University of Insubria: medicine, sciences and law among the Lombard lakes with CENSIS 87.5
With CENSIS 87.5/100 (6th among small state universities) and a 79% employment rate, the University of Insubria is a quality bi-campus institution between Varese and Como, on the shores of the Lombard lakes. 10,000 students, 40 programmes in medicine, sciences, economics, law and computer science. A few kilometres from Milan and Switzerland.
Insubria: quality medicine and sciences on the Lombard lakes, 40 minutes from Milan and Switzerland
The University of Insubria is a bi-campus state university with sites in Varese and Como, set in one of Italy's most captivating geographical areas: the Lombard lakes region, between Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and the Swiss border. With approximately 10,000 enrolled students and 40 degree programmes in medicine, sciences, economics, law and computer science, Insubria has built a solid reputation for quality in a territory strategically positioned between Milan and Europe.
Key areas of excellence include biomedical sciences and medicine — with the Varese Circolo Hospital as a partner clinical facility — chemistry and environmental sciences, and computer science. Its location in Varese and Como, a few kilometres from the Swiss border and Canton Ticino, creates collaboration opportunities with Swiss universities and research institutes (USI, SUPSI, ETH) and with Italian sites of multinationals headquartered in Switzerland.
The CENSIS 2025-2026 score is 87.5/100 (6th among small state universities). The employment rate is 79% and 6% of students are international. Living costs in Varese and Como, at the heart of Lombardy, are significantly lower than Milan.
Academic Areas
University of Insubria by the numbers
From 1998 to the Lombard lakes: Insubria and the university development of the Varese area
The University of Insubria was founded in 1998 as a branch of the University of Milan, aiming to create an autonomous university hub for the Varese and Como areas, historically dependent on the Milanese institution. The name 'Insubria' honours the Roman designation for the sub-Alpine area between the Lombard lakes.
In just over twenty-five years, Insubria built a complete offering in sciences, medicine, law and economics, while developing partnerships with the local productive system — particularly dynamic in pharmaceutical chemistry, ICT and advanced manufacturing — and with cross-border Swiss universities.
Insubria's geographical position is one of its strengths: Varese and Como are cities of great landscape beauty, with affordable living costs and excellent connectivity towards Milan and Switzerland. The university has succeeded in building a recognisable academic identity within the crowded Lombard university landscape.
FAQ — Università degli Studi dell'Insubria – Varese e Como
Study in Lombardy: useful resources for your journey
The University of Insubria is the smart choice among Italian universities for those seeking Lombard quality at affordable costs, among the lakes and steps from Switzerland. Discover everything about living and studying in Italy.
