration of studies of students. For that reason, it is also preferred by students who have completed 12 years of study.
What are the Admission Requirements for Foundation Course?
Students who are willing to enroll in the Foundation course program:
- Must have completed at least 11 years of education until high school graduation.
- The diploma and the transcript with the course contents obtained in the country where the high school graduation took place should have an equivalence issued by the Italian Consulate and these documents should be translated into Italian.
Course Contents
The foundation course program at the University of Parma has two different directions. Students are required to choose one of these programs:
- General study program
- Music study program
Both of the programs have a total of 60 credits. The major courses common to both programs that are Italian or English language course, Italian culture, intercultural communication and exam preparation for the Italian or English language certification. In addition to these courses in the general the program of study, there are also academic course options that can be chosen, offered by the University which are Italian history and geography course. This option aims to increase students’ awareness of the Italian education system and help them to choose the most suitable degree program.
Together with these courses, the University of Parma suggests four different course options in the field of music related with the music study program and students are asked to choose three out of these options. The instructors will examine the student’s qualifications to provide assistance before choosing among these options, which include choral work, ear training, music history, harmony and analysis.
Tuition Fees at The University of Parma
Tuition fees at the University of Parma are determined according to the declaration of family income, just like other public universities in Italy. Tuition fees range from €156 to €3500 annually and students whose annual family income is below the specified level are paying the lowest fee.
The fee for the foundation course program at the University of Parma is not dependent on family income. Students who wish to participate in the program pay a tuition fee between 3200€ to 4000€ depending on the program content they will choose.
Application and Admission Requirements for The University of Parma
Students should first fulfill a number of requirements in order get a chance to enroll in any bachelor, postgraduate or master’s degree at Unipr, the University of Parma.
The following prerequisites must be fulfilled during the registration procedure in order to enroll at the University of Parma;
- B2 level language proficiency certification in English or in Italian is required. (Please read our related articles “IELTS Exam” and “TOEFL Exam“).
- Graduation from any undergraduate program is required in order to study in postgraduate and master’s programs.
- The requirement might be applied for master’s degree field you are willing to study that be related to the undergraduate program you graduated from.
- There may be prerequisites and examinations for some courses.
Dormitory and Accommodation Facilities at the University of Parma
The University of Parma does not provide any accommodation facility for students. However, the University helps its students for housing solutions.
Students who apply to the welcome office of the University are directed by the center to contracted institutions or alternative suggestions are offered to them.
In addition, ER.GO, the office responsible for higher education in the Emilia-Romagna region, also offers students the accommodation options in 6 different residences in Parma. Independently of these options, students can also consider private accommodation choices.
You can also take a look at our article about “Accommodation in Italy”
What are the part-time work opportunities for students?
Students enrolled on a regular basis can apply for work activities in administrative offices, libraries and in other University buildings. Activities last for a maximum of 150 hours. Students are paid on hourly rate determined by the Board of Directors each year.
You can also take a look at our article about “job opportunities after graduation in Italy“.
You can fill out our application form for University enrollment, scholarship and professional support regarding the study in Italy and University application. Let your adventure begin for Italy with Pava Education!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Parma (Unipr) public or private University?
The University of Parma is a public university. Located in Parma, one of the most popular and touristic cities of Italy, this public university offers numerous undergraduate, graduate and master’s programs taught in English. This University offers its students a prestigious education in Italy by accepting many international students from all over the world every year.
What courses are offered at the University of Parma?
There are a lot of programs inside the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.
Is the University of Parma free and if not, how much does tuition cost?
Despite the University of Parma is a public university, there is a modest tuition fee. Across bachelor’s, master’s and all PhD programs, the average price per year at Unipr is between 156 and 3,500 euros. Factors that affect fees generally depend on circumstances such as the student’s family income, the program chosen and language option.
Is it expensive to live in Parma and how much does it cost to live and stay?
The cost of living and accommodation in Parma is equal to the average for entire Italy. Average monthly living costs considering also accommodation in Parma are 750 to 900 Euros. Of course, these costs are likely to increase according to the preference for luxury living or might be lower with lower cost preferences.
What are the dormitory and scholarship opportunities at the University of Parma?
There are many public and private dormitories allocated for the University of Parma and close to the city of Parma. You should follow the application process well to obtain a chance to stay in these dormitories, which are allocated quite in a high proportion for international students from other countries. There are also state provided scholarships, DSU scholarships and many other scholarship opportunities in Italy.
What is the language of study at the University of Parma?
Although the language of the instruction at the University of Parma is mainly in Italian, many postgraduate and master’s programs are taught in English. Many international students graduate from this university every year and start successful careers in the job market.
