University of Trento (Università di Trento)

The University of Trento (UniTrento) is a young public university in the Italian Alps whose history begins in 1962. For non-EU applicants living abroad it has an unusual fee model: first-year tuition depends on your admission score, from a full waiver up to $5,110 (€4,500), with a cap of $6,810 (€6,000); from the second year the fee depends on the credits you earn. The best non-EU candidates can win a university scholarship of $8,180 (€7,200) a year plus a fee waiver, and non-EU full-degree students are entitled to a place in student residences.

Who the University of Trento suits, and who should look elsewhere

Trento suits strong applicants with a good transcript who want a predictable budget in a calm city. For a bigger city, compare the Politecnico di Milano or the University of Bologna.

Which programmes are taught in English

About 30 programmes are taught in English, mostly at master's level. English-taught bachelor's options include Computer Science, Economics and Management (BEM) and a communications and electronics programme in the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, with separate seats for non-EU applicants.

The list is based on the programme brochures on the university's English-taught admissions page; confirm each programme on its own website.

How to apply to the University of Trento, step by step

Non-EU applicants living abroad apply through a dedicated track with reserved seats.

Bachelor's (technical programmes, 2026/27 example) 1. November–March: CEnT-S test. An online CISIA test in maths and sciences ($62 (€55) registration). For the first session, tests taken by 31 March 2026 counted. 2. By 23 March: application. Non-EU candidates may only take part in the first session because of visa timelines, and must choose the programme version marked "Non-EU". Applying is free. 3. Early April: ranking (in 2026, by 6 April for non-EU candidates). 4. Pre-enrolment: admitted candidates pay a non-refundable $91 (€80) fee by the ranking deadline and complete visa pre-enrolment under ministry rules. 5. 6–17 July: qualification confirmation. 6. Visa by 31 October: if the visa delays arrival, only candidates whose visa was issued by 31 October 2026 are admitted.

Master's 1. Read the programme's annual call on its website. 2. Apply online between December and March and upload documents by the call's deadline. 3. If admitted, complete consular pre-enrolment and the visa application.

Calls for 2027/28 should appear around December 2026.

When to apply for 2027/28

As of 23 September 2026 the 2027/28 calls had not been published.

Which documents and language certificates you need

• Bachelor's: 12 years of schooling; 11-year systems need a year of university or a recognised foundation course. Plan the CEnT-S and application for spring.
• Master's: a bachelor's degree with the subject credits listed in the programme call, which also specifies accepted language certificates.
• Visa: passport, qualification with proof of level (Declaration of Value or CIMEA), financial means and accommodation as required by the consulate, which makes the visa decision.

How much studying and living in Trento costs

First year (non-EU applicants living abroad), based on the admission score out of 100:

The maximum fee for this group is $6,810 (€6,000) a year; some programmes use a scale up to $11,360 (€10,000), shown in the university's scholarship table. The second year depends on credits earned by 10 August of year one: for English-taught programmes on the $6,810 (€6,000) scale, 42+ credits = waiver; 36–41 = $1,140 (€1,000); 24–35 = $2,270 (€2,000); 6–23 = $5,110 (€4,500); under 6 = $6,810 (€6,000). On the $11,360 (€10,000) scale the upper bands are $3,410 (€3,000), $7,380 (€6,500) and $11,360 (€10,000). From the third year, fees use cumulative credits with their own thresholds, published on the same page. Payment deferral may be granted for fees of $2,270 (€2,000) or more.

Living costs published by the university:

Dollar amounts use the ECB rate of 29 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1355).

How to get a UniTrento scholarship and other funding

Trento's regional right-to-study agency, Opera Universitaria, mainly serves EU and equivalent students who submit an Italian ISEE. For non-EU applicants living abroad, the main tool is the university's own scholarship:

If you miss the credit requirement, part of the scholarship must be repaid and next year's fee follows the credit table. Italian government (MAECI) scholarships are an alternative: a 6-month award halves UniTrento fees and a 9-month award waives them. See also our scholarships in Italy guide.

