Italy stands as a beacon for international students seeking world-class education amid stunning landscapes, historic cities, and a vibrant cultural tapestry. Home to the oldest university in continuous operation, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088, Italy boasts over 90 universities that blend rigorous academics with innovation. For undergraduate admissions, many Italian institutions prioritize high school transcripts, diplomas, and sometimes program-specific entrance exams over standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. This approach makes Italy particularly appealing for students who prefer to showcase their achievements through grades, personal statements, or interviews rather than U.S.-style assessments.
Public universities dominate the landscape, offering affordable tuition often scaled to family income, ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 euros annually for non-EU students. Private institutions, while pricier, provide specialized programs in fields like business and design. English-taught bachelor’s degrees are increasingly common, especially in engineering, economics, and sciences, easing the transition for non-Italian speakers. With over 100,000 international students annually, Italy fosters a welcoming environment through orientation programs, scholarships, and student support services. Choosing a university here means not just earning a degree but immersing in Renaissance art, Mediterranean cuisine, and a lifestyle that balances study with exploration. This guide highlights some of the best Italian universities where SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory, focusing on their strengths, admission pathways, and unique offerings.
Best Italian Universities That Don’t Require SAT/ACT
1. University of Bologna
As Europe’s oldest university, the University of Bologna sets the standard for academic excellence with its 280 degree programs across 33 departments. Located in the lively Emilia-Romagna region, it attracts over 85,000 students, including thousands from abroad. Renowned for humanities, law, and social sciences, Bologna also excels in engineering and medicine. Its English-taught bachelor’s options, such as International Relations and Economics and Business, cater to global applicants.
Admission relies on a high school diploma equivalent to the Italian maturità, transcripts showing strong grades (typically a minimum 70% average), and a motivation letter. No SAT or ACT is required; instead, non-EU students complete pre-enrollment via the Universitaly portal and may need a visa-supporting acceptance letter. For competitive programs like medicine, an entrance test like the IMAT applies, but most humanities tracks use merit-based evaluation. Tuition hovers around 2,200 euros per year, with generous need-based reductions. Bologna’s 50 libraries, 18 museums, and student unions create a supportive hub, where international welcome weeks help newcomers settle. Graduates enjoy a 90% employment rate within six months, bolstered by ties to industries in nearby Milan and Florence.
2. Sapienza University of Rome
Nestled in the Eternal City, Sapienza University of Rome is Italy’s largest, enrolling over 115,000 students across 11 faculties. Founded in 1303, it ranks among Europe’s top 150 globally for research in classics, archaeology, and physics. Its campus blends ancient ruins with modern facilities, offering bachelor’s in English like Classics and Oriental Studies, alongside staples in engineering and biotechnology.
Sapienza does not mandate SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate entry. Requirements include a secondary school diploma, certified transcripts, and proof of 12 years of schooling. Applications go through the Italian embassy or Universitaly for non-EU citizens, with decisions based on academic merit and sometimes an interview. Restricted programs, such as medicine, require the IMAT, but open-access degrees like political science evaluate via grades alone. Annual fees range from 1,000 to 3,000 euros, adjustable by income, with scholarships covering up to full tuition for top performers. Life at Sapienza pulses with Rome’s energy: think lectures amid Colosseum views, film festivals, and international clubs. Its alumni network spans Nobel laureates, ensuring strong career prospects in diplomacy, tech, and academia.
3. University of Padua
The University of Padua, established in 1222, pioneered modern anatomy with Galileo Galilei’s teachings and now ranks in the global top 250 for life sciences and humanities. Situated in the Veneto region near Venice, it hosts 60,000 students on a green, bike-friendly campus. English bachelor’s programs include Psychological Science and Earth and Climate Dynamics, ideal for interdisciplinary pursuits.
