University of Trento

A mid-sized Alpine state university with strong research in computer science, physics, economics and cognitive science and a well-run international office.

Location	Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
Type	State university
Founded	1962
Students (approx.)	about 17,000
Teaching languages	Italian and English
English-taught programmes	Many master's programmes and a few bachelor's programmes taught in English
Intakes and application window	Autumn intake (September–October); international applications typically open between late winter and spring and run in rounds for English-taught master's programmes — check each programme page for its own deadline and for any entrance test.
Links	unitn.it

Well-known fields

Computer science and ICT
Physics and mathematics
Economics and management
Cognitive science and psychology
Sociology and international studies
Civil and environmental engineering

Best for

Students who want a research-intensive university in a small, safe, well-organised city
Computer science, physics and economics applicants
Those who prefer mountains and order to a big-city buzz

Tuition fees

State university: tuition is an income-based contribution calculated from the family's ISEE indicator (or the equivalent ISEE-parificato for non-EU students), with reductions and exemptions for lower income bands and for students who meet merit conditions; a regional right-to-study tax is added. Non-EU students who cannot document income usually pay the top band for that programme.

Campus and city

Humanities, economics and law are in the city centre; science and engineering are at the Povo hill campus above town, and cognitive science is in nearby Rovereto. Trento is a small, clean and prosperous Alpine city with excellent public services and mountains in every direction.

Housing

Opera Universitaria, the provincial right-to-study body, runs a comparatively large stock of residences and grants for eligible students; the private market is small and competitive in autumn, so applying for a residence place is strongly advised.

Overview

The University of Trento is small by Italian standards but it has a research reputation far larger than its enrolment, particularly in computer science, physics, mathematics, economics and cognitive science. It benefits from an autonomous province that invests heavily in education and research, which shows in the quality of its buildings, labs and student services. For international students it is one of the most well-organised state universities in the country.

English-taught teaching is extensive at master’s level across science, engineering, economics, international studies and cognitive science, with a few bachelor’s degrees in English as well. The international admissions process is centralised, with clear rounds and a scholarship scheme for non-EU applicants, and the welcome office is used to helping students from South Asia with visas, permits and settling in.

Trento is a compact Alpine city on the Adige river, surrounded by mountains, with a historic centre, a modern science campus on the Povo hill and a cognitive science campus in nearby Rovereto. Daily life is quiet and safe, public transport is reliable, and the province’s student housing body offers more residence places relative to student numbers than most Italian cities. The trade-off is that it is a small city with cold winters and fewer big-city distractions.

Who it suits

Trento suits students in computer science, physics, mathematics, economics, cognitive science and environmental engineering who want a research-focused environment and a calm, well-run city. It is a strong fit for applicants who prioritise structure, safety and good housing over nightlife, and for those who plan to continue to a PhD.

What to check before applying

Check the application rounds for non-EU students, which open early and have fixed deadlines.
Read the eligibility criteria for the university’s international scholarships.
Apply to Opera Universitaria for housing and grants as soon as the call opens.
Confirm whether your programme is in Trento, Povo or Rovereto.
Prepare for a cold winter climate and a small-city lifestyle.

Considering this university?

Tell us your qualification, the degree level and the field you want, and we will say honestly whether this university is a realistic fit, what its application steps look like for a student from your country, and which alternatives are worth comparing.

Ask about this university on WhatsApp

More universities to compare

Browse all universities