Twelve Italian universities — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Università degli Studi di Padova, Università degli Studi di Trento, Università Iuav di Venezia, Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Università degli Studi di Verona, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Università degli Studi di Udine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, and Università degli Studi di Torino — joined together in a national pavilion coordinated by Uni-Italia Study in Italy to take part in APAIE – Asia Pacific Association for International Education Fair held in Hong Kong from 23 to 26 February 2026.
The city provided the Italian university system with an international platform to promote Italy’s higher education, with the aim of strengthening academic exchange and cooperation. Within the framework of the exhibition — a key meeting point for institutions across the Asia-Pacific region — participating universities showcased the breadth of their academic programmes, the excellence of their research, and the wide range of international mobility opportunities available to students and scholars.
Organised for the third time as a collective national participation, Italy’s presence continues to grow, bringing together an increasing number of academic institutions committed to fostering student and researcher mobility, developing joint projects, and consolidating the global standing of the Italian higher education system.
The Italian Pavilion offered a dedicated space for dialogue and engagement between Italy’s higher education community and international counterparts. The event welcomed approximately 3,000 participants from over 70 countries, confirming its significance as a leading global forum for academic collaboration.
Consul General Carmelo Ficarra and Director of the Italian Cultural Institute Alice Fratarcangeli underscored the importance of coordinated action and institutional support in strengthening Italy’s presence abroad and in identifying new opportunities within a context such as Hong Kong — a particularly dynamic and high-profile academic environment.
Alongside the exhibition, and once again thanks to the coordination ensured by Uni-Italia Study in Italy, the participating universities also took part in a dedicated presentation event for students and families in Hong Kong. With more than 300 registrations, the initiative offered valuable guidance and information ahead of the upcoming enrolment deadlines.
