University of Ferrara
Ferrara, 🇮🇹 Italy Public
#22 National #951 QS World
#22 National #951 QS World #501 THE #701 ARWU
16,000 students 4% international Urban €1.9k - €3.9k/yr
About University of Ferrara
The University of Ferrara, established in 1391, is one of Italy's oldest public research universities, located in the historic city of Ferrara. With over 26,000 enrolled students, including more than 1,000 international students, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across its 12 departments. It is recognized for its blend of tradition and innovation, positioning it as a significant academic hub in Italy and Europe.
The University of Ferrara is renowned for its research-driven approach, particularly in medicine, engineering, architecture, law, and life sciences. Its School of Medicine and nationally recognized Dentistry programs are particularly noteworthy. The university adopts an interdisciplinary and student-centered educational model, encouraging cross-sector collaborations and hands-on learning. It offers almost 70 courses of study, including 19 dual-title programs and 6 degree courses taught entirely in English.
The university is committed to internationalization, attracting students from over 80 countries. Dedicated offices and support centers assist international students with academic advising, counseling, and career services, promoting integration and well-being. The University Language Center offers Italian language courses, and a "Tandem partner" program helps international students practice Italian with native speakers. There are more than 30 student associations and clubs, spanning academic, cultural, and recreational interests, fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus life.
The University of Ferrara is uniquely integrated into the historic city of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its Renaissance architecture and is very bicycle and pedestrian-friendly, offering a high quality of life. Campus facilities include modern buildings alongside prestigious artistic and historical ones, with quiet gardens serving as open-air study halls. Public transportation, including buses and trains, connects the university to various parts of the city and nearby areas, with Ferrara Station being an 18-minute walk or a short bus ride away.
The University of Ferrara provides comprehensive guidance and innovative placement support to ensure student success. It boasts employment rates that exceed national averages, with a significant 73.1% of students completing their studies on time. The university has strong industry connections, including collaborations with major industrial areas in China for research and experimentation. The Ferrara Technopole, managed by the university, serves as a hub for industrial research and technology transfer, connecting companies with researchers and technological solutions. Since the 1990s, Unife has also incubated 30 spin-off companies, nurturing new ideas and supporting their growth.
Academics
The University of Ferrara is renowned for its research-driven approach, particularly in medicine, engineering, architecture, law, and life sciences. Its School of Medicine and nationally recognized Dentistry programs are particularly noteworthy. The university adopts an interdisciplinary and student-centered educational model, encouraging cross-sector collaborations and hands-on learning. It offers almost 70 courses of study, including 19 dual-title programs and 6 degree courses taught entirely in English.
International Students
The university is committed to internationalization, attracting students from over 80 countries. Dedicated offices and support centers assist international students with academic advising, counseling, and career services, promoting integration and well-being. The University Language Center offers Italian language courses, and a "Tandem partner" program helps international students practice Italian with native speakers. There are more than 30 student associations and clubs, spanning academic, cultural, and recreational interests, fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus life.
Campus & Location
The University of Ferrara is uniquely integrated into the historic city of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its Renaissance architecture and is very bicycle and pedestrian-friendly, offering a high quality of life. Campus facilities include modern buildings alongside prestigious artistic and historical ones, with quiet gardens serving as open-air study halls. Public transportation, including buses and trains, connects the university to various parts of the city and nearby areas, with Ferrara Station being an 18-minute walk or a short bus ride away.
Career Outcomes
The University of Ferrara provides comprehensive guidance and innovative placement support to ensure student success. It boasts employment rates that exceed national averages, with a significant 73.1% of students completing their studies on time. The university has strong industry connections, including collaborations with major industrial areas in China for research and experimentation. The Ferrara Technopole, managed by the university, serves as a hub for industrial research and technology transfer, connecting companies with researchers and technological solutions. Since the 1990s, Unife has also incubated 30 spin-off companies, nurturing new ideas and supporting their growth.
Highlights
- Founded in the year 1391
- Prestigious UNESCO World Heritage city campus
- Leading Italian research and innovation hub
- Copernicus and Paracelsus are famous alumni
- Top ranked for green sustainability initiatives
- Extensive international student exchange programs
Subject Areas
ArchitectureMedicinePharmacyLawEconomics
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available
Photos
Programs Offered at University of Ferrara (38)
Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Computer Science Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences
Bachelor Programs (13)
Architecture
STEM
Architecture
Architecture
architecturebabachelorbachelor's architecturebachelor's degree
60 months Italian Full-time
Biotechnologies
STEM
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
babengbiotechnologiesbiotechnologybs
36 months Italian Full-time
Biotechnology
STEM
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
babachelorbengbiotechnologybs
36 months Italian Full-time
Chemistry
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry degreestudy ChemistryChemistry bachelor programundergraduate in ChemistryChemistry bachelor's degree
36 months Italian Full-time
Computer Science
STEM
Computer Science
Computer Science
bsc computer sciencebsc csitalian-taught bachelor computer sciencebachelor in computer sciencestudy computer science in italy
36 months Italian Full-time
Economics
Economics
Economics
economicsbachelor in economicsstudy economics in italyeconomics degreeeconomics program
36 months Italian Full-time
Civil Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
bachelor in engineeringstructural engineering degreeengineering italyengineering programengineering degree
36 months Italian Full-time
Geological Sciences
STEM
Geology
Geology
babachelorbsbscgeological
36 months Italian Full-time
Humanities
Humanities
Humanities
english bachelor humanities in italyhumanities at university of ferrarahumanities degreebachelor humanitiesundergraduate in humanities
36 months Italian Full-time
Law
Law
Law
babachelorbachelor'sbsbsc
60 months Italian Full-time
Mathematics
STEM
