University of Bologna

The University of Bologna (Università di Bologna) is an Italian university located in Bologna, commonly referred to as Unibo. Its motto is Alma Mater Studiorum.

It is the oldest university in the world, a foundational pillar of European education, and a member of prestigious academic networks such as the Utrecht Network, the Coimbra Group, and the Europaeum.

History

The Origins of the Bolognese School

According to 13th-century Italian jurist Odofredus, Bologna became the center of a legal school that had previously been based in Ravenna and, earlier still, in Rome. A treaty signed in 964 between Otto I the Great (Otto I der Große) and Pope Leo VIII (Leo PP. VIII) officially redefined the role of legal doctors living in the Eternal City. Other historical records show that by 1055, the title Dominicum legis Doctorem was being granted to both professors and students of law.

The founder of the Bolognese school initially held the title Magister artium liberalium—literally, “Master of the Liberal Arts”—but he gradually shifted his focus toward law and jurisprudence. According to German legal historian Heinrich Hermann Fitting, this shift was influenced by Matilda of Canossa (Matilde di Canossa), who sought to create a rival school to challenge Ravenna’s dominance. The marchioness employed a strategic approach, aligning herself with Pope Gregory VII, while Ravenna’s legal scholars opposed papal authority.

The year 1088 is considered the birth of independent teaching in Bologna, marking the separation of education from the Church.

Initially, students voluntarily pooled money to support their professors. In the 11th century, knowledge was viewed as a divine gift and therefore not something to be sold. Over time, these donations evolved into something resembling modern salaries, compensating professors for their teaching. Since students didn’t always have the means to raise sufficient funds, the city commune began providing support and resources for their education.

Reputation

After Irnerius began his teaching career, a small group of students gathered around him. The most notable among them were the jurists Bulgarus, Martinus Gosia, Jacobus de Boragine, and Hugo de Porta Ravennate. These four founded the first school of glossators and played a key role in developing European legal studies. With the support of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa (Friedrich I Rotbart), the “Four Doctors” secured autonomy for the emerging University of Bologna.

The university’s growing prominence stemmed from two factors: the effective scientific teaching method it employed and the patronage of Frederick I, the German king and ruler of Lombardy. He saw the promotion of Roman law as a way to reinforce the authority of the crown.

In 1158, a congress was held in Piacenza to establish legal standards between Italian cities and the emperor. King Frederick decreed that students of the University of Bologna who were dedicated to studying Roman law would receive special privileges. For instance, they were granted the right to travel freely under imperial protection, helping them avoid conflicts abroad. In their hometowns, students were subject to judgment only by their professors or a bishop.

The University of Bologna educated many of the greatest minds of the time, including Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca, Guido Guinizelli, and Nicolaus Copernicus. Young Italians—and even older, married men—flocked to study in Bologna, drawn not only by the opportunity to learn Roman law but also by the city’s pleasant climate. Members of royal families often sent their children here to study law and other academic disciplines.

What was especially unusual for the Middle Ages was the university’s inclusive admissions policy—noble birth alone was not enough to guarantee entry. Both a craftsman and an aristocrat needed to meet the same academic requirements to enroll. Another progressive feature was the acceptance of women at the university, both as students and professors.

Students from all across Europe formed guild-like associations of craftsmen and artists, and these student corporations helped transform the school into a full-fledged university.

Distinctive Features

From its inception, the University of Bologna had several unique characteristics that set it apart from other institutions in Europe. Most notably, it was not an association of professors with students under their authority. On the contrary, it was a student-led organization that selected its own leadership, under whom the professors were employed.

Students were divided into two main groups: the “ultramontanes,” who came from beyond the Alps to study in Italy, and the “citramontanes,” local students from within the region. Both groups had the right to elect not only the university’s rector but also a council composed of representatives from different nationalities to assist in university governance. Professors hired by the student body for a set term were prohibited from teaching outside the city during their contract.

Another key distinction of the University of Bologna was its strong focus on law. While Paris’s oldest university was centered on theology, Bologna concentrated almost exclusively on jurisprudence. In the 12th century, canon law was introduced into the curriculum and, alongside Roman law, remained a core subject for many years.

Up until the 13th century, liberal arts and medicine were also taught by prominent professors at Bologna, but these subjects were still viewed as extensions of legal studies. It wasn’t until the mid-14th century that two new faculties were established—one dedicated to theology, the other to medicine and philosophy.

For centuries, the university operated independently of papal authority, since permission was not required to teach law. However, teaching theology did require papal approval.

In 1253, the Pope sided with the university during a conflict with Bologna’s municipal authorities, gaining some influence over the institution. From that point forward, the archdeacon was required to attend exams as an official observer and to be present at graduation ceremonies to verify the proper issuance of diplomas.

