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Sapienza University of Rome

Address: Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Phone: +39 06 49911
Email: infostudenti@uniroma1.it
Website: www.uniroma1.it


About Sapienza University of Rome

With over 700 years of history, more than 120,000+ total students, 3,500+ professors, 3,000+ professional staff, Sapienza University of Rome is the largest University in Europe. Its mission is to contribute to the development of the knowledge society through research, excellence, quality education, and international cooperation. The most influential university rankings worldwide place Sapienza among the first Italian Universities for its research, educational quality, and international dimension. In the rankings for individual subjects, our University is a reference point for many disciplines

Founded in 1303, Sapienza is the oldest university in Rome and the largest in Europe. Its mission is to contribute to the development of a knowledge society through research, excellence, quality education and international cooperation.

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  • 700+ years of history,
  • 120,000+ students,
  • 3,500+ professors
  • 3,000+ employees, technicians and librarians


Sapienza at a Glance - Facts and Figures

Why Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome, officially known as Sapienza Università di Roma, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Here are some reasons why it is famous:

1. Rich History

  • Founded in 1303, Sapienza is one of the oldest universities in Europe, boasting a long tradition of academic excellence and intellectual contribution.

2. Academic Reputation

  • It is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and is recognized for its strong programs in various fields, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, and medicine.

3. Comprehensive Course Offerings

  • The university offers a wide range of programs across diverse disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, law, and social sciences, catering to a broad spectrum of academic interests.

4. Research Excellence

  • Sapienza is known for its high-impact research and contributions to various fields. It participates in numerous research projects funded by the European Union and other international organizations.

5. Cultural Hub

  • Located in Rome, the university is at the heart of one of the world’s most historically and culturally rich cities. This provides students with unique opportunities to engage with art, history, and politics.

6. Notable Alumni

  • Sapienza has produced many distinguished alumni, including several Nobel laureates, prominent politicians, and influential figures in science, literature, and the arts.

7. Diverse Student Population

  • With a large and diverse student body, Sapienza attracts students from all over the world, promoting a multicultural environment that enriches the academic experience.

8. Collaborations and Partnerships

  • The university collaborates with various international institutions and organizations, fostering academic exchange and research collaboration.

9. Innovative Teaching Methods

  • Sapienza emphasizes innovative teaching methodologies, integrating modern technology and interdisciplinary approaches to education.

Sapienza University of Rome has specific language requirements for its programs, which vary depending on the medium of instruction (Italian or English). Here’s a breakdown of the language requirements:

1. Bachelor's Programs

  • Italian-Taught Programs:
    • Proficiency in Italian is required. Applicants must demonstrate their Italian language skills, often through:
      • Italian Language Proficiency Tests: Exams like CILS (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) are typically accepted.
      • Completion of prior education in Italian may also be considered.
  • English-Taught Programs:
    • Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Acceptable proof includes:
      • TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (Internet-based)
      • IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.0
      • Cambridge English: Minimum score of C1 Advanced or B2 First
    • Students who have completed their secondary education in English may be exempt from providing test scores.

2. Master's Programs

  • Italian-Taught Programs:
    • Proficiency in Italian is required. Similar requirements apply as in bachelor’s programs.
  • English-Taught Programs:
    • Most master's programs are offered in English. Applicants need to provide proof of English proficiency, with acceptable scores being:
      • TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 (Internet-based)
      • IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5
      • Cambridge English: Minimum score of C1 Advanced
    • Those with a degree from an institution where English is the medium of instruction may be exempt from these requirements.

3. Doctoral Programs

  • English Proficiency:
    • Doctoral candidates are expected to have a good command of English, especially if their research will be conducted in English. Proof of proficiency may be required, similar to master's programs.

4. Exemptions

  • Students who have completed their previous education (secondary or higher) in Italian or English may not need to take standardized tests.
  • Specific programs may have their own language requirements or exemptions based on the applicant's educational background.

5. Language Preparation Courses

  • Sapienza University offers language preparation courses for students who need to improve their Italian or English skills before starting their degree programs.

6. Documentation

  • All applicants must submit official documents demonstrating their language proficiency as part of the application process.

Sapienza University of Rome offers a diverse array of courses across various disciplines, known for its academic rigor and comprehensive programs. Here are some of the key course specialties:

1. Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Philosophy: Courses exploring various philosophical traditions, ethics, and political philosophy.
  • History: Specializations in ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary history.
  • Linguistics and Literature: Focus on linguistic theory, literary analysis, and comparative literature.

