Your Future Starts Here - Study at the University of Cagliari
The University of Cagliari (UniCa) is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of Italy’s top-ranking institutions. Ranked in the top 5% of universities worldwide, UniCa offers innovative programs, strong international exchange opportunities, and modern facilities – all set on the stunning Sardinian coast. Combined with Sardinia’s low cost of living, vibrant local culture, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, it’s an ideal destination for international students seeking both academic excellence and a genuinely unique life experience.
About University of Cagliari
The University of Cagliari (UniCa) is a public university in Italy with roots dating back to 1606. Located in the capital city of Sardinia, UniCa consistently ranks among the top universities in the country. With over 29,000 students, it is one of Italy’s larger academic institutions and is well-known for its welcoming environment for international students.
The university has a faculty of around 2,900 professors and academic staff and offers a variety of international exchange programs through partnerships with universities and companies around the world.
University of Cagliari Address
Via Università 40, 09124 Cagliari
Contact person
Ihab Rizk Soliman and Alessandra Carucci
University of Cagliari Ranking
- The University of Cagliari is one of the oldest universities globally recognized as one of the top-ranking universities in Italy dedicated to offering comprehensive and unique public education, cutting-edge research, and multi-discipline education programs for the student community.
Credits & Grading
The University of Cagliari has adopted ECTS as the credit accumulation system: 1 Italian Credit (CFU) = 25 working hours = 1 ECTS Credit ECTS credits express the volume of learning based on the defined learning outcomes and their associated workload. 60 ECTS credits correspond to the workload of a full-time academic year or its equivalent, which normally comprises several educational components to which credits are allocated. First cycle qualifications typically include 180 ECTS credits. Second cycle qualifications (Master’s programs) typically include 120 ECTS credits.
Application Instructions
Apply to study abroad at the University of Cagliari
DOCUMENTS
Get the required documents (see list below)
APPLICATION
Fill out and submit the online application form together with the required documents.
CONFIRMATION
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement within one week, at best as quickly as in one day.
- Flexible application: You can apply even if you’re not yet certain of your plans. Cancel at no extra cost up to 1 month before the semester starts.
- When you apply for two semesters: 100 EUR discount on the second semester
- Get access to comprehensive information materials such as an Asia Exchange Guide and an interactive orientation webinar after you apply
INSTRUCTIONS
- Scan all the required documents (1–2) to your computer
- Finally, fill out the online application form below and submit it with all the documents
Uploading and submitting the attachments
- Please upload the attachments in PDF format.
- If possible, please submit all the attachments together with the application. If you’re missing some attachment(s) when you first apply, you can later send the missing document(s). However, please note that we won’t process applications without any attachments whatsoever.
- All attachments must be sent to us by the application deadline at the very latest, preferably as soon as possible.
- You can submit all the documents electronically. Please don’t send anything via regular mail.
- There is a late application fee for applications or attachments submitted after the application deadline.
Confirmation
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement in 1-7 days, starting from when your application is complete with all the required documents.
Fees
The application fee invoice will be sent to you soon after the initial acceptance letter. This fee will be due within 10 days of receiving your confirmation. The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide to cancel (see below).
Cancellation
If you’re unable to participate in the study abroad semester, you have the right to cancel your participation up to 1 month before the semester starts with no extra cost (the application fee will not be refunded, however). Let us know about your cancellation by writing us an email at info[ at]asiaexchange.org. Cancellations notified via phone, SMS or by any other means will not be considered. For more detailed information on our cancellation policy, please see the terms and conditions for cancellation. We also reserve the right to cancel your participation if any of your fees becomes overdue. For more information, please see our terms and conditions.
Travel insurance
You are required to have valid accident and health insurance from your home country for the whole duration of the program. The university may request a copy of the insurance certificate at the beginning of the semester. See our recommended travel insurance providers.
Who can apply
Minimum requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Currently enrolled at a university or equivalent institution, OR a recent high school graduate
- Sufficient English skills (no official language test required)
See the additional requirements.
Accommodation
Sardinia offers a wide range of affordable accommodation options for international students. Most students find private rooms or shared apartments near the university or in central Cagliari. We recommend starting your search early and using the student Facebook groups for the best options. Read our accommodation guide for Sardinia here.
Program Highlights
UniCa students carry out a unique study abroad experience
The University of Cagliari is one of the oldest universities in the world
Not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated Italian island
Explore the World - Semester Abroad at the University of Cagliari
A semester at UniCa gives you access to one of Italy’s most respected academic institutions, in a setting that is genuinely hard to match. Study Business, Languages, Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, or a wide range of other disciplines at Bachelor’s or Master’s level, alongside students from across Europe and the world. Between lectures, Sardinia’s beaches, mountains, ancient ruins, and colorful towns are yours to explore. An experience that goes well beyond the classroom.
