Higher education in Milan 2025

The Italian system of higher education adheres to the Bologna Process, which was established by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Compliance with the Bologna Process allows countries to unify degree standards across Europe. The EHEA provides guidelines on degree standards and implementation, guaranteeing consistent and high-quality education.

Milan is a home to many prestigious universities. Most educational institutions offer programs in English, which attracts foreign students, as they do not need proficiency in Italian. Deciding on study in Milan, students are provided with a diverse directions of education, ranging from engineering to social sciences, fashion design to gastronomy.

Campus Locations

University campuses are located all over the city. At the same time, some institutions, in particular the Technical University of Milan, have campuses in nearby towns such as Como, Cremona, Lecco, Mantua, and Piacenza. These universities are key drivers of regional development and often receive financial support.

Public and Private Universities

Studying at public universities is less expensive compared to private institutions. Higher tuition fees at private institutions are stipulated by diverse and effective educational programs, state-of-the-art facilities. Foreign students can take bachelor's, master's, and some doctoral programs. 

Prominent Universities in Milan

• Technical University of Milan: It has gained recognition for engineering and architecture.
• University of Milan:  Students can take programs in business, economics, political science, and international relations.
• NABA, Domus Academy, IED, and Marangoni: It makes an emphasis on fashion, design, and interior architecture.
• Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Humanitas University: Students can take specialization in medicine, biotechnology, and molecular medicine.
• SHG Milano:  Popularity is related to gastronomy programs.

Deciding on pursuing education in Milan, students receive the following advantages:

• Extensive Campuses: Universities have numerous campuses and centers throughout Milan, equipped with libraries and cafes for student comfort.

• Italian Cuisine:  Italy’s culinary delights firsthand are served for students.

• Efficient Public Transport: The city has an efficient public transport system with buses, trains, and trams that offer student discounts. While services generally pause overnight, buses and trams run throughout the night on weekends.

• Multilingual Environment: While Italian is the primary language, many people in Milan speak French, English, and Spanish, contributing to the city's large international community.

Unique Features of Higher Education in Milan

Italian universities set fees based on the family income of students (ISEE), though this primarily applies to Italian citizens. Students at public universities can apply for the DSU (Diritto allo studio) grant, funded by the Lombardy region. This grant can cover cafeteria meals, some supermarket purchases, and additional student expenses.

No matter a university in Milan you have chosen, students are provided with part-time employment opportunities on various academic faculties. Special arrangements are also made for students with special needs.

Milan, the capital of Italy's publishing industry, promotes reading through an extensive library system, including 26 city and 24 district libraries. These provide quiet spaces for students to study and relax.

Extracurricular Activities

International students in Milan can engage in various clubs and activities on campus. Whether it’s sports like football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, or cultural clubs for Chinese, Spanish, French, or sign language speakers, there’s something for everyone.

• Engineering

• Architecture

• Medicine

• Business and Economics

• Finance

• International Relations

• Psychology

• Public Relations

• Biotechnology

• Molecular Medicine

• Fashion Design

• Gastronomy

• Fine Arts

Tuition fees are stipulated by the specific educational institution a student has chosen. Usually, studying at public universities is less expensive compared to private institutions. One of the reasons concerns the enhanced resources and facilities provided. Despite the costs, many students find the investment worthwhile due to the high quality of education and the vibrant student life in Milan.

Deciding on pursuing higher education in Milan, students are offered a combination of effective teaching and cultural richness. Prestigious universities provide a wide variety of programs, which makes Milan attractive for studies among foreign students.