University of Parma
Parma, Italy
University of Parma (Università degli Studi di Parma)
Parma, Italy
Founded
962 AD
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
32,000+
Departments
10
Discover the University of Parma: A Millennium of Academic Excellence
Discover the University of Parma: A Millennium of Academic Excellence
The University of Parma (UNIPR) is one of the oldest universities in the world, with its origins dating back to 962 AD when Emperor Ottonian I conferred a diploma upon the Bishop of Parma establishing an educational institution. Today, the university is a leading public institution in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across ten departments.
Spread across multiple locations, the university features a 77-hectare science and technology campus in the southern part of the city, housing scientific departments, modern laboratories, and sports facilities. The humanities, law, economics, and medical departments are situated in historic buildings throughout Parma's city center, including locations near the beautiful Parco Ducale.
The University of Parma is particularly renowned for its research in food science, neuroscience (including the groundbreaking discovery of mirror neurons), medicine, and engineering. With approximately 32,000 students and 1,900 academic and administrative staff, the university attracts a large proportion of non-resident students from across Italy and the world.
Key Milestones
- 962: Emperor Ottonian I grants the founding diploma to the Bishop of Parma, establishing the roots of the university.
- 1601: Ranuccio I Farnese formally reopens the university with a papal bull, establishing the College of Nobles.
- 1768: Duke Ferdinand I expels the Jesuits and modernizes the curriculum, founding a state university with new scientific facilities.
- 1854: The university is permanently reopened after a period of closure and has operated continuously since.
Academic Structure and Departments
Academic Structure and Departments
The University of Parma is organized into ten departments covering a comprehensive range of disciplines. The university offers 39 first-cycle degree courses, 6 single-cycle degree courses, and over 40 second-cycle degree courses, several of which are taught entirely in English at the graduate level.
Department of Medicine and Surgery
One of the university's most prestigious departments, offering programs in medicine, surgery, and health sciences. The English-taught Medicine and Surgery program attracts international students from around the world.
- Medicine and Surgery (English-taught, 6-year cycle)
- Nursing Sciences
- Biomedical Laboratory Techniques
Department of Engineering and Architecture
Located on the science campus, this department is known for pioneering research in intelligent transportation systems and autonomous vehicles, as well as offering strong programs in civil, environmental, and architectural engineering.
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Architecture
- Electronic Engineering
Department of Food and Drug
A flagship department reflecting Parma's identity as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy. It is globally recognized for food science and technology research, ranking among the top 150 worldwide in the ARWU subject rankings.
- Food Science and Technology
- Gastronomic Sciences
- Pharmacy
Department of Economics and Management
Situated near the Parco Ducale in the city center, this department provides programs in business administration, economics, and finance with a strong focus on local industry partnerships.
- Business Administration and Management
- Economics and Finance
- International Business and Development
Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
A research-intensive department on the campus offering programs in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and biotechnology, with strong links to the university's Microbiome Research Hub.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Sciences and Technologies
Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries
Located in the historic city center, this department covers a broad range of disciplines including literature, philosophy, history, communication, and performing arts, reflecting Parma's rich cultural heritage.
- Arts, Literature, and History
- Communication and Media Studies
- Philosophy
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate (First Cycle)
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary school diploma equivalent to 12 years of schooling
- Language Proficiency (Italian programs)Italian B2 level (CILS or CELI certification)
- Language Proficiency (English programs)IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent
- Entrance ExamRequired for restricted-access programs (e.g., IMAT for Medicine)
- Pre-enrollmentNon-EU students must pre-enroll through Italian consulates or Universitaly portal
Graduate (Second Cycle / Master's)
- Bachelor's DegreeRelevant undergraduate degree from a recognized institution
- Language ProficiencyItalian B2 or English B2 depending on program language of instruction
- Academic TranscriptsOfficial transcripts with course descriptions and grades
- Additional DocumentsCV, motivation letter, and possibly portfolio depending on program
- Selection ProcessSome programs may require interviews or additional assessments
Non-EU students must complete pre-enrollment through the Universitaly portal and Italian diplomatic missions.
General enrollment for degree courses at the University of Parma typically opens in July each year.
The International Medical Admissions Test for the English-taught Medicine and Surgery program.
