Quick Summary
Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna is a public founded in 1088, located in Bologna, Italy. Ranked #133 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 96594 students including 7.8% from outside Italy. Known for strengths in Classics & Ancient History, Archaeology, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 55%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the oldest university in the Western world, offering a unique historical atmosphere combined with top-tier research facilities and a vibrant student life in Italy's 'Learned City'.
Subject Strengths
Classics & Ancient HistoryArchaeologyLawPharmacy & PharmacologyAgriculture & ForestryModern Languages
Founded1088
TypePublic
Total Students96594
Intl Students7.8%
Faculty Ratio29.5
CampusUrban / Multicampus
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsPoliclinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Ospedale Bellaria, Ospedale Maggiore
AccreditationMinistry of Education, Universities and Research (Italy)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#133
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#155
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
260
Programs
48
PhD Programs
12
Online Programs
32
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (Italy)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate55%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.0
GRERequired for some Master's programs
GMATAccepted for Management programs
SATAccepted for certain Undergraduate degrees
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · May 31 (Non-EU), August (EU)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November (Limited programs)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students should apply early for the Unibo Action 1&2 scholarships and check the specific TOLC entrance exam requirements for their chosen degree.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€3,000/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€11,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€3,500/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$33
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€14,030/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableUnibo Action 1&2, ER.GO grants, Collegio Superiore
Avg Scholarship$12,000
Financial AidNeed-based tuition waivers, regional student support grants
Work-StudyAvailable (150-hour collaboration contracts)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 260 programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Architecture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Humanities | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$35,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with regional industry in Emilia-Romagna
Industry Connections
LamborghiniFerrariMaseratiDucatiBarilla
Notable Alumni
Dante Alighieri, Nicolaus Copernicus, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Umberto Eco, Guglielmo Marconi
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (ER.GO Residences and private market)
Sports Facilities
CUS Bologna (Centro Universitario Sportivo)
Student Clubs
Over 50 associations, Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
Library Resources
University Library of Bologna (BUB) and 25+ specialized libraries
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Overseas Exchange, Utrecht Network
Summer Programs
Bologna Summer School (various disciplines)