University of Venice IUAV is one of the first institutions of architecture, founded in 1926 under the name of Istituto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia (Venice University Architecture Institute) and it provides education in the fields of architecture, urban planning, fashion, art, graphics and design. The annual number of admission of university students is about 4200 as a result of IUAV’s entrance limitations for bachelor, graduate, advanced specialization, and doctoral departments, which were implemented in order to provide better standards of education.
There are 4 undergraduate, 6 graduate, and 9 doctoral departments, as well as advanced specialization courses, various courses, workshops and learning activities within the University of Venice IUAV. The University is among the few universities in the field of architecture that provides various internship or exchange opportunities for its students thanks to the universities it has an agreement with, both in Italy and abroad. The university is the only one in Italy that offers complete education and training in architecture, communication, industry, urban planning, design, visual arts, theater, and fashion. It also ranks among the finest design and art institutions in Europe and worldwide.
You can also review our article ” Moving to Italy and Living in Italy “.
Where is University of Venice IUAV?
In Venice which is the capital of the Veneto region, there are around 120 large and small islands and around 400 bridges. University of Venice IUAV, located on the coast of Venice, is also linked by the 3605-meter Lagunes Bridge.
The headquarters of the University and lecture halls are in a Renaissance building, the former cloister of Terese, in the Dorsoduro district west of historic canter of Venice; the studios have been converted from nearby Magazzini 7 (Ligabue) warehouses with the view of Giudecca Canal. Majority of lectures of all design departments takes place in these two buildings.
You feel surrounded by the sea in this area of Venice, where transportation is conducted by boats that people use to move from one place to another. Moreover, 3.5 km long bridge makes it possible to reach Venice in a very short time. Venice is very well connected to the rest of Italy, Europe and to all the main sites in the Veneto Region, with trains departing from the Santa Lucia train station and buses from Piazzale Roma and Marco Polo and Treviso airports.
You can also read our article about Venice Ca’ Foscari University, which is among the best universities in Italy.
Student Life at the University of Venice IUAV | Università IUAV di Venezia
Students have the opportunity to visit the cities of the country full of historical and cultural richness during their study period in Italy. In addition, studying in a unique city like Venice gives a feeling of being in a movie.
If we try to count all the advantages of studying at University of Venice IUAV for students, our list will be limitless.
Life in Venice and the Best Ways to Get Around in Italy
You will have plenty of water around while residing in Venice, where vehicles are extremely uncommon. Well almost everywhere can be accessed on foot, or you can use a motorbike. Vaporetti, water vehicles, make it simple to travel throughout Venice and the islands.
Besides that, you have a chance to explore every city in Italy due to the train and metro networks that connect them all. You can especially benefit from the discounted unlimited travel privileges that the Italian government offers to students through the subscription system.
Basic Needs such as Food and Nutrition
In Venice, as in the rest of Italy, there are three main meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner with a few snacks during the day. A very popular Venetian habit is the aperitivo before dinner: people gather in small tavernas (bacari) and cafes to share an aperitivo and a few appetizers that called “cicheti”.
The aperitivo might last extended on the weekends and is referred to as an apericena when it entirely substitutes dinner. On Saturdays, many people prefer to eat out, so if you plan to go to a restaurant, it is a good idea to make a reservation. A local substitute for obtaining fresh food is open-air marketplaces (e.g. Rialto market).
Most public and private universities also issue free cards for students and cover the cost of cafeteria meals addition to that dormitories also offer these discounts for students.
Climate and Average Weather Round in Venice
The city of Venice is very lively place for tourism in every season. One of the most vibrant cities of Italy in terms of tourism and the scene of many carnivals, Venice is also known as the Queen of the Adriatic.
Venice, a coastal city full of lagoons, has a Mediterranean climate. Since it is a coastal city, its cuisine is also very rich in seafood.
In the autumn, the days become shorter and fog, and the temperature begins to stabilize. In winter, the temperature is mild and there may be snowing occasionally. In the spring, the days start to get longer, the temperature rises and there is not much rain. In the summer, it is hot and humid, but thanks to the Adriatic Sea, there are breezes that moderates the temperature.
Opportunities to Participate in Many Events and Social Clubs in Venice
Venice offers many opportunities to enjoy the city in the form of museums, art galleries, cinemas, theaters and additionally you can spend your time in the cafes and entertainment venues around the “Grand Canal” that runs through the city.
Venice and other cities are also easily accessible, so you can easily organize trips to other places of in the vicinity.
Living in Italy as a student is a very prestigious opportunity, especially in a unique city like Venice. It is a special privilege to visit hundreds of Italian cities such as Milan, Rome, Florence, Naples, Pompeii, Vatican City and to be immersed in their rich culture.
You can also check out our article ” Cities to Visit in Italy “.
