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ITALY · FLORENCE

University of Florence

public · Founded 1321 · Languages: en, it

In short

The University of Florence is a public institution offering a wide range of studies in a historically rich city. It is recognized among the top 400 universities globally and provides income-based tuition with scholarship opportunities for international students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1321
Students: 40,000
International students: 4,500
Acceptance rate: 65%
Tuition (intl): €1–3k/yr
Languages: EN, IT
Location: Florence, Italy

The University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze) is a public institution in Florence, Italy. With a rich history, it is a prominent centre for higher education and research in the region. The university offers a wide range of study programmes across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences, catering to both Italian and international students. Committed to academic excellence and innovation, the University of Florence provides a dynamic learning environment in a city renowned for its cultural and historical significance. The university actively participates in international collaborations and research projects, contributing to global scientific advancements.

Why study here

Access to a wide range of study programs in a culturally rich city.
Opportunities for international collaboration and research.
Benefit from a strong focus on research quality, highly rated in Italy.
Study in a university recognized among the top 400 globally by ARWU.
Income-based tuition keeps costs low for many international students.

Student life

The University of Florence organizes a Career Day with over 100 companies and professional studios, offering opportunities for students nearing graduation and recent alumni. This event includes online company presentations to help students prepare for interviews. Various cultural and scientific events, exhibitions, and performances are regularly held, enriching student life in and around the university campuses. The university also supports student mobility programs like Erasmus.

Fees

InternationalTuition at the University of Florence is income-based (ISEE/ISEE-Parificato for international students). Annual fees for most programmes range from a minimum regional tax of around 157€ up to roughly 2,900€ for the highest income brackets. Fees are fully exempted for recipients of IUPALS scholarships or 'Insieme per la Palestina' scholarships, and reductions apply to lower-income and merit students.

HomeEU students pay the same income-based fees as Italian nationals, with the regional study tax as the minimum and the top band capped around 2,900€ per year.

LivingLiving expenses support for scholarship recipients includes free accommodation in university residences, access to university canteens, and a local public transport pass. Independent students should budget roughly 700-1,000€ per month for rent, food, and transport in Florence. Psychological support, academic tutoring, and Italian language courses are also available.

Specific tuition fee amounts depend on the student's certified family income (ISEE). Scholarship opportunities can offer full fee exemptions and living support. Non-EU students should submit an ISEE-Parificato to access reduced fees.

Admissions

First Cycle and Single Cycle DegreeHigh school diploma or another recognized foreign qualification.

Second Cycle DegreeA first cycle university diploma or another qualification obtained abroad.

DocumentsEntry qualification documents are accepted in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. Official translations along with verified copies of the original may be required if not in these languages. Upload documents to your university online profile.

ReferencesAt least 1 reference should be provided for some courses (e.g., Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies Master's).

IELTS6.0 overall (typical for English-taught Master's programmes)

TOEFL iBT80 (typical for English-taught Master's programmes)

Rankings

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2025Top 400 worldwide

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 20258th in Italy

QS World University Rankings404

University scholarships

IUPALS Project Scholarships€5,000 per year for two academic years (2025/26 and 2026/27)

'Insieme per la Palestina' Scholarships€400 per month scholarship; €4,800 annual research grant for researchers

University Corridors for Refugees Project - UNICORENot specified

Regional Agency for the Right to University Education (DSU) ScholarshipsIncome-based grant covering fees and living costs

Part-time work in university servicesNot specified

Grants for tutoring activitiesNot specified

Refunds of fees and financial benefitsNot specified

Accreditation

The University of Florence is a state university recognised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and operates within the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process); its research quality is evaluated by ANVUR.

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Florence · Italy

Master in Medical, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies

This Master's degree program focuses on Medical, Veterinary, and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies, offering a specialized curriculum designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in these fields. The program aims to provide a strong theoretical foundation and practical training, preparing graduates for research and development roles in various sectors of the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. The curriculum covers a range of essential topics, including genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, and cellular biology, with a focus on their applications in medical, veterinary, and pharmaceutical contexts. Students will engage with both core subjects and specialized optional courses, allowing for a tailored educational experience. The program emphasizes experimental approaches and research methodologies, culminating in a thesis project. Graduates will be prepared for careers in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and clinical laboratories, contributing to advancements in healthcare and drug development. The program's unrestricted access mode means that admission is open to qualified candidates without specific entry quotas, though specific academic prerequisites apply.

Master's

Level

Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, can read and write in English, and are 40 years old or younger at the time of application.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Florence?

Tuition fees are income-based, ranging from a minimum of around 157€ to a maximum of approximately 2,900€ annually. Non-EU students can access reduced fees by submitting an ISEE-Parificato, which is a declaration of their family's economic situation.

Are there scholarships available for international students?

Yes, the University of Florence offers several scholarships, including the IUPALS Project Scholarships and 'Insieme per la Palestina' Scholarships, which can provide full tuition exemption and living expense support. Reductions are also available for students with lower incomes and merit-based achievements.

What are the living costs for students in Florence?

For students who are not scholarship recipients, the estimated living expenses in Florence are around 700-1,000€ per month, covering rent, food, and transport. Scholarship recipients may benefit from free accommodation, access to university canteens, and a public transport pass.

What academic programs are offered at the University of Florence?

The university offers a wide array of study programmes across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences, catering to both Italian and international students.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

Admission requirements vary by degree level and country of origin. Generally, a high school diploma is required for first and single-cycle degrees, and a first-cycle university diploma for second-cycle degrees. Non-EU students residing abroad typically need to complete a pre-enrolment process and obtain an entry visa.

Does the University of Florence offer English-taught programs?

While the data provided doesn't explicitly list English-taught programs, it mentions typical IELTS and TOEFL iBT scores for English-taught Master's programmes, suggesting their availability.

Last updated 3 July 2026