Politecnico di Torino
Torino, Italy
Politecnico di Torino
Torino, Italy
Founded
1859
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
38,700+
International Students
7,000+
Discover Politecnico di Torino: Italy's Oldest Technical University
Discover Politecnico di Torino: Italy's Oldest Technical University
Politecnico di Torino (PoliTo) is the oldest public technical university in Italy, offering programs in Engineering, Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning. With over 38,700 students and a teaching staff of more than 1,000, it is consistently ranked among the top European technical universities for education and research.
Originally founded as the Scuola di Applicazione per gli Ingegneri (Technical School for Engineers) in 1859 under the Casati Act, the institution became the Regio Politecnico di Torino in 1906. Its roots also trace to the Museo Industriale Italiano, founded in 1862, which addressed Italy's emerging industrial era.
Today, Politecnico di Torino is a member of the UNITE! European University alliance and maintains strong ties with industry through its Cittadella Politecnica campus. The university's business incubator I3P has been recognized as one of the top incubators in Europe, and PoliTo is the top national recipient of research funding from Italy's Fondo di Finanziamento Ordinario.
Key Milestones
- 1859: Founded as the Technical School for Engineers under the Casati Act, marking Italy's first engineering school.
- 1906: Officially became the Regio Politecnico di Torino (Royal Turin Polytechnic), expanding its academic scope.
- 1958: The main Engineering campus on Corso Duca degli Abruzzi was inaugurated in the Crocetta district of Turin.
- 2012: Students launched the e-st@r CubeSat nanosatellite into orbit aboard the European Space Agency's Vega rocket.
Academic Structure and Departments
Academic Structure and Departments
Politecnico di Torino is organized into 11 departments that handle both teaching and research. The university offers Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. programs across Engineering, Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning, with many courses taught entirely in English.
Department of Architecture and Design
Housed in the historic Valentino Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this department focuses on architectural design, product design, and the built environment.
- Architecture
- Systemic Design
- Design and Visual Communication
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Covers a broad spectrum of advanced industrial manufacturing, including traditional and cutting-edge areas within mechanics and aeronautics, with strong ties to the automotive and aerospace industries.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
Department of Electronics and Telecommunications
Focuses on electronic systems, telecommunications, signal processing, and emerging technologies in the ICT sector, with extensive research partnerships across Europe.
- Electronic Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Nanotechnologies for ICTs
Department of Management and Production Engineering
Combines engineering traditions with business management and economics expertise, focusing on the relationship between production systems and their economic and organizational environments.
- Engineering and Management
- Industrial Production and Technological Innovation
- Mathematical Engineering
Department of Applied Science and Technology
Focuses on the fundamental principles of matter and energy, their transformation, and engineering applications, including materials science, chemistry, and physics.
- Materials Engineering
- Physics of Complex Systems
- Chemical and Food Engineering
Department of Structural, Building, and Geotechnical Engineering
Addresses the safety, functional design, and aesthetics of constructions, considering environmental and human actions, integration with natural and built environments, and territorial considerations.
- Civil Engineering
- Building Engineering
- Environmental and Land Engineering
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate (Bachelor's)
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary school diploma (12 years of schooling or equivalent foundation course)
- Admission TestTIL (Test di Ingresso online) required for Engineering, Design, and Planning programs
- English ProficiencyB2 level certification (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or equivalent)
- U.S. ApplicantsHigh School Diploma with at least 3 Advanced Placements (scores 3-5) in relevant subjects
- Application FeeNon-refundable fee required upon enrollment
Graduate (Master's)
- Prior DegreeBachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong academic performance
- Academic AverageWeighted average of 24/30 or higher typically required
- English ProficiencyB2 level certification (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge); use code C285 for TOEFL
- Application FeeEUR 50 non-refundable fee paid online via credit card
- Optional DocumentsGRE score, recommendation letters, motivation letter, and relevant work experience
First application window for international Master's applicants with non-Italian qualifications closes in mid-March.
Online admission tests (TIL) are offered on multiple dates; check the official Calls for Applications for exact schedules.
Online enrollment for admitted 1st semester Master's students typically opens in July and closes in early October.
