Overview
Politecnico di Torino is the other great Italian technical university, and for many of the engineering students we advise it is the smarter choice. It covers the full range of engineering disciplines and architecture, with particular depth in mechanical, automotive, aerospace, electronics and ICT, reflecting Turin’s history as the home of Fiat and a cluster of aerospace and component suppliers. Several programmes are built with industry input and include lab work or project collaborations.
The university was an early adopter of English-taught teaching. Many bachelor’s degrees can be followed in English from the first year, and the list of English master’s degrees is long. The international admissions process is centralised, with its own online application, clear document checklists and scholarship schemes that cover fees for selected non-EU candidates. Admission to the engineering bachelor’s degrees involves an online test, which international applicants should prepare for.
Turin is a calm, well-planned city with grand boulevards, cafes, a river and the Alps on the horizon. It is cheaper than Milan, large enough to have a real student scene and an excellent public transport network, and it hosts a sizeable international community. The main campus and the adjacent Cittadella Politecnica concentrate most teaching in one area, while architecture is taught at the Valentino castle by the river.
Who it suits
Polito suits engineering and architecture applicants who want a technical university with strong industry connections, a manageable cost of living and a campus where most services are in one place. It is well matched to students targeting automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics or computer engineering careers, and to those who prefer an orderly city to a hectic one.
What to check before applying
- Prepare for the engineering admission test if you are applying to a bachelor’s degree.
- Check the application rounds and the earlier deadlines for scholarship consideration.
- Confirm whether your programme is in Turin or at one of the regional sites.
- Apply to EDISU Piemonte housing and grants as soon as the call opens.
- Verify the English certificate level accepted for your programme.