State University
State University

University of Perugia: medicine, agriculture and sciences in medieval Umbria since 1308

Founded in 1308, the University of Perugia is among Europe's oldest. With 24,000 students, 80 programmes, CENSIS 82.0/100 and 8% international students, it is Umbria's leading university. Excellence in medicine, agriculture, natural sciences and chemistry. Campus in the medieval heart of Perugia, crossroads of Italian culture.

May 2026
Admin
~6 min read
Logo Università degli Studi di Perugia
Since 1308 · Umbria · 8% international2025–2026 · CENSIS Large 82.0/100 · 74% employment
Table of Contents
    University Profile · Università degli Studi di Perugia

    UniPG: seven centuries of history in Italy's green heart — medicine, agriculture and Umbrian art

    The University of Perugia is one of Europe's oldest universities — founded in 1308 — and Umbria's leading institution. With approximately 24,000 enrolled students and 80 degree programmes, it covers medicine and surgery, pharmacy, political science, law, economics, agriculture, mathematics and physics, engineering, humanities and languages.

    Recognised disciplinary strengths include the Faculty of Agriculture — in tune with Umbria's agricultural and agri-food vocation (truffle, wine, olive oil, ceramics) — and the Faculty of Medicine with the Perugia University Hospital. Pharmaceutical chemistry and natural sciences are areas of national research relevance. The Humanities Department has a rich tradition in medieval and Renaissance studies.

    8% of students are international — a significant proportion, also linked to the presence of the renowned University for Foreigners of Perugia, which attracts students from worldwide for Italian language courses. The employment rate is 74%. Perugia is one of central Italy's most beautiful and lively medieval cities, with an intense cultural life and very affordable living costs.

    Academic Programmes · Università degli Studi di Perugia

    Academic Areas

    Medicine and SurgeryPharmacyAgricultureNatural SciencesLawEconomicsEngineeringHumanities and Languages
    Data & Statistics

    University of Perugia by the numbers

    Active students
    Degree Programmes
    International Students
    Female Students
    CENSIS Score
    Large State
    Employment Rate
    Degrees in English
    Year founded
    Key Indicators
    CENSIS Reputation82.0/100
    Employment74%
    Female Students57%
    International Students8%
    Quality Profile
    History & Tradition · Università degli Studi di Perugia

    From 1308 to Italy's green heart: seven centuries of knowledge in medieval Umbria

    The University of Perugia was founded in 1308 by a bull of Pope Clement V, at a time when Perugia was one of the most powerful and culturally vibrant city-states of central Italy. The Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo — where the first lectures were held — is still one of the symbols of the medieval city today.

    Over the centuries, the Perugia university trained jurists, physicians and intellectuals who contributed to Italian and European culture. The presence of a high-level School of Law is one of the university's oldest traditions. Perugia was also a major centre of medieval and Renaissance artistic production: Perugino, Raphael's master, was from Perugia.

    In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the university expanded with new scientific and medical faculties, maintaining its humanistic identity. The foundation of the University for Foreigners of Perugia in 1925 — Italy's first university dedicated to teaching Italian language and culture to foreigners — further consolidated the city's international vocation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    FAQ — Università degli Studi di Perugia

    The University of Perugia is one of Europe's oldest (founded 1308) and offers a wide range of programmes in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, sciences, law, economics and humanities. Perugia's position — one of central Italy's most beautiful medieval cities — offers an incomparable life and study context. Living costs are very affordable and the international community is lively.
    Perugia offers some master's programmes in English, particularly in sciences, engineering and international political science. The Language Centre offers Italian courses at all levels. The university has Erasmus+ agreements with over 300 European universities and participates in international cooperation programmes with African, Asian and Latin American countries.
    Perugia is a university city par excellence — 20% of the population is students — with a magnificently preserved medieval historic centre, a lively nightlife, excellent restaurants and a mild climate. Rents are among the lowest in central Italy. The city is connected to Rome (2 hours) and Florence (1.5 hours). The international environment is very lively, also thanks to the University for Foreigners.
    Yes. The Faculty of Agriculture is one of the most respected in Italy, with advanced research laboratories in food sciences, agro-biology, viticulture and olive growing. Umbria — land of truffle, Sagrantino wine and extra virgin olive oil — offers a unique applied research context. Collaborations with local agricultural companies and cooperatives are very active.
    Related Resources

    Study in Umbria: useful resources for your journey

    The University of Perugia is the historic choice among Italian universities for those wishing to study at one of Europe's oldest universities in the green heart of Italy. Discover everything about living and studying in Italy.

    You might be interested in: