Politecnico di Milano
Milan, Italy
Politecnico di Milano
Milan, Italy
Founded
1863
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
48,000+
QS World Ranking
#98 (2026)
Discover Politecnico di Milano: Italy's Leading Technical University
Discover Politecnico di Milano: Italy's Leading Technical University
Founded on November 29, 1863 by mathematician Francesco Brioschi, Politecnico di Milano is the oldest university in Milan and the largest public technical university in Italy. Originally named Istituto Tecnico Superiore, it was modeled after German and Swiss polytechnics with the goal of advancing Italy's scientific and technological progress during the country's early years of unification.
Today, Politecnico di Milano offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across engineering, architecture, and design. With more than 48,000 enrolled students and over 8,800 international students from more than 140 countries, the university operates across seven campuses in Milan and nearby Italian cities including Lecco, Cremona, Mantova, and Piacenza.
The university's academic structure comprises 12 departments responsible for research and four schools dedicated to education. Politecnico di Milano is an active member of prestigious international alliances including ENHANCE, IDEA League, and Alliance4Tech, and its notable alumni include Pritzker Prize winners Renzo Piano and Aldo Rossi, as well as Nobel laureate Giulio Natta.
Key Milestones
- 1863: Founded by Francesco Brioschi as Istituto Tecnico Superiore, initially offering Civil and Industrial Engineering programs.
- 1927: The university moved to its iconic campus at Piazza Leonardo da Vinci in the Città Studi district of Milan.
- 1963: Professor Giulio Natta won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, bringing international recognition to Politecnico's research excellence.
- 2025: Politecnico di Milano entered the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings for the first time, ranking 98th globally.
Academic Structure and Programs at Politecnico di Milano
Academic Structure and Programs at Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano is organized into 12 departments and four schools that cover the full spectrum of engineering, architecture, and design disciplines. Almost the entire postgraduate portfolio is taught in English, and the university offers over 40 graduate programs in English alongside several undergraduate programs.
School of Industrial and Information Engineering
The largest school at Politecnico, covering a broad range of engineering disciplines from aerospace to energy, with strong industry partnerships and state-of-the-art laboratories.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
School of Civil, Environmental and Land Management Engineering
Focused on infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and territorial management, this school trains engineers to address pressing challenges in urban development and environmental protection.
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental and Land Planning Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering (AUIC)
One of the most prestigious architecture schools in the world, combining design thinking with engineering rigor to train architects and urban planners who shape the built environment.
- Architecture and Urban Design
- Building and Architectural Engineering
- Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design
School of Design
Ranked among the top 10 globally for Art and Design by QS, this school offers innovative programs that blend Italian design culture with contemporary challenges in product, communication, interior, and fashion design.
- Product Service System Design
- Communication Design
- Interior and Spatial Design
POLIMI Graduate School of Management
A joint initiative of Politecnico di Milano offering MBA and executive education programs, ranked among the top business schools in Europe by the Financial Times for open and custom executive programs.
- Management Engineering
- Executive MBA
- International Flex EMBA
PhD School
The doctoral school offers research-intensive programs across all Politecnico departments, with opportunities for industrial doctorates that combine academic research with corporate collaboration.
- PhD in Information Technology
- PhD in Architectural, Urban and Interior Design
- PhD in Structural, Seismic and Geotechnical Engineering
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate (Laurea / BSc)
- EducationSecondary school diploma after minimum 12-13 years of education, equivalent to Italian maturità
- Entrance ExamTOL (Test Online) for Engineering; TOLD for Design; national test for Architecture
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for English-taught programs
- Subject RequirementsStrong background in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry for Engineering and Science programs
- Application FeeContact the university for current application fee details
Graduate (Laurea Magistrale / MSc)
- EducationFour-year undergraduate degree in a related field with minimum GPA of 70/100
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 78+ (varies by program)
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, CV, motivation letter, letters of recommendation; portfolio required for Design and Architecture
- Maximum ApplicationsUp to two programs per application round
- GRE/GMATNot required for most programs; may strengthen application
Recommended early submission deadline for graduate applicants to receive results sooner and increase admission chances.
Final application deadline for non-EU international students seeking enrollment in the first semester starting in September.
Primary intake for most undergraduate and graduate programs. Design programs only accept students for this intake.
Second intake available for Engineering graduate programs only. Design and Architecture programs do not offer February enrollment.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Politecnico di Milano
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Politecnico di Milano
As a public university, Politecnico di Milano offers highly competitive tuition fees compared to many international institutions. Fees for EU students are calculated based on family income (ISEE), while non-EU international students generally pay the maximum fee bracket unless they receive a scholarship.
| Fee Component | EU / Italian Students | Non-EU International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (BSc) | EUR 167 - EUR 3,893 (income-based) | Approx. EUR 3,900 per year |
| Annual Tuition (MSc) | EUR 167 - EUR 3,893 (income-based) | Approx. EUR 3,900 - EUR 4,000 per year |
| First Installment (upon enrollment) | EUR 890 | EUR 890 |
| Estimated Living Expenses | Approx. EUR 10,000 per year | Approx. EUR 10,000 per year |
| Total | EUR 10,167 - EUR 13,893 per year | Approx. EUR 13,900 - EUR 14,000 per year |
Politecnico di Milano Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships for outstanding international students admitted to MSc programs. These may include full tuition waivers and additional funds for accommodation and living expenses. Many are automatically assessed during the admission process.
