History and Foundation

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, founded in 1921 by Father Agostino Gemelli, is the largest non-State university in Europe. With over a century of history, the university has consistently aimed to blend academic excellence with the cultivation of ethical values, promoting the holistic development of its students. 

 

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to provide a rigorous academic education rooted in ethical principles, promoting human dignity and social justice. We strive to be a global leader in higher education, dedicated to the development of knowledge and the betterment of society. Our vision encompasses a commitment to fostering critical thinking, innovative research, and a multicultural learning environment that prepares students to excel in a rapidly changing world.

 

Academic Offer

Our 12 Faculties offer a wide range of programmes, catering to a global student body.

• Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
• Arts and Philosophy
• Banking, Finance and Insurance Sciences 
• Economics
• Economics and Law
• Education 
• Law 
• Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures 
• Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences
• Medicine and Surgery 
• Political and Social Sciences 
• Psychology

Università Cattolica boasts multiple campuses located in 5 iconic Italian cities: Milan, Rome, Brescia, Piacenza, and Cremona.  

 

Milan

The campus
Cattolica's main and oldest campus, located in the heart of Milan, is home to our Faculties of Economics, Law, Literature and Philosophy, Psychology, Banking, Finance and Insurance Sciences, Education, Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Political and Social Sciences.

The city
Italy's financial and fashion capital, the city is renowned for its vibrant business environment, fashion industry, and rich cultural heritage. Milan features iconic landmarks like the Duomo Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." It offers a lively nightlife, fine dining, and various cultural events. It's also a hub for innovation and technology, hosting many international conferences. The city has an efficient public transport system, three major airports, and key train stations. The cost of living in Milan varies, with monthly expenses typically ranging from €1,000 to €1,500. Rent for a single room averages between €600 and €900, depending on the location.

 

Rome

The campus
Home to Cattolica's School of Medicine, affiliated with Policlinico Gemelli University Hospital, 1st Hospital in Italy and 35th Hospital in the world (World's Best Hospital 2024).  

The city
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city steeped in history, art, and architecture. Known as the "Eternal City," Rome boasts iconic historical sites such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and Vatican City. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s comprehensive public transport system (ATAC) includes buses and trams. The cost of living in Rome varies, with monthly expenses typically ranging from €1,000 to €1,500. Rent for a single room averages between €600 and €900, depending on the location.

 

Brescia

The campus
A vibrant academic community with Faculties of Foreign Languages and Literature, Humanities, Education, Psychology, Political and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Natural Sciences.

The city
Located in the Lombardy region, Brescia offers a peaceful and affordable lifestyle. Known for its beautiful architecture, the city is near lakes and mountains in northern Italy. It has a rich cultural scene with theatres, museums, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the monastic complex of San Salvatore and Santa Giulia. Students can enjoy weekend trips to Lake Garda for hiking and water sports. Monthly expenses range from €800 to €1,200, with rent averaging €300-€500 for a single room.

 

Piacenza and Cremona

The campuses
Primarily dedicated to agricultural, environmental, and food sciences. They host the Faculties of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Economics and Law, Psychology, and Education.

The cities
Heart of Italy's agricultural and food production regions, Piacenza and Cremona offer a peaceful, student-friendly environment rich in cultural heritage and a focus on sustainable living. Piacenza is known for its historical architecture and vibrant local culture, while Cremona is renowned for its tradition of violin making and musical heritage, being the birthplace of Stradivari. Students can attend local cultural events, such as the annual Stradivari Festival in Cremona, and explore local gastronomic products through organized tours of vineyards, cured meat, and dairy factories around Piacenza. The cost of living is lower than in other cities, with monthly expenses ranging from €700 to €1,000 (rent averaging €250-€400 for a shared apartment).

Cultural Treasures and Scenic Beauty

Italy offers a rich cultural heritage and history, making it an excellent location for studying various disciplines. Students can immerse themselves in art, architecture, and history. It boasts 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most in the world. Italy's geography includes stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and majestic mountains. Iconic landscapes like the Amalfi Coast and the Alps offer ample recreational opportunities.

 

Top-Tier Education at Accessible Costs

Italian universities offer rigorous academic standards and innovative research. Education is more affordable compared to other Western European countries, with competitive tuition fees and living costs.

 

Savor Italy: Culinary Adventures from Farm to Table

Italian cuisine offers a journey from farm to table, with diverse regional specialities. Students can learn about sustainable farming and food production. This journey begins with Italy's fertile agricultural lands, where a variety of high-quality ingredients are cultivated. Students can explore the vineyards of Tuscany, the olive groves of Puglia, and the citrus orchards of Sicily, learning about sustainable farming practices and traditional harvesting methods. These raw ingredients are then transformed through time-honoured processes and modern technological advancements into the delicious dishes Italy is famous for. Italy’s food sector is highly advanced, blending tradition with innovation. For example, despite not growing coffee beans, Italy is the sixth-largest exporter of coffee in the world, highlighting its expertise in processing and transforming raw ingredients into high-quality products. This combination of heritage and cutting-edge technology in the food industry makes studying in Italy a unique and enriching experience, deepening one's understanding of the Mediterranean diet, which is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

 

Living La Dolce Vita: Language & Lifestyle

One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.
Learning Italian and experiencing the Italian lifestyle can be a unique and enriching experience for students. The Italian language, the fourth most studied language in the world according to Ethnologue, not only enhances one’s CV but also broadens the mind, offering new perspectives and deeper cultural understanding. While Italy attracts a significant number of international students, the landscape remains unsaturated, providing an ideal environment for immersive and personalized learning experiences. Embracing the Italian lifestyle means savouring the slow pace of daily life, enjoying vibrant social interactions, and appreciating the rich artistic and historical heritage that permeates every aspect of the culture. This holistic experience of language and lifestyle fosters personal growth and opens numerous professional opportunities in a variety of fields. Italian people are welcoming and warm, as they like spending time reuniting and enjoying social activities like drinking coffee, taking aperitivo and walking together around their cities (the Italian passeggiata is famous worldwide!) 

 

A Gateway to Europe

Italy's central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring other European countries. For example, major European capitals are just a short journey away: Rome to Paris takes about 2 hours by plane, Milan to Berlin about 1.5 hours, and Venice to Vienna can be reached in less than 1.5 hours by flight.

 

World-Class Healthcare

The Italian healthcare system is renowned for its high quality and comprehensive coverage. According to the World Health Organization, Italy ranks among the top countries globally for overall healthcare performance. The country's life expectancy is one of the highest in the world, standing at 83.6 years as of 2022. Additionally, Italy has an extensive network of hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing universal access to medical services. The European Health Consumer Index 2018 also highlights Italy's efficient healthcare system, noting its strong performance in patient rights, accessibility, and outcomes. These factors contribute to a robust healthcare infrastructure that ensures the well-being of its citizens.