Università degli Studi di Palermo Politecnic School

The Politecnic School of the University of Palermo is a unified engineering hub rooted in a historic public research university founded in 1806. It integrates former engineering faculties into a single school that promotes interdisciplinarity, modern governance and applied research. Located within Palermo’s multi‑campus system, it benefits from UniPa’s extensive academic infrastructure, large faculty body and longstanding cultural presence in the city.

The School focuses on delivering high-quality technical education aligned with environmental sustainability, digital transformation and built‑environment resilience. Its strategic Mediterranean position further supports collaborations, research initiatives and industry partnerships relevant to regional and global engineering challenges.

The Politecnic School benefits from UniPa’s strong relationships with public authorities, engineering firms, energy operators and construction companies across Sicily. These partnerships create structured pathways for curricular internships, applied projects and employment, especially in civil works, infrastructure, manufacturing and energy systems. Many students enter technical roles soon after graduation.

Alumni are active throughout Italy and the Mediterranean, forming a network that supports mentorship and collaborative opportunities. Through EU projects and international cooperation, students gain exposure to multinational teams, while industry‑supported labs and thesis collaborations reinforce job readiness and link training to evolving market demands.

The Politecnic School combines classical engineering rigor with a Mediterranean focus on seismic resilience, coastal management and heritage conservation. Its integration into UniPa ensures access to multidisciplinary departments and research centres, enabling collaborative projects in sustainability, digital technologies and environmental engineering.

Students benefit from well‑equipped labs, project‑based courses and industry‑linked internships that build practical competencies. Palermo’s cost‑effective lifestyle and proximity to real-world engineering sites enhance experiential learning. English‑taught modules and Erasmus mobility opportunities increase international accessibility, while the School’s regional impact provides meaningful avenues for applied research and professional development.

The School contributes significantly to UniPa’s research output through engineering departments engaged in EU-funded projects, sustainability initiatives and digital engineering innovation. Key research areas include seismic mitigation, coastal engineering, environmental monitoring and hydraulic systems, all aligned with Sicily’s geographic priorities.

Innovation is supported through advanced facilities for CAD, BIM, simulation and experimental testing, along with services that promote entrepreneurship, technology transfer and startup creation. Collaborations with public authorities foster breakthroughs in heritage conservation and infrastructure renewal, while sustainability principles are integrated across courses and applied research agendas.

What language are programs taught in? Most bachelor’s courses are in Italian, with select master’s programs and modules offered partly or fully in English. This provides accessibility for international students while maintaining strong local relevance.

How do I apply and are there entry tests? Bachelor’s applicants need a secondary-school diploma and may undergo prerequisite checks. Master’s candidates must hold a relevant degree and meet any required language conditions, especially for English‑taught components.

Are internships and labs included? Yes. Programs integrate laboratory work, projects and curricular internships arranged with industry partners and public institutions to strengthen practical skills and employability.

Undergraduate applicants follow UniPa’s enrolment procedures and must satisfy any program-specific checks, while master’s students provide degree verification and language certification when required. Application timelines follow Italy’s academic calendar, and international students should coordinate early for visa and documentation support.

Tuition fees follow an income-based model, with scholarships and exemptions available. Housing options include university residences and private rentals, supported by UniPa’s student services. Engineering courses are taught across Palermo campuses and associated departmental labs, with additional activity at partner sites for fieldwork or internships.