- Coverage: Full tuition waiver plus possible living stipend
- Eligibility: International students admitted to MSc programs, ranked by academic merit
- Application: Assessed automatically upon MSc admission application
DSU (Diritto allo Studio Universitario) Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid provided by the Lombardy Region for students meeting specific income and merit criteria. Benefits may include tuition fee reduction, free meals, and accommodation support.
- Coverage: Tuition reduction, meal vouchers, housing support
- Eligibility: Based on family income (ISEE) and academic merit
- Application: Separate application through the regional DSU office
Campus and Facilities at Politecnico di Milano
Campus and Facilities at Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano operates across seven campuses, with two main locations in Milan — Leonardo and Bovisa — and satellite campuses in Lecco, Cremona, Mantova, and Piacenza. Each campus is equipped with modern laboratories, libraries, study spaces, and student services.
The main campus in Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, located in the Città Studi district, housing the Rectorate, engineering departments, and central administration.
A modern campus in northern Milan dedicated to design, architecture, and several engineering departments, featuring cutting-edge labs and creative workspaces.
Politecnico operates one of the largest wind tunnels in Europe and numerous advanced research laboratories supporting engineering, architecture, and design innovation.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
Politecnico di Milano offers various housing options for students, including university residences and partnerships with private student accommodation providers near all major campuses.
- University-managed residences in Città Studi and Bovisa areas
- Partnerships with private student housing providers
- DSU housing support for eligible students
Dining and Services
On-campus dining facilities serve affordable meals to students, with subsidized pricing available through the DSU program. All campuses provide essential student services.
- Campus canteens with subsidized meal plans
- Extensive library resources and study spaces
- IT infrastructure, printing services, and safety services
Student Life at Politecnico di Milano
Student Life at Politecnico di Milano
Student life at Politecnico di Milano is vibrant and diverse, with numerous associations, cultural events, and extracurricular activities. International students benefit from a dedicated Welcome Week, a buddy program pairing them with current students, and Welcome Desks on all campuses to support their transition to life in Italy.
Milan: A Global Capital of Design, Fashion, and Innovation
Milan: A Global Capital of Design, Fashion, and Innovation
Life in Milan
Milan is recognized as one of the world's four fashion capitals and is a global hub for design, finance, and technology. The city hosts internationally renowned events such as Milan Fashion Week and the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, and is set to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. Located in Lombardy, Milan offers easy access to the Italian Alps, Lake Como, Lake Garda, and cities of art like Venice, Florence, and Bologna via excellent public transportation.
Design and Fashion Capital
Milan is home to the world's largest design fair (Salone del Mobile) and Milan Fashion Week, offering unparalleled exposure for architecture and design students.
Strategic Location in Europe
Situated in northern Italy with excellent rail and air connections, Milan provides easy access to major European cities and scenic Italian destinations.
Thriving Job Market
As Italy's economic and financial capital, Milan hosts headquarters of major corporations and a dynamic startup ecosystem, offering abundant internship and career opportunities.
Rich Cultural Heritage
From Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper to La Scala opera house, Milan offers a vibrant cultural scene with world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and historic landmarks.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of Politecnico di Milano Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
International students attend a dedicated Welcome Week and can request a buddy student — a volunteer from Politecnico who helps newcomers navigate campus life, Italian culture, and administrative procedures.
The International Students Office provides guidance on visa applications, residence permits, and related documentation. The study permit allows graduates to remain in Italy up to one year after graduation to search for employment.
The Career Service connects students with over 200 companies through annual Job Fairs and weekly on-campus employer events. Students can access career counseling, internship placements, and job postings throughout their studies.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Politecnico di Milano: Worldwide University Rankings
Politecnico di Milano: Worldwide University Rankings
Politecnico di Milano has consistently climbed major international rankings, achieving a historic milestone in 2026 by entering the QS World University Rankings top 100 — a first for any Italian university. The university excels particularly in subject-specific rankings for engineering, architecture, and design.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture / Built Environment | QS Subject Rankings | #6 |
| Art and Design | QS Subject Rankings | #7 |
| Engineering and Technology | QS Subject Rankings | #20 |
| Civil and Structural Engineering | QS Subject Rankings | #14 |
Features
In the QS 2025 Ranking by subject Politecnico is the 21st university in the world for Engineering&Technology, the 6th university in the world for Art&Design and the 7th university in the world for Architecture/Built Environment. It is among the first 25 universities in the world for Civil & Structural Engineering; Electrical & Electronic Engineering; Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering. And among the first 50 in the world for Data Science & AI; Chemical Engineering; Materials Science; Mathematics.\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - February
Location
Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milano MI, Italy
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