University of Naples Federico II: the oldest secular university in the world, QS 347, a mega-university of excellence
Founded in 1224 by Frederick II of Swabia as the first secular university in history, the Neapolitan university now hosts 72,000 students and 180 degree programmes. With 347th place in the QS 2026 ranking and recognised excellence in engineering, medicine and agricultural sciences, Federico II University is the leading university in Southern Italy and one of the oldest in the world.
The University of Naples: the first secular university in the world, still a leading institution
The University of Naples “Federico II” is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1224 by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia — the first secular university in history — it is today a mega-university with around 72,000 enrolled students and more than 180 degree programmes covering every field of knowledge: humanities, economics, law, engineering, architecture, medical and health sciences, sciences, social sciences, education and languages.
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Federico II University ranks 347th worldwide — a remarkable result for a university in Southern Italy — and is internationally recognised for engineering, agricultural sciences and medicine. Scientific research is one of its key pillars: Federico II departments publish thousands of articles in international journals every year and participate in numerous projects funded by the European Union.
5% of enrolled students are international, with Erasmus+ agreements with hundreds of European universities. The employment rate is 78%, with excellent results especially in computer engineering, medicine and biological sciences.
Naples is one of Italy’s most vibrant university cities: its concentration of universities, students, museums, theatres, UNESCO sites and incomparable gastronomic tradition make the Campanian city a uniquely enriching cultural setting. For those aiming for high-level education in an international research context, Federico II is one of the most significant choices in the Italian university system.
Academic Areas
180 degree programmes across 26 departments with a strong STEM and humanities presence
Federico II in numbers
From 1224 to today: eight centuries of secular and free knowledge
The University of Naples “Federico II” was founded in 1224 by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia through an imperial charter that established it as the first secular university in history, as an alternative to the ecclesiastical monopoly of knowledge that characterised the medieval universities of Bologna and Paris. This founding act marked the beginning of an institution that over the centuries has hosted some of Europe’s brightest minds.
Over eight centuries of history, Federico II has crossed all the great periods of Western culture: from Humanism to the Southern Enlightenment, with great Neapolitan philosophers such as Giambattista Vico, through the Risorgimento and into modernity. Among its professors and alumni are Nobel Prize winner Salvatore Luria and several leading figures in Italian science and culture.
Today Federico II is the second Italian university by number of students, the largest in Southern Italy, and one of the top 350 universities in the world according to QS 2026. Its historic rectorate on Corso Umberto I is a monument to European academic tradition, hosting conferences and cultural debates of international relevance.
FAQ — University of Naples Federico II
Study in Italy: useful resources for your university journey
The University of Naples Federico II is one of the best Italian universities for those looking for a large historic university with a strong vocation for research and STEM disciplines, immersed in one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. With ~33 programmes in English and an established Erasmus+ network, it is also accessible to international students. To navigate Italy’s academic offer, consult the guide to master’s degree courses in Italy. If you are planning your arrival, the living and studying in Italy section helps you with visas, accommodation and cost of living. Finally, discover how admissions to Italian universities work to begin your journey at one of the oldest and most significant universities in world academic history.
