University of Catania: Sicily's second university, between Etna, semiconductors and millennial tradition
With 35,000 students, 100 programmes and CENSIS 80.7/100, the University of Catania is Sicily's second university. Excellence in computer engineering thanks to the semiconductor cluster (STMicroelectronics, Micron), with the Rodolico-San Marco University Hospital and one of Italy's oldest universities, founded in 1434.
UniCT: computer engineering, semiconductors and Baroque medicine at the foot of Etna
The University of Catania is Sicily's second university by size and tradition, with approximately 35,000 enrolled students and 100 degree programmes covering all disciplinary areas. The Catanian university is known for its strong tradition in legal sciences, natural sciences, economics and medicine, with a campus distributed across Catania's Baroque historic centre at the foot of Etna.
Computer and electronic engineering is a rapidly growing area: the presence in Catania of major semiconductor companies such as STMicroelectronics and Micron Technology — which make the Catanian territory one of the world's leading chip production hubs — creates strong internship and employment opportunities for graduates. The 'Rodolico-San Marco' University Hospital is one of the leading university hospitals in southern Italy.
The CENSIS 2025-2026 score is 80.7/100 (13th among large state universities). 4% of students are international, with active Erasmus+ agreements. The employment rate is 70%. Catania is a dynamic and vibrant city — with the Pescheria market, Castello Ursino and one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in southern Italy — with very affordable living costs.
Academic Areas
University of Catania by the numbers
From 1434 to semiconductors: six centuries of university history at the foot of the volcano
The University of Catania is the fourth oldest university in Italy in continuous operation: it was founded in 1434 by Alfonso V of Aragon, who wanted to endow Catania — an important port of the eastern Mediterranean — with a studium generale. It is also Sicily's oldest university, founded seventy years before the University of Palermo.
The great earthquake of 1693 almost completely destroyed Catania, also striking the university, which was rebuilt together with the city in the magnificent Baroque form that still characterises it today. The Collegiata, the Cathedral and the lava elephant — symbol of the city — all emerged from the post-earthquake reconstruction.
In the twentieth century, with the development of the electronics industry in Catania and the emergence of STMicroelectronics, the university intensified its relationship with the technology sector. Catania is today one of Europe's leading semiconductor production hubs, and the University plays a central role in the local technology ecosystem.
FAQ — Università degli Studi di Catania
Study in Sicily: useful resources for your journey
The University of Catania is the excellence choice among Italian universities for those wishing to study computer engineering, medicine and sciences in one of the most dynamic territories in southern Italy. Explore the guide to master's degrees in Italy and discover everything about living and studying in Italy.