2. Engineering and Architecture

  • Civil Engineering: Specializations in structural engineering, geotechnics, and transportation engineering.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Courses on thermodynamics, materials science, and product design.
  • Architecture: Emphasis on architectural design, urban planning, and sustainable architecture.

3. Natural Sciences

  • Physics: Courses in theoretical and experimental physics, including condensed matter and astrophysics.
  • Chemistry: Focus on organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as materials science.
  • Biology: Specializations in molecular biology, ecology, and genetics.

4. Health and Medical Sciences

  • Medicine: Comprehensive programs leading to a medical degree, emphasizing clinical practice and research.
  • Pharmacy: Focus on pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and clinical pharmacy.
  • Psychology: Courses covering cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, and neuropsychology.

5. Law and Political Science

  • Law: Specializations in international law, constitutional law, and human rights law.
  • Political Science: Focus on political theory, international relations, and public policy.

6. Economics and Business

  • Economics: Courses covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, and economic policy.
  • Management: Specializations in organizational behavior, marketing, and strategic management.

7. Arts and Design

  • Visual Arts: Courses in painting, sculpture, and multimedia art.
  • Fashion and Costume Design: Emphasis on fashion theory, design, and textile studies.

8. Computer Science and Information Technology

  • Computer Science: Specializations in software development, data science, and cybersecurity.
  • Information Engineering: Focus on telecommunications, network systems, and signal processing.

9. Interdisciplinary Programs

  • The university promotes interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine courses from different faculties for a tailored educational experience.

Sapienza University of Rome is home to many distinguished professors who are leaders in their respective fields. Here are some notable faculty members:

1. Giorgio Parisi

  • Field: Physics
  • Notable Achievements: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2021 for his work on complex systems and disordered materials. Parisi's research has had a profound impact on statistical physics and the understanding of complex phenomena.

2. Renato Dulbecco

  • Field: Medicine
  • Notable Achievements: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1975) for his work on the interactions between viruses and host cells. His pioneering research has been foundational in virology.

3. Raffaele Cattaneo

  • Field: Mathematics
  • Specialization: Renowned for his contributions to mathematical analysis and partial differential equations, Cattaneo is recognized for his research that bridges mathematics and applied sciences.

4. Laura De Marco

  • Field: Computer Science
  • Specialization: Known for her work in artificial intelligence and machine learning, focusing on algorithms and their applications in real-world scenarios.

5. Giovanni Bignami

  • Field: Astrophysics
  • Specialization: A prominent astrophysicist known for his research in space science and exploration, contributing to various international space missions.

6. Alessandro Vespignani

  • Field: Physics and Computer Science
  • Specialization: Noted for his work in the field of complex systems and computational modeling, particularly in understanding epidemic dynamics and social systems.

7. Roberto Burioni

  • Field: Medicine
  • Specialization: A prominent microbiologist and vaccine expert, known for his advocacy for vaccinations and public health education.

8. Maria Elena Bottazzi

  • Field: Tropical Medicine
  • Specialization: Her research focuses on vaccine development for neglected tropical diseases and innovative approaches to public health.

Sapienza University of Rome has a significant history of association with Nobel Prize laureates, particularly in the fields of literature, medicine, and physics. Here are some notable connections:

1. Nobel Laureates Associated with Sapienza

  • Giorgio Parisi: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2021 for his contributions to the understanding of complex physical systems. He has served as a professor at Sapienza University, where his research has greatly impacted statistical physics and complex systems.
  • Renato Dulbecco: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975 for his work on the interaction between viruses and the genetic material of the cell. Dulbecco was a part of the faculty at Sapienza and contributed to the field of virology.
  • Amedeo Avogadro: Although not a Nobel laureate (the Nobel Prize was established after his time), Avogadro is a notable figure in chemistry associated with the university’s history, known for Avogadro's law, which is fundamental to the field.

2. Research Contributions

  • The university has been a hub for research in various disciplines, contributing significantly to advancements that align with the values recognized by the Nobel Committee.
  • Sapienza's emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration has fostered an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries.

3. Prominent Alumni

  • Sapienza University has produced numerous influential scholars, scientists, and writers whose work has contributed to advancements in their respective fields and enriched the academic landscape.