The 20 Best Universities in Italy to Study Law in 2026
The University of Bologna leads the ranking compiled by Impact Lawyers, followed by Sapienza University of Rome and Bocconi University.
| Position | University |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Bologna |
| 2 | Sapienza University of Rome |
| 3 | Bocconi University |
| 4 | University of Padua |
| 5 | University of Milan |
| 6 | Luiss Guido Carli University |
| 7 | University of Turin |
| 8 | University of Trento |
| 9 | University of Naples Federico II |
| 10 | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |
| 11 | University of Florence |
| 12 | Roma Tre University |
| 13 | University of Pavia |
| 14 | University of Pisa |
| 15 | University of Milano-Bicocca |
| 16 | University of Genoa |
| 17 | University of Siena |
| 18 | University of Ferrara |
| 19 | University of Bari Aldo Moro |
| 20 | University of Palermo |
How the ranking was compiled
The University of Bologna tops the first edition of the Impact Lawyers ranking of the best universities in Italy to study Law. Sapienza University of Rome and Bocconi University occupy second and third place, respectively, while the universities of Padua and Milan and Luiss Guido Carli complete the top six.
In preparing this classification, Impact Lawyers combined the results available from three international academic references: the QS World University Rankings by Subject in Law and Legal Studies, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject in Law and the SCImago Institutions Rankings for Law.
QS places particular emphasis on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations and scholarly impact. Times Higher Education analyses teaching, the research environment, research quality, collaboration with institutions and businesses and international outlook. SCImago incorporates indicators relating to research, innovation and social impact.
This quantitative analysis was supplemented by a qualitative review of the public information provided by the universities themselves. The study examined the structure of the Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico in Giurisprudenza, curricula, teaching methods, legal clinics, international programmes, specialisations, connections with the professional market and preparation for careers as a lawyer, magistrate or notary.
This second dimension makes it possible to assess not only the reputation of each university but also its approach to legal education: the balance it establishes between theory and practice, the importance it gives to European and comparative law, how it addresses technological challenges and the connections it maintains with courts, law firms, companies and public authorities.
Three rankings with different perspectives
The three rankings used do not measure exactly the same elements. Rather than constituting a limitation, this makes it possible to construct a more balanced classification.
The QS ranking for Law and Legal Studies provides the perspective most directly associated with the international reputation of law schools and their standing among academics and employers.
Times Higher Education gives significant weight to the teaching and research environment, the quality of publications, institutional collaboration and internationalisation.
SCImago focuses on research, innovation and social impact. Its methodology may favour large public universities with extensive scholarly output, although it does not always fully reflect selectivity, personalised attention or the relationship between a private law school and the professional market.
Combining these models prevents the classification from depending on a single definition of excellence. One university may stand out for its doctrinal tradition, another for its research, another for graduate employability and another for its ability to educate professionals in business or international law.
The Impact Lawyers methodology
In principle, each of the three rankings represents one-third of the quantitative assessment. To make the results comparable, each institution’s position was considered exclusively in relation to other Italian universities.
When a university appears within a ranking band, the midpoint of that interval is used. When it does not appear in a particular classification, a proportionate and transparent penalty is applied instead of automatically equating the absence of data with an absence of quality.
The statistical result was supplemented by five qualitative dimensions:
- National and international academic reputation.
- Quality and influence of legal research.
- Strength and variety of the Giurisprudenza programme.
- Employability, alumni networks and connections with the legal professions.
- Internationalisation, practical education and the incorporation of emerging areas of Law.
The editorial review was not used to alter the mathematical order arbitrarily. Its purpose was to interpret the differences among institutions, confirm the coherence of the results and prevent a university’s general prestige from replacing a specific analysis of its legal education.
The methodology also takes account of a particular feature of the Italian system: certain private universities, such as Bocconi and Luiss, produce a smaller total volume of research than some major public universities but maintain exceptionally close relationships with law firms, companies, European institutions and highly competitive professional markets.
Bologna, legal tradition and innovation
1. University of Bologna
The University of Bologna occupies first place because of its exceptional balance of history, academic reputation, research, educational breadth and internationalisation.
Founded in 1088, Bologna is closely connected with the emergence of university-level legal education in Europe. The recovery and systematic study of Roman law in the city had a decisive influence on the development of the continental European legal tradition.
Its present-day leadership does not depend solely on that history. The university maintains one of Italy’s most comprehensive structures for legal teaching and research and provides education in national, European, international and comparative law.
Its Laurea Magistrale in Giurisprudenza provides students with an understanding of Italian and European legal culture, historical knowledge and interpretative techniques for analysing legal rules and institutions, according to the official programme description.
Bologna is also distinguished by its international programmes, research centres and mobility opportunities. Its scale allows students to choose from an extensive range of courses, although it also requires considerable independence and organisational ability.