Semesters
Autumn
(September - February)
Spring
(February – July)
Max. Credits
36 ECTS /
21 US credits
Fees
+
Levels of Study
Bachelor's & Master's Level: Semester Abroad & Gap Year
Program Content
Lectures,
workshops and
excursions
Study Fields
Business and Economics, Languages and Cultures for Linguistics Mediation, Languages and Communication, Management, Humanities, Pharmacy, Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, and many more
Everything You Need to Know - Semester Abroad at the University of Cagliari
Thinking about a semester at the University of Cagliari? From course options and semester dates to accommodation, visa, and fees, everything you need to plan your time in Sardinia is right here. Scroll through the details below and take the next step.
Semester Dates
| SPRING 2027* | DD.MM.YYYY |
| Semester dates | 22.02.2027 – 23.07.2027 |
| Orientation | TBA |
| Application deadline | 29.01.2027 |
| AUTUMN 2027* | DD.MM.YYYY |
| Semester dates | 20.09.2027 – 25.02.2028 |
| Orientation | 20.09.2027 |
| Application deadline | 31.08.2027 |
| SPRING 2028* | DD.MM.YYYY |
| Semester dates | 21.02.2028 – 29.07.2028 |
| Orientation | 21.02.2028 |
| Application deadline | 26.01.2028 |
| AUTUMN 2028* | DD.MM.YYYY |
| Semester dates | 18.09.2028 – 25.02.2029 |
| Orientation | 18.09.2028 |
| Application deadline | 31.08.2028 |
YOU MAY APPLY FOR SEMESTERS IN THE UPCOMING YEARS ALREADY.
*) SMALL CHANGES POSSIBLE / DATES ARE STILL TENTATIVE.
Courses & Studies
Courses at the University of Cagliari
The University of Cagliari is responsible for the teaching and the transcript of records. Students can choose up to 6 courses with max. 36ECTS.
List of Bachelor’s and Master’s courses
Syllabi of autumn semester courses
Syllabi of spring semester courses
Please contact us in case you cannot find your wished course syllabi.
Bachelor | Master |
| Business and Economics | Management |
| Languages and Cultures for Linguistics | Sustainable Tourism Management and Monitoring |
| Mediation | International Relations |
| Languages and Communication | Economics, Finance and Public Policy |
| Law | |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology | |
| Pharmacy | |
| Neuropsychobiology | |
| Chemical and Biotechnical Process Engineering | |
| Electronic Engineering | |
| Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence | |
| Electrical Engineering | |
| Internet Engineering | |
| Environmental and Land Engineering | |
| Computer Science | |
| Physics | |
| Modern European and American Languages and Literatures | |
| Texts Translation |
You can pre-select your courses from the list and use the syllabi and course descriptions as a guide when you need to submit a study plan to your home university beforehand. Once the application deadline ended, a most updated course lists will be shared and you will submit your final course selection to us.
Reminder: For gap year and undergraduate students, please be informed that you are recommended to choose your courses at the bachelor program. Choosing under master level program might require prior knowledge of the course and are subject for university’s evaluation.
eCampus
In addition to the courses mentioned above, you have the chance to attend additional distance learning courses in the fields of Economics, Marketing, Sociology, and Politics. All the courses are taught from a distance and can be joined independently from place and time. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to combine your study abroad experience with various academic courses.
All information about the eCampus can be found here.
You have the chance to opt for distance learning courses during your application process. Please note that each distance learning course is worth 5 ECTS and comes at an additional charge of 199€ / 297USD.
After completing your eCampus courses, you will receive an academic transcript issued by Undiknas University. Additionally, you will receive a participation certificate for each completed distance learning course.
Fees
The University of Cagliari fees
Tuition fee:
Application fee:
See what’s included in the fees.
Many of our students apply for national student funding such as PROMOS, BAföG, or CSN.
Please note that BAföG does not cover the tuition fee of this study program. However, the general BAföG funding (excl. tuition fee coverage) is still possible.
Are you from North/South America & Oceania? Find out more about the fees.
Benefits when applying via Beyond Abroad
- Confirmation even in one day
- Orientation days
- No English proficiency test required
- Save up to
compared to regular tuition fees discount when you apply for two semesters.
Required Documents
- For the Undergraduate Programs High School Diploma or similar certificate Certificate / Transcript of records or equivalent document of all your semesters in English.
- For Graduate Programs Bachelor’s degree diploma, certificate/transcript of records of all your semesters in English.
