The University of Sassari (UNISS), Italy, dates back to 1562.

UNISS is arranged over four campuses, with the main one being in Sassari, northern Sardinia’s main city. This campus is nestled in the hills overlooking the water connecting the north coast of Sardinia with the south coast of Corsica. Because of its altitude it enjoys a temperate climate all year long.

The other three campuses, Olbia, Nuoro, and Oristano, are out of town. Olbia, Sardinia’s main industrial port city in the north, houses some of the Department of Business and Economics, focussing on tourism-related subjects. Nuoro city, in the centre of the island, by the National Park of Orosei and Gennargentu, houses courses of the Departments of Agriculture, Law, and Medicine. Oristano city in the west houses two courses of the Department of Agriculture, focussing on food technology and wine science.

Each of UNISS’ 13 Departments provide programmes taught in years which are divided into two terms. The University Language Centre gives free Italian language and culture courses for international students, which are available at elementary and intermediate level throughout the academic year. Intensive courses are available just before the start of each term, in September and February.

In nearly 500 years of history, UNISS has had many notable alumni, including several prominent politicians and writers. The best known Sardinian poet, Sebastiano Satta, graduated at UNISS in law, as did the novelist Salvatore Satta. Italy’s 42nd Prime Minister and 8th President, Francesco Cossiga, graduated in law at UNISS when he was only 19 years old.