Ca' Foscari University of Venice
Venice, Italy
Ca' Foscari University of Venice
Venice, Italy
Founded
1868
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
23,000+
QS World Ranking
#660 (2026)
Discover Ca' Foscari University of Venice
Discover Ca' Foscari University of Venice
Ca' Foscari University of Venice was founded on August 6, 1868, as the Scuola Superiore di Commercio (Advanced School for Commerce), making it the first institution of higher education in business and economics in Italy and the second in Europe. Housed in a magnificent 15th-century Gothic palace overlooking the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice, the university blends centuries of academic tradition with a forward-looking, international outlook.
Today, Ca' Foscari is a multidisciplinary public university with over 23,000 students and 1,400 faculty and staff from around the world. Its teaching and research span four core areas: economics and management, humanities, modern languages and cultures, and sciences. The university is part of EUTOPIA, an alliance of ten European universities, and offers dozens of English-taught degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
Located in a UNESCO World Heritage city, Ca' Foscari provides a uniquely immersive academic experience. The university operates across multiple historic venues in Venice's center, as well as campuses in Mestre and Treviso. Its Venice School of Management holds the prestigious EQUIS accreditation, and the university is recognized by QS World University Rankings among the best institutions in 16 different subject areas.
Key Milestones
- 1868: Founded as the Royal School of Commerce, the first business school in Italy, by Luigi Luzzatti, Edoardo Deodati, and Francesco Ferrara.
- 1935: Became a governmental university institution with the founding of the Faculty of Economics and Business.
- 1968: Obtained full university status on its centenary, expanding into humanities, sciences, and philosophy.
- 2013: Palazzo Ca' Foscari became the oldest building in the world to receive LEED certification for environmental sustainability.
Academic Structure and Departments
Academic Structure and Departments
Ca' Foscari's teaching and research are organized across seven departments and the Venice School of Management. The university covers four major scientific and cultural areas: foreign languages and literatures, humanities, economics, and sciences. Many programs are offered entirely in English, and the university provides over 500 international exchange agreements and more than 50 joint or double degree options.
Department of Economics
One of the founding pillars of Ca' Foscari, this department offers programs in economics, finance, and quantitative methods, with a strong emphasis on empirical research and policy analysis.
- Economics and Finance
- Economics and Business
- Global Development and Entrepreneurship
Department of Management
Home to the EQUIS-accredited Venice School of Management, this department delivers innovative programs in business administration, marketing, accounting, and digital management.
- International Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Digital Management (with H-Farm)
Department of Linguistics and Comparative Cultural Studies
A leader in language education, this department teaches over 40 languages and offers programs combining linguistic competence with intercultural mediation and translation studies.
- Languages, Civilizations and the Science of Language
- Interpreting and Translation Studies
- European, American and Postcolonial Languages and Literatures
Department of Asian and North African Studies
One of the few departments in Europe dedicated to Asian and Middle Eastern studies, offering interdisciplinary programs that combine language proficiency with cultural, historical, and economic expertise.
- Languages, Cultures and Societies of Asia and North Africa
- Language and Management to China
- Language and Civilization of Japan
Department of Humanities
Covering history, philosophy, archaeology, and the arts, this department is recognized globally for Classics and Ancient History, ranking in the top 50 worldwide by QS subject rankings.
- Conservation and Management of Cultural Heritage
- History
- Philosophy and Cultural Studies
Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics
Combining environmental science, computer science, and statistics, this department addresses global challenges through interdisciplinary research in climate change, sustainability, and data analytics.
- Environmental Sciences
- Computer Science
- Science and Technology of Bio and Nanomaterials
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Secondary Education12+ years of schooling or equivalent (e.g., International Baccalaureate). A Foundation Year may be required for students with fewer than 12 years.
- English ProficiencyIELTS 5.0+ or TOEFL 60+ (varies by program). Some programs also require Italian language proficiency.
- Entrance ExamCEnT-S test (replacing TOLC) administered by CISIA, required for most programs.
- Application FeeEUR 30 non-refundable fee for international applicants.
- Application PortalOnline submission via apply.unive.it with supporting documents.
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeRecognized bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) in a relevant field of study.
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ for English-taught programs. B2 Italian may be required for Italian-taught programs.
- Academic RecordsOfficial transcripts, diploma supplement, and motivation letter. Some programs require a CV and reference letters.
- Program-Specific RequirementsSome programs include interviews or portfolio assessments as part of the selection process.
- Application FeeEUR 30 non-refundable fee for international applicants.
Early admission round for most bachelor's and master's programs. Applications typically open in mid-December.
Main admission round for international students requiring a study visa.
Additional round for select programs. Check availability on the application portal.
