Choosing the right university means investing in your professional future. If until a few years ago the prestige of the university represented the main criterion of choice, today students and families are increasingly looking at the possibilities of entering the world of work after graduation.
According to the analysis of the most recent national and international rankings, there are several Italian universities that are able to guarantee faster employment times, better relationships with companies, international paths and services capable of accompanying students towards a successful career. These are realities which, due to the scores obtained, are able to compete with the great world universities, especially in some specific disciplinary sectors.
The best Italian universities for finding a job
To date, Italy can boast significant results in various areas when it comes to teaching and training.
In Law, for example, the University of Bologna represents the best Italian result with 32nd place in the world, followed by Sapienza University of Rome in 61st place and other prestigious universities such as Trento, Sant’Anna di Pisa, Turin, Florence and Genoa.
Excellent results also arrive in the humanities, where Sapienza ranks 33rd in the world and Bologna 39th, while the Polytechnic of Milan enters the top 70 universities on the planet.
Engineering is also very competitive, with the Polytechnic of Milan at the international top, as well as Physical Sciences, Psychology and the Medicine and Health area.
However, there remains room for improvement in Computer Science, Education Sciences and Life Sciences, sectors in which Italian universities still have to close the gap compared to the large universities of the United States, United Kingdom and Asia.
The c2026 ranking
The Censis 2025-2026 report divides universities based on their size, allowing more homogeneous comparisons.
Among the mega state universities (over 40,000 enrolled), we find:
- Padua, with 90.3 points;
- Bologna, with 87.7 points;
- Pisa, with 84.7 points;
- Roma Sapienza, with 84.2 points;
- Milano Statale, with 84.2 points.
Among the large state universities (20,000-40,000 enrolled), there are:
- Calabria, with 94.3 points;
- Pavia, with 90.2 points;
- Perugia, with 89.3 points;
- Parma, with 88.8 points;
- Cagliari, with 87.5 points.
Among the medium-sized state universities (10,000-20,000 enrolled), the following were classified:
- Trento, with 93.7 points;
- Udine, with 92.2 points;
- Polytechnic of Marche, with 92.2 points;
- Siena, with 89.7 points;
- Sassari, with 88.8 points.
Among the small state universities (up to 10,000 students), the following emerge:
- Camerino, with 96.0 points;
- Cassino, with 89.0 points;
- Tuscia, with 88.3 points;
- Macerata, with 86.7 points;
- Sannio, with 84.8 points.
A separate ranking was also made for the Polytechnics, where they ranked:
- Polytechnic of Milan, with 98.8 points;
- Polytechnic of Turin, with 92.5 points;
- IUAV Venezia, with 86.7 points;
- Polytechnic of Bari, with 85.2 points.
The best private universities
In the ranking there are also the private universities present in Italy, also divided by size. In detail,
Among the larger universities (over 10,000 enrolled), the best for finding work are:
- LUISS Rome, 94.2 points;
- Bocconi, 91.4 points;
- Catholic University, with 78.0 points.
Among the medium ones (5,000-10,000 members):
- LUMSA, 83.0 points;
- IULM, 79.6 points;
- Sister Orsola Benincasa, 75.2 points.
Among the small ones (up to 5,000 members):
- Free University of Bolzano, with 95.2 points;
- European University of Rome, with 87.0 points;
- Bio-Medico Campus of Rome, with 86.8 points.
Where graduates find work faster
One of the most observed indicators concerns the employability of graduates, i.e. the speed with which they manage to enter the job market. According to the Censis ranking, the state universities that obtain the best results in this respect are:
- University of Trento – score 98;
- University of Pisa – 97;
- Polytechnic of Milan – 97;
- University of Padua – 94;
- University of Pavia – 94.
These are universities that boast close relationships with the productive fabric, numerous collaborations with national and international companies, well-structured internship programs and particularly efficient placement services.
For many students these aspects represent a concrete advantage in the transition phase between study and work.
How the best universities are chosen
The quality of a university course does not depend exclusively on teaching. The opportunities to carry out Erasmus experiences, obtain double international degrees, attend courses in English and participate in mobility programs are increasingly relevant.
Student services also impact the quality of university life. Canteens, residences, libraries, modern laboratories, digital platforms and economic support can in fact significantly improve the course of study and reduce the risk of dropping out.
