L'Orientale Naples: Asian languages, African studies and international relations, since 1732
The University of Naples 'L'Orientale' is Italy's leading centre for Asian, African and Middle Eastern languages and cultures, founded in 1732 — the world's first academic institution dedicated to Oriental languages. With 9,000 students, 35 programmes, a 70% employment rate and 8% international students, it is a unique European academic institution.
L'Orientale: a European unique for Asian and African languages and international relations
The University of Naples 'L'Orientale' is one of Italy's most distinctive and fascinating academic institutions: a university dedicated to the study of Oriental, African, Asian and geographically under-explored cultures and languages. With approximately 9,000 students and 35 degree programmes, L'Orientale is Italy's leading centre for Asian, African, Mediterranean and Latin American languages and cultures.
Degree programmes in Oriental languages and cultures — Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Persian, Swahili, Turkish and many others — make L'Orientale a unique institution in the Italian university landscape and one of the few European universities with this specialisation. Alongside Oriental languages, the university offers international relations, linguistic and cultural mediation, and comparative historical and cultural studies.
8% of students are international, reflecting an attractiveness extending well beyond regional boundaries. The employment rate is 70%, with growing career paths in diplomacy, international cooperation, publishing, cultural tourism and European institutions. The campus is located in the heart of Naples' historic centre, in Via Chiatamone, steps from the Villa Comunale.
Academic Areas
L'Orientale Naples by the numbers
From 1732 to the global world: L'Orientale, Europe's oldest Asian studies university
The University of Naples 'L'Orientale' is one of the world's oldest universities in its field: it was founded in 1732 by missionary Matteo Ripa as the 'College of Chinese', aiming to train interpreters and cultural mediators for relations between Europe and the Orient. It is the world's first academic institution dedicated to the study of Asian languages and cultures.
After historical vicissitudes linked to Bourbon rule and Italian Unification, the College gradually transformed into a university institution. During the twentieth century it expanded to include African languages, Latin American cultures and the Middle East.
Today L'Orientale is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence for Asian and African studies, with chairs in over thirty world languages. Its archives and libraries hold rare manuscripts in Chinese, Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit, making it an invaluable cultural heritage for European humanistic research.
FAQ — Università degli Studi L'Orientale – Napoli
Study Oriental languages in Naples: useful resources for your journey
L'Orientale Naples is the unique choice among Italian universities for those wishing to specialise in Asian and African languages and cultures. Explore the guide to master's degrees in Italy and discover everything about living and studying in Italy.