- A copy of your national ID card. For non-EU citizens, a copy of the identification page of your passport.
- If you are not currently enrolled at an institution of higher education, a copy of your bachelor’s/master’s diploma in English is needed.
Take a Break, Not a Step Back - Gap Year at the University of Cagliari
Sardinia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for a gap year that genuinely counts. At UniCa, you’ll study at Bachelor’s or Master’s level in one of the world’s oldest universities, explore a Mediterranean island with centuries of history and culture, and build an international network that will last a lifetime. A gap year that sets you apart.
Semesters
Autumn
(September - February)
Spring
(February – July)
Max. Credits
36 ECTS /
21 US credits
Fees
+
Levels of Study
Bachelor's & Master's Level: Semester Abroad & Gap Year
Program Content
Lectures,
workshops and
excursions
Study Fields
Business and Economics, Languages and Cultures for Linguistics Mediation, Languages and Communication, Management, Humanities, Pharmacy, Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, and many more
Everything You Need to Know - Gap Year at the University of Cagliari
Taking a gap year at UniCa is more straightforward than you might think. Semesters start in September (Autumn) and February/March (Spring). Find all the details below and start planning your gap year in Sardinia.
Semester Dates
| SPRING 2027* | DD.MM.YYYY |
| Semester dates | 22.02.2027 – 23.07.2027 |
| Orientation | TBA |
| Application deadline | 29.01.2027 |
| AUTUMN 2027* | DD.MM.YYYY |
| Semester dates | 20.09.2027 – 25.02.2028 |
| Orientation | 20.09.2027 |
| Application deadline | 31.08.2027 |
| SPRING 2028* | DD.MM.YYYY |
| Semester dates | 21.02.2028 – 29.07.2028 |
| Orientation | 21.02.2028 |
| Application deadline | 26.01.2028 |
| AUTUMN 2028* | DD.MM.YYYY |
| Semester dates | 18.09.2028 – 25.02.2029 |
| Orientation | 18.09.2028 |
| Application deadline | 31.08.2028 |
YOU MAY APPLY FOR SEMESTERS IN THE UPCOMING YEARS ALREADY.
* SMALL CHANGES POSSIBLE / DATES ARE STILL TENTATIVE.
Courses & Studies
Courses at the University of Cagliari
The University of Cagliari is responsible for the teaching and the transcript of records. Students can choose up to 6 courses with max. 36ECTS.
List of Bachelor’s and Master’s courses
Syllabi of autumn semester courses
Syllabi of spring semester courses
Please contact us in case you cannot find your wished course syllabi.
Bachelor | Master |
| Business and Economics | Management |
| Languages and Cultures for Linguistics | Sustainable Tourism Management and Monitoring |
| Mediation | International Relations |
| Languages and Communication | Economics, Finance and Public Policy |
| Law | |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology | |
| Pharmacy | |
| Neuropsychobiology | |
| Chemical and Biotechnical Process Engineering | |
| Electronic Engineering | |
| Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence | |
| Electrical Engineering | |
| Internet Engineering | |
| Environmental and Land Engineering | |
| Computer Science | |
| Physics | |
| Modern European and American Languages and Literatures | |
| Texts Translation |
You can pre-select your courses from the list and use the syllabi and course descriptions as a guide when you need to submit a study plan to your home university beforehand. Once the application deadline ended, a most updated course lists will be shared and you will submit your final course selection to us.
Reminder: For gap year and undergraduate students, please be informed that you are recommended to choose your courses at the bachelor program. Choosing under master level program might require prior knowledge of the course and are subject for university’s evaluation.
eCampus
In addition to the courses mentioned above, you have the chance to attend additional distance learning courses in the fields of Economics, Marketing, Sociology, and Politics. All the courses are taught from a distance and can be joined independently from place and time. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to combine your study abroad experience with various academic courses.
All information about the eCampus can be found here.
You have the chance to opt for distance learning courses during your application process. Please note that each distance learning course is worth 5 ECTS and comes at an additional charge of 199€ / 297USD.
After completing your eCampus courses, you will receive an academic transcript issued by Undiknas University. Additionally, you will receive a participation certificate for each completed distance learning course.
Fees
The University of Cagliari fees
Tuition fee:
Application fee:
See what’s included in the fees.
Many of our students apply for national student funding such as PROMOS, BAföG, or CSN.
Please note that BAföG does not cover the tuition fee of this study program. However, the general BAföG funding (excl. tuition fee coverage) is still possible.
Are you from North/South America & Oceania? Find out more about the fees.
Benefits when applying via Beyond Abroad
- Confirmation even in one day
- Orientation days
- No English proficiency test required
- Save up to
compared to regular tuition fees discount when you apply for two semesters.
