History
The University Consortium, founded in 1955, worked with the Province of Lecce and the majority of towns in the surrounding area to create the Autonomous Teaching Magisterium Institute. Legal recognition arrived in 1959 which allowed students to be awarded a recognized degree. The University of Salento itself was recognised as a national university in 1967.
Education
From law to science, economics to engineering, humanities to media studies, the university provides academic pathways to a range of professions as well as post-graduate and specialist courses tailor made to meet the needs of the workplace.
Departments:
- Cultural Heritage
- Engineering for Innovation
- Mathematics and Physics
- Managerial Sciences
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies
- Law Studies
- History, Society and Human Studies
- Humanities
Research
- The university has eight departments providing services and information for students, as well as thirty-three research centres throughout the Salento area.
- It also has a PhD. School and post-graduate schools for Cultural Heritage and for the Legal Professions.
- The prestigious ISUFI Grandes écoles school offers high-level undergraduate and postgraduate courses for scholarship students to promote excellence.
University of Salento Key Statistics & Highlights
- #801 Ranking
- 580 Academic Staff
- 13,085 Students
- 131 Students (int'l)
- 8,113 Students (female)
University of Salento Overview
University of Salento Scholarships
University of Salento Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Salento. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
LIFE Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
12 Jan 2027
Fully Funded World House Fellowship at Rondine Cittadella della Pace, Italy (2025-2026)
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
The Smooth Movers Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 EUR
Deadline
15 May 2026
Study a Master's in Europe Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Anthem Essay Contest
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
750 USD
Deadline
15 Jun 2026
Studybay Fall Essay Contest
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
7450 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
The Sapiente TECH Scholarship Programme
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University of Salento Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 14.6% Italy
Top 27.6% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
801
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 601 | 801 | 801 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
897
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 75 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 730 | 822 | 897 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
No 2026 Ranking
By TopUniversities
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1001 | 1001 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Housing services
- Students enrolled at the University of Salento can apply for accommodation in student residence halls. Contact Adisu, the regional authority for student support in higher education.
- Accommodation is assigned on the basis of academic merit or financial circumstances. A selection procedure is carried out annually by Adisu. Applications can be made online.
- Rents in student halls of residence vary from a minimum of €120 to a maximum of €200 depending on the type of room and students' financial circumstances.
- There are 5 student residences to choose from. They are all double room with WC/Bathroom and no cooking facilities).
Library services
- Apart from the Interfaculty Central Library there are 20 other libraries located in the various departments and faculties.
- The collection consists of approximately 1 million volumes, 600 national and international magazines and a precious collection of rare manuscripts and letters.
- The library system offers also free access to electronic resources such as e-journals, databases and digital maps.
ICT services
- It’s possible to use a wireless connection in all locations of the University. A password will be released on demand.
- Computers for bibliographical research are available to students in the various libraries.
Medical services
- EU incoming students with EU Health card or Health Certificate can go directly to a general practitioner of their choice.
- Non-EU students have to purchase a personal health-insurance policy with a consular declaration of validity for Italy. Alternatively they can buy a local health insurance policy to be covered for any medical care on the same basis as an Italian citizen.
Campus life
Lecce is a particularly attractive town, and extremely lively. It’s set in an area steeped in history and traditions, while at the same time determined to keep pace with economic and social change, and cultural development. Lecce and the surrounding Salento area is a safe and friendly place, with a great deal of natural beauty as well as architectural wealth and extremely hospitable local people.
Sports facilities
The University Sports Centre organises a number of well-subsidized activities, from fitness training and zumba to rugby and scuba diving.
University of Salento Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Italy Country
Lecce City
University of Salento Student Reviews & Awards
4
Based on 49 reviews
- 5 Star 15 Reviews
- 4 Star 21 Reviews
- 3 Star 9 Reviews
- 2 Star 4 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
Comfortable environment
The university's strong reputation and academic excellence make it a popular choice among students, with a range of undergraduate and graduate programs available. The faculty are supportive and knowledgeable, and the curriculum is challenging and relevant, with a focus on practical skills and real-world applications. A range of extracurricular activities and clubs are available, and the facilities are modern and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and inclusive learning environment.
Convenient facilities
This university offers a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience, with a range of undergraduate and graduate programs available. The faculty are experienced and supportive, and the curriculum is well-structured and challenging, with a focus on academic excellence and personal growth. The facilities are state-of-the-art and convenient, providing a comfortable and accessible learning environment.
It lacks in certain aspects
The University of Salento is a decent institution, but it falls short in some areas. While it offers a variety of degree programs and has a number of esteemed faculty members, the quality of instruction and resources can be inconsistent. One issue is the lack of modern facilities and technology. Many classrooms and laboratories are outdated, which can hinder the learning experience. Additionally, the university could benefit from investing in more resources, such as updated textbooks and online learning platforms. Another concern is the limited opportunities for student involvement and extracurricular activities. While there are some clubs and organizations, the university could do more to foster a sense of community and provide students with outlets for personal and professional growth. Overall, the University of Salento has potential, but it could benefit from making some improvements to better support its students and faculty.
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