University of Pavia
University of Pavia overview
The University of Pavia (Università degli Studi di Pavia) was founded in 1361 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The institution's roots reach back to 825, to a school of civil and canon law under the Lombard Kingdom. Official recognition as a university came in the 14th century from Galeazzo II Visconti, Duke of Milan. Through the Renaissance and the early modern period, the university expanded its curriculum beyond law and theology to take in medicine, philosophy, and the humanities. It gained prominence with the support of the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa.
She reorganized it in the 18th century to make it a center of scientific research and education. Its heritage holds renowned scholars and alumni who contributed a great deal to the development of many academic fields. The university became associated with the physics professor Alessandro Volta, who revolutionized science by inventing the electric battery in 1800. It is also associated with Camillo Golgi, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906. It also supported the work of the poet and patriot Ugo Foscolo and the Renaissance polymath Girolamo Cardano.
Today the University of Pavia remains a prestigious institution that keeps both its historic tradition and its commitment to modern research.
About University of Pavia
The University of Pavia (Università degli Studi di Pavia) was founded in 1361 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. The institution's roots reach back to 825, to a school of civil and canon law under the Lombard Kingdom. Official recognition as a university came in the 14th century from Galeazzo II Visconti, Duke of Milan.
Through the Renaissance and the early modern period, the university expanded its curriculum beyond law and theology to take in medicine, philosophy, and the humanities. It gained prominence with the support of the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. She reorganized it in the 18th century to make it a center of scientific research and education.
Its heritage holds renowned scholars and alumni who contributed a great deal to the development of many academic fields. The university became associated with the physics professor Alessandro Volta, who revolutionized science by inventing the electric battery in 1800. It is also associated with Camillo Golgi, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906. It also supported the work of the poet and patriot Ugo Foscolo and the Renaissance polymath Girolamo Cardano.
Today the University of Pavia remains a prestigious institution that keeps both its historic tradition and its commitment to modern research.
University of Pavia faculties and programs
Medicine and Surgery
Artificial Intelligence
Social Sciences for Global Challenges
University of Pavia scholarships and financial aid
Italian universities offer scholarship programs for international students. These scholarships generally range from 5,000 to 12,000 EUR per year. They may also be awarded to cover a full year of tuition fees. The DSU scholarship is one of Italy’s best-known scholarships, awarded by the Italian government based on the financial situation of the student's family. To apply for it, you must have already received your university acceptance.
University of Pavia Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Pavia
If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Pavia, 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 1-year Foundation preparatory year.)
- An internationally recognized language certificate at a minimum B2 level for English-language undergraduate or graduate study in Italy (such as IELTS or TOEFL)
- Having taken the YKS exam (Both the TYT and AYT sessions must be taken.)
- Sitting the entrance exams organized by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) and achieving the required score, for undergraduate programs such as Medicine, Psychology, Engineering, Economics, and Architecture
- Alternatively, taking the SAT exam for programs such as Business Administration, Economics, etc.
If you are an international student applying to a graduate program at the University of Pavia, you must meet the following admission requirements.
- A 4-year bachelor's degree diploma
- A high GPA
- A minimum of 180 ECTS credits accumulated during undergraduate studies
- An English proficiency certificate for programs taught in English (a certificate from an internationally recognized exam such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT)
- An Italian proficiency certificate for programs taught in Italian
- GRE/GMAT scores may be required, depending on the specific admission requirements of the program you apply to.
Take a closer look at University of Pavia
The University of Pavia is woven into the city itself, with buildings and facilities across the historic center and beyond. The main hub sits in the heart of Pavia, a charming city in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, 30 km south of Milan. You can reach this central location easily by train or car. Here stands the Palazzo Centrale (University Palace), a magnificent 15th-century building with nine courtyards and historic amphitheaters. The Humanities, Law, Political and Social Sciences, and Economics departments are concentrated in this area.
Landmark buildings here include the Palazzo Centrale on Corso Strada Nuova, the Palazzo San Tommaso on Piazza del Lino, and others around Piazza Botta. The central campus has a lively academic atmosphere steeped in history. You also have the city's rich cultural heritage close at hand, including museums, churches, and the famous Ponte Coperto (covered bridge) over the Ticino River. While the historic center houses the humanities, the university also has a modern science and technology hub in the northwest of the city.
It is known as Polo Cravino, easy to reach by bus and nicknamed the “Ship” for its distinctive shape. Polo Cravino was built in the 1970s and houses scientific departments including Medicine and STEM fields. Set against the historic charm of the central campus, it offers state-of-the-art facilities for research and study.
The university has a wide variety of student organizations for different interests, ranging from academic clubs and political groups to cultural associations and sports teams. Through them you can meet other students and build valuable skills outside the classroom. The Collegi system, a network of historic student residential colleges affiliated with the university, fosters a strong sense of community and tradition. Each college has its own identity and organizes events, sports competitions, and cultural activities.
Together these contribute to a lively, supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. Student traditions at the University of Pavia are rooted in its long history. The "Neofit Ceremony," a welcome event for new students, dates back to the 16th century and gives a fun introduction to university life. Through the year, students take part in various events and festivals, including the “Festa del Ticino,” a city-wide celebration with boat races and fireworks displays.
The University of Pavia has an extensive alumni network of many distinguished individuals who reached outstanding success in various fields. Notable alumni of the university include:
- Maria De Filippi
- Cesare Beccaria
- Lucia Azzolina
- Carlo Goldoni
- Charles Borromeo
- Gerolamo Cardano
- Umberto Bossi
- Camillo Golgi
- Carlo Cattaneo
among others.
University of Pavia Location
Pavia, Italy
University of Pavia Contact
How to Get Into University of Pavia
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Why University of Pavia?
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