Venice International University (VIU) is an association made up of eight Universities, the Foundation of Venice, the Province of Venice and the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Territory (IMET). The aim of this International center is to manage higher education and research centers on the island of San Servolo in Venice. VIU pursues its aim through the programming and promotion of undergraduate, graduate and continuing education and scientific research.

"To the information society in which we live, we must respond with an education society, and to the dazzling power of technical instruments, we must respond with a renewed awareness of the superiority of intelligence and conscience."
Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Venice, June 7, 1997, Opening Day Ceremony (Versione italiana completa)