Its combination of historical continuity and adaptation to areas such as technology, sustainability and transnational regulation explains its first position.
Sapienza, Rome’s leading legal institution
2. Sapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome occupies second place. Its principal strength lies in its combination of academic prestige, research scale and proximity to the central institutions of the Italian state.
Studying Law in Rome facilitates contact with government ministries, higher courts, Parliament, regulatory authorities, international organisations and some of the country’s leading law firms.
Sapienza has a particularly distinguished tradition in constitutional, administrative, civil, criminal, Roman and international law. Its size enables it to bring together a wide range of doctrinal schools, academics and areas of specialisation.
The university has educated numerous leading figures from the judiciary, politics, public administration and academia. This institutional and professional network strengthens the value of its degree within the Italian market.
As at other large public universities, the breadth of its academic community provides many opportunities, although it may also involve larger classes and less personalised contact than at private institutions.
Bocconi, Law and business
3. Bocconi University
Bocconi University occupies third place and ranks as the leading private university in the classification.
Its strength lies in the connection among Law, economics, finance, business and technology. The institution maintains close relationships with major law firms, banks, consultancy firms, multinational companies and European institutions.
Bocconi offers an integrated five-year Law programme, a Bachelor in Global Law and several specialised postgraduate courses, according to the university’s Law programme portfolio.
Its educational model places particular importance on business law, competition, financial markets, European law, taxation, international transactions and technology regulation.
Smaller class sizes and a strong professional orientation support closer interaction with academics and practitioners. The university also provides international experiences and qualifications related to global, business and innovation law.
Its location in Milan, Italy’s principal financial and corporate centre, provides a decisive advantage for students seeking careers in major firms or corporate legal departments.
Padua and the strength of a major public university
4. University of Padua
The University of Padua occupies fourth place. Founded in 1222, it has one of Europe’s most important university traditions and a recognised culture of academic freedom.
Its School of Law combines education in the fundamental legal disciplines with strong research activity. It is particularly prominent in private, public, international, European and criminal law and legal philosophy.
Padua provides the environment of a major comprehensive university, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in medicine, science, technology and the social sciences.
Its academic quality, research output and institutional reputation explain its high position. It is also an attractive option for students seeking a prestigious public university outside the principal legal markets of Rome and Milan.
The University of Milan, research and the professional market
5. University of Milan
The University of Milan occupies fifth place. Its position combines the research strength of a major public university with access to the country’s most dynamic legal and business market.
Its School of Law provides an extensive offering in civil, commercial, criminal, labour, international, European and public law. Its location facilitates internships and contact with law firms, companies, courts and financial institutions.
Milan is also one of Italy’s principal centres for intellectual property, competition, corporate law, taxation, fashion, technology and international transactions.
The university is especially suitable for students seeking a balance between a traditional public legal education and direct exposure to professional practice.
Luiss, institutional connections and practical education
6. Luiss Guido Carli University
Luiss Guido Carli University occupies sixth place. Based in Rome, it is a private university specialising in the social sciences, economics, politics, business and Law.
Its Giurisprudenza programme lasts five years and comprises 300 ECTS credits. It combines comprehensive education in civil, criminal, administrative, commercial, international and labour law with practical activities, mock trials, negotiation and legal clinics, according to the official information published by Luiss.
The university maintains close relationships with public bodies, European institutions, major companies and law firms. Its location in Rome provides access to the country’s political and regulatory decision-making centres.
Luiss is particularly prominent in public, European, business, regulatory and competition law. Its professional methodology and emphasis on employability compensate for a smaller total volume of research than that produced by some large public universities.
Turin and Trento
7. University of Turin
The University of Turin occupies seventh place. Its School of Law has an established tradition and benefits from the economic and industrial importance of Piedmont.
The university is especially strong in European, international, commercial, labour and public law. Its proximity to major industrial companies and financial institutions supports the connection between legal education and economic activity.
8. University of Trento
The University of Trento occupies eighth place. Despite its smaller size, it has built an outstanding reputation through the quality of its teaching, research and international orientation.
Trento places particular importance on comparative, European, international, technology and transnational law. Its size facilitates more manageable classes and closer contact between students and academics.
The university represents one of the most innovative models in the Italian public system and may be particularly attractive to students who prioritise teaching quality, interdisciplinarity and international mobility.
Federico II and the legal tradition of southern Italy
9. University of Naples Federico II
The University of Naples Federico II occupies ninth place. Founded in 1224, it is one of the world’s oldest public universities and the leading legal institution in southern Italy.
Its School of Law has an extensive tradition in civil, criminal, administrative, constitutional, commercial and Roman law. It also has an influential alumni network across the judiciary, legal practice, politics and public administration.
The university performs an essential regional function and provides a large student community with access to high-quality legal education.
