University of Palermo

Tradition, innovation, and the future in the heart of Sicily.

📍 Palermo, Italy 🇮🇹

🏆 #19 in Italy · QS World #801 · THE World #501 · ARWU #501

Quick Facts about University of Palermo

  • Founded: 1806
  • Type: Public
  • Campus: Urban
  • Tuition: $1,300 – $3,300/year
  • Language: Italian, English
  • Intakes: Fall

About University of Palermo

The University of Palermo, established in 1806, is one of Italy's largest universities and the biggest in Sicily. Located in the vibrant city of Palermo, it serves as a cultural, scientific, and educational hub. The university is dedicated to contributing to the international scientific community and the world of production through innovation and progress.

Academics

The University of Palermo is organized into 20 Departments, offering over 120 first and second-cycle courses, along with more than twenty PhD programs. Key faculties cover a broad range of fields, including Science and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Humanities and Social Sciences. The university emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, fostering innovation through collaborations and offering international double degree options. Notable programs include Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, Law, and various scientific disciplines.

International Students

The University of Palermo welcomes international students and provides a help desk to support them with enrollment, immigration norms, and registration. While many undergraduate programs are taught in Italian, several graduate programs are available in English. The university also offers Italian language courses to aid cultural integration. Financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and living grants, are available through ERSU (the regional body for the right to study) and other university-funded programs.

Campus & Location

The University of Palermo's main campus is integrated with the city, with campus buildings often connected by a free shuttle. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is known for its rich history, monumental art, mild climate, and vibrant cultural life. The city is a natural bridge between Europe and Mediterranean countries, easily accessible by ship, plane, and train. Campus facilities include libraries, Wi-Fi access, cafeterias, and sports centers, with transportation options like metro and bus stops nearby.

Career Outcomes

The University of Palermo is committed to enhancing its graduates' position in the job market by constantly improving its educational offerings and introducing sought-after specializations. The university's Career and Placement Services create opportunities for interaction between students and employers, offering advisory services, career planning, and recruitment advice. Students and graduates can utilize the AlmaLaurea job bank to find job and internship offers and connect with companies. The university also organizes Recruiting Days and Career Days to facilitate direct interaction between students and potential employers.

Information for International Students at University of Palermo

University of Palermo in Palermo, Italy welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: Italian, English

Admissions Requirements for University of Palermo

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Palermo:

  • IELTS minimum: 6
  • GPA minimum: 2.5
  • Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
  • Application deadline: July 20, 2026

Apply to University of Palermo →

Programs at University of Palermo (29 programs)

University of Palermo offers 29 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (12)

  • Economics and Finance (BSc) — 36 months · Italian
    Students gain a solid understanding of economic principles, financial markets, and quantitative methods, preparing them for roles in banking, finance, and economic analysis.
    Field: Economics
    Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Economist, Investment Banker
  • Pharmacy (BSc) — 60 months · Italian · STEM
    A comprehensive program covering pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical technology, preparing students for careers as pharmacists or in the pharmaceutical industry.
    Field: Pharmacy
    Career outcomes: Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Drug Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Civil Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · Italian · STEM
    Students learn the principles of designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, focusing on structural analysis and material science.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Construction Manager, Structural Designer
  • Communication Sciences (BA) — 36 months · Italian
    This program explores theories and practices of communication in various contexts, including media, journalism, and public relations, developing strong analytical and expressive skills.
    Field: Communication
    Career outcomes: Journalist, PR Specialist, Content Creator
  • Architecture (BSc) — 60 months · Italian · STEM
    This program provides foundational knowledge in architectural design, history, theory, and construction techniques, preparing students for entry-level architectural roles or further master's studies.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: Junior Architect, Architectural Assistant, Urban Planner Assistant
  • Medicine and Surgery (BSc) — 72 months · Italian · STEM
    A rigorous program providing extensive medical knowledge and practical surgical skills, preparing students to become qualified medical doctors.
    Field: Medicine
    Career outcomes: Medical Doctor, Surgeon, Researcher
  • Computer Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · Italian · STEM
    This program covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, including programming, data structures, algorithms, and computer networks, preparing students for careers in technology.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Software Developer, Network Engineer, IT Consultant
  • Civil Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · Italian · STEM
    Students learn the principles of designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, focusing on structural analysis and material science.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Construction Manager, Structural Designer
  • Communication Sciences (BA) — 36 months · Italian
    This program explores theories and practices of communication in various contexts, including media, journalism, and public relations, developing strong analytical and expressive skills.
    Field: Communication
    Career outcomes: Journalist, PR Specialist, Content Creator
  • Architecture (BSc) — 60 months · Italian · STEM
    This program provides foundational knowledge in architectural design, history, theory, and construction techniques, preparing students for entry-level architectural roles or further master's studies.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: Junior Architect, Architectural Assistant, Urban Planner Assistant
  • Medicine and Surgery (BSc) — 72 months · Italian · STEM
    A rigorous program providing extensive medical knowledge and practical surgical skills, preparing students to become qualified medical doctors.
    Field: Medicine
    Career outcomes: Medical Doctor, Surgeon, Researcher
  • Computer Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · Italian · STEM
    This program covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, including programming, data structures, algorithms, and computer networks, preparing students for careers in technology.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Software Developer, Network Engineer, IT Consultant

