Study in Italy: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice 2026 | Scholarships, Programs and Admission Guide

If studying in Europe has been on your mind, Italy has a way of moving to the top of that list pretty quickly. And if you want to combine world-class academics with one of the most breathtaking cities on earth, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice deserves your full attention. Nestled right in the heart of Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage City, Ca’ Foscari is one of Italy’s most internationally respected universities, and it is actively welcoming students from every corner of the globe for the 2026-27 academic year.

This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Italy at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. We will walk through the university’s history, its degree programs taught in English, available scholarships including the prestigious Ca’ Foscari Honours Scholarships, tuition fees, living costs, admission requirements, and how to actually apply. Whether you are thinking about a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a PhD, this is your complete starting point.

About Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, officially known as Universita Ca’ Foscari Venezia (UNIVE), was founded in 1868 as Italy’s first advanced school for commerce and international business. That makes it over 157 years old, and it has spent most of those years refining itself into a leading European research and teaching institution. The university takes its name from the stunning Ca’ Foscari Venetian Gothic palace that sits right on the Grand Canal, which serves as one of its main buildings. Walking to class along canals and stepping over ancient stone bridges is genuinely part of the daily experience here.

Today, Ca’ Foscari is home to more than 23,000 enrolled students, over 1,300 permanent faculty members, and welcomes approximately 1,500 new international students every single year. The university maintains more than 500 student exchange agreements worldwide and offers over 60 joint and double degree combinations with prestigious partner universities around the world. It is a member of the EUTOPIA European university alliance, which connects it with other leading European institutions for collaborative research and student mobility.

Ca’ Foscari is consistently ranked among the top universities in Italy and features in global rankings in subject areas like classics, modern languages, archaeology, economics, and environmental sciences. If you are passionate about humanities, social sciences, or science and technology, this university has the depth and the global connections to take your education seriously.

Why Choose Ca’ Foscari University of Venice?

There are plenty of universities across Europe, so why does Ca’ Foscari stand out? A few reasons come up consistently when you talk to students and researchers who chose Venice over other options.

First, there is the city itself. Venice is not just a beautiful backdrop for Instagram photos. It is a living, functioning city with a unique culture, a deep relationship with the arts, and a pedestrian lifestyle that forces you to slow down and actually engage with your surroundings. There are no cars in the historic center. You walk, you take the water bus, and you live your student life in the city’s public spaces. Campo Santa Margherita, one of the city’s most lively squares, becomes a social hub for Ca’ Foscari students every afternoon and evening, with spritz aperitifs and outdoor conversations becoming a genuine part of academic life.

Second, the university is genuinely international. Ca’ Foscari offers 7 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 15 master’s degree programs taught entirely in English, making it one of the most accessible Italian universities for non-Italian-speaking students. With over 10,000 active internship agreements in Italy and abroad, and a strong alumni network spanning business, finance, cultural management, and research, the career opportunities that come with a Ca’ Foscari degree are real and wide-ranging.

Third, the cost is reasonable by European standards. Tuition fees at Ca’ Foscari are relatively affordable for a university of this caliber, and when you factor in the scholarship opportunities available specifically for high-achieving international students, studying here becomes even more financially accessible.

Degree Programs at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

Ca’ Foscari organizes its academic programs across 7 departments covering three broad disciplinary areas: Economics and Management, Humanities, and Science and Technology. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, many of which are fully available in English.

English-Taught Bachelor’s Degree Programs

For undergraduate students, Ca’ Foscari currently offers the following bachelor’s programs entirely taught in English:

• Business Administration and Management
• Digital Management
• Economics and Business
• Global Development and Entrepreneurship
• Languages, Cultures and Societies of Asia and Mediterranean Africa
• Philosophy, International Studies and Economics (PISE)
• Conservation Science and Technology for Cultural Heritage

English-Taught Master’s Degree Programs

At the postgraduate level, Ca’ Foscari offers an extensive range of master’s programs in English, including:

• Data Analytics for Business and Society
• Economics, Finance and Sustainability
• Global Accounting and Finance
• Economics and Management of Arts and Cultural Activities
• Global Management (CEMS)
• International Management
• Digital and Public Humanities
• Environmental Humanities
• Linguistics
• Asian and North African Languages and Cultures
• Science and Technology Studies
• Computer Science
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Marine Sciences and Technology

If you want to study Italian-language programs, the full list of courses is even broader. Ca’ Foscari’s dedication to multilingual education makes it possible for students to begin their Italian journey in English and gradually integrate Italian over time.

Scholarship Programs at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

This is the section most scholarship hunters come looking for, and Ca’ Foscari does not disappoint. There are several financial aid and scholarship pathways available to international students, ranging from the university’s own Honours Scholarships to Italian government programs and external funding.