Required Documents
- For the Undergraduate Programs High School Diploma or similar certificate Certificate / Transcript of records or equivalent document of all your semesters in English.
- For Graduate Programs Bachelor’s degree diploma, certificate/transcript of records of all your semesters in English.
- A copy of your national ID card. For non-EU citizens, a copy of the identification page of your passport.
- If you are not currently enrolled at an institution of higher education, a copy of your bachelor’s/master’s diploma in English is needed.
Semesters
Autumn
(September - February)
Spring
(February – July)
Max. Credits
36 ECTS /
21 US credits
Fees
+
Levels of Study
Bachelor's & Master's Level: Semester Abroad & Gap Year
Program Content
Lectures,
workshops and
excursions
Study Fields
Business and Economics, Languages and Cultures for Linguistics Mediation, Languages and Communication, Management, Humanities, Pharmacy, Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, and many more
Semester Dates
Courses & Studies
Fees
Required Documents
Semesters
Max. Credits
Fees
Levels of Study
Bachelor's & Master's Level: Semester Abroad & Gap Year
Program Content
Lectures,
workshops and
excursions
Study Fields
Semester Dates
Courses & Studies
Fees
Required Documents
Semesters
Max. Credits
Fees
Levels of Study
Bachelor's & Master's Level: Semester Abroad & Gap Year
Program Content
Lectures,
workshops and
excursions
Study Fields
Semester Dates
Courses & Studies
Fees
Required Documents
Frequently asked questions
STUDIES & SCHEDULES
Q: Can I take Master’s level courses even if I’m a Bachelor’s level student?
A: It depends on your foundation courses from the Bachelor courses you have taken. It can be reviewed by UniCa after pre-selecting your courses.
Q: Are there mandatory courses?
A: There are no mandatory courses when studying at UniCa. You may choose from the available courses for the specific semester you will be joining. You cannot pre-select courses that is taught for a different semester as classes are organized by semester schedule. All courses offered to our students are taught in English. Should you have a proficiency in Italian, you can attend the other classes taught in Italian.
Q: When are my course selections confirmed?
A: The semester courses being offered in UniCa is being updated towards at the beginning of each academic year or every after each semester. Student’s can choose from all courses taught in English.
Q: Can I drop out of a course or add a course after making the course selections?
A: Adding or dropping out of course may take place on or before your arrival at the destination. However, should you choose to add or drop a course feel free to contact the international office or school registrar and coordinate what needs to be done or should you need to change the course for your credits.
Q: How does the weekly schedule look like?
A: During the orientation a week before the semester starts, you will be provided with the class schedule. The reason why international students are encouraged to choose below 6 courses to ensure that there are still days and time you can dedicate for your intercultural learning, immersions, or cultural excursions.
Q: What is the required minimum attendance?
A: Unwritten rule of thumb is to attend the classes 75% of the time including the mandatory lectures and workshops.
Q: When do the exams take place?
A: All exams will take place inside the official semester dates. Mid-term exams usually take place the week before the mid-term holiday and final exams the last week of the semester. The exams are scheduled for the same weekdays and times as your normal classes.
EVERYDAY CONDUCT
Dresscode: There is no specific dress code in UniCa. However, you are expected to dress well. No flip flops or boardies. Just remember to cover your shoulders and knees – and to wear proper shoes.
VISA & TRAVEL
Q: What is the correct type of visa for studying at University of Cagliari
A: Student Visa (Long Stay type D) this is for the students who will be applying for any degree course that has at least 20 hours of courses per week (or 80 hours per month) and lasts more than 90 days. Learn more about the visa through this link.
Q: When can I apply for my visa?
A: As soon as you receive the official acceptance letter from University of Cagliari. We will send this to you latest 1 month before the semester starts. You cannot apply for your visa with the initial acceptance letter from Asia Exchange.
ACCOMODATION
Q: How can I find suitable accommodation options?
A: There are a few recommended accommodations in UniCa by former exchange students. Some look for accommodation on Stanza Stemplice on the internet page and found different rooms.
Q: Should I book accommodation in advance or after arriving in Cagliari?
A: It is completely up to you. Many of the cheapest places get booked in advance, but there are students who prefer checking the accommodation options in person after arrival.
COSTS
In addition to tuition fees, you should be prepared to pay for the student visa, flights, accommodation, and other living costs and depending on each student’s lifestyle. For some, it can be an average cost of 1000€.
MISCELLANEOUS
Q: Which other essential items should I bring with me from home?
A: Sunscreen, contact lenses, tampons, underwear, power bank, USB stick and dry shampoo.
What former students say
