Overview
The Polytechnic University of Turin (Politecnico di Torino, abbreviated as PoliTo) is the oldest Italian public technical university. The university offers courses in the fields of Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, and Industrial Design. Its origins go back to 1859 when the Scuola di Applicazione per gli Ingegneri (Technical School for Engineers) was founded after the Casati Act, and the Museo Industriale Italiano (Italian Industry Museum) was founded in 1862 by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry. The Regio Politecnico di Torino — Royal Turin Polytechnic — was formally established as an institution in 1906.
In the 19th century, famous scholars and researchers gave decree to new subjects such as Electrotechnics and Building Science. In the early 20th century, aeronautics was born, and in new laboratories — from Chemistry to Architecture — students building their professional futures filled the campus with a lively and creative atmosphere. In November 1958, the big complex in Corso Duca degli Abruzzi was opened, followed by the Cittadella Politecnica — a campus where classrooms, laboratories, education, research, and services to the town coexist.
With over 160 years of history, PoliTo serves approximately 38,700 students and employs more than 1,000 teaching staff across 11 departments. PoliTo's student demographics reflect a truly global campus: 22% of students are international, originating from 122 countries — predominantly Asia (75%), followed by Europe (13%) and the Americas and Africa (6% each). Some 50.6% of Italian students come from regions outside Piedmont.
The university has its main campuses in Turin in the Piedmont region — where the majority of research and teaching activities are located — as well as satellite campuses in four other cities: Alessandria, Biella, Mondovì, and Verrès. The historical campus for Architecture is the Valentino Castle, a 17th-century House of Savoy building on the River Po, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997.
Politecnico di Torino has a yearly budget of about €300 million and maintains approximately 463 bilateral agreements and 120 double-degree agreements with EU and non-EU universities. POLITO has partnerships with MIT, Technion, ETH Zurich, and EPFL, and draws up about 800 research contracts with industries and government institutions per year.
The university's Innovative Enterprise and Business Incubator 'I3P' was ranked the 5th best in Europe and 15th overall in the world by UBI Index. Politecnico di Torino is the top national recipient of research funding from the Fondo di Finanziamento Ordinario. The Automotive Engineering program — conceived in collaboration with the Fiat Group — has been consistently ranked among the top three in Europe.
| ~30% Acceptance Rate | 38,700 Total Students | 122 Countries Represented | Founded 1859 — Italy's Oldest Technical University |
Ranking
According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, Politecnico di Torino is ranked 242nd globally — placing it in the top 16% of universities worldwide. In the QS Engineering & Technology subject ranking, PoliTo ranks 53rd globally.
According to QS Subject Rankings, Politecnico di Torino ranked 28th in the world for Mechanical Engineering, 22nd in the world for Petroleum Engineering, 21st in the world for Architecture and Built Environment, and 33rd in the world for Civil Engineering. It is consistently ranked as one of the top 52 engineering and technology universities in the world.
Politecnico di Torino is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in Italy and in Europe, and is listed as one of the top 100 European technical universities. The Automotive Engineering program has been consistently ranked among the top three in Europe for the past ten years.
The Polytechnic University of Turin has been awarded the title "European University" by the European Commission. Together with 6 other European technical universities, Politecnico di Torino formed the UNITE! alliance (University Network for Innovation, Technology and Engineering), creating a trans-European campus with trans-European curricula.
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #242 Globally / Top 16% |
| QS — Engineering & Technology 2026 | #53 Globally |
| QS — Architecture & Built Environment | #21 Globally |
| QS — Mechanical Engineering | #28 Globally |
| QS — Petroleum Engineering | #22 Globally |
| QS — Civil & Structural Engineering | #33 Globally |
| UNITE! Alliance (EU Commission) | Designated "European University" |
| I3P Business Incubator (UBI Index) | #5 in Europe / #15 in World |
Intakes
Politecnico di Torino operates on a semester-based academic calendar. Two main intakes are available:
- September Intake (Autumn Semester) — Primary intake for all Bachelor's and most Master's programs
- February Intake (Spring Semester) — Available for most Master's (Engineering) programs
Application Deadlines:
For Master's degree programs, applicants can apply for a maximum of two programs. If found eligible for both, enrollment is only permitted in the first choice. Non-EU students are strongly advised to check procedures and deadlines in advance, as the selection procedure must be completed before the visa application can begin.
| Intake | Application Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September (Autumn) | February – June | Primary intake; open to all programs |
| February (Spring) | September – December | Engineering MSc programs only |
| PhD Programs | Year-round (program-specific calls) | All students |
Note: Deadlines vary by program. International applicants must apply through the official PoliTo application portal. Always verify the latest deadlines at polito.it/en.
