[12] At the time of its foundation, there were four "traditional" Schools – Law, Humanities, Medicine, and Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences.

At the end of the Second World War, the old Ospedale Maggiore di Milano (Major Hospital of Milan) building, originally named the Magna Domus Hospitalis (The Great House of the Hospital) and colloquially known as the Ca' Granda (The Great House), was assigned to the University of Milan.

One of the first Italian examples of civil architecture and the main building of the Policlinico of Milan hospital complex established during the Renaissance period, it was designed by Filarete and commissioned in 1456 by Francesco I Sforza, the fourth Duke of Milan (the first Duke from the House of Sforza, which had succeeded the House of Visconti in 1450).

Città Studi was also the site of a new complex, intended entirely for the Biology departments, which was the work of architect Vico Magistretti.

There was also an increase in the number of agreements with the city's hospital facilities, where students from the School of Medicine receive their clinical training.

The University updated its range of courses, trying to adapt them to better suit the evolution of the social demand for education and the innovation of the production system: thus, the number of degree-awarding programmes rose to 74 and there was a new increase in enrolments.

The most recent phase of expansion concerned the fields of communication science, intercultural mediation and art, but there are also ongoing projects relating to the sectors of information technology, veterinary medicine and biomedicine.

Furthermore, there was also a strengthening of commitment to technology transfer and the practical application of scientific research results in the economic-production context.

Thanks to its commitment to basic and applied research, the University of Milan is among Italy's top institutions in the main national and international rankings.

To enrol in capped-enrolment programmes, students must register for an entrance examination, pass it and rank high enough to be awarded one of the places available.

With the University of Milano-Bicocca, and the Alma Mater of Bologna, is the most sought-after location for medical students,[14] with an acceptance rate of about 5%.

Also, to obtain the highest level of university education, the Dottorato di Ricerca (PhD), at least other 3 to 4 years of studies are required.

As a public institution concerned with the development and progress of knowledge, the University has always been committed to research projects that influence the quality of life of citizens.

Research is mostly conducted in the departments and the many specialised structures, favouring the creation and growth of networks of collaboration locally, nationally and internationally.

Scientific activity involves the whole academic community from professors, researchers, doctoral students, fellowship-holders and fellows to undergraduates.

It also proposes criteria and new methodologies for assessing University research findings, taking into account the specificities of each area and submits improvement actions to the main governing bodies, with a view to increasing research quality, attractiveness, national and international visibility The University of Milan possesses a substantial artistic and cultural heritage that includes renowned historic buildings, inherited and acquired collections, archives, botanical gardens and the old Brera Astronomical Observatory commissioned by Maria Theresa of Austria.

Among the palazzos that house the University's facilities are the old Ca’ Granda (The Great House) designed by Filarete, a monumental complex from the 15th century in the heart of the historical city centre; the 18th-century Palazzo Greppi designed by Giuseppe Piermarini (architect of La Scala in Milan), and the 17th-century Sant’Alessandro College commissioned by the Arcimboldi family.

It was originally named the Magna Domus Hospitalis (The Great House of the Hospital) and was the main building of the Policlinico of Milan, a large hospital complex established during the Renaissance period, which was later expanded with the addition of adjacent structures or nearby buildings in the city centre, close to the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano).

Australia-based Lendlease has been contracted to design, build and manage the MIND campus of the University of Milan by a resolution of the board of directors.

Every year, the centre organises a vast range of sports courses, which cover everything from traditional disciplines, such as swimming and athletics, to more modern activities, such as hydro-biking, yoga and capoeira.

The University works closely with cinema, theatre, dance and music agents, to provide their students and collaborators with access to cultural initiatives and services at reduced prices.

[42] Other notable alumni of the University of Milan include also Enrico Mentana (journalist, television presenter and publisher); Nino Rota (composer); Claudio Bisio (actor, presenter); Elisabetta Canalis (model); Antonella Clerici (presenter, host-TV); Sergio Romano (writer, journalist, and historian); Dario Edoardo Viganò (writer, priest); Paolo Andrea Di Pietro (actor, singer); Silvia Semenzin (activist, author, scholar).