Classes for the first semester commence in October at the University of Parma.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
As a public university, the University of Parma offers highly affordable tuition fees that are calculated based on family income (ISEE indicator), academic merit, and year of enrollment. Fees are significantly lower than those at private institutions or universities in many other countries.
| Fee Component | Minimum (Low ISEE) | Maximum (High ISEE / No ISEE) |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Tax | EUR 140 | EUR 140 |
| Virtual Stamp Duty | EUR 16 | EUR 16 |
| University Contribution | EUR 0 | Up to EUR 2,925 |
| Estimated Living Costs (Annual) | EUR 7,400 | EUR 7,400 |
| Total | EUR 156 (minimum annual tuition) | Up to EUR 3,500 (maximum annual tuition) |
ER.GO Regional Scholarships
The Emilia-Romagna regional agency ER.GO offers comprehensive scholarships to eligible students based on economic need and academic merit, covering tuition, meals, and accommodation.
- Coverage: Tuition waivers, meal subsidies, and housing
- Eligibility: Based on ISEE income indicator and academic credits earned
- Application Period: Opens in early July each year on the ER.GO website
University Tuition Fee Reductions
The University of Parma offers a proportional tuition system where fees are personalized based on family income. Students with low ISEE values may pay as little as EUR 156 per year.
- Type: Income-based tuition reduction
- ISEE Threshold: Maximum contribution applies for ISEE above EUR 70,000
- Contact: sertasse@unipr.it for tuition fee reduction inquiries
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Parma is spread across multiple locations, combining a modern science campus with historic city-center buildings. The 77-hectare Parco Area delle Scienze campus in the south of the city is one of the few true university campuses in Italy, while humanities and social science departments are housed in elegant historic buildings in the city center.
A 77-hectare campus hosting scientific departments, advanced laboratories, a Technopole, and extensive sports facilities.
The university's central building in the heart of Parma houses the Rector's office, administrative offices, and the Law department.
Comprehensive sports facilities including a swimming pool, athletics tracks, tennis courts, football pitches, basketball courts, and rugby pitches.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
Public and private dormitories are available for University of Parma students, with a significant proportion allocated to international students through the ER.GO regional agency.
- ER.GO managed student residences
- Private dormitories near campus and city center
- HousingAnywhere platform for short-term accommodation
Dining and Services
The university provides canteen services on campus with subsidized meal plans available through ER.GO. Additional services include libraries, computer labs, and a Language Center.
- Campus canteens with subsidized meal plans
- Multiple department libraries and study rooms
- Language Center and computer laboratories
Student Life at the University of Parma
Student Life at the University of Parma
Student life at the University of Parma blends academic rigor with the vibrant cultural scene of one of Italy's most livable cities. The university encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities, sports, and cultural events throughout the year.
Parma: A City of Culture, Cuisine, and Quality of Life
Parma: A City of Culture, Cuisine, and Quality of Life
Life in Parma
Parma is a mid-sized city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy with a population of approximately 200,000. Known worldwide for its architecture, music, art, and gastronomy — including Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma — the city offers an exceptional quality of life with easy access to major Italian cities like Milan and Bologna.
UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy
Designated by UNESCO in 2015, Parma is the seat of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and a global hub for food science and culinary excellence.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Parma boasts over 20 theaters and cinemas, world-famous opera house Teatro Regio, the Pilotta Palace, Farnese Theater, and masterpieces by Correggio and Parmigianino.
Strategic Location
Situated on the Via Emilia, Parma is well-connected by rail and road to Milan, Bologna, Florence, and the Ligurian coast, making weekend travel easy and affordable.
Affordable and Livable
With an estimated annual cost of living around EUR 7,400, Parma is more affordable than larger Italian cities while offering a high quality of life and a welcoming atmosphere.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Alumni and Affiliated Figures
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
A dedicated center for international exchanges offering support for incoming and outgoing mobility of students, teachers, and administrative staff, including visa and residence permit assistance.
A 10-month preparatory program for international students who need to improve their language proficiency or have fewer than 12 years of schooling. Tuition ranges from EUR 3,200 to EUR 4,000.
Comprehensive support services including accommodation assistance, academic advising, disability services, career counseling, and integration support for international students.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Parma: Worldwide Rankings
University of Parma: Worldwide Rankings
The University of Parma is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, with particular strength in food science, medicine, and life sciences. Its research output includes over 55,000 academic publications and more than 1.5 million citations.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Food Science and Technology | ARWU Subject Rankings | #101-150 |
| Medicine | EduRank | #368 World / #19 Italy |
| Biology | EduRank | #395 World / #17 Italy |
| Psychology | EduRank | #378 World / #13 Italy |
Features
For the Trade master programme (Second‑cycle) at the Department of Economics & Management, one year after graduation the employment rate is 70.4%, and three years after is 91.7%. Permanent contract rate 3 years after is 43.2%.
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
Via Università, 12\n43121 Parma PR\nItaly
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
