University of Basilicata: engineering, agriculture and sciences between Potenza and Matera
The only state university in Basilicata operates between Potenza and Matera — European Capital of Culture 2019 and UNESCO site. With 10,000 students, 35 programmes, CENSIS 82.5/100 and a 70% employment rate, it offers training in engineering, agriculture and architecture with living costs among Italy's lowest in one of Europe's most beautiful regions.
Basilicata: applied engineering, agriculture and architecture amid energy, the Sassi and Lucanian nature
The University of Basilicata is the region's only state university, with campuses in Potenza and Matera — European Capital of Culture 2019 and UNESCO World Heritage Site — serving as the main higher education reference for the entire Lucanian area. With approximately 10,000 enrolled students and 35 degree programmes, it offers multidisciplinary training in engineering, architecture, agriculture, natural sciences, humanities, education and economics.
The University of Basilicata is known for programmes closely linked to the region's productive vocations: engineering applied to the energy industry — Basilicata is among Italy's leading oil-producing regions — agricultural sciences linked to local olive and wine growing, and architecture focused on rural landscapes and historic centres. The Matera campus in particular offers a unique context for studying cultural heritage, architecture and history.
The CENSIS 2025-2026 score is 82.5/100, with 3% international students and an employment rate of 70%. Living costs in Basilicata are among Italy's lowest, with modern campus facilities in both Potenza and Matera.
Academic Areas
University of Basilicata by the numbers
From 1982 to Matera European Capital: the University of Basilicata and the redemption of an ancient region
The University of Basilicata was established in 1982, with the aim of retaining young Lucanian talent, often forced to emigrate to northern universities or Naples to complete their studies. Its founding was seen as an act of cultural justice for one of Italy's youngest and least densely populated regions.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the university developed its main faculties in Potenza, progressively building scientific laboratories and teaching facilities. The expansion to Matera — the city that served as European Capital of Culture in 2019 — broadened the university's reach, bringing academia to the heart of one of the world's most celebrated UNESCO sites.
The University of Basilicata has played a decisive role in the region's human capital development, training engineers, agronomists and researchers working in the energy industry, the agricultural excellence sector and local public institutions.
FAQ — Università degli Studi della Basilicata – Potenza e Matera
Study in Basilicata: useful resources for your journey
The University of Basilicata is the most authentic choice among Italian universities for those wishing to study engineering, agriculture and architecture in one of Europe's most beautiful regions. Explore the guide to master's degrees in Italy and discover everything about living and studying in Italy.