Famous Graduates of the University of Venice IUAV | Università IUAV di Venezia
Famous people who graduated from University of Venice IUAV:
- Carlo Scarpa (Architect)
- Mario Botta (Architect)
- Francesco Dal Co (Historian)
- Stefano Boeri (Architect)
- Nicola Verlato (Painter)
- Graziano Gasparini (Architect)
- Davide Prete (Sculptor)
- Giancarlo De Carlo (Architect)
- Benedetta Tagliabue (Architect)
World Ranking of University of Venice IUAV
University of Venice IUAV is ranked high in the world in the areas in which it provides education, due to its specialized faculties.
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020;
- In the top 100 universities in the field of Architecture,
- In the top 150 universities in the Art & Design area.
Additionally, you can review our article “Top 500 Italian Universities” .
Departments of the University of Venice IUAV
The IUAV University of Venice accepts many international students every year, mainly in specific fields of art and design such as architecture, fashion design, industrial design.
In order to study at this university, which offers education in English and Italian, you must have a level of proficiency in the language you choose to study.
Undergraduate Departments
- Architecture
- Fashion design and multimedia arts
- Industrial design and multimedia
- Planning and urban design
Graduate Departments
- Architecture
- Architecture (Partly in English)
- City and environment: planning and policies (taught in English)
- Fashion and visual arts (Partly in English)
- Product and visual communication design
- Theater and performing arts
Doctoral Departments
- Architectural composition
- Design sciences
- History of architecture and urban planning
- Innovation for building and cultural heritage
- International PhD
- New technologies and information for the region and environment
- Regional planning and public policy
- Urbanism
- “Villard d’Honnecourt” international doctorate in architecture (competition notice every three years)
- Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Fashion Studies
You can also read our article “Postgraduate Education in Italy“.
Tuition Fees at University of Venice IUAV
The IUAV University of Venice determines students’ school costs based on their family’s income. Fees are between 150 and 3500 euros. Students who meet certain requirements or have disabilities may be eligible for grants, discounts, or tuition waivers due to the exemptions and discounts that are offered.
One of the countries across Europe with the greatest number of grant possibilities is Italy. The university and area to where you are going to apply will determine the available scholarships. Each region in Italy, which consists of several, provides scholarships in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations. These scholarships differ based on the students’ family income, academic achievement, and individual income.
Dormitory and Housing Facilities at University of Venice IUAV
For its students, IUAV University of Venice offers residential facilities. Scholars from outside the city can stay in Venice in a variety of places. The university has agreements with numerous organizations as well that provide students with a wide range of choices when it comes to housing, including private dorms, studio apartments and rooms for rent.
For further details, you can check our article “ Accommodation in Italy ”.
What are the Application Requirements for University of Venice IUAV?
If you are interested in studying for a bachelor’s degree or enrolling in a master’s or PhD programs at IUAV University of Venice, you must first meet certain requirements.
Application requirements for undergraduate programs
- If you are considering a Bachelor’s degree, the University of Venice IUAV only offers education in Italian language . For this reason, you need to have Italian B2 language proficiency.
- If you can attend an institution in the nation other than Italy from which you are enrolling, that is the second prerequisite after passing the Italian language test. In other words, this requirement can be met by exceeding the minimum score on the university entrance exam.
- Check with the school to determine whether there are any specific requirements for the undergraduate area of study at Venice IUAV. Studies in art and design may require special examinations.
- Consular applications, student visa and passport issuance must be carried out.
- Collecting the other documents required for the application and translating them into Italian or English is necessary.
Application requirements for Master’s and PhD programs
- If you are planning to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree, there is an English language option in certain programs at University of Venice IUAV. For English language programs, you need to meet the B2 language proficiency. (For related information, you can review our article “SAT, TOEFL and IELTS Exams“).
- The programs in which you will do your master’s degree must be in the same fields as the undergraduate programs you have studied before.
- You should inquire about and be aware of any specific exams or prerequisites of the program you are applying for. It’s important to remember the deadlines that are essential for the exam and application procedure.
- Visa, passport, consular and other paperwork procedures are the same as the undergraduate application process.
Don’t forget to fill out our application form for your university registration, consular procedures, accommodation, scholarship opportunities and all other processes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Venice IUAV public or private?
University of Venice IUAV is a public university. Located in Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, this public university offers design-oriented programs such as architecture, fashion design and urban planning.
Is University of Venice IUAV free and if not, how much is the fee?
There is a modest yearly fee despite the fact that IUAV is a public institution. Generally speaking, the costs differ depending on the programs, but range generally between €150 and €3500.
What is the language of instruction at University of Venice IUAV?
At University of Venice IUAV, undergraduate studies are entirely in Italian, while some of the master’s and doctoral master’s programs are available in English. Additionally some of the master’s programs with English language options are half Italian and half English. All other programs are in Italian.
Are there dormitories at University of Venice IUAV and where can I stay?
In Venice, there are lots of public and private dorms. A certain number of international students are admitted each year. When they can’t find a place to stay in a dorm, international students learning in Italy typically prefer options such as renting a room or a studio apartment. Students do not experience housing issues because of affordable cost of living in Italy.
