Sapienza University of Rome, commonly known as La Sapienza, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. Founded in 1303, it is not only Italy’s largest university by enrollment but also one of the top public research institutions in the world. Located in the heart of Rome, the university offers a wide range of programs across sciences, humanities, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Known for its historical legacy, academic rigor, and vibrant student life, La Sapienza attracts thousands of international students every year. The university plays a leading role in global academic networks and boasts strong links to Italian and international industries, institutions, and research centers.
University Overview
-
Location: Rome, Lazio, Italy
-
Established: 1303
-
Student Population: 115,000+
-
International Students: 8,000+
-
Global Rankings: Top 200 globally (QS, THE), Top 100 in Classical Studies, Physics, and Engineering
-
Affiliations: UNICA, EUA, Coimbra Group, CIVIS – European Civic University Alliance
Faculties & Departments
Sapienza University is organized into several faculties and over 60 departments, offering a wide academic portfolio.
-
Main Faculties:
-
Faculty of Architecture
-
Faculty of Civil and Industrial Engineering
-
Faculty of Information Engineering, Informatics, and Statistics
-
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
-
Faculty of Medicine and Psychology
-
Faculty of Law
-
Faculty of Political Science, Sociology, and Communication
-
Faculty of Philosophy, Arts, and Humanities
-
Faculty of Economics
-
Faculty of Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Natural Sciences)
-
Intakes
-
Main Intake: September/October
Application Deadlines: March – May (for most undergraduate and master’s programs) -
Secondary Intake: February (limited programs)
Application Deadlines: September – October
Note: Deadlines vary by program. International applicants should apply early to account for visa and pre-enrollment procedures.
Admission Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Requirements | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | High school diploma with relevant subjects and passing entry exams if required | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) | 80 (min. 20 per section) | 58 (no skill below 50) |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 90 (min. 21 per section) | 62 (no skill below 58) |
Note: Some programs may require entrance exams (especially Medicine, Engineering), interviews, or portfolios (for Architecture, Arts).
Top Programs at La Sapienza
Undergraduate Programs
-
BSc in Aerospace Engineering
-
BSc in Physics
-
BSc in Architecture
-
BSc in International Relations
-
BSc in Economics and Management
Postgraduate Programs
-
MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
-
MSc in Data Science
-
MSc in Medicine and Surgery (English-taught)
-
MSc in International Cooperation and Development
-
MSc in Classical Archaeology
Tuition Fees
| Program Level | Tuition Fee (EUR/year) | Approx. in USD/year |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €1,000 – €2,500 | $1,080 – $2,700 |
| Postgraduate | €1,000 – €2,800 | $1,080 – $3,000 |
Note: Tuition varies by student’s country of origin and program. Students from developing countries or with low income may be eligible for reduced fees.
Scholarships for International Students
1. LazioDisco Regional Scholarships
-
Eligibility: Based on income, merit, and residency status
-
Amount: Covers tuition + up to €5,000 living allowance + accommodation
-
Renewable: Yes, annually
2. Sapienza Merit Scholarships
-
Eligibility: Non-EU students applying for master’s programs
-
Amount: Tuition waivers + financial support up to €4,300/year
-
Renewable: Based on academic performance
3. Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
-
Eligibility: Offered to students from selected countries
-
Amount: Monthly stipend + tuition exemption
-
Renewable: Yes, depending on program duration
Note: Early application increases scholarship chances. Additional departmental grants may also be available.
Why Choose Sapienza University of Rome?
-
Italy’s oldest and largest university with a global reputation
-
Located in Rome, a major center for history, politics, and international institutions
-
Broad range of English-taught programs, especially at postgraduate level
-
Leading research centers in space science, archaeology, medicine, and AI
-
Affordable tuition and generous regional and national scholarships
-
A dynamic and culturally rich student experience with global networking opportunities



