University of Salerno
Fisciano, Italy
University of Salerno (Università degli Studi di Salerno)
Fisciano, Italy
Founded
1944
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
40,000+
Departments
15
Discover the University of Salerno: A Legacy of Knowledge in Southern Italy
Discover the University of Salerno: A Legacy of Knowledge in Southern Italy
The University of Salerno (UNISA) is a prominent public university located in Fisciano and Baronissi in the Campania region of southern Italy. Ideally linked to the Schola Medica Salernitana — widely considered the most important medical school in Europe between the 10th and 13th centuries — UNISA carries forward a tradition of learning that stretches back over a millennium.
The modern university traces its origin to the Istituto Universitario di Magistero 'Giovanni Cuomo', founded in 1944 by decree of King Victor Emmanuel III. It became a state university in 1968, and within a few years, multiple faculties were added, transforming it into a major comprehensive university with around 40,000 students drawn primarily from Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, and Apulia.
Today, UNISA is organized into approximately 15 departments covering a wide range of disciplines from engineering and computer science to medicine, law, and the humanities. The university is recognized for its strong research output, numerous international partnerships, and a growing number of programs taught in English at the master's and PhD levels.
Key Milestones
- 8th Century: Foundation of the Schola Medica Salernitana, the celebrated medieval medical school that earned Salerno the title 'Hippocratica Civitas'.
- 1944: Establishment of the Istituto Universitario di Magistero 'Giovanni Cuomo' by royal decree, marking the rebirth of higher education in Salerno.
- 1968: The institute became state-owned and was renamed Facoltà di Magistero dell'Università degli Studi di Salerno, with rapid expansion of faculties following.
- 1987: The university relocated to its modern campus in Fisciano, covering approximately 100,000 square metres with facilities for study, research, and student life.
Academic Structure and Departments
Academic Structure and Departments
The University of Salerno is organized into approximately 15 departments that were reconfigured in 2013 in accordance with Italian Law 240/2010. These departments span the full spectrum of academic disciplines, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Several master's programs are taught entirely in English, including Food Engineering, Business Innovation and Informatics, Computer Science, and Digital Health and Bioinformatics Engineering.
Department of Computer Science
One of UNISA's most well-regarded departments, offering rigorous curricula that combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications in computing and information technology.
- Computer Science (Laurea Magistrale, English-taught)
- Data Science and Machine Learning
- Software Engineering
Department of Information Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics
A leading department in engineering research, covering electrical engineering, telecommunications, and applied mathematics with strong ties to industry and international research networks.
- Digital Health and Bioinformatics Engineering (English-taught)
- Electrical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'
Carrying the prestigious name of the historic Schola Medica Salernitana, this department provides comprehensive medical education and clinical training at the Baronissi campus.
- Medicine and Surgery
- Dentistry
- Nursing Sciences
Department of Economic and Statistical Sciences
Offering programs in economics, finance, and statistics, this department prepares students for careers in business, public policy, and data-driven decision-making.
- Economics and Finance
- Business Administration
- Statistics for Data Science
Department of Chemistry and Biology 'A. Zambelli'
Dedicated to research and education in chemical sciences and biological disciplines, with strengths in organic chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, and nanotechnology.
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
Department of Legal Sciences
Providing a thorough grounding in Italian and European law, this department offers programs in jurisprudence and legal studies with opportunities for international exchange.
- Jurisprudence (5-year single-cycle degree)
- Legal Services
- European and International Law
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary school diploma equivalent to the Italian diploma di maturità (minimum 12 years of schooling required)
- Language ProficiencyItalian language proficiency for Italian-taught programs; IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs
- Entry TestCompulsory entry tests (selective or non-selective) depending on the chosen degree program
- Pre-enrollmentNon-EU students must pre-enroll through the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country via studiare-in-italia.it
- Academic GapStudents with fewer than 12 years of schooling may need a foundation year or equivalent preparation
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeA recognized bachelor's degree (Laurea) or equivalent foreign qualification in a relevant field
- Language ProficiencyIELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL equivalent for English-taught master's programs; Italian proficiency for Italian-taught programs
- Academic RecordsOfficial transcripts and diploma supplement with certified Italian translation
- Pre-enrollment (Non-EU)Non-EU students must follow the pre-enrollment procedure through Italian diplomatic authorities
- Additional RequirementsSome programs may require a portfolio, interview, or entrance examination. Contact the relevant department for details.
Non-EU students must complete pre-enrollment at the Italian embassy in their home country, typically between April and July before the academic year.
Compulsory entry tests for both selective and non-selective programs are held during the summer period as specified in each program's call for applications.
Successful applicants complete their enrollment and pay tuition fees during this period to secure their place for the academic year.