Golden Age

The golden age of the University of Bologna spanned from the early 12th to the mid-13th century, when a new method of instruction emerged and was adopted both in the glossators’ lectures and in their academic writings.

Accursius (Accursio) is considered one of the most renowned glossators of the 13th century. He studied the work of earlier jurists and wrote his own commentaries, thus expanding upon and enriching the legal knowledge of the time. His passion for law was passed on to his daughter, Dotta d’Accorso, who earned a doctoral degree and became the university’s first female professor. Her name is recorded in the university chronicles. Dotta paved the way for other women, and several female jurists followed in her footsteps, leaving their mark on the institution’s history. Among them was Bettisia Gozzadini, whose intellect so impressed the faculty that she was awarded a doctorate. Known for lecturing from behind a curtain so as not to distract her male students, she was also admired for her eloquence.

During this era, many professors taught canon law using Irnerius’s methods. By the late 12th century, documents from the University of Bologna began listing professors of canon law.

Around 1148, the monk Gratian (Gratianus), author of several foundational decretals, lived and taught. His students, including Bernard of Parma (Bernardus Parmensis), became leading figures in university-level canon law. Though canon and Roman law were once seen as distinct disciplines, over time it became clear that canon law was largely based on Roman legal principles. Similarly, Roman law scholars began referencing church canons in their work. Some professors even taught both subjects simultaneously.

As the university flourished, new fields of study emerged, such as philosophy and Greek literature. The most notable philosophy professor of the time was Alberigo, who also taught physics. In philology, Englishman Gaufrido di Vinisauf wrote in both prose and verse, while Boncompagni excelled in Latin.

The University of Bologna also advanced the field of medicine thanks to Luzzi’s pioneering method of teaching human anatomy and comparative zoology using cadavers.

Women also made significant strides in the natural sciences. Dorotea Bucca held a professorship in practical medicine and moral philosophy in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, succeeding her father. In the 18th century, Laura Bassi became a professor of experimental physics and philosophy. Proud of her achievements, the women of Bologna erected a statue in her honor, which still graces the staircase connecting the museum and the library.

Other notable women included Maria Gaetana Agnesi, who taught analytic geometry; Anna Morandi Manzolini, known for her anatomical studies; and Maria Dalle Donne, who earned the admiration of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Decline in Popularity

The high status enjoyed by Bologna’s professors brought with it not only academic prestige but also significant social privileges both in Italy and abroad. Professors were exempt from taxes and military service, and they were granted full citizenship in Bologna regardless of their place of origin. They were given the honorary title of “lords,” a distinction above the more common title of “magister” used in liberal arts institutions, and were even referred to as knights.
Many professors were deeply involved in civic life, serving as judges, envoys, and at times, city governors. However, Bologna occasionally lost sight of the university’s role in elevating its stature. During heated disputes, the city threatened to strip students and faculty of their privileges or to temporarily suspend teaching altogether.

At the height of its success, the university was not immune to political turmoil, particularly during the fierce conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Despite their prominence, university figures could not stay neutral, and even subtle political involvement began to erode their credibility. By the end of the 13th century, the professors’ political entanglements had begun to damage their authority.

Public lecture chairs were introduced around this time, with professors receiving honoraria funded by the city instead of salaries from students. This system soon became widespread, shifting financial dependence away from the student body.

In the 14th century, the ruling political party consolidated power and proposed that only professors from well-known families remain at the university—a move that significantly reduced the faculty pool and gradually weakened Bologna’s influence in the study of Roman law.

That same century saw the emergence of the Commentator School, which dominated legal thought throughout the 14th and 15th centuries. While it temporarily displaced Bologna’s traditional legal model, the historical school later came to the glossators’ defense, enriching their legacy through advances in philology and historical scholarship funded by the growing academic disciplines.

Influence

Over the centuries, the Bolognese school profoundly impacted not only Italy but all of Europe. Bologna was regarded as the epicenter of Roman law, a status earned through the esteemed reputation of its professors. When students returned home from their studies, they almost always passionately promoted the methodologies and key principles of Roman law.

Beginning in the 12th century, the writings of the glossators and their students gradually expanded the reception of Roman law throughout Bologna and beyond. Canon law also began to spread across Europe, with the University of Bologna serving as its foundation.

In 1859, the university regained its independence, breaking away from papal control. By 1888, the faculty consisted of around 200 professors, from whom the rector was elected.

Architecture

In addition to being the oldest university in the world, the institution’s buildings represent an outstanding example of medieval architecture. The university is divided into several key sections—the main academic complex and its inner courtyard.
On the upper level is the Anatomical Theater, established in 1637. It remains in use today for lectures and public demonstrations.

