The presence of secular and monastic schools of law in Pisa is first reliably dated from the eleventh and the second half of the twelfth century, a time when Pisa had already achieved a remarkable economic development.

Early thirteenth century documents indicate the presence of doctors of medicine and surgery.

The earliest evidence of a Pisan Studium dates to 1338, when the renowned jurist Ranieri Arsendi transferred to Pisa from Bologna.

He, along with Bartolo da Sassoferrato, a lecturer in Civil Law, were paid by the Municipality to teach public lessons.

The papal bull In supremae dignitatis, granted by Pope Clement VI on September 3, 1343, recognizes the Studium of Pisa as a Studium Generale; an institution of further education founded or confirmed by a universal authority, the Papacy, or Empire.

Pisa is one of the first European universities that can boast this papal attestation, which guarantees the universal, legal value of its educational qualifications.

The first subjects taught are theology, civil law, canon law and medicine.