Mathematics
Mathematics
bachelorbscitalymathematics
36 months Italian Full-time
Nursing
STEM
Nursing
Nursing
bachelor in nursingbachelor nursingbachelors in nursingbsc nursingstudy nursing in italy
36 months Italian Full-time
Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
physics bachelor Italyfisica triennale Ferraraundergraduate physics Italyphysics degree University Ferraraquantum mechanics undergraduate Italy
36 months Italian Full-time
Master Programs (14)
Medical Biotechnology
STEM
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
biotechnologygraduateitalymamaster
24 months English Full-time
Master in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
STEM
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
study chemical and pharmaceutical sciences in italymsc chemical and pharmaceutical sciencesmasters in chemical and pharmaceutical sciencesmaster chemical and pharmaceutical sciencesmasters chemical and pharmaceutical sciences
24 months English Full-time
Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
chemistryitalypharmaceuticaltechnologies
24 months Italian Full-time
Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics
STEM
Dentistry
Dentistry
mastergraduatemscmameng
60 months Italian Full-time
Environmental and Geo-Resources Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
masters engineering italyenvironmental and geo-resources engineeringmasters in engineeringmsc engineeringenglish-taught masters engineering
24 months English Full-time
Environmental Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
EngineeringEnvironmentalEnvironmental EngineeringItalyMaster
24 months Italian Full-time
Master in Environmental Engineering
STEM
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering
engineeringenvironmentalenvironmental engineeringferraraitaly
24 months English Full-time
Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries
Humanities
Humanities
master in humanitiesstudy humanities in ferrarams in humanitieshumanities master italyinternational master humanities italy
24 months Italian Full-time
Medicine and Surgery
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
italymedicinesurgery
72 months Italian Full-time
Pharmacy
STEM
Pharmacy
Pharmacy
pharmacy master Italyfarmacia magistrale Ferrarapharmaceutical sciences Italydrug development pharmacologyclinical pharmacy Italy
60 months Italian Full-time
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology
STEM
Pharmacy
Pharmacy
chemistryferraragraduateitalymaster
60 months Italian Full-time
Physics and Applications
STEM
Physics
Physics
master's in physicsmasters physicsmsc physicsstudy physics in italymasters physics in italy
24 months Italian Full-time
Master in Physics
STEM
Physics
Natural Sciences
graduateitalym.a.m.s.ma
24 months Italian Full-time
Clinical and Health Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
behavioral scienceclinicalclinical psychologycognitive psychologygraduate
24 months Italian Full-time
PhD Programs (11)
PhD in Architecture and Urban Planning
STEM
Architecture
Architecture
architecture in ferrarabest architecture programsarchitecture careersarchitecture universityarchitecture abroad
36 months English Full-time
Biomedical Sciences
STEM
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
biomedicalbiomedical sciencesitalyphdsciences
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Biomedical Sciences
STEM
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
phdbiomedical sciencesitalyferrarabiomedical
36 months English Full-time
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
phd in chemistrystudy chemistry in italystudy chemistry in ferraradoctorate chemistrydoctoral chemistry
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Chemical Sciences
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
study chemistry in italyenglish-taught phd chemistryphd in chemistry in italyphd in chemical sciencesdoctorate in chemistry
36 months English Full-time
Environmental and Civil Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology
STEM
Environmental and Evolutionary Biology
Environmental and Evolutionary
Environmental and Evolutionary Biology PhD programstudy environmental and evolutionary biologyEnvironmental and Evolutionary Biology program abroadPhD programdoctoral degree
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Law
Law
Law
study Law in ItalyLaw degree abroadPhD Lawlegal studiesdoctorate in Law
36 months Italian Full-time
PhD in Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
doctoral program physicsdoctorate physicsenglish-taught phd physics in italyphd in physicsphd in physics in italy
36 months English Full-time
Physics and Nanosciences
STEM
Physics
Physics
doctor of philosophydoctoraldoctorateitalyphd
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Physics and Nanosciences
STEM
Physics and Nanosciences
Physics and Nanosciences
phd in physics and nanosciencesphd physics and nanosciences degreestudy physics and nanosciences in italyphd in physics and nanosciences in italyphysics and nanosciences program in ferrara
36 months English Full-time
University of Ferrara Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate
6.5+ IELTS
80+ TOEFL
2+ GPA
Intakes September, February
Application Deadline July 31
Tuition (per year) €1.9k - €3.9k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$700
Application Fee $20
Teaching Language English, Italian
Accreditation
Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR)European University Association (EUA)Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI)
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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Ferrara
Common questions from international students considering University of Ferrara.
How much does University of Ferrara cost for international students?
Tuition at University of Ferrara ranges from €1.9k - €3.9k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately €700/month), books, and living expenses.
What is University of Ferrara ranked globally?
University of Ferrara holds the following rankings: QS World #951, Times Higher Education #501, ARWU #701, #22 in Italy. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.
What English language requirements does University of Ferrara have?
University of Ferrara typically requires IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.
Are scholarships available at University of Ferrara?
Yes, University of Ferrara offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.
When does University of Ferrara start its semesters?
University of Ferrara has intakes starting in September, February. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.
How many English-taught programs does University of Ferrara offer?
University of Ferrara offers 14+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.
Where is University of Ferrara located?
University of Ferrara is located in Ferrara, Italy 🇮🇹. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.
What are the admission requirements for University of Ferrara?
For specific details about University of Ferrara, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
What programs does University of Ferrara offer?
For specific details about University of Ferrara, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
How does University of Ferrara compare to other universities?
University of Ferrara is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #951). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.
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