University of Urbino Carlo Bo: psychology, communication and humanities in Raphael's city
Set in the Renaissance city of Urbino — UNESCO World Heritage and birthplace of Raphael — the Carlo Bo offers 45 programmes in humanities, psychology, communication, sciences and law. With 12,000 students, CENSIS 84.0/100 (10th medium state) and a 74% employment rate, it is one of Italy's most evocative medium-sized state universities.
Urbino Carlo Bo: psychology, philosophy and communication in the UNESCO Renaissance city
The University of Urbino 'Carlo Bo' is one of Italy's most evocative universities, set in the Renaissance city of Urbino — UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Raphael. With approximately 12,000 students and 45 degree programmes, it offers multidisciplinary training in humanities, languages, education, psychology, law, economics, political science, natural sciences and sport sciences.
The university is known for several nationally recognised disciplinary strengths: the Faculty of Psychology is among the most respected in its segment, with programmes in clinical, occupational and social psychology. Communication sciences and journalism are another key area, with notable alumni in the Italian media. The Philosophy Department has a strong tradition in analytic philosophy and semiotics. The CENSIS 2025-2026 score is 84.0/100 (10th among medium state universities).
5% of students are international, with active Erasmus+ agreements. The employment rate is 74%. Studying in Urbino means immersing yourself in one of the world's most beautiful settings — the Ducal Palace, the National Gallery of the Marche and the medieval streets. Living costs are among the lowest in Italy.
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University of Urbino Carlo Bo by the numbers
From 1506 to contemporary semiotics: six centuries of humanism in the Marche Renaissance
The University of Urbino was founded in 1506 by Guidobaldo da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, by means of a papal bull from Pope Julius II. The foundation took place in the magnificent setting of the Urbino Renaissance court — one of the most refined in Europe — frequented by Piero della Francesca and Raphael himself.
The name 'Carlo Bo' was added in honour of Rector Carlo Bo, an intellectual and literary critic of European renown who led the university for fifty years (1947–2001), transforming it into a leading cultural centre. Under his guidance, Urbino became a gathering place for the major European and Italian intellectuals of the post-war era.
During the twentieth century the university expanded into social sciences, communication and psychology, always maintaining its humanistic vocation as the defining thread. The establishment of the Institute of Communication Sciences — the forerunner of the modern Faculty of Sociology and Communication — was a pioneering contribution to the academic development of these disciplines in Italy.
FAQ — Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo
Study in the Marche: useful resources for your journey
The University of Urbino Carlo Bo is the ideal choice among Italian universities for those wishing to study psychology, communication and humanities in a setting of extraordinary historical beauty. Explore the guide to master's degrees in Italy and discover everything about living and studying in Italy.
