Italy, with its well-regarded universities and long academic history, hosts thousands of international students every year. One option worth a closer look is the University of Cassino. It teaches across a range of subjects in both English and Italian and combines solid academic standards with practical student services. If you are considering an Italian student visa and want to know more about this university, read on for its programmes, admission requirements, facilities and scholarships.
About the University of Cassino
The University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (UNICAS) is a public higher education institution founded in 1979 in the town of Cassino, Italy. It sits between Rome and Naples and serves as the main academic centre for southern Lazio, an area that connects the Lazio, Campania, Molise and Abruzzo regions.
UNICAS offers a full range of programmes across five departments. It has around 7,500 students and more than 39 bachelor’s and master’s programmes together with five doctoral schools. More than 1,500 international students from close to 60 countries study there, which reflects its commitment to international education and exchange.
The campus is urban and equipped with modern facilities including specialist laboratories, libraries and student accommodation. The University of Cassino and Southern Lazio is a member of the European University Association (EUA) and takes an active part in international research and exchange programmes.
Read more: University of Milan, Italy
Where is the University of Cassino?
The University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (UNICAS) is based in Cassino, a historic town in the province of Frosinone, in the Lazio region of Italy. Cassino lies roughly 123 kilometres south-east of Rome and 101 kilometres north of Naples, which puts it between two of Italy’s major cities.
The town sits at the foot of Monte Cassino and Monte Cairo, in the Liri valley, an area known for its landscape and its history. Alongside the main campus in Cassino, the university has sites in Frosinone and Gaeta, extending its presence across southern Lazio.
For details on how to reach the university and on transport from the larger cities, see the official University of Cassino website.
Departments and academic structure
The University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (UNICAS) teaches across a range of fields, organised into five main departments:
- Department of Economics and Law: programmes in economics, business administration, finance, accounting and law.
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering: focused on engineering, with programmes in civil engineering, mechanical engineering and related fields.
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering: specialising in electrical engineering, information technology and telecommunications, preparing students for work in advanced technology industries.
- Department of Humanities and Philosophy: programmes in literature, history, philosophy and languages, with an emphasis on critical thinking and cultural awareness.
- Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences: an interdisciplinary department covering psychology, education, health sciences and social work.
Programmes offered at the University of Cassino
The breadth of subjects on offer makes the University of Cassino a practical choice for international applicants. It is organised into five main departments, each with its own specialisms:
Bachelor’s degree
At bachelor’s level, UNICAS runs the following three-year programmes:
- Industrial engineering technology
- Economics and business
- Economics with data science
Master’s degree
At master’s level, UNICAS runs the following two-year programmes:
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil and environmental engineering
- Telecommunications engineering
- Global economics and business
- Economics and entrepreneurship
Doctorate (Ph.D.)
At doctoral level, UNICAS runs the following three-year programmes:
- Engineering
- Economics
- Law
- Humanities
- Psychology
- Sport sciences
- Science and technology
Read more: University of Verona, Italy
Admission requirements for international students
The University of Cassino and Southern Lazio admits international students to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes. The requirements at each level are set out below:
| Level | Main admission requirements | Required documents |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | - High school diploma or equivalent - Minimum 70% grade average, with emphasis on mathematics - English at B2 or equivalent | - High school transcripts - CV - Motivation letter - English language certificate - Copy of passport or ID card |
| Master's | - Relevant bachelor's degree - Minimum 70% grade average - English at B2 or equivalent | - University transcripts - CV - Motivation letter - English language certificate - Copy of passport or ID card |
| Doctorate | - Relevant master's degree - English at B2 or equivalent | - University transcripts - CV - Research proposal - English language certificate - Copy of passport or ID card |
English-taught programmes at the University of Cassino
The University of Cassino teaches a number of programmes in English at every level:
- At bachelor’s level, subjects include industrial engineering technology, economics and business, and economics with a data science focus.
- At master’s level, students can take mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, telecommunications engineering, global economics and business, economics and entrepreneurship, and economics and law.
- At doctoral level, programmes cover engineering, economics, law, humanities, psychology, sport sciences, and science and technology.
These programmes are taught in English and combine on-campus and online teaching.
Facilities and student services
The University of Cassino provides a range of facilities and services designed to support students through their studies in Italy.
- Libraries: three specialist libraries covering law, engineering, and arts and philosophy.
- Sport: the Unifitness centre, a running track and a sports hall in Atina.
- Internet: secure access through the international eduroam network.
- Accommodation: a partnership with LAZIODISCO providing housing for international students.
- Food: meals cost between EUR 2 and EUR 8 depending on the student’s financial situation.
- Transport: bicycles, urban and intercity buses (Cotral), and easy access via the Rome-Naples railway line.
- International support: guidance on residence permits, insurance, the tax code, health care and enrolment, with online support groups.
Scholarships and financial support
The table below sets out the scholarships and financial support available at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (UNICAS), with the conditions and benefits attached to each:
| Scholarship | Provider | Degree level | Benefits | Main requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAZIODISCO scholarship | Lazio regional authority (Laziodisco) | Bachelor's / master's | - Full tuition exemption - Grant of up to EUR 5,231.58 per year - Allowance for international programmes | - Low household income (based on ISEE) - Enrolment at UNICAS |
| Invest Your Talent in Italy scholarship | Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) | Master's | - Tuition-free - Monthly grant of EUR 1,000 | - Admission to eligible fields of study - Proficiency in English |
| Italian Government scholarship for foreign nationals | MAECI | Master's / PhD | - Grant of EUR 9,000 (in three instalments) - Free health insurance | - Citizen of an eligible country - Valid academic and language documents |
| UNICAS internal scholarships | University of Cassino (UNICAS) | All degree levels | - Partial or full tuition exemptions - Living allowance in specific cases | - Strong academic performance - Demonstrated financial need |
Read more: Regional scholarships in Italy
Why choose the University of Cassino for study in Italy?
The University of Cassino and Southern Lazio suits students looking for a combination of academic quality, reasonable costs and life in a quiet, historic setting.
With programmes across every level, workable student facilities, support services for international students and a location between Rome and Naples, it has earned a solid place among Italy’s public universities.
Accommodation, specialist libraries, sports facilities and transport links are all set up around the student experience. If you want an academic environment that is supportive and affordable at the same time, the University of Cassino is worth serious consideration.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can the university help with the visa process?
No. The university cannot deal with embassies directly. Embassies can, however, check the status of your application through the Universitaly portal.
2. Is there a deadline for applying through the Universitaly portal?
No fixed deadline is set, but applying early makes the visa process easier.
3. Is a Declaration of Value (DoV) required?
Yes, a Declaration of Value is required for enrolment at the university, although it is not needed for the visa application itself.
