University of Catania – Sicily – Southern Italy
The University of Catania (Università degli Studi di Catania – UNICT), located on the island of Sicily in southern Italy, is one of the oldest and most prestigious Italian universities, founded in 1434.
Location and Surroundings
City: Located in the coastal city of Catania on the eastern coast of Sicily, right at the foot of the famous Mount Etna.
Environment and Climate: A warm Mediterranean climate year-round, featuring a low cost of living compared to northern Italian cities like Milan and Rome.
Industry Connections: Located near the “Etna Valley”—the largest technological and electronic cluster in southern Italy (home to global companies like STMicroelectronics)—giving engineering and technology students excellent internship and career opportunities.
Importance of the University for International Students
Scholarship Opportunities: Eligibility for the regional grant (ERSU Catania), which provides university housing, free meals, and an annual stipend covering full living expenses.
Variety of English-Taught Programs: Offers a range of specialized programs in English, particularly in engineering, science, and international relations.
Academic Programs
1. Bachelor’s Degree (Laurea Triennale – 3 Years)
Most bachelor’s programs are taught in Italian (requiring a B2 language level), while some medical or combined programs are available in English:
Science and Technology: Agricultural Sciences, Food Science, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biotechnology.
Engineering and Architecture: Civil, Mechanical, Electronic, and Electrical Engineering.
Economics and Management: Business Administration, Economics and Public Policy, and Tourism Management.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Foreign Languages and Literature, Cultural Heritage, and Political Science.
Medicine and Surgery (Single-Cycle – 6 Years): Medicine and Surgery program.
2. Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale – 2 Years)
The university offers fully English-taught master’s degrees, which are the main attraction for international students:
Engineering and Technology Programs (in English):
Electronic Engineering
Communications Engineering
Automation Engineering and Control of Complex Systems
Chemical Engineering for Industrial Sustainability
Electrical Engineering for Sustainable Green Energy Transition
Construction Management and Safety
Science and Policy Programs (in English):
Physics
Data Science
Global Politics and Euro-Mediterranean Relations
Agricultural Science and Technology
3. Doctoral Degree (Dottorato di Ricerca – 3 to 4 Years)
The university provides advanced PhD programs fully funded with stipends and research support in English across various fields, including:
Microelectronics and Nanotechnology
Physics and Astrophysics
Chemistry and Materials Science
Computer Science and Mathematical Engineering
Biological and Applied Medical Sciences
Important Links:
Italy – Sicily
Università degli Studi di Catania (University of Catania)
Italian Public Universities for International Students / Admissions 2026–2027