Here is a comparison table of the main scholarship and financial support options at Ca’ Foscari:

Ca’ Foscari Honours Scholarships 2026-27 in Detail

The Ca’ Foscari Honours Scholarships are by far the most talked-about funding opportunity for international students at this university, and for good reason. For the 2026-27 academic year, Ca’ Foscari is offering a total of 28 scholarships: 8 for new bachelor’s students and 20 for new master’s students. Each scholarship is worth EUR 10,000 per year, which is not just symbolic financial support. At Ca’ Foscari, this amount covers a significant portion of tuition and makes a meaningful contribution to living expenses in Venice.

The scholarship is renewable for the full duration of the degree, meaning 3 years for bachelor’s students and 2 years for master’s students, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress. That continuity of funding is something many scholarship programs do not offer, and it gives you genuine financial stability throughout your studies rather than just for the first year.

Who Can Apply for the Honours Scholarships?

• Non-Italian international students, both EU and non-EU, are eligible
• You must be applying for a new bachelor’s or master’s degree program at Ca’ Foscari
• Programs must be taught in English or Italian
• Your CGPA or academic grade equivalent must be at least 85% at the time of application
• You must submit a motivational video as part of the application, prepared according to the official call requirements
• Fulfillment of all program-specific admission requirements (language scores, documents, etc.) is mandatory

A very important point to understand here is that the scholarship application is separate from your degree program admission application. Getting admitted to Ca’ Foscari does not automatically enter you into the scholarship competition. You must apply for the scholarship through a separate process, and that process has its own deadline. The call for applications for students entering in 2026-27 is published in spring on the International College’s official web page.

How Are Scholarship Applicants Evaluated?

Ca’ Foscari uses a structured, points-based evaluation process to rank applicants for the Honours Scholarships. Bachelor’s and master’s degree applicants are assessed on different criteria and placed in separate ranking lists. The main factors that earn you points include your academic record (your CGPA needs to be at least 85% equivalent), the quality of your motivational video, recommendation letters, and other documents outlined in the official call. This is a merit-based competition, and the university takes the evaluation seriously.

PhD Scholarships at Ca’ Foscari

For students looking beyond master’s level, Ca’ Foscari offers competitive PhD scholarships that come with an annual stipend of approximately EUR 16,240. These are paid on a monthly basis throughout the doctoral program. For a standard three-year PhD program, there is potential for up to 12 months of additional funded extension depending on performance. For a four-year PhD program, an 18-month extension may be available if the candidate receives approval for a research abroad period. This is a strong funding package for doctoral research in Italy.

PhD programs at Ca’ Foscari span areas including environmental science, computer science, economics, linguistics, Asian and African studies, cultural heritage, and more. Research is conducted in collaboration with A-star research institutes, international partners, and university departments.

Ca’ Foscari International College

The Ca’ Foscari International College is a distinctive, enhanced academic program that runs alongside selected bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. It combines the regular degree with an additional interdisciplinary honors curriculum, offering a more intensive, globally oriented academic experience. Admission to the International College is competitive and based on academic merit. The college fee for the 2025-26 academic year is EUR 9,800 and covers the enhanced program component.

Students interested in the master’s level International College must be no older than 25 at the date of application and must demonstrate strong English proficiency (at least B2 level). International students enrolling in programs not taught entirely in English are also required to demonstrate Italian at B2 level.

Tuition Fees at Ca’ Foscari University

One of the most pleasant surprises for students considering Ca’ Foscari is just how affordable the tuition fees are relative to the quality of education and the prestige of the institution. Ca’ Foscari is a public Italian university, and public university tuition in Italy is regulated and generally much lower than at private universities in the US, UK, or Australia.

For most standard degree programs, the base tuition fee starts at EUR 1,300 per year. Depending on your chosen program, faculty, and household income situation, fees can range up to approximately EUR 8,800 per year for higher-income brackets. Italian public universities use an income-based sliding scale, meaning students from lower-income backgrounds pay less. International students can also benefit from income-based reductions by submitting the correct financial documentation from their home country.

Additionally, students pay a small regional tax and stamp duty on top of the program tuition. The university has an online payment system for all tuition-related fees, and the Fees and Scholarships office is available to help students understand their individual fee bracket.

Living Costs in Venice for Students

Venice is one of Italy’s more expensive cities to live in, mainly because of its unique geography and its global tourism appeal. That said, students who plan thoughtfully can manage their budget without too much difficulty. A reasonable estimate for living costs in Venice as a student is between EUR 1,000 and EUR 1,300 per month. This covers accommodation, food, local transport, and personal expenses.

Accommodation in Venice can be found through the university’s Housing Office, which helps students find spots in student residences or private apartments with university-negotiated rates. The Housing Office matches students with available options based on their needs and preferences, which is genuinely helpful when you are arriving from abroad and do not know the city.