Padua skips SAT or ACT entirely, focusing on high school credentials: a diploma, grade transcripts (aim for 75% or higher), and a CV. Non-EU applicants pre-enroll online, submitting documents for embassy validation. Entrance tests apply only to numerus clausus fields like psychology, but most programs admit based on merit lists. Tuition averages 2,500 euros yearly, with exemptions for low-income families and merit awards up to 8,000 euros. The university’s botanical garden, the world’s oldest, and its innovation labs offer hands-on learning. Student life thrives with cultural events, sports facilities, and proximity to Venetian canals. Over 95% of graduates find jobs swiftly, thanks to partnerships with firms in biotech and environmental sectors.
4. Politecnico di Milano
For tech-savvy students, Politecnico di Milano shines as Italy’s premier engineering school, ranking top 150 worldwide in architecture and design. Founded in 1863, it enrolls 48,000 students across Milan and satellite campuses, emphasizing innovation in built environments and digital tech. Bachelor’s in English cover Aerospace Engineering and Architectural Design.
While SAT is optional as an exemption for its TIL entrance test in engineering, it is not required; applicants can take the university’s own assessment instead. Core needs: high school diploma in relevant subjects (math/science focus), transcripts, and English proficiency via prior education or certificates. Non-EU students apply via Universitaly, with evaluations blending grades and test performance. Fees sit at 3,500 euros annually, offset by scholarships like DSU grants. Milan’s fashion-forward vibe complements PoliMi’s creative edge, with maker spaces, hackathons, and internships at firms like Ferrari. Placement rates exceed 92%, launching careers in global consultancies.
5. University of Milan
The University of Milan, a top public powerhouse since 1924, ranks highly for medicine, law, and political science, serving 65,000 students in Lombardy. Its modern campus features advanced labs and humanities libraries. English-track bachelor’s include Political Sciences and International and European Relations.
No SAT or ACT needed; admission hinges on secondary education completion, transcripts (minimum 70% average), and a personal statement. For non-EU, pre-enrollment and visa docs follow. Selective programs use TOLC tests, but many are open. Tuition: 1,500 to 4,000 euros, with income-based waivers. Milan’s cosmopolitan scene, from opera to startups, enriches student life, with over 10,000 internationals supported by buddy programs. High employability stems from EU networks.
6. University of Pisa
Birthplace of Galileo’s experiments, the University of Pisa ranks top 400 globally for physics and computer science, with 50,000 students in Tuscany. English bachelor’s span Computer Science and Management for Business and Economics.
Pisa waives SAT/ACT, requiring only diploma, grades, and sometimes a program test like TOLC-I. Applications mirror the national system. Fees: around 2,000 euros, with scholarships abundant. Leaning Tower views and vibrant festivals define campus life, with 93% graduate employment in tech hubs.
7. University of Florence
In Renaissance heartland, the University of Florence excels in arts and architecture, ranking top 500 worldwide. With 50,000 students, English programs include International Relations.
Admission: grades and diploma suffice, no SAT/ACT. Fees: 1,500 to 3,000 euros. Florence’s galleries and cafes inspire, with strong arts job outcomes.
8. University of Turin
The University of Turin, founded 1404, leads in business and biotech, hosting 70,000 in Piedmont. English bachelor’s in Business Administration.
No standardized tests; focus on academics. Affordable fees, lively Alps-adjacent life, 90% placement.
9. University of Trento
A young innovator since 1962, Trento tops for sociology and ICT, with 16,000 students in scenic Dolomites. English tracks in Comparative Studies.
Merit-based entry, no SAT. Low fees, research focus, excellent employability.
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FAQs
Do all Italian universities teach in English?
No, but top ones offer many English bachelor’s, especially in sciences and business. Italian programs require B2 proficiency.
What documents do I need for admission?
High school diploma, transcripts, passport, and motivation letter. Non-EU add pre-enrollment confirmation.
How much does it cost to live in Italy as a student?
800 to 1,200 euros monthly, covering rent (400-600), food, and transport. Scholarships help.
Are scholarships available for internationals?
Yes, merit and need-based options like DSU cover tuition and living costs up to 5,000 euros yearly.
Can I work while studying?
Non-EU students can work 20 hours weekly part-time, full-time in holidays, with permits.
