Ca’ Foscari occupies a unique space in European higher education: ancient buildings housing contemporary minds, a location that forces you to think creatively about everything (including logistics), and a commitment to internationalisation that’s baked into its DNA. Our mission is critical thinking, cultural awareness, and global citizenship. Not just buzzwords—actual practice.
The University
Founded: 1868 (started as Italy’s first business college, evolved into so much more)
Location: Historic palazzos along the Grand Canal (bcause why not?)
Student Body: 23,000+ students from 100+ countries
Faculty: 800+ members who’ve chosen research with a view
Our motto is VALUE IN PLURALITY . This payoff speaks about inclusion, openness and condivision. It tells how Ca’ Foscari knows how to embrace and value talents, perspectives and businesses (locally and worldwide), sharing knowledge and connecting them, to offer a learning and life experience that is more than just its parts.
Area of where Ca’Foscari excel
■ Economics & Management: Top-ranked in Italy, with particular strength in sustainable finance. Numbers meet purpose.
■ Language & Cultural Studies: Over 40 languages taught. If you can dream of studying it, Ca’ Foscari probably teaches it.
■ Environmental Sciences: Venice provides a living laboratory for climate science, marine biology, and sustainability. When your classroom regularly floods, you take environmental research seriously.
■ Asian & African Studies: Leading Italian center for understanding cultures beyond European borders. Deep expertise that spans continents.
■ Digital Humanities: Where computation meets humanistic inquiry, and old manuscripts get new life.
■ Conservation Science: When you live in a city that’s essentially one giant heritage site, conservation becomes more than academic.
Numbers
■ 23,000+ students, including 4,000+ internationals
■ 800+ faculty members choosing beauty over convenience
■ 8 departments spanning the academic spectrum
■ Top 3 in Italy for internationalisation (not surprising given the location)
■ 150+ international agreements worldwide
■ 1 million+ volumes across six specialised libraries
The campus experience
■ Palazzo Ca’ Foscari: Built in 1452, housing the Aula Magna, where you’ll gather. Grand Canal views included.
■ Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art labs, digital humanities centers, language learning resources that would make tech companies jealous.
■ Sustainability: EMAS certified, because when climate change threatens your entire city, sustainability isn’t optional.
■ Student Life: International Welcome Desk, career services, student associations, and dedicated spaces for collaboration. Plus, the entire city becomes your campus.