For meals, Ca’ Foscari students have access to ESU Venezia university canteens, which offer full meals including a first course, second course, side dish, fruit, bread, and water for just EUR 6.50. A reduced meal option is available for EUR 5.50. These canteens are a staple of student life and a practical way to eat well without overspending.

Transport in Venice is mostly on foot or by vaporetto, the city’s water bus system. Students can get discounted transport passes, and because the historic center is walkable, daily transport costs are lower than in most other European cities.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Ca’ Foscari follows the admission guidelines set by Italy’s Ministry of University and Research (MUR), and the process for international students involves a combination of academic qualifications, language requirements, and program-specific criteria.

Academic Requirements

For undergraduate admission, international students need to have completed a secondary education equivalent to the Italian system. In some cases, depending on the country of origin, applicants may need to have completed one year of university study in their home country before being eligible for an Italian undergraduate degree, or have a recognized preparatory qualification such as A-Levels or an International Baccalaureate.

For master’s degree admission, you will need a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The admission committee looks closely at your academic performance during undergraduate studies. A CGPA of at least 70% is generally the minimum threshold, though some programs require higher grades.

For the Honours Scholarships specifically, your academic record must be equivalent to at least 85%, which is a higher bar than general admission.

Language Requirements

For English-taught programs, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency. Ca’ Foscari accepts the following:

• IELTS: minimum score of 5.5 for general admission (higher scores strengthen your application)
• TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 72
• PTE Academic: accepted as an alternative
• B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

For Italian-taught programs, you will need to demonstrate Italian language proficiency. Ca’ Foscari has a Language Centre that can support students who want to improve their Italian before or during their studies.

Required Documents

The standard set of documents required for international admission at Ca’ Foscari includes:

• Completed online application form via the official portal
• Academic transcripts from all previous institutions
• Degree certificate or expected graduation date confirmation
• English or Italian language proficiency certificate
• Valid passport copy
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Motivational letter or statement of purpose (program-dependent)
• Recommendation letters (required for Honours Scholarship and some programs)
• Motivational video (required specifically for Honours Scholarship applicants)
• Application fee of EUR 30 (non-refundable)

How to Apply to Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

The application process at Ca’ Foscari is managed through the university’s dedicated online admission portal. Here is how the process typically works for international students applying for the 2026-27 academic year:

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Browse the full list of bachelor’s and master’s programs available at Ca’ Foscari and identify the one that best fits your academic background and career goals. Pay attention to whether the program is taught in English, Italian, or both, and check the specific admission and language requirements for that program.

Step 2: Check Admission Deadlines

Deadlines vary by program and intake. Make sure you know the specific deadline for your chosen course well in advance. Missing the deadline by even a week can mean waiting for the next academic cycle, so mark your calendar early.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required documents as listed above. Allow extra time for your language test if you have not already taken it, and give your referees at least three to four weeks’ notice to write their letters. A rushed recommendation letter rarely does an applicant justice.

Step 4: Submit Your Application Online

All applications are submitted through the official portal at the Ca’ Foscari online application portal. Create your account, fill in the required details carefully, upload your documents, and pay the EUR 30 application fee.

Step 5: Apply for the Honours Scholarship Separately

If you are interested in the Ca’ Foscari Honours Scholarship, check the scholarship call published on the International College’s web page and submit your separate scholarship application before that specific deadline. Include your motivational video and all supporting documents as specified in the call. You can find the scholarship details on the Ca’ Foscari financial aid for high-achieving international students page.

Step 6: Await Evaluation and Results

Applications are assessed based on academic merit, program-specific criteria, and the scholarship ranking process. You will be notified of both your admission decision and your scholarship result through the portal or via email.

Step 7: Enroll and Arrange Your Move to Venice

Once you receive your offer, you will need to confirm enrollment, arrange your Italian student visa (if you are a non-EU student), organize accommodation through the Housing Office, and begin the process of relocating to Venice. The university’s Welcome Unit is a dedicated service that assists international students with enrollment, visa procedures, health insurance, and general information about arriving and settling into life in Venice.

Student Support Services at Ca’ Foscari

Ca’ Foscari takes the well-being of its international students seriously, and there are several support structures in place to help you settle in and thrive:

• Welcome Unit: Helps with enrollment, visa and residence permit procedures, health insurance registration, and general questions about living in Venice. This is your first point of contact when you arrive.
• Housing Office: Assists students in finding suitable accommodation in student residences or private apartments with university-negotiated agreements.
• Language Centre: Offers Italian language courses at various levels, as well as other language learning resources. Helpful for both students enrolled in English-taught programs who want to pick up Italian and for those who need to meet Italian language requirements.
• Erasmus Student Network (ESN): Ca’ Foscari has an active ESN chapter that organizes social events, city tours, and integration activities to help international students meet people and feel at home in Venice.
• Inclusivity Service: Provides personalized support for students with disabilities or learning difficulties, including classroom accommodations, exam support, and access to specialized resources.
• Career and Internship Services: Through its network of over 10,000 internship agreements in Italy and internationally, the university connects students with professional opportunities while they study.

