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Sapienza University of Rome

A Legacy of Wisdom and Innovation, Shaping Minds Since 1303.

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University Overview

Ancient Roots, Modern Reach

Founded in 1303 by papal bull, Sapienza University of Rome is one of the oldest universities in the world and the largest in Italy and Southern Europe. It stands as a major global center for education and research.

Global Hub

With approximately 112,564 students and 8,000 staff members, Sapienza fosters a vibrant academic community. Its extensive network of libraries, laboratories, and hospitals supports a wide array of disciplines.

Heart of the Eternal City

Primarily situated in the monumental Cittร  Universitaria, a 44-hectare campus near Campo Verano, Sapienza also maintains facilities across various locations within Rome, integrating the university into the fabric of the city.

A Storied Past

Papal Foundation

Established in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII as a Studium for ecclesiastical studies, Sapienza was later reorganized by Pope Eugene IV in 1431, expanding its curriculum to include Law, Medicine, and Philosophy.

Evolution Through Centuries

The university, known as "Sapienza" (Wisdom) since the 1650s, became the primary university of the newly unified Italian state after 1870. Its modern campus, designed by Marcello Piacentini, was completed in 1935.

  • 1303: Founded by Pope Boniface VIII.
  • 1431: Reorganized by Pope Eugene IV, expanding faculties.
  • 1650s: Officially adopted the name "Sapienza".
  • 1870: Became the main university of the capital of Italy.
  • 1935: Inauguration of the new campus designed by Marcello Piacentini.

Modern Developments

Sapienza continues to evolve, with ongoing projects to expand its facilities and adapt to the needs of a growing student population. It remains a significant force in Italian and European higher education.

Campus Network

Cittร  Universitaria

The main campus, the Cittร  Universitaria, spans 44 hectares near the monumental Campo Verano. It houses numerous faculties, administrative offices, and research facilities.

Rome and Beyond

Beyond the central campus, Sapienza operates several other campuses and facilities throughout Rome. A significant satellite campus is located in Latina, extending its educational reach.

  • Main Campus: Cittร  Universitaria (44 ha)
  • Satellite Campus: Latina
  • Libraries: Over 50 libraries, including the historic Alessandrina University Library (1.5 million volumes).
  • Institutions: 19 museums and 3 university hospitals.

Academic Landscape

Diverse Disciplines

Sapienza offers a comprehensive range of studies across 11 faculties and 65 departments, covering all pure and applied sciences, as well as humanities.

International Programs

The university actively promotes international collaboration and offers Master's programs taught entirely in English, attracting students and researchers from around the globe.

Research Excellence

With significant research programs in engineering, natural sciences, biomedical sciences, and humanities, Sapienza is recognized as a global leader in academic research and innovation.

Global Recognition

Leading Italian Institution

Consistently ranked as the top university in Italy and Southern Europe by major global rankings such as ARWU and CWUR.

World University Rankings

Sapienza is recognized among the top universities globally, often placed within the top 150-200 by rankings like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.

  • ARWU (Shanghai Ranking): Top 151-200 globally, 1st in Italy (2020, 2025).
  • CWUR: Ranked 113th globally (2021-2022).
  • QS World University Rankings: Ranked 134th globally (2024).
  • Times Higher Education: Ranked 197th globally (2022).
  • Subject Strengths: Top globally in Classics & Ancient History, high rankings in Archaeology, Physics & Astronomy, Arts & Humanities, and Psychology.

Graduate Employability

Recognized for strong alumni outcomes, Sapienza ranks highly for graduate employability, with graduates frequently employed in major companies and management positions.

Distinguished Figures

Nobel Laureates

Sapienza boasts a remarkable legacy with 10 Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty, including Enrico Fermi (Physics), Guglielmo Marconi (Physics), and Giorgio Parisi (Physics).

Leaders and Innovators

The university has educated numerous influential figures in politics, arts, science, and business, including Italian Prime Ministers, European Commissioners, renowned filmmakers, and pioneering scientists.

Politics & Governance

  • Sergio Mattarella (President of Italy)
  • Mario Draghi (Former Prime Minister of Italy, ECB President)
  • Paolo Gentiloni (European Commissioner, former PM)
  • Antonio Tajani (President of the European Parliament)
  • Federica Mogherini (Former EU High Representative)

Arts & Culture

  • Federico Fellini (Filmmaker)
  • Bernardo Bertolucci (Film Director)
  • Gabriele d'Annunzio (Poet, Writer)
  • Carlo Verdone (Actor, Director)

Science & Academia

  • Maria Montessori (Educator, Physician)
  • Evangelista Torricelli (Physicist, Inventor)
  • Enrico Fermi (Physicist, Nobel Laureate)
  • Giorgio Parisi (Physicist, Nobel Laureate)
  • Vito Volterra (Mathematician)

Admission Process

Entrance Examinations

To manage high demand, certain faculties conduct entrance examinations. Passing these tests may be required for admission or to assess preparation levels, with additional exams possible in the first year.

Research & Publications

Centro MedioEvA

Sapienza is a founding member of Centro MedioEvA, an initiative promoting research into medieval women's literature, fostering interdisciplinary studies and cultural dissemination.

Academic Journals

The university contributes to scholarly discourse through various publications, including the journal Vicino Oriente, focusing on Near Eastern studies.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Sapienza University of Rome Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional academic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official university resources or seeking advice from qualified academic professionals. Always refer to the official Sapienza University of Rome website for the most current and accurate information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.