For many students and families, choosing a university today means looking beyond national borders. According to the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is the number one university in Italy for international student mobility, both for students going abroad and for those coming from overseas. A result that confirms the University as a top choice for students seeking a truly international education. 

 

In the latest QS Europe ranking, Università Cattolica also reached 136th place among the best universities in Europe, continuing its steady rise over the past three years. This achievement is even more significant considering that the 2026 edition evaluated almost 1,000 European universities, making the competition more selective than ever. 

 

A global experience for students 

Today, international experience plays a key role in a student’s education and future career. Employers increasingly value graduates who can study, work, and communicate confidently in multicultural environments. 

Università Cattolica stands out for the real international opportunities it offers its students, as confirmed by the QS Europe 2026 ranking: 

• 1st in Italy and 3rd in Europe for outbound student mobility, with a perfect score of 100/100 
• 1st in Italy for inbound mobility, welcoming students from all over the world, with a score of 99.9/100 

For students, this translates into hundreds of exchange programs, summer study opportunities at prestigious universities worldwide, and international internships that strengthen academic and professional skills. 

 

Strong academic quality and career outcomes 

International openness goes hand in hand with academic excellence. Università Cattolica significantly improved its overall QS score, rising from 50.5 to 63.9 in just one year. The University also performs strongly in areas that matter most to families and students: 

• Top rankings in Italy for employer reputation 
• Excellent results for graduate employment outcomes 
• Growing impact of academic research and teaching quality 

These indicators reflect a learning environment designed to prepare students not only to graduate, but to succeed in the global job market. 

 

An international University, rooted in Italy 

With five campuses across Italy, Università Cattolica combines the strengths of a major European university with a welcoming academic community. International students study alongside Italian peers in multicultural classrooms, supported by a strong academic tradition. 

The QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 confirm Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore as a top destination for students and families who want an international education that leads to real academic and professional outcomes.