Colleges & Universities in the Vatican City State

Universities in the Vatican City State New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in the Vatican City State? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Vatican University Ranking of 9 Vatican higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

2025 Ranking of Vatican Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Administrative Divisions

Vatican City State does not have administrative divisions that would justify a university sub-ranking.


()  

Country Featured Universities

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Overview of Universities in the Vatican City State

Overview of Vatican City State Universities

Vatican City State hosts a specialized higher education system focused on ecclesiastical studies and Catholic theology. All universities are private, non-profit institutions established by the Holy See. These pontifical universities primarily offer advanced degrees in theology, philosophy, canon law and religious education. Catering to an international student body of clergy, religious scholars and laypeople, these institutions emphasize theological research and pastoral training. Degrees are granted under the authority of the Pope.

Top Vatican City State Universities

  1. Pontifical Gregorian University (Pontificia Università Gregoriana) - UNIGRE
    Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 2695
    Rome | Est. 1551 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Theology, Philosophy, Canon Law
    Levels: Bachelor's to Doctorate
  2. Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Pontificia Università della Santa Croce) - PUSC
    Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 4651
    Rome | Est. 1984 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Theology, Canon Law, Philosophy
    Levels: Bachelor's to Doctorate
  3. Pontifical Lateran University (Pontificia Università Lateranense) - PUL
    Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 5021
    Rome | Est. 1773 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Theology, Canon Law, Civil Law
    Levels: Bachelor's to Doctorate
  4. Salesian Pontifical University (Università Pontificia Salesiana) - UPS
    Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 5460
    Rome | Est. 1940 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Theology, Education, Philosophy
    Levels: Bachelor's to Doctorate
  5. Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Pontificia Università San Tommaso d'Aquino) - PUST
    Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 6042
    Rome | Est. 1577 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Theology, Philosophy, Social Sciences
    Levels: Bachelor's to Doctorate
  6. Pontifical University Antonianum (Pontificia Università Antonianum) - PUA
    Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 8076
    Rome | Est. 1933 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Franciscan Studies, Theology
    Levels: Bachelor's to Doctorate
  7. Pontifical Urbaniana University (Pontificia Università Urbaniana) - PUU
    Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 8291
    Rome | Est. 1627 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Missiology, Canon Law, Theology
    Levels: Bachelor's to Doctorate
  8. Pontifical Faculty of Education Sciences Auxilium (Pontificia Facoltà di Scienze dell'Educazione Auxilium) - PFSE
    Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 9047
    Rome | Est. 1954 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Education Sciences, Theology
    Levels: Bachelor's to Doctorate
  9. Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology (Pontificio Istituto di Archeologia Cristiana) - PIAC
    Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 9635
    Rome | Est. 1925 | Private | Research Focus
    Type: Specialized | Fields: Christian Archaeology, Art History
    Levels: Master's to Doctorate

Analysis of University Types

Vatican City State has 9 universities total. All are private institutions (100%), with no public universities. This reflects the specialized religious nature of higher education governed directly by the Holy See.

Global Ranking and Standing

Vatican City State universities focus on specialized religious education rather than global rankings. None rank in the world's top 200 universities (0%). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 globally (0%). This specialized focus prioritizes ecclesiastical training over conventional ranking metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are Vatican City State universities only for Catholic priests?
A: While primarily serving clergy, most accept lay students and members of religious orders for theology and philosophy degrees.

Q: What languages are used in Vatican universities?
A: Italian is primary, but many programs use Latin. English, Spanish and other languages are common in international programs.

Q: Are degrees from Vatican universities recognized globally?
A: Pontifical degrees are recognized by Catholic institutions worldwide. Civil recognition varies by country and degree type.

Q: How many students attend Vatican universities?
A: Enrollment is small (typically under 1,000 per institution), with international students comprising most populations.

Q: Do Vatican universities charge tuition?
A: Most charge tuition, though scholarships from dioceses or religious orders are common for seminarians.


Related Vatican University Lists

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Vatican universities and their online presence.


Feedback / Error Report

© uniRank since 2005