ADISURC (Campania regional agency) launches annual scholarship calls. International students should check adisurcampania.it for current deadlines.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
As a public Italian university, the University of Salerno offers highly affordable tuition fees compared to many Western countries. Fees are calculated on an income-based band system using the ISEE indicator, meaning students from lower-income families may pay significantly reduced fees. Contact the university directly for the most current fee schedule.
| Fee Component | EU / Resident Students | Non-EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Band 1 - Lowest Income) | Contact university for current rates | Contact university for current rates |
| Tuition (Band 3 - Standard Non-EU) | N/A | Contact university for current rates |
| Regional Tax (Tassa Regionale) | EUR 140 (approx.) | EUR 140 (approx.) |
| Student Services Fee | Included in tuition | Included in tuition |
| Total | Contact university for current total | Contact university for current total |
UNISA International Scholarships
The University of Salerno offers dedicated scholarships for international students enrolling in master's degree programs, which may include free Italian language courses, free meals at the university canteen, and free accommodation at the Halls of Residence.
- Eligibility: International students with a foreign bachelor's degree enrolling in a Laurea Magistrale program
- Benefits: Free accommodation, free meals, and Italian language course (50 hours)
- Duration: Up to two years (10 months per year, October to July)
ADISURC Regional Scholarships
The Campania regional agency ADISURC offers annual scholarships covering tuition fees and living expenses for eligible students based on income and academic merit requirements.
- Eligibility: Students meeting income (ISEE) and merit requirements as specified in the annual call
- Benefits: Financial support covering tuition fees and living expenses
- Application: Apply online through ADISURC with required income documentation (ISEE parificato for international students)
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Salerno's campus is one of the largest in Italy, covering approximately 100,000 square metres across two locations: the main campus in Fisciano and the medical campus in Baronissi. Set in the picturesque Irno valley, the campuses are well-connected by public transportation and offer a comprehensive, self-contained environment for study and daily life.
The primary campus houses the majority of academic departments, administrative offices, research centers, libraries, and student services.
The university library offers over 400,000 volumes and is one of the major book collections in Italy, divided into humanities and sciences sections.
The campus features gyms, an indoor swimming pool, a theatre, outdoor sports fields, and facilities managed by CUS Salerno for a wide range of athletic activities.
Housing and Dining
Student Residences
On-campus residence halls offer furnished apartments with air conditioning, kitchenettes, internet, and satellite TV, along with shared amenities including study rooms, lounges, and laundry facilities.
- Furnished one-room flats and mini-apartments
- Reception rooms, study rooms, and meeting spaces
- Gym, projection room, and automatic laundries
Dining Services
The campus includes university canteens and multiple restaurants and coffee bars, ensuring students have convenient access to affordable meals throughout the day.
- University canteen with subsidized meals
- Multiple restaurants and coffee bars on campus
- Free canteen access included in some scholarship packages
Student Life at UNISA
Student Life at UNISA
Student life at the University of Salerno is enriched by a vibrant campus community set in the scenic southern Italian countryside. With numerous cultural events, workshops, seminars, and student organizations, there are ample opportunities for personal growth and social engagement beyond the classroom.
Location: Fisciano and the Salerno Coast
Location: Fisciano and the Salerno Coast
Fisciano and Salerno: Where History Meets the Mediterranean
The University of Salerno is situated in Fisciano, a town just a few kilometers from the city of Salerno, at the junction of major motorway intersections that make it central and easy to reach. Salerno itself is a vibrant coastal city on the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering a more affordable cost of living compared to Rome or Milan while providing rich historical sites, beautiful beaches, and a gateway to the famous Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi Coast
One of Italy's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage coastlines is just a short drive from Salerno, offering breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and world-renowned cuisine.
Pompeii and Herculaneum
The ancient Roman archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are easily accessible from Salerno, providing extraordinary windows into classical civilization.
Naples
The regional capital of Naples is approximately one hour away by train, offering a wealth of museums, historical sites, and one of Italy's most vibrant food cultures.
Cilento National Park
To the south of Salerno lies the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO-listed area with pristine beaches, ancient Greek temples at Paestum, and unspoiled natural landscapes.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Services and Employer Connections
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The university's International Office provides assistance with visa procedures, residence permits, housing, health insurance, and integration into campus life. Non-EU students must complete pre-enrollment through the Italian embassy in their home country.
The on-campus health center provides first aid and specialist examinations, with specialist care free for enrolled students. The Michele Cesaro Counseling Center offers professional support for personal and academic difficulties.
UNISA provides orientation sessions for new international students and offers Italian language courses. Scholarship recipients may receive a free 50-hour Italian language course to help with integration.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Salerno: Worldwide Rankings
University of Salerno: Worldwide Rankings
The University of Salerno is consistently featured among the top 1,000 universities globally across multiple major ranking systems, and ranks among the top 25 universities in Italy. The university is particularly recognized for its research output in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physical sciences.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | EduRank | #509 globally, #18 in Italy |
| Computer Science | EduRank | #510 globally, #19 in Italy |
| Mathematics | EduRank | #509 globally, #17 in Italy |
| Business and Management | QS Subject Rankings | #251 globally |
Features
UNISA is a public university based in Fisciano (province of Salerno), Italy. It has a large campus covering the districts of Fisciano and Baronissi. It traces its heritage to the historic Schola Medica Salernitana.
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 - July
Location
Via Giovanni Paolo II 132\n84084 Fisciano (SA)\nCampania, Italy
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