The University of Pavia is one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, beginning to provide education since 825 but officially founded in 1361. Pavia has a unique university system in Italy, dating back to the 16th century, like Oxford and Cambridge in England.

The University of Pavia (Unipv), officially founded by Emperor Charles IV when Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan, assumed responsibility for the university, has become one of the most fundamental universities in Italy, especially in the field of study and teaching of law.

The current student capacity is approximately 24.000 and there are about 1500 international students. In addition, 2700 professors, lecturers and administrative staff, 30 libraries and 1 language canter are ready to provide the best education.

Pavia has been awarded with the title of “European City of Sport 2014“. The University Sports Centre (CUS) promotes sport among students enrolled at the university by offering a wide range of courses, organizing championships and tournaments. CUS Pavia teams take part in national and international competitions such as the World University Games. The San Mateo Medical Centre, used by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Pavia, is among the most renowned and advanced research hospitals in Italy.

General information about the University of Pavia (Unipv)

Today Pavia offers 4 merit-based colleges, 12 state and 4 private colleges. The University of Pavia provides education in many different fields. It continues to offer education in a total of 18 different departments in various degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. In addition, with bilateral agreements with more than 400 universities, it hosts guest professors from all over the world and provides its students with an opportunity to continue their education at different universities.

These universities include the historical University of Coimbra, numerous European universities, Middle Eastern universities, especially schools located in the Mediterranean geography, universities of America, China, Japan and many other countries. In addition, there are more than 700 universities which it has an Erasmus exchange agreement with.

The University of Pavia offers a wide range of educational courses included ones taught in English. In addition to medical and surgical courses, Pavia was the first university in Italy to start teaching courses in English in 2009.

University of Pavia Facilities and Sports

The University of Pavia has 2 campuses, 20 University colleges, 35 libraries, 1,250,000 books and magazines, 19 museums, 4 cinemas and theatres, 12 cultural centres, 1 music school and 2 civic music and art schools.

It is also internationally recognized thanks to the title of European City of Sport 2014. 2 multi-use sports centres, 4 public swimming pools, 3 private sports clubs, 26 school and 8 university sports halls, 20 playgrounds, 15 football pitches, 5 petanque (boules) fields, 4 private equestrian canters, 20 tennis courts, 10 facilities offering golf, skating and five-a-side football and many other activities and facilities.

Where is the University of Pavia Located?

The University is located in Pavia, a small and cosy Italian city with a population of 72,612, in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, south part of Milan, within easy reach of Genoa and the Ligurian coast.

You can also take a look at our article about “Cities to Visit in Italy“.

Student Life at the University of Pavia

The campuses of the university are located in different parts of the small city of Pavia. There is a train to Milan every 10 minutes and since it is 25 minutes away, there are many students living in Milan and studying here. It is known that Pavia was the capital of the region during the Kingdom of Lombardy. For this reason, the central campus of the university, like all the other buildings in the city, retains its original appearance. Being a student in Pavia it becomes valuable with friendships and sharing.

On the university campuses there are museums and collections in the fields of Electrical Technology, Natural History, Mineralogy, Chemistry, Physics, Music Science, Mathematics, Archaeology, etc. Campus life is very lively, there are various student clubs.

University of Pavia aims to create an open community in which academic achievements, traditional events, parties and sports competitions all play an important role. At the university students can also build their first professional network for their career.

Don’t forget to check out our articles about “University Education in Italy” and “Job Opportunities after Graduation in Italy“!

Famous Graduates of the University of Pavia | Università degli Studi di Pavia

Among the most famous teachers of the period, Lazzaro Spallanzani in natural sciences, Lorenzo Mascheroni in mathematics, Alessandro Volta in physics, Antonio Scarpa in anatomy, the Napoleonic era, Vincenzo Monti and Ugo Foscolo, Gian Domenico Romagnosi in civil law.

Throughout the nineteenth century medical school and mathematical school of University of Pavia were marked by great personalities who gave a new and powerful push to scientific research, with important outcome on the national and international scene. The mathematicians Eugenio Beltrami, Felice Casorati and Luigi Berzolari taught for some time in Pavia; Camillo Golgi, professor of histology and professor of general pathology, received the Nobel Prize in 1906 for his work on the structure of the nervous system. Carlo Forlanini developed new methods for the treatment of tuberculosis.

University of Pavia World Rankings

The University of Pavia (Università degli Studi di Pavia) was ranked 366th in the world and 13th in Italy in the CWUR World University Rankings of 2018-2019, with an overall score of 75.4. According to QS 2019 data, the university is among the 250 Best Medical educational institutions in the World and in accordance with the same source, it is among the top 200 universities in the field of Civil and Structural Engineering.

You can also check our articles about “Italian Universities in the Top 500” and “The Best Technical Universities in Italy”.

Departments of University of Pavia

Università degli Studi di Pavia includes 18 departments, 77 Italian courses (39 undergraduate, 38 graduate), 12 English master’s courses and 19 doctoral courses.

