Founded in 1863, Politecnico di Milano is Italy’s largest and most prestigious technical university, internationally recognised for excellence in architecture, design, and engineering. Driven by its mission to combine innovation with social responsibility, the university fosters research and education that shape the future of technology and sustainable development.
With seven campuses across Lombardy, Politecnico di Milano offers a wide portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across six schools, welcoming more than 47,000 students from over 100 countries. Its strong ties to industry and global academic networks make it a leading hub for innovation and collaboration. Today, Politecnico di Milano stands out not only as a centre for scientific and technological advancement, but also as a vibrant international community committed to building a smarter and more sustainable world.
Key Facts
- University Type: Public, Scientific-Technological University
- Established: 1863
- Location: Milan, Lombardy, Italy
- International Students: 18%
- Specialization: Engineering, Architecture, Design
- Campuses: 7 (Milan Leonardo, Milan Bovisa, Lecco, Cremona, Mantova, Piacenza, Como)
History & Foundation
Politecnico di Milano was founded in 1863, making it the oldest university in Milan and one of the most prestigious technical institutions in Europe. Established during the industrial development of Italy, its mission has always been to advance knowledge in engineering, architecture, and design, while supporting innovation for the benefit of society.
Over the decades, Politecnico di Milano has grown into Italy’s largest technical university, with a reputation for combining scientific excellence with strong ties to industry and international partners. Its alumni include world-renowned architects, engineers, and designers, and the university continues to play a key role in shaping Italy’s technological and cultural landscape.
Education & Research
Politecnico di Milano offers a wide range of programs in engineering, architecture, and design at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Its teaching is supported by more than 1,400 faculty members and researchers, providing a rich academic environment to over 47,000 students, including nearly 9,000 international students from more than 100 countries.
The university’s research culture is driven by:
- 7 campuses across Lombardy, integrating education with regional innovation
- Over 250 laboratories dedicated to applied and fundamental research
- Strong collaboration with leading global universities and industries
- European and international projects in sustainability, smart cities, digital technologies, and design innovation
Through its partnerships with both public and private sectors, Politecnico di Milano ensures that students gain hands-on experience, working on real-world projects that address today’s technological and social challenges.
Student Life & Global Opportunities
Politecnico di Milano offers a vibrant student life with over 100 student associations and clubs covering cultural, technical, sports, and social activities. The university promotes international mobility through Erasmus+ programs and partnerships with more than 200 universities worldwide. Students benefit from internships, design workshops, hackathons, and industry collaborations, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for global careers in engineering, architecture, and design.
Contact Information
Visitor Address:
Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 3220133
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Phone: +39 02 2399 2111
Email: info@polimi.it
