Founded in 1863, Politecnico di Milano (Polytechnic University of Milan) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Milano (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Lombardia. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Como, Lecco, Mantova, Piacenza. Officially recognized by the Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca, Italia (Ministry of Education, Universities and Research of Italy), Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) is a very large coeducational Italian higher education institution. Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 158 years old Italian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. POLIMI also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.