Sapienza University of Rome – Courses, Admission, Fees & Scholarships

Public university in Rome, Lazio, Italy. A practical guide for Indian and international students on programmes, admission, costs and scholarships at Sapienza University of Rome.

About Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome is an Italian public university founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII. It is one of the largest universities in Europe by student numbers, and its main campus, the Città Universitaria, sits close to the centre of Rome, with further faculties spread across the city and the Lazio region.

Sapienza's academic profile is exceptionally broad. It teaches engineering, architecture, medicine and pharmacy, physics and mathematics, economics, law, political science, psychology, and a wide range of humanities, including archaeology and classical studies — fields in which Rome itself acts as an open-air laboratory. Its size also supports a large research community across science, technology and the social sciences.

For international students, Sapienza offers a growing selection of English-taught programmes, particularly at Master's level, together with a very diverse student body. Studying in Italy's capital provides access to international organisations, embassies, cultural institutions and a large job market, although living costs in Rome are generally higher than in smaller university towns. Students who want a big-city experience combined with a wide choice of degrees often shortlist Sapienza.

  • City: Rome
  • Region: Lazio
  • Country: Italy
  • Founded: 1303
  • Type: Public university

Major academic areas

Engineering · Architecture · Medicine & Pharmacy · Economics · Humanities · Physics & Mathematics · Political Science

Why Students Prefer Sapienza University of Rome

  • One of Europe's largest universities, offering an unusually wide choice of degree programmes.
  • Location in Rome, Italy's capital, with access to international organisations, cultural institutions and a large job market.
  • Strengths across engineering, physics, architecture, medicine and the humanities.
  • English-taught programmes available, especially at Master's level.
  • Large research community and a long academic history dating to 1303.
  • Scholarship and financial support opportunities for eligible students at an Italian public university.
Scholarship opportunities

Study with 100% Scholarship

Eligible international students at Sapienza University of Rome may have access to scholarship and financial-support opportunities that can significantly reduce the cost of studying and living in Rome. Depending on eligibility and the applicable academic year, support may cover eligible tuition-related costs and provide assistance towards accommodation and living expenses.

Eligibility depends on academic requirements, financial documentation, student profile and the applicable funding rules. Scholarship benefits and eligibility vary by student profile, financial documentation, academic requirements and the applicable academic year. Funding is not guaranteed.

Check Scholarship Eligibility

Courses & Programmes

Like other Italian public universities, Sapienza University of Rome organises degrees in three cycles:

  • Bachelor's (Laurea, 3 years) — first-cycle degrees.
  • Master's (Laurea Magistrale, 2 years) — second-cycle degrees.
  • Single-cycle degrees (5–6 years) — in fields such as law, medicine or architecture, where offered.
  • PhD programmes — research doctorates.

Explore Courses at Sapienza University of Rome in the Insperion course finder, explore Insperion study-abroad courses and services or use the university finder to compare options.

English-Taught Programmes

Sapienza University of Rome offers a selection of programmes taught in English, mainly at Master's level. The list and languages of instruction change each academic year.

Ask Insperion's admission team to shortlist current English-taught courses in Italy that match your profile.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's: a secondary school qualification valid for university access (for Indian students, usually 12 years of schooling).
  • Master's: a relevant Bachelor's degree; some programmes check specific credits or subjects.
  • Documents: transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV/motivation letter where requested, and in some cases a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement.

Requirements vary by programme. Please check the programme admission call for the latest requirements — Insperion can review it with you.

IELTS & Language Requirements

English-taught programmes usually require proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests (for example IELTS or TOEFL), minimum scores and any exemptions — such as a Medium of Instruction certificate — are set by each programme.

Italian-taught programmes generally require Italian language proficiency. Language requirements vary by programme.

Entrance Tests

Admission may involve TOLC tests, programme-specific assessments or national tests (such as for medicine) depending on the course. Check the specific programme notice.

Medicine and dentistry programmes taught in English follow separate national admission rules.

Tuition Fees

Fees at Italian public universities depend on the programme, your residence status and, in many cases, an income-based assessment of family financial documents.

Tuition fees vary by programme and student circumstances. Insperion's admission team can explain the current fee structure for your chosen course.

International Students

Non-EU students living outside Italy apply through the university's international admission process, then complete Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a student visa at the Italian embassy or consulate. Visa decisions are made by the consulate and are never guaranteed.

Need help with your Italy application? See our student visa assistance, education loans for study abroad and the study in Italy guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sapienza University of Rome offer English-taught programmes?

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Yes, Sapienza University of Rome offers a selection of English-taught programmes, mainly at Master's level, in areas such as Engineering, Architecture, Medicine & Pharmacy. The list changes each academic year, so Insperion checks current availability for your profile.

What are the admission requirements at Sapienza University of Rome?

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Bachelor's programmes generally require a secondary school qualification valid for university access (for Indian students usually 12 years of schooling); Master's programmes require a relevant Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by programme. Please check the programme admission call for the latest requirements — Insperion can review it with you.

Does Sapienza University of Rome accept international qualifications?

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Yes. As an Italian public university, Sapienza University of Rome admits students with foreign qualifications, which it evaluates individually. Additional documents such as a Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement may be requested.

Is IELTS required at Sapienza University of Rome?

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English-taught programmes at Sapienza University of Rome usually ask for proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests, minimum scores and any exemptions differ by programme, so check the specific admission call.

How much are tuition fees at Sapienza University of Rome?

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Tuition fees at Sapienza University of Rome vary by programme and student circumstances, and are often income-based. Eligible students may also receive scholarship support that covers eligible tuition.

Are scholarships available at Sapienza University of Rome?

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Eligible international students at Sapienza University of Rome may access scholarship and financial support that can cover eligible tuition and help with accommodation and living costs. Eligibility and benefits depend on the applicable scholarship rules.

When should international students apply to Sapienza University of Rome?

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Non-EU admission rounds for 2026/27 usually open several months before the academic year starts in September, and often close earlier than for local students because of visa timelines. Deadlines vary by programme and admission round.

How does Universitaly pre-enrolment work?

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After receiving admission, non-EU students residing abroad submit a pre-enrolment application on the Universitaly portal. The university validates it and the Italian embassy or consulate uses it for the student visa process. Insperion helps you complete this step.

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