University of Pavia

Centuries of prestige, a future of innovation.

📍 Pavia, Italy 🇮🇹

🏆 #10 in Italy · QS World #423 · THE World #351 · ARWU #401

Quick Facts about University of Pavia

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 23,849
  • International: 11%
  • Campus: Multiple Campuses
  • Tuition: $2,150 – $4,150/year
  • Language: English, Italian
  • Intakes: Fall

About University of Pavia

The University of Pavia, established in 1361, is one of the world's oldest academic institutions, blending a rich historical legacy with a modern, research-intensive approach. Located in Pavia, Italy, it is a comprehensive public university with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary teaching and an international outlook. The university attracts a diverse scholarly community, with approximately 24,000 students, including around 1,500 international students from over 80 countries.

Academics

The University of Pavia excels in diverse academic domains, including life sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, law, and economics. It offers a wide variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs across 18 departments, ranging from Bachelor's to Doctoral degrees. The teaching approach encourages cross-faculty collaboration and problem-based learning, preparing students for contemporary challenges. Notable programs include those in medicine, neuroscience, genomics, and bioengineering, and the university has a strong tradition of research, counting Nobel laureates among its former professors.

International Students

The University of Pavia is deeply committed to internationalization, offering 27 English-taught programs across various levels, including Bachelor's and Master's degrees. The university provides comprehensive support services, language courses, and mentoring programs to foster personal and academic growth for its international student body. With over 400 partnerships with universities worldwide and more than 700 ERASMUS exchange agreements, it offers numerous opportunities for international experiences. Student life is enriched by over 100 student clubs and societies, promoting cultural integration and a strong sense of belonging.

Campus & Location

Pavia, located in the Lombardy Region just 30 kilometers south of Milan, offers a lively, safe, and high-quality environment for students. The city, with its maze of narrow streets, ancient churches, and elegant buildings, retains its historic charm, and the university's buildings are integrated throughout the city, creating a "city campus" feel. Pavia is well-connected by public transport, with frequent train services to Milan, and its compact size allows for easy navigation on foot or by bicycle. Students can enjoy a vibrant cultural life with museums, theaters, and various events, and the city is also close to major tourist attractions in Northern Italy.

Career Outcomes

The University of Pavia boasts a high graduate employment rate, with 91% of its graduates finding employment within one year of graduation, compared to a national average of 85%. Master's degrees in science, engineering, medicine, and pharmacology show an even higher post-graduation employment rate of 95%. The Career Service provides extensive support to students and alumni, including online tools for internship and job searches, career fairs, CV checks, and networking events. The university also fosters strong industry connections through collaborations with various institutional and industrial partners, promoting technological development and innovation.

Information for International Students at University of Pavia

University of Pavia in Pavia, Italy welcomes international students, with 11% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 11% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available (~$300/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English, Italian

Admissions Requirements for University of Pavia

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

  • IELTS minimum: 5
  • TOEFL minimum: 72
  • GPA minimum: 2.4
  • Application fee: $35
  • Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
  • Application deadline: March 18, 2026

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Scholarships & Tuition at University of Pavia

Annual tuition for international students: $2,150 – $4,150/year

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

Rankings of University of Pavia

  • National Ranking: #10 in Italy
  • QS World University Ranking: #423
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #351
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #401
  • Ranking tier: Top 500
  • Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at University of Pavia

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Multiple Campuses
  • Housing cost: ~$300/month

Key Highlights

  • One of Europe’s oldest academic institutions
  • Renowned center for medicine and science
  • Historic campus with iconic neoclassical courtyards
  • Former home to physicist Alessandro Volta
  • Member of the prestigious Coimbra Group
  • Extensive network of merit-based residential colleges

Accreditation

  • Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ministry of University and Research)

Fields of Study at University of Pavia

  • Medicine
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Economics
  • Musicology

Notable Alumni

  • Giulio Natta
  • Camillo Golgi
  • Alessandro Volta
  • Ugo Foscolo
  • Gianfranco Ferré

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Pavia

What is University of Pavia?

University of Pavia is a public university located in Pavia, Italy. It has approximately 23,849 students, with 11% being international students.

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

Tuition fees at University of Pavia for international students range from $2,150 – $4,150/year. Student housing costs approximately $300/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for University of Pavia?

IELTS minimum: 5. TOEFL minimum: 72. GPA minimum: 2.4. Application fee: $35. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: March 18, 2026.

What language are courses taught in at University of Pavia?

Courses at University of Pavia are taught in English and Italian. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.

What is University of Pavia ranked?

#10 in Italy · QS World #423 · THE World #351 · ARWU #401.

Does University of Pavia offer scholarships?

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

Does University of Pavia provide visa support?

Yes, University of Pavia provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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