Undergraduate Departments

The Università degli Studi di Pavia – Unipv comprises of 18 departments and 77 Italian majors (39 undergraduate, 38 postgraduate). In addition, there are 12 master’s degree programs in English and 19 doctoral degree programs.

Undergraduate studies at the University of Pavia are taught in Italian and the duration of study is 3 years. Italian language proficiency is required for admission, but in some Italian universities and programs language proficiency can also be achieved through preliminary assessments such as interviews. In addition, for undergraduate programs it is necessary to pass the local entrance exam.

Undergraduate Programs

Chemistry
Economics and Management
Business Management
Pharmacy
Philosophy
Physics
Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics
Law
Biomedical Engineering
Automation Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Energy Engineering
Computer Engineering
Mathematics
Medicine and Surgery
Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics
Psychology
Educational Sciences
Geological Sciences
Motor and Sport Sciences
Political and Social Sciences
Historical, Archaeological and Artistic Sciences
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Graduate Programs

Civil Engineering for Mitigation of Risk from Natural Hazards
Computer Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Harvey Medicine and Surgery Course
Industrial Automation Engineering
Master Program in Economics, Finance and International Integration
Master Program in International Business and Entrepreneurship
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Psychology, Neuroscience and Human Sciences
The Ancient Mediterranean World (History Archeology and Art)
World Politics and International Relations

There are 11 different master’s programs taught in English language. The duration of master’s degree programs is 2 years. While the master’s degree application requirements may vary among departments, in general, a language certificate showing the language proficiency at least B1 level is required.

For more information about postgraduate degree, you can also review our article “Postgraduate Study in Italy“.

Faculty of Medicine at University of Pavia

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Pavia is indeed an exceptional school that stands out in the midst of the multitude. Despite being the first of its kind in Italy, its standards are still in demand by others. Founded in 1361 in the canter of Pavia, the Faculty of Medicine has successfully preserved its heritage.

Unipv (Università di Pavia) offers students the Harvey course, a complete curriculum practiced by medicine for more than 500 years. This system provides students with a solid background. The department offers study options in English and in Italian.

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Pavia is made up of a group of teaching professors, scientists and clinicians who constantly follow the leading developments and current knowledge in the field of Medicine. Prof. Dr Gherardi, Professor of the Pathology course (Immunology), has 20 years of teaching experience in Cambridge before coming to Pavia.

Medical education at the University of Pavia lasts for 6 years. There is only one exam in English for admission, the International Medical Admission Test (IMAT).

University of Pavia Graduates Employment Rate

82% of graduates find a job within one year of graduation.
93% of graduates get employed within three years of graduation.
94% of graduates get employed within five years of graduation.
In addition, job finding rate of those who have obtained master’s degrees in Science, Engineering, Medicine and Pharmacology is 95% after graduation.

University of Pavia Tuition Fees

Fees at public universities in Italy are calculated based on family income and the student’s country of origin. At University of Pavia, fees range from €150 to €3500 per year on average.

In addition, Italy is one of the countries in Europe that offers the most scholarships to foreign students. The University of Pavia also offers scholarships to its international students in very high rates every year. Thanks to these scholarships, students can cover their education and living costs. Scholarship amounts may vary according to the university and chosen department.

Italy, which consists of regions, each region provides scholarships according to the rules determined internally. These scholarships are determined after evaluations according to family income, success status and personal income of students.

Dormitory and Accommodation Facilities at University of Pavia

The University of Pavia offers students many options in terms of accommodation. There are 17 student dormitories located in different parts of the city. In general, there are historical dormitory buildings where the UK college system is adopted. Not only accommodation, but also an environment conducive to the socialization of the students with the activities organized for the students staying there.

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

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

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 Pavia (Unipv) public or private?

The University of Pavia is a public university that was established in 14th century. This deep-rooted educational institution offers numerous programs in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral (PhD) degrees. Students can also visit the University through the student exchange programs (Erasmus).

Which programs are offered at the University of Pavia?

There are departments from different fields within the University of Pavia, including; Engineering, medicine, dentistry, psychology, economics, business, mathematics, physics and other humanities, as well as graduate and master’s programs in mentioned fields.

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

The language taught at the University of Pavia is Italian for the majority of undergraduate programs, on the other hand some undergraduate and majority of postgraduate programs are in English.

How much does the University of Pavia cost?

The average tuition fee at the University of Pavia is between 150 and 3,500 euros per year for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral (PhD) programs. These fees can be reduced according to factors such as the student’s family income status and success status.

Is it expensive to live in Pavia and what is the cost of living?

Pavia is a city with average living costs compared to other cities in Italy. The cost of living including accommodation in Pavia is between 700 and 900 euros per month. These costs may vary depending on personal preferences.

What are the accommodation options for students at the University of Pavia?

The University of Pavia offers dormitory and private accommodation facilities for students. There are also many low-cost options in the city canter, such as room rental, studio apartments, student shared apartments, etc.