Cultural Life and Student Experience in Venice

Living and studying in Venice is genuinely unlike any other student experience in the world. The city itself is a constant source of inspiration and discovery. Ca’ Foscari is deeply embedded in Venice’s cultural scene, running its own Ca’ Foscari Theatre, the Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival, an international literary festival called Incroci di Civilta that brings major contemporary writers to Venice each year, and Ca’ Foscari Art Night. The university essentially acts as a cultural anchor for the city.

Day-to-day student life unfolds in and around Venice’s public spaces. The pedestrian layout of the city means that you are always walking, always encountering the city rather than passing through it. Iconic spots like Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and the Accademia Galleries are not just tourist attractions; they are the backdrop for your daily commute and afternoon breaks.

Venice is also exceptionally well-connected to the rest of Italy and Europe. Marco Polo Airport is just outside the city, making weekend trips to Milan, Rome, Florence, or destinations across Europe easy and affordable. The mainland town of Mestre, connected to Venice by bridge, provides access to larger supermarkets and more affordable housing options for students who prefer to commute.

Career Prospects After Graduating from Ca’ Foscari

Ca’ Foscari graduates have a strong track record in the job market. The university’s emphasis on international education, multilingualism, and research means that its alumni are well-prepared for careers in diverse fields. Graduates go on to work in business, finance, tourism, cultural management, academia, international development, environmental consulting, digital technology, and many other sectors.

The university’s connections to industry through its 10,000+ internship agreements give students real work experience during their degree, which is a significant advantage when entering the job market. Ca’ Foscari also has a vibrant alumni network that provides mentorship and networking opportunities well after graduation.

For non-EU graduates who complete a master’s or doctoral degree in Italy, it is possible to remain in Italy for up to six months to a year after graduation to look for work, using a job seeker visa. This gives international students a realistic window to explore career opportunities in Italy and Europe after they finish their studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ca’ Foscari University of Venice a good university?

Yes, absolutely. Ca’ Foscari is one of Italy’s most respected public universities with over 157 years of history. It ranks among the top universities globally in subjects like classics, modern languages, archaeology, and environmental studies. It is a member of the EUTOPIA European university alliance and has partnerships with hundreds of universities worldwide.

Can I study at Ca’ Foscari entirely in English?

Yes. Ca’ Foscari offers 7 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 15 master’s degree programs taught entirely in English. You do not need to speak Italian to study at Ca’ Foscari, although learning some Italian while you are there will enrich your experience significantly.

How much is the Ca’ Foscari Honours Scholarship worth?

The Honours Scholarship is worth EUR 10,000 per year. It is available for both bachelor’s and master’s students and is renewable for the full duration of the degree, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Do I need a very high GPA to get the Honours Scholarship?

Your academic record must be equivalent to at least 85% at the time of application. This is above the general admission threshold and reflects the competitive, merit-based nature of the scholarship.

Is Venice expensive to live in as a student?

Venice is generally more expensive than other Italian cities, but the university helps students through its Housing Office and affordable canteen meals. Budget between EUR 1,000 and EUR 1,300 per month for a reasonable student lifestyle, and factor in the Honours Scholarship amount when planning your finances.

Can students from any country apply?

Yes. The Honours Scholarships are open to all non-Italian international students, both EU and non-EU. General admission to Ca’ Foscari is also open to students from all countries worldwide.

Where do I apply?

All applications are submitted through the official Ca’ Foscari online portal. You can start your application by visiting the Ca’ Foscari international admissions page or going directly to the Ca’ Foscari application portal.

Final Thoughts

Studying in Italy at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice is one of those rare opportunities that combines academic excellence, cultural richness, and genuine financial accessibility in a way that few universities anywhere in the world can match. The Honours Scholarships of EUR 10,000 per year make an already affordable university even more reachable for talented international students. The range of English-taught programs means you do not need to be a fluent Italian speaker to get started. And the location, well, Venice is Venice.

If your academic record is strong, your passion for your field is genuine, and you are serious about building a meaningful international education, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice should be at the top of your shortlist. Start by exploring the programs, check the scholarship call when it is published in spring, and begin preparing your documents well in advance. Opportunities like this are worth pursuing with full commitment.

Ready to take the first step? Visit the Ca’ Foscari international programs page to explore all available English-taught degrees, or go directly to the Ca’ Foscari Honours Scholarship page to learn more about the financial aid on offer and when the next application call opens.