The lower level houses the university library, the largest in the region, with a collection of approximately 1.5 million books. It also preserves ancient manuscripts and works by medieval artists.

The university’s main building, Palazzo Poggi, is rich in grandeur, adorned with frescoes and statues. It was originally built for Alessandro Pozzi and his brother Giovanni, who later became a cardinal. Constructed in the classical style, the palace features an internal courtyard and a magnificent staircase leading to the ceremonial hall, which is used for major events.

The university owns 14 museums, including the Geological Museum, the Mineralogy Museum, the Palazzo Museum, and others, each dedicated to specific disciplines.

The university also maintains the Orto Botanico, established in 1568—the oldest botanical garden of its kind. Spanning a wide area, it contains over 5,000 plants representing about 1,200 species, including exotic trees, orchids, medicinal herbs, and more.

The Heraldic Hall is another unique feature, dating back to the Middle Ages. Here, students with long-standing family lineages could explore their genealogies in detail.

Structure

Today, the University of Bologna hosts around 85,000 students and functions as a multi-campus institution, with five branches located in Bologna, Forlì, Ravenna, Cesena, and Rimini.

Its academic offerings are extensive, covering every field of knowledge from foundational subjects to advanced disciplines. The programs are designed to meet the demands of the modern job market, equipping students with the practical tools and expertise needed for real-world success.

The university places strong emphasis on research, with specialized laboratories and dedicated centers operating within its buildings. Students regularly participate in academic competitions and publicly present their achievements.

Students also have opportunities to secure international agreements with both individuals and institutions abroad, allowing them to pursue degrees and receive housing assistance overseas.

International students may apply for academic merit scholarships, awarded to those who stand out in terms of performance and potential.

Recommended reading:

• Universities in Italy: How to Apply
• Student Life in Italy

The Bologna Education System

Italy’s higher education system is structured into three main levels, similar to the American model of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies:

1. Corsi di Laurea – Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, typically completed in 3 years.
2. Corsi di Laurea Magistrale – Comparable to a Master’s program, requiring an additional 2 years of study. This level includes both academic and professional tracks.
3. Dottorato di Ricerca – Italy’s doctoral program, similar to a PhD in the U.S., focused on advanced research and academic careers.

Key differences between the Bologna system and the American education system:

• Specialization starts earlier. Italian students choose a major before beginning their university studies, and their curriculum is focused entirely on that subject.
• Fewer general education requirements. Unlike U.S. universities, Italian programs do not require core curriculum courses in unrelated fields. Students take only courses relevant to their degree.
• Flexible exam schedules. Students can retake exams multiple times throughout the academic year, which allows for more personalized pacing.
• Academic performance is measured by pass/fail thresholds rather than GPA. What matters most is passing all required exams before the final thesis defense.
• Financial aid is primarily merit-based or need-based. Students can qualify for tuition reductions or scholarships by demonstrating academic success or submitting family income documentation.

How to Apply to the University

To apply for an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) program at the University of Bologna, international applicants from the U.S. will need to prepare the following:

1. High School Diploma (or equivalent). The diploma must be officially translated into Italian and legalized by the Italian Consulate or Embassy in the U.S. Apostille certification may also be required.
2. Proof of completion of 12 years of education. If your diploma alone does not meet this criterion, you may be asked to provide SAT or ACT scores or complete additional coursework.
3. Copy of a valid passport.
4. Passport-sized photos (usually two, 3×4 cm).

Applicants must also pass a language and admissions test:

• Language proficiency. Most undergraduate courses are taught in Italian, so applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Italian—typically via a language exam. Those with official certificates from recognized language programs (e.g., CILS, CELI, or a university preparatory course) may be exempt.
• Subject-specific entrance exams may be required depending on the chosen degree program.
• Some programs, particularly those taught in English, offer interviews or entrance exams in English as well.

Tuition Costs

Annual tuition varies based on income, citizenship, and program:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): from €650 to €750 per year (approx. $700–$810 USD)
• Graduate and PhD programs: from €900 to €950 per year (approx. $980–$1,030 USD)

Scholarships and tuition waivers are available for students who demonstrate academic excellence or financial need. Some are reserved specifically for non-EU international students.

Location and Directions

The University of Bologna’s main campus is located at Via Zamboni, 33.
To reach it from Bologna Centrale (the main train station):

• By bus: Take lines 32, C, or 36. The ride takes about 13–15 minutes. Get off at Porta San Donato, then walk 5 minutes to the campus.
• On foot: The walk from Bologna Centrale takes approximately 23–25 minutes through the city center.

Official university website: www.unibo.it/en