Its size can produce a less personalised experience, but it also provides a considerable diversity of academics, doctrinal perspectives and educational opportunities.
Cattolica completes the top ten
10. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore occupies tenth place. Its School of Law in Milan combines a strong humanistic tradition with close connections to professional practice and the business world.
Its educational model pays attention to the historical, philosophical and ethical foundations of Law, as well as to the skills required for professional practice.
The university has an extensive alumni network and maintains significant relationships with law firms, companies, financial institutions and third-sector organisations.
Its institutional identity and emphasis on academic support provide a distinctive alternative to Milan’s larger public universities.
Florence and Roma Tre
11. University of Florence
The University of Florence occupies 11th place. Its School of Law has a distinguished tradition in private, comparative, international and European law and jurisprudence.
Florence provides a culturally rich academic environment and a significant international community. Its university participates in European research and mobility networks and maintains an established position within Italian legal education.
12. Roma Tre University
Roma Tre University ranks 12th. Although it is younger than Sapienza, it has developed a dynamic School of Law recognised for its European, international and practical orientation.
Its location in Rome facilitates contact with institutions, courts and professional organisations. Its relatively smaller size may provide a closer academic experience than that available at larger public universities.
Pavia and Pisa
13. University of Pavia
The University of Pavia occupies 13th place. Its School of Law has a long academic tradition and forms part of a university with a manageable size and strong research identity.
Pavia is particularly strong in private, Roman, European, international and public law. Its historic university colleges help create a cohesive academic community.
14. University of Pisa
The University of Pisa occupies 14th place. Its legal programme benefits from a long university tradition and strong activity in public, private, criminal and international law and legal philosophy.
Both institutions offer attractive alternatives for students seeking prestigious public universities in medium-sized cities where the cost of living may be lower than in Milan or Rome.
Milano-Bicocca and Genoa
15. University of Milano-Bicocca
The University of Milano-Bicocca occupies 15th place. As a relatively young university, it offers a more contemporary and interdisciplinary approach.
Its location in Milan facilitates access to the professional market, while its structure supports the study of issues related to business, employment, technology, healthcare, the environment and public policy.
16. University of Genoa
The University of Genoa occupies 16th place. The city’s maritime and port tradition contributes to the university’s strength in maritime law, transport, international trade and insurance.
Genoa also provides a strong general legal education and plays a fundamental role in preparing legal professionals throughout Liguria.
Siena and Ferrara
17. University of Siena
The University of Siena occupies 17th place. Its size facilitates a closer university experience and direct academic relationships with faculty members.
The university has a recognised tradition in European, international, public and banking law. Siena’s historical importance in the financial sector reinforces interest in areas connected with economic regulation.
18. University of Ferrara
The University of Ferrara occupies 18th place. Its School of Law combines tradition, research and increasing attention to educational innovation.
Ferrara provides strong education in the fundamental legal disciplines in an environment that is less crowded than those of the major metropolitan universities.
Bari and Palermo
19. University of Bari Aldo Moro
The University of Bari Aldo Moro occupies 19th place. It is one of southern Italy’s principal public institutions and performs an essential role in educating lawyers, judges, prosecutors and public officials in the Apulia region.
Its School of Law provides a broad academic structure and significant connections with regional professions and public authorities.
20. University of Palermo
The University of Palermo completes the ranking in 20th place. It is one of Sicily’s principal universities and has a long legal tradition.
Its position reflects both its academic activity and territorial influence. The university educates a significant proportion of the professionals working in the island’s courts, government bodies and law firms.
The differences among the final positions are limited. Other Italian universities may be equally suitable depending on the desired specialisation, the region in which the student intends to practise and their personal circumstances.
How Law is studied in Italy
The principal qualification providing access to the traditional legal professions is the Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico in Giurisprudenza, or single-cycle master’s degree in Law.
The programme lasts five years and normally comprises 300 ECTS credits. Unlike a separate bachelor’s and master’s structure, it is an integrated qualification beginning after secondary education.
The curriculum usually includes private, constitutional, Roman, criminal, procedural, administrative, commercial, labour, tax, European and international law, as well as legal history and philosophy.
The importance of historical and doctrinal education is one of the characteristics of the Italian model. Many universities are nevertheless progressively incorporating legal clinics, simulations, internships, negotiation and case-based teaching.
Three-year degrees are also available in subjects such as legal services, business law and legal sciences. These qualifications can lead to different professional careers, but do not necessarily replace the Laurea Magistrale in Giurisprudenza for access to legal practice, the judiciary or the notarial profession.
How to become a lawyer in Italy
Obtaining the university qualification does not in itself authorise a graduate to practise as an avvocato.
After completing the Laurea Magistrale in Giurisprudenza, graduates must undertake the required period of professional training, known as the pratica forense, and pass the corresponding State examination.
