University of Bologna – Courses, Admission, Fees & Scholarships
Public university in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. A practical guide for Indian and international students on programmes, admission, costs and scholarships at University of Bologna.
About University of Bologna
The University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) is an Italian public university founded in 1088 and widely regarded as the oldest university in continuous operation in the Western world. Its history is closely tied to the birth of the European university model, and the 1999 Bologna Process — which shaped today's Bachelor's–Master's degree structure across Europe — takes its name from the city.
Today it is a large, multi-campus institution. Alongside its main seat in Bologna, it runs campuses in Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini, each with its own academic focus. Teaching covers almost every major discipline, including economics and management, engineering, law, medicine, political science, agriculture, and the humanities.
For international students, Bologna combines a long academic tradition with a modern international outlook. The university offers a range of English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes and takes part in European exchange networks. The city itself is a compact, walkable student town in northern Italy with a large student population, good rail links to Milan, Florence and Venice, and a lower cost of living than Italy's largest cities. This mix of breadth, heritage and accessibility makes Bologna one of the most frequently considered Italian public universities among Indian students.
- City: Bologna
- Region: Emilia-Romagna
- Country: Italy
- Founded: 1088
- Type: Public university
Major academic areas
Economics & Management · Engineering · Law · Medicine · Humanities · Political Science · Agriculture
Why Students Prefer University of Bologna
- Historic academic tradition dating back to 1088, with a central place in the history of European higher education.
- Very broad programme range — from economics and engineering to law, medicine and the humanities — so students can compare many options at one university.
- English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes in selected fields.
- Multi-campus structure (Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, Rimini) offering different city sizes and study environments.
- Bologna is a lively student city in northern Italy with fast rail connections to other major cities.
- As a public university, it gives eligible students access to scholarship and financial support opportunities.
Study with 100% Scholarship
Eligible international students at University of Bologna may have access to scholarship and financial-support opportunities that can significantly reduce the cost of studying and living in Bologna. 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 EligibilityCourses & Programmes
Like other Italian public universities, University of Bologna 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 University of Bologna in the Insperion course finder, explore Insperion study-abroad courses and services or use the university finder to compare options.
English-Taught Programmes
University of Bologna 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
Some degree programmes use TOLC tests or accept SAT scores for international applicants, while others assess applications on qualifications only. Check the admission call of your chosen programme.
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 University of Bologna offer English-taught programmes?
+
Yes, University of Bologna offers a selection of English-taught programmes, mainly at Master's level, in areas such as Economics & Management, Engineering, Law. The list changes each academic year, so Insperion checks current availability for your profile.
What are the admission requirements at University of Bologna?
+
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 University of Bologna accept international qualifications?
+
Yes. As an Italian public university, University of Bologna 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 University of Bologna?
+
English-taught programmes at University of Bologna 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 University of Bologna?
+
Tuition fees at University of Bologna 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 University of Bologna?
+
Eligible international students at University of Bologna 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 University of Bologna?
+
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?
+
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.
Apply to University of Bologna with Insperion
Share your details and a counsellor will guide you on courses, eligibility and scholarships.