State University
State University

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.

May 2026
Admin
~6 min read
Logo Università degli Studi L'Orientale – Napoli
Since 1732 · World's first Asian studies university 2025–2026 · CENSIS Medium 79.2/100 · 8% international
Table of Contents
    University Profile · Università degli Studi L'Orientale – Napoli

    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 Programmes · Università degli Studi L'Orientale – Napoli

    Academic Areas

    Oriental Languages and CulturesAfrican StudiesAsian StudiesInternational RelationsLinguistic MediationArab and Islamic StudiesEuropean Languages
    Data & Statistics

    L'Orientale Naples by the numbers

    Active students
    Degree Programmes
    International Students
    Female Students
    CENSIS Score
    Medium State
    Employment Rate
    Degrees in English
    Year founded
    Key Indicators
    CENSIS Reputation79.2/100
    Employment70%
    Female Students65%
    International Students8%
    Quality Profile
    History & Tradition · Università degli Studi L'Orientale – Napoli

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    FAQ — Università degli Studi L'Orientale – Napoli

    L'Orientale Naples is one of Europe's oldest universities dedicated to the study of languages, cultures and civilisations of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. It offers programmes in Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Swahili and many other rare languages. For international students wishing to explore intercultural relations, translation or Oriental studies, L'Orientale is a unique institution in the Italian and European academic landscape.
    L'Orientale offers Italian language and culture courses for foreigners, linguistic and cultural mediation programmes, and master's degrees in comparative languages and literatures. International students can specialise in translation, interpreting and international cooperation, fields with excellent employment prospects in international organisations, embassies and NGOs worldwide.
    Naples is one of Italy's most fascinating and authentic cities, with a relatively low cost of living, extraordinary cuisine and an incomparable cultural heritage. The city, a UNESCO Heritage candidate, offers an intense and stimulating life experience. L'Orientale is located in the historic centre, in a lively urban setting rich with millennia of history.
    The university offers scholarships through ADISU Campania and specific ministerial funds for foreign students. L'Orientale has agreements with cultural institutes of many Asian and African countries that fund student mobility to Naples. Erasmus+ and bilateral agreements allow exchanges with universities worldwide, with expense coverage and monthly subsidies for selected students.
    Related Resources

    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.

    You might be interested in: