Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Ca’ Foscari) is a public university located in the centre of Venice. Founded by royal decree in 1868, Ca’ Foscari takes its name from the Venetian Gothic Palace it is based in on the bank of one of Venice’s many canals. Ranking consistently in the top ten of Italian universities, today Ca’ Foscari has a student population of approximately 24,000, including 1,500 international students.
Consult QS World Rankings to learn more about Ca’ Foscari’s current world ranking and academic reputation in different subject areas.
Ca’ Foscari’s campus is located in the Gothic Ca’ Foscari palace, between the Rialto bridge and San Marco basilica. Due to its location in central Venice, it is easily reachable from all parts of the city.
Venice is a city located in the Northeastern Italy. It is internationally famous for its intricate canal network that spans the whole city and it’s wide-reaching historical and cultural significance. The city is built on 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges and has a population of approximately 250,000. Venice is frequently ranked as the most beautiful city in the world.
Very competitive ***
The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated an exchange space at this partner. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of exchange spaces available to Queen Mary students.
Courses are offered in English.
Although students should be able to navigate Venice using only English, it would likely be helpful to know some basic Italian. Ca’ Foscari offer Italian classes specially designed for international exchange students ranging from Level A1 – C2. Lessons on Italian and Venetian culture, history, literature and art are also available to all exchange students.
First Semester: September – January
Second Semester: February – June
Please note the academic calendar varies depending on which school students are attending. See the full academic calendar here.
Ca’ Foscari offers a range of courses taught in English
A maximum of 60 ECTS credits can be obtained each year, with students typically studying 30 ECTS per semester. Credits are obtained through passing the exam at the end of each semester.
More information about exams at Ca' Foscari, including grading, can be found on this webpage.
Students must enrol on a full courseload: 30 ECTS per semester / 60 ECTS for the full academic year (equivalent to 60 Queen Mary credits per semester / 120 Queen Mary credits for the full academic year).
Find out more about credit transfer and grade conversion.
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A wide range of student accommodation, both in single-sex and mixed-sex flats, is reserved specifically for exchange students. Catered and self-catered opportunities are also available. The cost in rent varies between €270 and €580 a month, depending on the type of
Ca’ Foscari also offers a buddy service for incoming international students. You will be paired with a home Ca’ Foscari student, who will help you settle into your new life, both academically and culturally.
As a current Queen Mary student you will be able to find a summary sheet for this partner university on our QMplus page, with an overview of the local student support services available on the following topics: specific learning differences, physical impairments, sensory impairments, long term medical conditions, autism spectrum conditions, mental health and wellbeing difficulties, special accommodation provision, non-emergency health care, emergency services, harassment and trauma and suicide prevention.
Ca’ Foscari boasts a wide range of extra-curricular activities for its students. The University Sports Centre hosts a range of sports, competitively and recreationally. In terms of cultural activities, the university facilitates an orchestra and choir, student radio station, theatre workshops, and theatre performances.
The university also has an Erasmus Student Network, allowing you to meet other exchange partners from across Europe.
You can find general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Venice here.
Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.