The Italian Ministry of Justice administers the State examination for admission to legal practice. Its structure and rules have undergone changes in recent years, so candidates should verify the applicable regulations as they approach the end of their studies.
Certain educational pathways may count towards part of the professional training requirement. For example, periods of training in judicial offices may replace part of the professional traineeship under the legally established conditions, according to the Italian Ministry of Justice.
After passing the examination and satisfying the other applicable requirements, the professional may register with the relevant bar association and practise as an avvocato.
The judiciary and notarial profession: different careers
The Giurisprudenza qualification also provides the academic basis for pathways towards the judiciary and the notarial profession, although both require separate and highly selective competitive examinations.
Admission to the Italian judiciary takes place through a demanding national competition. Candidates must satisfy the applicable educational requirements and demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the principal areas of Law.
The notarial profession is similarly selective. Candidates must pass a specific national competition and master subjects including civil, commercial, succession, property and tax law.
Consequently, the best university for someone interested in international corporate law may not be the most appropriate option for a student intending to prepare for the judiciary or the notarial profession.
The importance of Italian
Most Laurea Magistrale in Giurisprudenza programmes are taught in Italian. A highly advanced command of the language is essential for understanding legislation, judgments, academic scholarship, examinations and professional documents.
Some universities offer individual courses, international programmes and supplementary qualifications in English. Bocconi has a Bachelor in Global Law and several international legal programmes, Bologna offers studies related to transnational legal systems, and numerous institutions provide English-language LLMs and specialised master’s degrees.
However, studying entirely in English will not normally provide, by itself, the preparation required to practise as an Italian lawyer. Anyone seeking admission to a regulated legal profession must master Italian legal language and satisfy the national requirements.
For international students who do not intend to practise in Italy, English-language programmes may be particularly valuable in European law, international trade, arbitration, technology, intellectual property and business regulation.
Public and private universities
Public universities numerically dominate the ranking. Bologna, Sapienza, Padua, Milan, Turin, Trento, Federico II and Florence offer exceptional academic traditions and generally charge lower tuition fees than private institutions.
Their size provides access to a broad range of courses and academics, although it may also involve larger classes, greater administrative complexity and a need for students to organise their studies independently.
Bocconi, Luiss and Cattolica offer smaller classes, closer support, structured career services and especially strong relationships with companies, institutions and major law firms.
Their tuition fees are considerably higher, although scholarships and financial aid are available and should be assessed individually.
The choice should not depend solely on whether a university is public or private. Students should compare specialisations, total costs, professional opportunities, location and the kind of academic experience they are seeking.
Rome, Milan and the major university cities
Location has a significant influence on professional opportunities.
Rome is the principal centre for public, constitutional, administrative and regulatory law. It is home to Parliament, the Government, ministries, higher courts and numerous regulatory authorities and international institutions.
Milan is Italy’s leading market for business, financial and corporate law. It contains major law firms, banks, investment funds, consultancy firms, multinational companies and technology businesses.
Bologna, Padua, Pavia, Pisa and Trento provide particularly intensive university environments and established academic communities. Turin maintains strong industrial connections, while Naples, Bari and Palermo play central roles in southern Italy.
The city selected may affect internships, professional networks and the market in which a graduate begins their career.
There is no perfect university for every student
The ranking provides a general assessment, but a higher position does not mean that a university will necessarily be the best choice for every student.
Bologna, Sapienza and Padua may be especially attractive to those seeking a major academic and research tradition. Bocconi and Luiss offer significant advantages in business law, institutional connections, internationalisation and access to highly competitive professional markets.
Trento stands out for its manageable size and comparative orientation, while Milan, Turin and Federico II combine strong public legal education with important regional networks.
The decision should take into account the desired legal specialisation, the city in which the student intends to work, tuition and housing costs, scholarships, language, teaching methodology, legal clinics, international mobility and professional outcomes.
It is also essential to distinguish between studying Law as an academic discipline and choosing education specifically directed towards the bar examination, the judiciary or the notarial profession.
Legal tradition and professional transformation
The principal conclusion of the study is that excellence in Italian legal education cannot be reduced to a single figure.
Bologna leads because of its exceptional balance of tradition, research, academic breadth and internationalisation. Sapienza represents the closest connection with the central institutions of the Italian state, while Bocconi stands out for its global and business-oriented model.
Padua and Milan confirm the strength of the major public universities in northern Italy. Luiss demonstrates the value of private education closely connected to institutions and professional practice, while Trento represents one of the most innovative and personalised models within the public system.
Combining three academic rankings with a review of the programmes published by the universities provides a broader, more critical and useful overview of legal education in Italy.
The ranking should be interpreted as a starting point. The best university will be the institution that most effectively combines academic quality, financial viability, specialisation and access to the professional market or legal career that each student wishes to pursue.
