Sapienza University of Rome: A Millennium of Wisdom at the Heart of the Eternal City

Sapienza University of Rome—formally the *Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”*—stands as one of the world’s most historic and prestigious institutions of higher learning. Founded on 20 April 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII through the papal bull *In suprema praeminentia dignitatis*, it was established as the *Studium Urbis*, the first university in Rome. With over seven centuries of continuous operation, it is one of the oldest universities in the world and, with approximately 122,000 students, it is the largest university in Europe. Its very name, *Sapienza*—meaning “wisdom”—has come to define its enduring mission as a beacon of knowledge and intellectual pursuit.

A Legacy Spanning Seven Centuries

The university’s history is deeply intertwined with the story of Rome itself. In 1431, Pope Eugene IV reorganized the *studium* and expanded it to include the four schools of Law, Medicine, Philosophy, and Theology. During the 1650s, the institution acquired the name *Sapienza*, a title it retains to this day. Following the capture of Rome by the forces of the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, La Sapienza rapidly expanded as the chosen main university of the capital of the newly unified state. In 1935, the new university campus—the *Città Universitaria*—designed by the architect Marcello Piacentini, was completed. Today, this main campus covers 44 hectares (110 acres) near the Tiburtina Station, serving as a “city within a city” that houses the university’s core academic and administrative functions. Buy fake diploma online.

Academic Breadth and Institutional Structure

Sapienza is organized into 11 faculties, 57 departments, and numerous research centres. Its academic offerings are exceptionally broad: students can choose from over 404 degree programmes, including Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs, as well as more than 330 specialisation and professional courses. The faculties span the full spectrum of human knowledge, encompassing Architecture, Civil and Industrial Engineering, Economics, Law, Information Engineering, Mathematical, Physical and Natural Studies, Medicine and Dentistry, Medicine and Psychology, Pharmacy and Medicine, Philosophy, Arts and Humanities, Oriental Studies, and Political Science, Sociology and Communication Science. The university’s “School of Advanced Studies” runs honours programmes and offers free tuition for its most distinguished students.

Boost Your Career With a University of Rome Diploma

A Global Leader in Research and Rankings

Sapienza’s research excellence is recognised worldwide. In the 2027 QS World University Rankings, the university achieved its best-ever result, placing 111th globally and first among Italian generalist universities. It has climbed an extraordinary 112 places since 2017, rising from 223rd to 111th—a 50.2 per cent increase. In the 2026 CWUR ranking, Sapienza retained its position as Italy’s top university for the 15th consecutive year, ranking 129th in the world. The university also ranks in the 101-150 band in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

The university’s subject-specific rankings are even more remarkable. Sapienza has been ranked the world’s top university for Classics and Ancient History for six consecutive years. It also ranks among the top ten globally for Archaeology and History of Art—the first time an Italian university has placed three subjects in the top ten of the QS World University Rankings by Subject. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Sapienza was ranked 33rd worldwide and first in Italy for Arts and Humanities. The university is also a leader in the Natural Sciences and ranks first in Italy in the Shanghai ARWU ranking.

A Treasure Trove of Cultural and Scientific Resources

Sapienza houses 50 libraries with over 2.7 million books, including the historic Alessandrina University Library, built in 1667 by Pope Alexander VII, which contains 1.5 million volumes. The university also boasts 19 museums, a botanical garden, and three university hospitals. Its alumni include 10 Nobel laureates, Italian prime ministers, one pope, and presidents of the Italian Republic—a testament to the university’s profound impact on global scholarship and leadership.

Today, with over 8,000 administrative staff and approximately 4,000 teachers and researchers, Sapienza continues to honour its ancient motto: *Il futuro è passato qui*—”The future has passed here”. In the Eternal City, the past and future converge, and Sapienza remains at their intersection—a living monument to the enduring power of wisdom.