Italy has a long and prestigious history of university education with the world’s oldest university, inaugurated in Bologna in the 11th century. Further north, Lombardy boasts its own historic seat of education with the University of Pavia, south of Milan, beginning its life as a school as far back as the 9th century then later being elevated to university status in 1361. Two of its more famous graduates were Christopher Columbus and the physicist Alessandro Volta. In the Lombard capital of Milan there are now various modern universities offering a high level of further education.

One of the largest universities in the region, with 2,500 highly qualified and experienced professors, is the Università degli Studi or simply University of Milan (UNIMI). It is a public, multidisciplinary teaching and research institution offering nine Faculties, 134 study courses, 92 Specialisation Schools and 19 Doctoral Schools. This is the only Italian University that is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), a distinguished group of Universities committed to excellence in field of intensive research. The University is located in historic buildings equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and modern facilities right in the centre of Milan.

Another important university is the University of Milano-Biocca situated on the northern outskirts of Milan. This university is much younger than the University of Milan as it was established little more than a decade ago in 1998.  Over-crowding at the University of Milan and broadening academic horizons led to its creation. A former industrial area has now been converted into an enormous urban renewal project incorporating the Athenaeum, research laboratories and student halls of residence, the Arcimboldi Theatre, closely linked with the La Scala Theatre and the state National Research Council (CNR). The area also includes many multinational company offices including the headquarters of the Pirelli Group, sports centres, multi-screen cinemas, a park and contemporary housing.

The Libera Università di Lingue e Communicazione (ILUM), University of Languages and Communication, is an avant-garde institution with cutting edge facilities blended with quality research, excellent training opportunities, contemporary services and an emphasis on good interpersonal relationships. Initially the university focused solely on the study of languages.  Since its origin the syllabus has widened giving more emphasis on language and communication.