The QS World University Rankings have once again confirmed the leadership of La Sapienza University of Rome for the fourth consecutive year in classical studies and ancient history. The consulting firm Quacquarelli Symonds annually compiles one of the most renowned university rankings worldwide, and once again, Italy finds itself in the most prestigious zone. Not only La Sapienza, but there are also new positions for Politecnico di Milano and Federico II University of Naples.
Italian university ranks seventh in the world
The most recent version of the ranking, published on April 10, 2024, analyzed 1559 institutions across 104 countries. By cross-referencing data obtained from six indicators, including employment outcomes and reputation, the scores achieved by Italian universities earned them the title of the 7th best university globally (behind the United States, United Kingdom, China, Germany, Australia, and Canada). Within the European Union, only Germany ranks higher.
This is a source of pride and great prestige for Italian culture, whose rigorous educational system and learning standards are recognized worldwide.
Standing out brightly among Italian universities is La Sapienza University of Rome, a shining beacon of Italian excellence, which confirms its leadership in classical studies and ancient history for the fourth consecutive year.
Italian universities in the ranking
In Rome, humanistic leadership prevails, while Milan boasts a remarkable presence, with 23 entries among the most prestigious universities. Its flagship? The petroleum engineering program, which has earned the 12th position. Milan’s accolades don’t end there: the University of Milan is the top university in Italy in five disciplines: Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, and Sports-related subjects.
The QS chart also rewards Politecnico di Milano, which reaffirms its position as Italy’s best university for the eighth consecutive year (123rd globally).
Alongside La Sapienza University of Rome, Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna and the University of Padua are the most represented in the global ranking, with 47, 46, and 37 entries respectively.
There is also significant growth for Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Top 50 in classical studies), Politecnico di Torino (Top 20 in Art History), LUISS Guido Carli (Top 50 in Marketing), and Bocconi University of Milan (Top 50 in Politics and Social Administration).
The Italian top 10
Here is the ranking of the top 10 Italian universities calculated based on their global ranking:
- Politecnico di Milano (123)
- University of Rome La Sapienza (134)
- Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (154)
- University of Padua (219)
- Politecnico di Torino (252)
- University of Milan (276)
- University of Naples Federico II (335)
- University of Pisa (349)
- Politecnico di Firenze (358)
- University of Turin (364)
If you want to learn more about universities in Italy:
- University structure in Italy
- Guide to studying in Udine
- Exploring the world’s oldest military academy in Modena