Top Courses
The PoliTo Course Catalogue offers programs internationally recognised, including a wide selection of English-taught courses from undergraduate to PhD level, in Engineering, Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning.
The university is made up of eleven departments and several research institutes. Almost all Master's programs at PoliTo are available entirely in English, making it a genuinely international institution for postgraduate technical education.
Key programs and departments include:
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS) — MSc in Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Aerospace Engineering, MSc in Automotive Engineering (joint with Fiat Group — top 3 in Europe), MSc in Space Engineering
- Department of Computer and Control Engineering (DAUIN) — MSc in Computer Engineering, MSc in Cybersecurity, MSc in Data Science and Engineering, MSc in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET) — MSc in Electronic Engineering, MSc in Communications Engineering, MSc in ICT for Smart Societies
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (DICAR) — MSc in Civil Engineering, MSc in Environmental Engineering, MSc in Urban Planning and Regional Development
- Department of Energy (DENERG) — MSc in Energy and Nuclear Engineering, MSc in Electrical Engineering, MSc in Petroleum Engineering (#22 globally)
- Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) — MSc in Architecture for the Sustainable City, MSc in Architecture Construction City, MSc in Design (#21 globally)
- Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP) — MSc in Engineering and Management, MBA (MIP-affiliated), MSc in Industrial Production
- Department of Mathematical Sciences (DISMA) — MSc in Mathematical Engineering, MSc in Physics of Complex Systems
- Alta Scuola Politecnica (ASP) — Joint honours programme with Politecnico di Milano for the top 150 students from both institutions, providing advanced interdisciplinary training
- PhD Programs — 20+ doctoral programs across all engineering, architecture, and design disciplines; fully funded for eligible students
Cost of Studying at Politecnico di Torino
As a public Italian university, PoliTo offers some of the most affordable tuition fees in Europe for its calibre of technical education.
Tuition fees at Politecnico di Torino vary depending on each student's family income (ISEE form) and typically increase if the student is late with their studies. Fees range between approximately €161/year and €3,821/year. Students with a family income (ISEE) lower than €25,500 per year are part of the "no-tax area" and pay only €161/year.
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (EUR) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (BSc — Non-EU, income-based) | €161 – €3,821 | ₹14,500 – ₹3,44,000 |
| Tuition Fees (MSc — Non-EU, indicative) | €921 – €4,000 | ₹82,900 – ₹3,60,000 |
| Application Fee (Career Assessment) | €100 (credited toward tuition upon enrollment) | ₹9,000 |
| PhD Programs | Free + monthly stipend (~€1,195–€1,500/month) | — |
| Accommodation (University / Private) | €3,500 – €6,500/year | ₹3,15,000 – ₹5,85,000 |
| Food & Meals | €2,500 – €3,500/year | ₹2,25,000 – ₹3,15,000 |
| Transport (Turin) | €600 – €900/year | ₹54,000 – ₹81,000 |
| Personal Expenses | €1,000 – €2,000/year | ₹90,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | €8,000 – €14,000 | ₹7,20,000 – ₹12,60,000 |
Note: Figures are indicative based on 2024–25 data. Turin is a more affordable city than Milan or Rome for students. Please verify the latest fees at polito.it.
Scholarships
Politecnico di Torino awards scholarships to Afghan students, Indian students, Chinese students, Colombian students (via COLFUTURO), students from the Mediterranean area, and Brazilian students at both Bachelor's and Master's levels. The TOPoliTo scholarship programme is specifically designed to recruit high-quality international students for inclusion in bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Key scholarships available to international students:
| Scholarship | Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| TOPoliTo Scholarship | Merit-based (for international students) | €8,000 gross per year + tuition waiver |
| EDISU Piemonte Regional Scholarship | Need + merit-based | Full tuition waiver + housing + up to €5,108 cash grant + meal vouchers |
| Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) | Government-funded | Fully funded: tuition + monthly stipend + health insurance |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship | Government + industry-funded | Tuition support + benefits for MSc in Engineering, Architecture, Design |
| Alta Scuola Politecnica (ASP) Scholarship | Merit-based (joint with Polimi) | Full funding for top 150 selected students across both polytechnics |
| Erasmus+ Mobility Grants | Mobility | €800–€1,500/month during exchange period |
| PhD Fellowships | Research | Full tuition + monthly stipend ~€1,195–€1,500/month for 3 years |
Admissions
Politecnico di Torino has the highest percentage of international enrolments — approximately 22% — among Italian universities. Admission is selective, with a competitive entrance examination required for all Bachelor's programs.
