University of Naples Federico II

Emperor Frederick II founded the University of Naples Federico II on June 5, 1224, and it is the world's oldest state university. It was created to challenge the dominance of northern Italian universities such as Bologna and Padua. Its purpose was to train secular administrative personnel, promote the separation of power from the Church, and support independent learning. Most universities of that time grew out of institutional or religious initiatives, so this was a significant departure from the norm.

Over the centuries the university endured periods of political and social upheaval, including closures and relocations. Each time, it emerged again as a symbol of intellectual pursuit. It became home to many influential thinkers and scholars, making significant contributions to advances across various fields. Most notably, the renowned theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas was among its celebrated students. The university also played an important role in the advancement of volcanology, helped by its closeness to Mount Vesuvius. Today it continues to grow as a major research institution.

It offers a wide range of disciplines and draws a diverse student body, while keeping a centuries-old tradition of academic excellence.

If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Naples Federico II, you must meet the following admission requirements:

• Completion of 12 years of basic education (if you completed high school in 11 years, you must complete a one-year preparatory program known as a Foundation year.)
• A language certificate at a minimum of B2 level with international validity, such as IELTS or TOEFL, for English-taught undergraduate or graduate programs in Italy
• Having sat for the YKS exam (both the TYT and AYT sessions are required.)
• Participation, with the required score, in entrance exams organized by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) for undergraduate programs such as Medicine, Psychology, Engineering, Economics, and Architecture
• As an alternative for departments such as Business and Economics, sitting for the SAT exam

If you are an international student applying to a graduate program at the University of Naples Federico II, you must meet the following admission requirements:

• A 4-year bachelor's degree diploma
• A high GPA
• A minimum of 180 ECTS credits earned during undergraduate studies
• For English-taught programs: proof of English proficiency (an English proficiency certificate obtained through an internationally recognized exam such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT)
• For Italian-taught programs: proof of Italian language proficiency
• Depending on program-specific admission requirements, a GRE/GMAT score may be required.