Fall semester classes commence in late September. Spring semester begins in February.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
As a public university subsidized by the Italian government, Ca' Foscari offers remarkably affordable tuition fees compared to many international institutions. Fees are calculated based on family income (ISEE certification) and can range significantly. The university also provides merit-based scholarships specifically for high-achieving international students.
| Fee Component | EU Students (per year) | Non-EU Students (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (income-based) | EUR 300 - 2,700 | EUR 1,300 - 2,700 |
| Regional Tax | EUR 176 | EUR 176 |
| Stamp Duty | EUR 16 | EUR 16 |
| Student Services Fee | EUR 100 - 200 | EUR 100 - 200 |
| Total | EUR 592 - 3,092 | EUR 1,592 - 3,092 |
Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students
Ca' Foscari offers renewable yearly scholarship packages for high-achieving international students enrolling in bachelor's or master's degree programs. These scholarships have been available since 2016 and cover the full duration of the degree.
- Eligibility: Minimum CGPA of 8.5/10 (or 85% equivalent). Separate application required.
- Coverage: Tuition fee waiver plus possible living expense contribution.
- Duration: Renewable annually for the full duration of the degree program.
ESU Venezia Need-Based Grants
The regional body ESU Venezia provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial need, including grants, subsidized housing in residence halls, and meal vouchers.
- Eligibility: Based on family income (ISEE/ISPE certification) and academic merit.
- Benefits: Tuition reduction, housing in 6 Venice residence halls, and meal subsidies.
- Application: Apply through the ESU Venezia portal. Deadlines vary annually.
Campus and Facilities in the Heart of Venice
Campus and Facilities in the Heart of Venice
Ca' Foscari's campus is unlike any other in the world. Spread across historic palaces and buildings in Venice's center, the university blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture with modern academic facilities. Additional campuses in Mestre and Treviso expand the university's reach to the mainland.
The iconic 15th-century main seat of the university, overlooking the widest bend of the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro district.
A dedicated campus for the Department of Economics and the Venice School of Management, featuring modern classrooms and research facilities.
Four specialized libraries covering Arts and Humanities, Economics and Management, Languages and Cultures, and Science and Technology.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
Ca' Foscari's Housing Office assists students in finding accommodation in Venice and the surrounding area. ESU Venezia manages six residence halls throughout the city for eligible students.
- ESU Venezia residence halls in Venice's historic center
- Private flat listings through the Housing Office
- Mainland options in Mestre for more affordable housing
Dining and Services
Students can access subsidized meal services through ESU Venezia canteens located near campus buildings. Venice also offers a wide variety of local eateries and markets for daily meals.
- ESU Venezia subsidized university canteens
- Cafeterias within campus buildings
- Local Venetian markets and restaurants nearby
Student Life at Ca' Foscari
Student Life at Ca' Foscari
Student life at Ca' Foscari is enriched by Venice's extraordinary cultural setting and the university's vibrant community. With over 700 events throughout the year, including literary festivals, film screenings, concerts, and academic conferences, there is always something happening on campus and around the city.
Venice: A UNESCO World Heritage City
Venice: A UNESCO World Heritage City
Living and Studying in Venice
Venice is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. As a student at Ca' Foscari, you will live in a car-free city where walking and water transport are the primary means of getting around. The city is an international crossroads of cultures and an open-air laboratory for humanities, environmental sciences, and cultural heritage research.
Cultural Capital
Home to the Venice Biennale, Venice Film Festival, and countless museums, galleries, and historic churches offering year-round cultural immersion.
Strategic Location
Excellent connections to major Italian and European cities by train, bus, and air through Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Unique Lifestyle
A walkable, car-free city with an extensive vaporetto (water bus) network. Enjoy beaches, water sports, and the stunning Venetian Lagoon.
Living Costs
Monthly budget of approximately EUR 750 covers accommodation, food, and transport. Housing in Mestre offers more affordable alternatives to Venice's historic center.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Ca' Foscari Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Provides comprehensive assistance with visas, residence permits, housing, health insurance, and administrative matters for non-EU students staying more than 3 months.
The Ca' Foscari School for International Education offers Italian language courses from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1) level, helping international students integrate into Italian life.
Dedicated orientation programs help new international students acclimate to university life and Venice. Clubs, associations, and ESN provide ongoing community support.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Ca' Foscari University of Venice is consistently featured among the top universities globally, with particular strengths in modern languages, classics and ancient history, arts and humanities, and economics. The university ranks in the top 3% of higher education institutions worldwide according to Times Higher Education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Classics and Ancient History | QS Subject Rankings | #39 |
| Modern Languages | QS Subject Rankings | Top 100 |
| Arts and Humanities | QS Subject Rankings | #123 |
| Business and Management Studies | QS Subject Rankings | #101 |
Features
Main campus in a large Venetian Gothic palace (volta de canal) in the historic centre of Venice; also satellite campuses in Mestre and Treviso.
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 - June
Location
Sestiere Dorsoduro 3246\n30123 Venice (VE)\nItaly
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