Polytechnic University of Turin (Politecnico di milano)
Turin, Italy
Politecnico di Torino
Turin, Italy
Founded
1859
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
35,000+
International Students
~16%
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, established in 1859 as a Technical School for Engineers. For more than 160 years, it has been one of the most prestigious institutions in Europe for education, research, and technological transfer in the fields of engineering, architecture, design, and urban planning.
Located in the vibrant city of Turin in the Piedmont region, PoliTo has around 35,000 students and 1,800 employees across eleven departments and several research institutes. The university attracts students from over 100 countries and holds the highest percentage of international enrollments (approximately 16%) among Italian universities.
PoliTo offers a wide selection of English-taught courses from undergraduate to Ph.D. level and maintains over 310 international agreements with foreign universities, including 168 student exchange and double degree agreements. Its strong ties with industry are reflected in approximately 800 annual collaborations with companies, public institutions, and local organizations.
Key Milestones
- 1859: Founded as the Technical School for Engineers (Scuola di Applicazione per gli Ingegneri) under the Casati Law
- 1906: Became the Regio Politecnico di Torino (Royal Polytechnic University of Turin), expanding its academic scope
- 1958: Main engineering campus opened in the Crocetta district on Corso Duca degli Abruzzi after post-war reconstruction
- 2012: Student-built CubeSat satellite e-ST@R launched into orbit by the European Space Agency's Vega rocket
Academic Structure and Departments
Academic Structure and Departments
Politecnico di Torino is organized into 11 departments that coordinate both teaching and research activities. The university offers programs in engineering, architecture, design, and urban planning, with many courses available entirely in English at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Department of Architecture and Design (DAD)
Housed in the historic Valentino Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this department covers architecture, industrial design, and interior design with a strong focus on creative and technical integration.
- Architecture
- Design and Visual Communication
- Systemic Design
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS)
One of the flagship departments, DIMEAS is renowned for its automotive and aerospace programs developed in collaboration with major industry partners in the Turin automotive cluster.
- Automotive Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET)
DET focuses on cutting-edge research and education in electronics, telecommunications, and information technology, preparing graduates for roles in the rapidly evolving tech sector.
- Electronic Engineering
- ICT for Smart Societies
- Nanotechnologies for ICTs
Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG)
This department addresses civil and structural engineering challenges, combining traditional construction science with modern sustainability and resilience approaches.
- Civil Engineering
- Building Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Department of Energy (DENERG)
DENERG covers energy engineering, nuclear engineering, and sustainable energy systems, with research spanning renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency.
- Energy and Nuclear Engineering
- Petroleum and Mining Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
Department of Mathematical Sciences (DISMA)
DISMA provides foundational mathematical education across all PoliTo programs and conducts research in applied mathematics, mathematical modeling, and computational science.
- Mathematical Engineering
- Physics of Complex Systems
- Data Science and Engineering
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Admission
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary school diploma equivalent to 12 years of education (applicants with 11 years may need a foundation year)
- Admission TestMandatory entrance examination (TIL-I for Engineering, Design and Planning; separate test for Architecture)
- Language ProficiencyEnglish B2 level (IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge) for English-taught programs; Italian B1 for Italian-taught programs
- Application PortalApply online via the Politecnico di Torino teaching portal; non-EU students must also complete pre-enrollment on Universitaly
- Documents RequiredAcademic transcripts, diploma, passport, language certificate, and Declaration of Value or CIMEA Statement of Comparability
Graduate (Master's) Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeRelevant Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years / 180 ECTS) in a related field of study
- Academic RequirementsMinimum GPA and specific prerequisite courses vary by program; check individual program requirements
- Language ProficiencyEnglish B2 level certification (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge); exemptions may apply for certain international diplomas
- Program ChoicesApplicants may apply for a maximum of two Master's programs; if accepted to both, enrollment is only permitted for the first choice
- Documents RequiredAcademic transcripts, Bachelor's degree certificate, CV, passport, language certificate, and motivation letter
Closing date for international applicants applying to Master's degree programs with non-Italian qualifications (check exact date each year)
Deadline to register for the undergraduate admission test for Engineering, Design and Planning programs
Main academic intake begins in September/October for both undergraduate and graduate programs
Some programs offer a spring intake in February/March; availability depends on the specific course
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Politecnico di Torino
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Politecnico di Torino
As a public university, Politecnico di Torino offers highly affordable tuition fees compared to many international institutions. Fees are calculated based on family income (ISEE declaration) and may vary by program level, with significant reductions available for eligible students.
| Fee Component | EU / Italian Residents | Non-EU International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | EUR 161 – EUR 3,821 | EUR 3,500 – EUR 4,000 |
| Graduate Tuition (per year) | EUR 161 – EUR 3,821 | EUR 4,000 – EUR 5,000 |
| Administrative Fees | Included in tuition | Included in tuition |
| Estimated Living Costs (per year) | EUR 8,000 – EUR 10,000 | EUR 8,000 – EUR 10,000 |
| Total | EUR 8,161 – EUR 13,821 | EUR 11,500 – EUR 15,000 |
TOPoliTO Scholarships for International Students
The TOPoliTO program recruits high-quality international students for Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, offering tuition fee waivers and financial support based on academic merit.
- Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic records applying to Bachelor's or Master's programs
- Coverage: Tuition fee waivers and possible stipends; amounts vary by academic year
- Application: Apply through the Politecnico di Torino admissions portal during the regular application cycle
EDISU Piemonte Regional Scholarships
The Piedmont regional authority for the right to university study (EDISU Piemonte) provides competitive scholarships, housing services, and subsidized meal plans based on financial need and academic merit.
- Eligibility: All enrolled students (including international) meeting income and merit criteria
- Benefits: Cash grants, housing in student residences, and subsidized cafeteria meals
- Application: Apply through the EDISU Piemonte website; calls are published annually, typically in summer
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Politecnico di Torino's campuses combine historic charm with modern infrastructure. The university operates five campuses in Turin plus a regional network of technological centers in Alessandria, Biella, Mondovi, and Verres across the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and 17th-century House of Savoy, the castle serves as the main campus for architecture students with 23,000 sq. m. of teaching space.
A 170,000 sq. m. modern complex adjoining the main campus, dedicated to research, technology transfer, industry collaboration, and student services.
The 122,000 sq. m. main engineering campus opened in 1958 in the Crocetta district, housing the majority of engineering departments, laboratories, and lecture halls.
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 Piemonte student residences assigned by competition based on income and merit
- Private accommodation agreements with priority access for international students
- Average monthly rent for a single room in Turin: EUR 400 – EUR 600
Libraries and Study Spaces
The university maintains two main libraries and numerous departmental libraries with over 250,000 items in stock and subscriptions to over a thousand periodicals annually.
- Campus-wide Wi-Fi network connected to the international Eduroam service
- EDISU-managed cafeterias offering subsidized meals for enrolled students
- Sports facilities, computer labs, and collaborative study spaces across all campuses
Student Life at Politecnico di Torino
Student Life at Politecnico di Torino
Student life at PoliTo is vibrant and multicultural, with over 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries. The university offers a high-level Language Centre, hundreds of international mobility destinations, student teams, sports and cultural associations, and career guidance services.
Turin: A City of Innovation, Culture, and Industry
Turin: A City of Innovation, Culture, and Industry
Living in Turin
Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region in northwest Italy, known for its rich history, baroque architecture, and status as a center of industry and culture. The city is home to major museums, art galleries, theaters, and historical sites, as well as industrial giants in the automotive sector. With excellent public transportation and a lower cost of living compared to Milan or Rome, Turin offers an ideal environment for international students.
Automotive Capital of Italy
Turin is the historic home of Fiat (now Stellantis) and a global hub for automotive engineering, design, and manufacturing, offering unique career opportunities for PoliTo graduates.
Cultural Heritage
The city boasts the Egyptian Museum (the largest outside Cairo), the Mole Antonelliana, numerous Savoy royal residences, and a thriving contemporary art scene.
Alpine Gateway
Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Turin provides easy access to world-renowned ski resorts, hiking trails, and natural parks, with the mountains visible from the city center.
Affordable Student City
Compared to other major Italian cities, Turin offers more affordable housing and living costs, with average monthly rent for students ranging from EUR 400 to EUR 600 for a single room.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of PoliTo Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
PoliTo provides dedicated assistance for international students with visa applications, residence permits, health insurance, and other administrative procedures required for studying in Italy.
The university has agreements with local housing operators to offer priority booking of accommodation for incoming international students. EDISU Piemonte also manages student residences assigned by competition.
PoliTo's Language Centre offers Italian language courses for international students, as well as English and other language programs. Welcome activities and language mediators help ease the transition to life in Turin.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Politecnico di Torino: Worldwide University Rankings
Politecnico di Torino: Worldwide University Rankings
Politecnico di Torino is consistently ranked among the top technical universities in Europe and the world, with particularly strong performance in engineering and architecture subject rankings. The university has shown a steady upward trend in recent years across major global ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #21 |
| Mechanical Engineering | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #28 |
| Petroleum Engineering | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #22 |
| Civil Engineering | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #33 |
Features
The Polytechnic University of Turin (PoliTo) is Italy's oldest public technical university, established in 1859, renowned for its top-tier programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Industrial Design. Key features include its strong international focus with high percentages of international students and English-taught courses, a commitment to cutting-edge research, a strong connection with industry through collaborations and internships, and its membership in the UNITE! European university alliance, which fosters a trans-European campus experience
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
June - October
Location
Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Torino TO, Italy
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