Where to live: residence entitlement and private rentals

• Non-EU, full degree: entitled to a place in Opera Universitaria residences; the International Mobility Office sends a booking link before arrival.
• EU students: Opera Universitaria competition in summer, with ISEE.
• PhD students: guaranteed only for the first year (until 31 October).
• Everyone else: private market.

Residences cost $215–445 (€190–390) a month including utilities. For a private lease you need an Italian tax code, which the university sends before arrival; the contract must be in Italian and registered with the Revenue Agency within a month, because you will need it for your residence permit. Do not pay for flats advertised in social-media groups without seeing them; our student housing guide has more checks.

Which mistakes to avoid when applying

• Assuming everyone pays the same: the first year depends on your score, later years on credits, and some programmes use the $11,360 (€10,000) scale.
• Taking CEnT-S after March: non-EU candidates only compete in the first session.
• Applying to the EU version of a programme instead of the "Non-EU" one.
• Renting through social-media chats instead of using the residence entitlement.
• Not planning credits: waivers and scholarships depend on credits by 10 August.

What sets Trento apart from other Italian universities

UniTrento grew out of the Istituto Universitario Superiore di Scienze Sociali, a social sciences institute founded by Bruno Kessler in 1962. It has since expanded into natural sciences, engineering, economics, law and cognitive science. Since 2012 there have been no faculties: teaching and research are organised in 11 departments and 4 university centres, and each programme publishes its own admission call.

What sets Trento apart is the direct link between performance and cost. A strong admission score means a low fee or none; good progress keeps the waiver or scholarship; a weak year — fewer than 6 credits — pushes the fee to the maximum.

Where the university stands in the rankings

The university climbed 47 places in QS in one year. For your choice, the department is still the better guide: its projects, research groups and thesis topics.

Where classes take place: Trento and Rovereto

UniTrento operates in Trento and Rovereto; each programme's website states where teaching takes place, which determines where you should look for housing. Trento is a small mountain city with inexpensive student transport — an annual local pass costs about $79 (€70). Residence places are limited and the university warns about rental scams, which makes the non-EU entitlement to a residence place especially valuable.

How to find work or a PhD after graduation

Internships and PhD places are easier to secure when your thesis connects to a department project, so look for a supervisor and topic in your first year. Italian is close to essential for jobs in Trentino, although research groups often work in English. After graduating you can apply for a job-seeking permit in place of your study permit; confirm the conditions with the Questura.

FAQ

How much does the University of Trento cost for non-EU students?

The fee does not depend on nationality. The first year ranges from free (score 90–100) to $5,110 (€4,500) for scores of 50–59, with a cap of $6,810 (€6,000); some programmes use a higher scale.

Can I study for free?

Yes, with an admission score of 90 or more, and the waiver continues with 42+ credits a year. The UniTrento scholarship also waives fees.

When do master's applications open?

Between December and March; each programme's call sets exact dates. The 2027/28 calls are expected around December 2026.

Is there an entrance test for bachelor's degrees?

Technical programmes use the CISIA CEnT-S test. In 2026/27, non-EU candidates needed tests taken by 31 March 2026 and applications by 23 March.

Do I need Italian for an English-taught programme?

No; each English-taught programme sets its own English requirement in its call. Italian-taught programmes require proven Italian — see our guide to Italian language certificates. Visa steps are covered in our student visa guide.

Do international students get accommodation?

Non-EU full-degree students are entitled to a residence place at $215–445 (€190–390) a month including utilities; the university sends a booking link before arrival.

Can StudyU help?

Under an agreement with StudyU, we shortlist programmes, check requirements and deadlines, help plan CEnT-S and the application, and support the visa and housing steps. Admission and scholarships are decided by the university and Opera Universitaria, which as the housing provider also confirms accommodation in its residences; the consulate as the consular authority decides on the visa.

Sources

• Admission to courses taught in English
• Admission Call 2026/27, DISI (PDF)
• Fees amount for non-EU citizens
• Tuition fees for degree programmes in English
• Scholarships for international students
• Accommodation for international students
• Cost of living
• The history of the university
• QS World University Rankings: University of Trento
• THE World University Rankings: University of Trento

For more on studying in Italy, see Study in Italy. Checking which fee scale and scholarship rules apply to your programme is provided under an agreement with StudyU; to start, send us a request.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.