Quick Summary
Public in Ferrara, Italy — Università degli Studi di Ferrara, est. 1391. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28500 students including 6.5% from outside Italy. Known for strengths in Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Medicine, Physics & Astronomy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 70%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Combines historical prestige with a high quality of life in a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its cycling culture.
Subject Strengths
Pharmacy & PharmacologyMedicinePhysics & AstronomyArchaeologyLife Sciences
Founded1391
TypePublic
Total Students28500
Intl Students6.5%
Faculty Ratio24
CampusUrban
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsAzienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara (Arcispedale Sant'Anna)
AccreditationMinistry of University and Research (MUR), Italy
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Single-cycle degrees, PhD, Professional Master's, Specialization Schools
Programs
Engineering Sciences, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physics, Humanities, Legal Sciences, Economics and Management
PhD Programs
Blended learning available for specific degree courses
Online Programs
IUSS-Ferrara 1391, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, LTTE - Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of University and Research (MUR), Italy
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate70%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL72
Min GPA2
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Non-EU students must pre-enroll through the Universitaly portal; check specific TOLC requirements for restricted-access courses.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€2,000/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€9,500/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€2,300/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€11,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableER.GO regional grants, Unife merit scholarships, CRUI scholarships for refugees
Avg Scholarship$5,500
Financial AidISEE-based tuition fee reduction, student loans, emergency grants
Work-Study150-hour student collaboration contracts available
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Single-cycle degrees, PhD, Professional Master's, Specialization Schools programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Pharmacy | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Architecture | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Physics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Humanities | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$32,000
Average Salary After Graduation
84%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong clinical and industrial internship network via Almalaurea and local partnerships
Industry Connections
Strong ties with automotivepharmaceuticaland mechanical engineering sectors in the Emilia-Romagna region
Notable Alumni
Nicolaus Copernicus, Paracelsus, Ludovico Ariosto, Italo Balbo
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
University residences via ER.GO and private housing market
Sports Facilities
CUS Ferrara (Centro Universitario Sportivo) providing rowing, athletics, and team sports
Student Clubs
SISM (Medicine), ELSA (Law), ESN (Erasmus Student Network), various cultural and political associations
Library Resources
Extensive library system (SBA) including specialized libraries for Humanities, Science, and Medicine
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Overseas, Double Degree programs with international partners
Summer Programs
Summer School in International Law, Economics of Innovation, and Archaeological Heritage