Master Programs (10)

  • International Relations (MA) — 24 months · English
    This program explores global politics, international law, and diplomacy, preparing students for careers in international organizations, government, and non-profits.
    Field: Political Science
    Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Analyst, Policy Advisor
  • Clinical Psychology (MSc) — 24 months · Italian
    This program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders, providing advanced training in psychotherapeutic techniques and research methods.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Clinical Psychologist, Therapist, Mental Health Counselor
  • Agricultural Sciences and Technologies (MSc) — 24 months · Italian · STEM
    This program focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, food production, and agricultural technologies, addressing challenges in food security and environmental sustainability.
    Field: Agriculture
    Career outcomes: Agronomist, Agricultural Consultant, Food Scientist
  • Biotechnology (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
    This program focuses on the application of biological systems and organisms to develop new products and technologies in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and industry.
    Field: Biotechnology
    Career outcomes: Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Product Development Specialist
  • Management Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Italian · STEM
    This program combines engineering principles with management techniques, focusing on optimizing industrial processes, logistics, and supply chain management.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Consultant
  • International Relations (MA) — 24 months · English
    This program explores global politics, international law, and diplomacy, preparing students for careers in international organizations, government, and non-profits.
    Field: Political Science
    Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Analyst, Policy Advisor
  • Clinical Psychology (MSc) — 24 months · Italian
    This program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders, providing advanced training in psychotherapeutic techniques and research methods.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Clinical Psychologist, Therapist, Mental Health Counselor
  • Agricultural Sciences and Technologies (MSc) — 24 months · Italian · STEM
    This program focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, food production, and agricultural technologies, addressing challenges in food security and environmental sustainability.
    Field: Agriculture
    Career outcomes: Agronomist, Agricultural Consultant, Food Scientist
  • Biotechnology (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
    This program focuses on the application of biological systems and organisms to develop new products and technologies in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and industry.
    Field: Biotechnology
    Career outcomes: Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Product Development Specialist
  • Management Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Italian · STEM
    This program combines engineering principles with management techniques, focusing on optimizing industrial processes, logistics, and supply chain management.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Consultant

PhD Programs (7)

  • PhD in Engineering and Technologies (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
    This doctoral program offers specialized research opportunities across various engineering disciplines, including civil, computer, and mechanical engineering, contributing to scientific and technological advancements.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Lecturer, R&D Engineer
  • PhD in Architecture (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
    An advanced research program focusing on innovative architectural theories, urban design, and historical preservation, culminating in a doctoral thesis.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Architectural Consultant
  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
    This program focuses on cutting-edge research in medical and biological sciences, including genetics, pharmacology, and immunology, aiming to advance human health.
    Field: Biomedical Sciences
    Career outcomes: Medical Researcher, Biotechnologist, Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • PhD in Human and Social Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · Italian
    An interdisciplinary doctoral program covering areas such as sociology, psychology, education, and cultural studies, fostering critical inquiry into human behavior and societal structures.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Social Researcher, Policy Analyst, University Professor
  • PhD in Architecture (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
    An advanced research program focusing on innovative architectural theories, urban design, and historical preservation, culminating in a doctoral thesis.
    Field: Architecture
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Architectural Consultant
  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM
    This program focuses on cutting-edge research in medical and biological sciences, including genetics, pharmacology, and immunology, aiming to advance human health.
    Field: Biomedical Sciences
    Career outcomes: Medical Researcher, Biotechnologist, Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • PhD in Human and Social Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · Italian
    An interdisciplinary doctoral program covering areas such as sociology, psychology, education, and cultural studies, fostering critical inquiry into human behavior and societal structures.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Social Researcher, Policy Analyst, University Professor

Scholarships & Tuition at University of Palermo

Annual tuition for international students: $1,300 – $3,300/year

✅ University of Palermo offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of University of Palermo

  • National Ranking: #19 in Italy
  • QS World University Ranking: #801
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #501
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #501
  • Ranking tier: Unranked
  • Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at University of Palermo

  • Student housing available
  • No sports facilities
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Urban

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1806 in Sicily
  • Over two hundred years of history
  • Major research hub in the Mediterranean
  • Broad range of international degree programs
  • Historically significant botanical garden campus
  • One of the largest Italian universities

Fields of Study at University of Palermo

  • Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Humanities

Notable Alumni

  • Giovanni Falcone
  • Paolo Borsellino
  • Sergio Mattarella
  • Giulia Bongiorno
  • Antonino Zichichi

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Palermo

What is University of Palermo?

University of Palermo is a public university located in Palermo, Italy, founded in 1806. .

How much does it cost to study at University of Palermo?

Tuition fees at University of Palermo for international students range from $1,300 – $3,300/year. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for University of Palermo?

IELTS minimum: 6. GPA minimum: 2.5. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: July 20, 2026.

What language are courses taught in at University of Palermo?

Courses at University of Palermo are taught in Italian and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.

How many programs does University of Palermo offer?

University of Palermo offers 29 programs: 12 Bachelor's, 10 Master's, and 7 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is University of Palermo ranked?

#19 in Italy · QS World #801 · THE World #501 · ARWU #501.

Does University of Palermo offer scholarships?

Yes, University of Palermo offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does University of Palermo provide visa support?

Yes, University of Palermo provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

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