Classes begin in late September with Welcome Weeks featuring orientation meetings and social events for new students.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
As a public Italian university, Politecnico di Torino offers significantly lower tuition fees compared to many international institutions. Fees are income-based for students who submit an ISEE/ISEE Parificato declaration, and a no-tax area exemption applies to students with family income below EUR 25,500 per year.
| Fee Category | Reduced (ISEE-based) | Standard / International |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (annual) | EUR 161 - EUR 3,821 | EUR 3,500 - EUR 4,000 |
| Graduate Tuition (annual) | EUR 161 - EUR 3,821 | EUR 4,000 - EUR 5,000 |
| Administrative Fees | Included | Included |
| Student Services Tax | Included | Included |
| Total | EUR 161 - EUR 3,821 per year | EUR 3,500 - EUR 5,000 per year |
TOPoliTO Scholarship Program
Designed to attract high-quality international students for Bachelor's and Master's programs, providing financial support to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic records
- Coverage: Tuition fee reduction or waiver plus possible living stipend
- Application: Applied through the PoliTo online admissions portal
EDISU Piemonte Regional Scholarships
The Regional Authority for the Right to University Study provides competitive benefits including scholarships and housing services based on financial need and academic merit.
- Benefits: Scholarships, housing, and subsidized dining services
- Criteria: Based on ISEE income declaration and academic performance
- Additional Options: MAECI grants and Invest Your Talent in Italy program also available
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Politecnico di Torino's campuses draw inspiration from Anglo-Saxon university models, featuring multipurpose buildings for teaching, research, and student services. The main campus in Turin is complemented by satellite campuses in Alessandria, Biella, Mondovi, and Verres across the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and 17th-century House of Savoy, hosting the Department of Architecture and Design with 23,000 sq. m. of teaching space.
The 122,000 sq. m. engineering complex on Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, opened in 1958, serves as the primary hub for engineering studies and research.
A modern 170,000 sq. m. expansion adjoining the main campus, dedicated to research, technology transfer, corporate collaboration, and student services.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
PoliTo partners with local operators and EDISU Piemonte to provide accommodation options for international students, including priority booking for those arriving from abroad.
- EDISU halls of residence assigned by competition based on income and merit
- Private accommodation agreements with priority for international students
- Average single room rental in Turin: EUR 400 - EUR 600 per month
Dining and Libraries
Students enjoy subsidized dining through EDISU Piemonte cafeterias and have access to extensive library resources across campus.
- EDISU subsidized dining services at multiple campus locations
- Two main libraries plus departmental libraries with over 250,000 items
- Over 1,000 periodical subscriptions and historic collections
Student Life at Politecnico di Torino
Student Life at Politecnico di Torino
Student life at Politecnico di Torino is vibrant and dynamic, with a diverse international community of students from more than 100 countries. The university offers Welcome Weeks, cultural events, and extensive opportunities for personal and professional growth beyond the classroom.
Turin: A City of Innovation, Culture, and History
Turin: A City of Innovation, Culture, and History
Living in Turin
Turin is a lively city with over 100,000 university students and an average cost of living lower than other major Italian cities like Milan or Rome. Known for its Baroque architecture, world-renowned museums, and rich culinary traditions, Turin offers a high quality of life with excellent public transportation and green spaces.
Affordable Student City
Turin offers a lower cost of living compared to other major Italian cities, making it an attractive destination for international students on a budget.
Cultural Capital
Home to the Egyptian Museum, the Cinema Museum in the iconic Mole Antonelliana, and year-round international festivals in film, art, and music.
Industrial Heritage
Turin is the birthplace of Italian automotive industry (FIAT, Lancia, Alfa Romeo origins) and remains a hub for innovation, technology, and design.
Gateway to the Alps
Located at the foot of the Italian Alps, Turin offers easy access to ski resorts, hiking trails, and natural parks for outdoor enthusiasts.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers and Industry Partners
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Non-EU students requiring a study visa must complete pre-enrollment through the UNIVERSITALY portal. The International Affairs office guides you through the entire process.
PoliTo organizes Welcome Weeks at the start of each academic year with orientation meetings, campus tours, and social events to help you integrate into university life.
The university offers a high-level Language Centre with Italian language courses and other language support services to help international students adapt to life in Italy.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Worldwide University Rankings
Worldwide University Rankings
Politecnico di Torino is consistently recognized as one of the top technical universities in Italy and Europe. It ranks among the top engineering and technology universities globally, with particularly strong positions in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | QS World Rankings by Subject | #21 |
| Mechanical Engineering | QS World Rankings by Subject | #28 |
| Petroleum Engineering | QS World Rankings by Subject | #22 |
| Civil Engineering | QS World Rankings by Subject | #33 |
Features
Politecnico di Torino is a public, highly international and industry‑connected technical university, founded in 1859. It enrolls nearly 39,000 students across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs, supported by a robust academic staff of approx. 1,200–1,800. With a striking ~22% international student community, it boasts an exceptional postgraduate employment rate of 96% within one year, well above national averages. The institution consistently ranks within the top 250 worldwide (QS), excelling in engineering, architecture, and built environment fields—further ranking 5th among Italian universities. Its strategic industry partnerships and central location in Turin deepen both academic quality and global appeal.
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
Corso Castelfidardo, 39 – 10129 Torino
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