The University of Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro” (UPO) is one of the youngest State higher education institutions in Italy, as it was founded in 1998. It is a competitive “open-campus”, which means widespread territoriality, plurality, diversity. Its structure is based in the campuses of Alessandria, Novara and Vercelli, and gives an identity to this territory, an excellent site for pioneering companies and networking organisations.
Some 15,000 students, 400 professors and researchers, 300 employees are the figures of this University, whose teaching activities and scientific research almost cover the full range of knowledge with seven departments and a renowned School of Medicine. UPO is one of the top-ranked institutions in Italy for the high quality of its facilities and teaching, and is particularly renowned for the excellent quality of its research.
The open-campus is almost at the doorstep of students. Graduates find a job in a very short time after their graduation and receive adequate pay for their work. Some of the master’s and PhD courses and a growing number of modules, seminars and lectures are entirely delivered in English.
UPO offers a wide range of services, scholarships, financial and psychological support to create excellence and inclusiveness. Its tuition fees are low, according to the University’s mission to be the social elevator of the territory: 80% of its graduates come from families where one of its members earns a higher degree for the first time. The academic life is full of additional activities (sports, radio, theatre, orchestra, choir, etc.) which are mainly offered by students’ associations.
UPO is famous for its public and social engagement (1st rank in Italy), with a wide range of events and a network of contacts to nurture charitable, educational and voluntary partnerships between the University and its communities.
