University of Ferrara

The University of Ferrara (Unife) is steeped in history having been founded in 1391, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The first courses on offer were linked to the arts, theology and law and were taught by renowned professionals of the time, such as Bartolomeo Saliceto, an expert among jurists. 

A mix of the Middle Ages and Renaissance architecture, Unife offers a unique historical environment surrounded by palaces, houses, churches and museums. Located on the Po river, the campus is just 30 minutes by train from Bologna and one hour from Venice. 

With a large student population, the city revolves around the university. Ferrara is a cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly sustainable town where students can experience a high quality of life, and take advantage of all the town has to offer. 

Surrounded by more than six miles of walls, Ferrara feels like a charming, small fortress. Wide streets, Renaissance palaces, moats, and bastions add to its charming mystique. 

Unife offers a broad range of BA and MA degrees and PhDs in the sciences and the humanities. Some facilities are located inside modern buildings, including the Chemistry/Biomedical Centre, whereas others are located in prestigious artistic and historical buildings. 

Unife has several hundred international links, with its strongest being those with European and Latin American Universities. 

Ferrara's museums, exhibitions, festivals, and theatre reflect its rich artistic, musical, and cultural heritage, which continues to grow making it an ideal location for students. 

Notable alumni include Massimo Pigliucci, former editor in chief for the online magazine Scientia Salon, Marcella Hazan, an Italian-born cooking writer and Guido Barbujani, an Italian population geneticist, evolutionist and literary author.