For Undergraduate Programs (BSc / Laurea Triennale):
To be admitted to a Bachelor of Science program at Politecnico di Torino, applicants must pass an admission test and meet specific academic requirements.
- Completion of 12 years of secondary education (CBSE/ISC Class 12 for Indian students)
- Minimum 60–70% in Class 12 (program-dependent)
- Mandatory admission/aptitude test (TOL — Test Online for Engineering, Design, and Architecture)
- IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 78 minimum for English-taught programs (B2 CEFR)
- Italian B2 for Italian-taught programs
- Application fee: €100 (credited toward tuition upon enrollment; non-refundable if not enrolled)
For Postgraduate Programs (MSc / Laurea Magistrale):
To prove English proficiency, a B2-level certification from recognised tests such as IELTS, Cambridge, or TOEFL is required. Exemptions may apply for international diplomas obtained from English-speaking countries.
- Bachelor's degree (Laurea or equivalent) in a relevant technical field
- Minimum GPA 2.5–3.0/4.0 (program-dependent)
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 78–88+ for English programs (B2–C1 CEFR)
- Online application with submission of academic documents
- Motivational Statement (for some programs)
- CV / Résumé
- Academic transcripts with certified English translations
- Portfolio required for Architecture and Design programs
For PhD Programs:
- Master's degree with strong academic record
- Research proposal
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+
- Interview with department supervisor
Placements
The Career Services Office of Politecnico di Torino helps students and graduates connect with the labour market. It offers job opportunities in Italy and abroad, recruiting events, and career counselling.
Turin — Italy's "Motor City" and one of Europe's most important industrial hubs — gives PoliTo graduates extraordinary access to automotive, aerospace, ICT, energy, and advanced manufacturing employers. The city is home to the headquarters of Stellantis (formerly Fiat), Thales Alenia Space, Leonardo Aerospace, Iveco, and the major Italian aerospace and defence cluster.
The Automotive Engineering program — conceived in collaboration with Fiat Group — has been consistently ranked among the top three in Europe, and the I3P Business Incubator is ranked 5th in Europe, providing a strong environment for entrepreneurship and start-up creation directly from campus.
Key career sectors and top employers for PoliTo graduates:
- Automotive & Aerospace — Stellantis (Fiat/Alfa Romeo/Maserati), Ferrari, Thales Alenia Space, Leonardo S.p.A., Avio Aero (GE Aerospace), Iveco, Magneti Marelli
- Energy & Utilities — Eni, Enel, Edison, Snam, Terna, Baker Hughes
- Electronics & ICT — STMicroelectronics, TIM (Telecom Italia), Oracle, Microsoft, Cisco, IBM
- Engineering Consulting — Accenture, Arup, Jacobs, Arcadis, Technip Energies
- Finance & Management — Deloitte, PwC, McKinsey, BCG (Turin & Milan offices)
- Construction & Infrastructure — Webuild (Salini Impregilo), Ferrovie dello Stato, Autostrade per l'Italia
Jobs After Graduating from Politecnico di Torino
| Job Profile | Average Monthly Net Salary (EUR) | INR Approx./Month |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive / Mechanical Engineer | €2,000 – €3,500 | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,15,000 |
| Aerospace Engineer | €2,000 – €3,500 | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,15,000 |
| Software / Computer Engineer | €2,200 – €3,500 | ₹1,98,000 – ₹3,15,000 |
| Electrical / Electronics Engineer | €1,900 – €3,200 | ₹1,71,000 – ₹2,88,000 |
| Civil / Structural Engineer | €1,800 – €3,000 | ₹1,62,000 – ₹2,70,000 |
| Energy / Petroleum Engineer | €2,000 – €3,500 | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,15,000 |
| Architect / Urban Planner | €1,800 – €2,800 | ₹1,62,000 – ₹2,52,000 |
| Data Scientist / AI Engineer | €2,200 – €3,500 | ₹1,98,000 – ₹3,15,000 |
| Management / Strategy Consultant | €2,500 – €4,000 | ₹2,25,000 – ₹3,60,000 |
| Engineering Manager | €3,000 – €5,000 | ₹2,70,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
Note: Salary figures are indicative net monthly values based on industry benchmarks and Italian employment data. Actual salaries vary by role, employer, industry, and experience.
For personalised guidance on Politecnico di Torino admissions, scholarships, and the Italy student visa process, connect with the experts at Polygon Campus today.