University of Rome “Foro Italico”

The University of Rome “Foro Italico” (Italian: Università degli Studi di Roma “Foro Italico”) is a public university located in Rome, Italy, entirely dedicated to the fields of sports, physical education, movement sciences, health, and well-being. Established in 1998, it evolved from the Istituto Superiore di Educazione Fisica (ISEF) and later the Istituto Universitario di Scienze Motorie (IUSM), expanding the scope of those institutions to include scientific research, teaching, and professional training in all areas of human movement and sport. It is the only state university in Italy that specializes exclusively in these disciplines, making it a national and international reference point for sports and health sciences.

The university’s campus is located within the historic Foro Italico sports complex, one of Rome’s most significant architectural and cultural sites, situated at the base of Monte Mario along the River Tiber. The area includes world-class sports facilities such as stadiums, swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms, and athletics tracks, many of which were originally built for the 1960 Olympic Games. These facilities are directly integrated into the university’s teaching and research activities, providing students with hands-on experience and professional training environments.

The mission of the University of Rome “Foro Italico” is to promote knowledge, education, and research related to physical activity, sports performance, health, and quality of life. It combines academic study with practical application, preparing students for careers in sports management, physical education, coaching, rehabilitation, adapted physical activity, preventive medicine, and wellness promotion. Its teaching philosophy emphasizes not only athletic performance but also inclusivity, health, and social development through sport and movement.

Academically, the University follows the Bologna Process three-cycle system (3 + 2 + 3 years).

• The first cycle (Bachelor’s Degree / Laurea Triennale) offers programs in Sport and Exercise Sciences, providing students with foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and biomechanics of movement.
• The second cycle (Master’s Degree / Laurea Magistrale) includes specialized programs such as Preventive and Adapted Physical Activity, Sport Sciences and Techniques, Management of Sports and Physical Activities, and international programs like the European Master in Health and Physical Activity, which is taught in English and jointly offered with other European universities.
• The third cycle (Doctoral / PhD level) focuses on advanced research in human movement sciences, sport physiology, ergonomics, rehabilitation, inclusion, and public health. The doctoral school fosters innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research related to sport and wellness.

The University of Rome “Foro Italico” is highly research-oriented, with numerous laboratories dedicated to biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, sports psychology, and adapted physical activity. It collaborates closely with medical institutions, rehabilitation centers, and international research networks. It is a member of several European consortia, including programs that promote mobility and joint degrees, such as Erasmus+ partnerships and the European Master in Health and Physical Activity consortium. The university maintains a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge that connects sport, health, and society.

Its international orientation is one of its major strengths. Through partnerships with universities across Europe and beyond, Foro Italico attracts both Italian and international students interested in pursuing studies in sport and exercise sciences. Many of its Master’s programs are offered in English, making it accessible to a global audience. International students benefit from an environment that combines Italian cultural richness with modern academic and research standards.

The facilities at the university are among the most advanced in Europe for sports education. The campus includes multiple lecture halls, multimedia and language centers, a specialized library, over 20 scientific laboratories, and access to various training and competition venues. The university also hosts conferences, workshops, and international events, strengthening its role as a hub for sports science and physical education in Europe.

The student community at Foro Italico is relatively small—around 2,000 students—which allows for close interaction between students, professors, and researchers. This small scale contributes to a strong sense of academic community and personalized learning experience. Students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, internships, and research opportunities in real sports environments.

The strengths of the University of Rome “Foro Italico” lie in its specialization, world-class facilities, integration of theory and practice, and its leading role in sports science education in Italy and Europe. It prepares graduates for a variety of careers in sports management, physical education, health promotion, rehabilitation, and research. Its focus on inclusivity and adapted physical activity also contributes to the broader goal of improving health and well-being for all.

While its specialization makes it highly advanced in its field, the university’s academic offerings are naturally limited to areas related to sports and physical sciences. However, this focus ensures an unparalleled depth of expertise and practical experience in its disciplines. Some programs are still primarily taught in Italian, although English-taught options are expanding.

In the broader context of Italian and European higher education, the University of Rome “Foro Italico” plays an essential role in connecting education, sport, and health. It contributes to research and policies promoting physical activity as a key component of public health, inclusion, and social well-being. With its combination of tradition, scientific excellence, and innovation, it stands as a leading institution for anyone seeking to study or research in the fields of sport, exercise, and movement sciences in Italy.