Università degli Studi di Pavia- UniPV- Italy
University of Pavia (Università degli Studi di Pavia – UniPV) is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in Europe, founded in 1361 AD. The university combines a rich academic history with a modern, advanced research environment.
1. Location and Geography
The university is located in the Italian city of Pavia, in the Lombardy region, approximately 35 kilometers south of Milan.
City Nature: Pavia is a quiet historical city characterized by its “Campus Town” system, where ancient university buildings, libraries, and faculties shape daily life.
Living Costs: Compared to neighboring Milan, Pavia offers more moderate and affordable living and housing costs for students.
Proximity to Tech and Industrial Hubs: Lombardy is Italy’s leading economic and technological engine, giving students growing opportunities for internships and professional networking.
2. Importance for International Students
Pavia is an attractive option for international students for several key reasons:
Pioneer in English Instruction: Pavia was the first Italian university to launch a full Medicine and Surgery program taught in English (Harvey Course) in 2009.
Colleges System: Similar to Oxford and Cambridge, Pavia features 16 residential colleges that offer an integrated social and academic environment to support international students.
Scholarships and Financial Support: International students can apply for the regional DSU Scholarship, which fully covers tuition fees and provides free accommodation and a monthly stipend based on family economic status.
High Employability: Graduate statistics indicate that over 82% of alumni secure their first job within one year of graduation.
3. Academic Programs at Pavia University
The university comprises 18 departments offering dozens of programs in both Italian and English.
First: Bachelor’s Degree Programs (Laurea Triennale & Single-Cycle)
Standard Bachelor’s degrees take 3 years, while Single-Cycle Master’s programs last 5 to 6 years.
Programs Taught in English:
Medicine and Surgery (Harvey Course):
A 6-year Doctor of Medicine program requiring the IMAT exam and B2 English proficiency.
Concept: Pavia is the oldest Italian university to offer an English-taught medical curriculum, combining biomedical sciences with interactive clinical training.
Clinical Training: Practical training takes place at San Matteo Hospital, one of Italy’s major reference and research centers.
Outcomes: Graduates are qualified to practice medicine immediately across the European Union and worldwide.
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence:
An interdisciplinary program offered jointly by the University of Pavia, the University of Milan, and Milano-Bicocca.
Key Focus Areas: Mathematics and statistics for AI algorithms, machine learning and computer vision programming, as well as ethical, legal, and psychological aspects of AI.
Social Sciences for Global Challenges:
Aimed at students interested in international policy, sustainable development, and global crisis management.
Key Focus Areas: Global economics, international relations, political science, sociology of crises, governance, climate change, and human rights.
Career Paths: Positions in international organizations (e.g., UN, NGOs), strategic planning, and public policy consulting.
Foundation Year: A preparatory track designed for students whose high school diplomas do not meet the 12-year schooling requirement of the European system. Includes intensive English or Italian language courses alongside introductory modules in natural and social sciences.
Top Programs Taught in Italian (B2 Italian Required):
Economics and Business Management
Engineering Sciences (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer)
Humanities, Philosophy, Archaeology, and History
Law and Legal Studies (Single-Cycle – 5 years)
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, and Biology
Political Science and International Relations
Second: Master’s Degree Programs (Laurea Magistrale – 2 Years)
Requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree and takes 2 years to complete.
Engineering and Technology: Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Industrial Automation Engineering, Civil Engineering for Mitigation of Risk from Natural Hazards, Biomedical Engineering.
Business, Economics, and Social Sciences: Economics, Finance and International Integration (MEFI); International Business and Entrepreneurship (MIBE); World Politics and International Relations.
Natural and Life Sciences: Molecular Biology and Genetics; Psychology, Neuroscience and Human Sciences; The Ancient Mediterranean World: History, Archaeology and Art.
Third: Doctoral Programs (Ph.D. / Dottorato di Ricerca – 3 to 4 Years)
Pavia offers around 19 Ph.D. tracks taught and researched entirely in English.
Research Areas: Microelectronics, Civil and Earthquake Engineering, Computer Science and AI, Physics, Molecular Chemistry, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, History, Philosophy, Law, and Economics.
Requirements: Submission of a Research Proposal and passing a public selection process based on academic records and an interview.
Important Links:
University of Pavia (Università degli Studi di Pavia)
Italian Public Universities List for International Students | Admission 2026/27 
