Discover Ca Foscari University of Venice

Hey traveller, if you’re planning to visit Venice or study in the heart of one of the most romantic and historic cities in the world, today we talk about a real gem hidden among the canals: Ca Foscari University of Venice.

In this guide by Venice Insider Guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this prestigious Venetian university: where it is, what to study, courses offered, history, opportunities for international students.

Ca Foscari University of Venice

Founded in 1868, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (in Italian "Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia") is the first Business School in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe in the field of economic and linguistic sciences. Today, it’s a public university recognized worldwide, that combines tradition and innovation, with a modern and interdisciplinary offer.

With its views on the Grand Canal, the university stands out for the beauty of its buildings, often hosted in historic Venetian palaces. Here culture is everywhere: in the classrooms, along the fondamenta, in the students’ cafes and even between classes… maybe on a gondola!

Where is Ca Foscari University of Venice

Ca’ Foscari is located in the heart of Venice, precisely in the Dorsoduro district, along the Grand Canal. The main campus is situated in the Gothic palace from which the university takes its name: Ca’ Foscari, a beautiful 15th century building.

You can reach Ca Foscari University of Venice on foot from Ponte dell’Accademia or by vaporetto line 1, stop Ca’ Rezzonico.Being a student here means literally studying in an open-air museum!

Why study at Ca Foscari University of Venice

Studying at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice means being in a stimulating, multicultural and dynamic environment. The university hosts every year thousands of international students from all over the world, attracted by the academic offer and the charm of living in Venice.

Here are some good reasons to choose Ca’ Foscari:

English programs for international students;
A wide range of Erasmus exchanges and double degrees;
Strong connections with the job market and European institutions;
Cultural events, exhibitions, conferences and festivals every week;
The unique opportunity to study in a car-free city where every corner is an artwork.

Is Ca Foscari University of Venice a good university?

Yes! Ca’ Foscari is one of the best universities in Italy for humanities, economics and languages. It’s highly regarded for its academic excellence, especially in foreign languages, international relations and environmental sciences.

International rankings consistently place Ca’ Foscari among the top institutions in Italy for research output, internationalization and student satisfaction. The teaching is high quality, professors are approachable and the study environment is friendly yet challenging.

And let’s be honest-how many students in the world can say they attend classes in a Gothic palace on the Grand Canal?

What GPA do you need for Ca Foscari University of Venice?

If you’re coming from a non-Italian education system and want to apply to a program at Ca Foscari University of Venice, GPA requirements may vary depending on the course and degree level. However, as a general rule:

Bachelor’s programs require a high school diploma equivalent to the Italian one.
Master’s programs usually require a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0 out of 4.0, though some competitive courses may ask for higher scores.
English-taught programs may also require a language proficiency certificate like IELTS or TOEFL.Always check the specific admission requirements for your program of interest!

What is Ca Foscari University of Venice known for?

Ca Foscari University of Venice is particularly strong in languages, economics and environmental sciences. Here are some areas of excellence:

Languages and foreign cultures: with over 40 languages taught, it’s a reference point for language mediation;
International economy and management: cutting-edge courses to understand global challenges;
Environmental sciences and sustainability: in line with the future and the lagoon of Venice;
Humanistic and cultural studies: from literature to art history, in a city steeped in culture.

Ca Foscari University of Venice courses

The university offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs, in Italian and English.

Main fields:

Economy, Management, Statistics
Languages and Foreign Literatures
Environmental Sciences and Chemistry
Computer Science, Science and Technology
Humanistic Studies (History, Philosophy, Art)
International Relations, Asian and African Studies

Examples of English-taught programs:

Economics and Management
Environmental Sciences
Philosophy, International and Economic Studies
Computer Science

Ca Foscari University of Venice apply

Applying to Ca’ Foscari is easy, and the university has a dedicated portal for international students. Here are the steps:

Choose your program (in English or Italian).
Prepare your documents: diploma, transcript, passport, CV, motivation letter, language certificates.
Submit your application online on the official website.
Wait for the outcome and, if you’re admitted, get ready to move to Venice!

Official website for application: unive.

Ca Foscari University of Venice ranking

In 2024, according to the QS World University Ranking, Ca’ Foscari is ranked among the top 100 in the world for Modern Languages and received good scores for Economics and Environmental Sciences.

Main rankings:

QS Top 100 for Modern Languages
Times Higher Education: good performance in International Outlook
ARWU Shanghai Ranking: best in Italy for Economy

History Venice Ca Foscari University

The university’s history is as fascinating as the city that hosts it.

Founded on August 6th 1868 as Royal Higher School of Commerce, it was the first institution in Italy to offer a higher education in economics. At the time, Venice was a major commercial hub, and the university was responding to the need to train a new ruling class.

Over time, Ca’ Foscari expanded its courses to include oriental languages, literature, sciences and technologies, becoming the modern university we know today. The central campus building was purchased by the city in the 19th century: an ancient patrician residence transformed into a hub of knowledge.

FAQ

What is Ca’ Foscari famous for?
It’s famous for being the first Italian university in commerce and for its excellence in languages, economy, international relations and environmental sciences.

What is a 30 e lode at Ca’ Foscari worth?
The 30 e lode is the highest grade in Italy and means excellent performance. It’s very appreciated, especially if obtained in complex exams. It often means a score above 30 and can positively influence the final graduation grade.

How much does it cost at Ca’ Foscari?
University fees vary depending on the family income (ISEE) for Italian students. International students pay between €500 and €2,000 per year, with many scholarships and benefits available.

Why is Ca’ Foscari called so?
The name comes from the main campus building, Ca’ Foscari, built in the 15th century by the Foscari family, one of the most powerful in Venice. “Ca’” is a dialectal form of “casa”, so it literally means “Foscari House”.

Conclusion

Dear travelers, whether you’re planning a cultural tour, a semester of studies or just want to get to know the intellectual soul of Venice, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice is a magical place where past and future meet.

Studying or just visiting this university allows you to breathe history, walk in the footsteps of ancient merchants and thinkers, and live Venice like a local, among books, languages and canals.

Want to visit Ca Foscari University in Venice or enroll? Find out more on the website (unive) and get inspired by studying in the lagoon.