The University of Siena dates back to 1240, when a tradition of teaching and research was established in one of the most fluorescent free towns of Middle Age’s Italy located on the path of the pilgrims’ Via Francigena. Since then, the European culture, the attraction of international scholars and the respect of academic freedom have been cultivated within our university, which is therefore one of the oldest Higher Education Institutions in Europe.
Today, USiena counts over 18.000 students, enrolled in a broad range of degree courses. 68 are the programs activated. They include Bachelor courses (3 years), Master courses (2 years) and Long Cycle degree Courses. Moreover, 23 three-year Doctoral programs are offered, together with several shorter post-graduate programs.
In 2021, USiena ranked second among the medium-sized Italian Universities, and third among all Italian public Universities, for study grants and services for students according to the CENSIS Research Institute classification 2021. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings considered USiena in a position between 401 and 500.
These figures report the effects of a strategy of internationalization enhanced over the years. The current challenge is the consolidation of such a strategy. USiena aims to be not only a Europe-leading teaching and research institution, but a truly global university able to welcome a growing number of international students. We currently recruit around 10% of our students from abroad, and the recent establishment of several teaching programs entirely offered in English will help us to increase this trend.