Business programs in Italy for international students
- Advantages of studying business in Italy
- Formats and levels of business programs in Italy
- Top universities and schools for studying business in Italy
- How to apply for business programs in Italy
- Tuition fees for business programs in Italy
- Scholarships and grants for business programs in Italy
- Career prospects after business programs in Italy
- Is it worth studying business programs in Italy
- Frequently asked questions

Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design Management
NABA Nuova Accademia di Belle ArtiThe goal of the Fashion Design Management course is to provide students with the knowledge and expertise necessary to successfully navigate the myriad interdependencies that exist between the design process and the various stages of the product's communication and promotion in the fashion industry.
Students…

Master - Fashion Digital Marketing
NABA Nuova Accademia di Belle ArtiThe Academic Master is a rigorous course of study that examines the evolution of the modern fashion system through the lenses of marketing, communication, and culture. Its ultimate goal is to train students to become skilled digital marketers who can develop unique content and marketing strategies…

International Full-Time MBA
POLIMI Graduate School of ManagementWe redesigned our International Full-Time MBA to prepare a new generation of managers for the current business paradigm.
Companies face unparalleled innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability problems.
This new arena requires different leadership styles. Today's manager…

Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Business Administration (Management)
European School of EconomicsThe Bachelor of Science (Hons) company Administration degree prepares global company executives, managers, and decision-makers. Innovation, creativity, and leadership are stressed in the curriculum, making self-awareness of professional skills difficult.
A unique blend of core topics, language…

Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Business Administration (Marketing)
European School of EconomicsProactive decision-makers, managers, and leaders are sought after in a wide variety of business sectors around the world, and this is what the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Business Administration degree is all about. The curriculum's focus on innovation, creativity, and leadership makes for a rich…

Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Business Administration (Finance)
European School of EconomicsStudents can become excellent leaders and managers in many industries with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Business Administration degree. The curriculum's emphasis on creativity, initiative, and leadership makes understanding one's unique skills and how they apply in the workplace rich and challenging.
This…

Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Business Administration (Media and Communications)
European School of EconomicsModern media and communication expertise are crucial to the success of today's multinational corporations as the value of social media continues to climb and more and more business is conducted online.
The Media and Communications Management track of the Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Business…

Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Business Administration (Sports Management)
European School of EconomicsThere are several social functions that sporting events fulfill, including bonding citizens and bringing the entire nation together. The BSc (Hons) in Business Administration with a specialization in Sports Management aims to produce responsible visionary leaders in the Sports Industry who will ultimately…

Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Global Political Science
European School of EconomicsThree pathways—one in diplomacy, one in leadership, and one in trade—are available for the three-year, full-time Bachelor of Science in Global Political Science (BSc Hons). With a typical 360 UK/180 ECTS credit structure, all ESE undergraduate bachelor's degree programs are taught in English and may…

Diploma - Hospitality Business
European School of EconomicsThe Foundation Diploma in Hospitality Business is designed to give young students an awareness of the tourist and hospitality industries, as well as all of the main functions within this expanding business area. The study programmes give an effective academic progression…
Advantages of studying business in Italy
Italy is one of Europe's leading economies and a center of international business, design, fashion, automotive industry, and gastronomy. Studying here allows you to combine quality education with immersion in the business environment of EU countries.
Main advantages:
- Prestigious business schools ranked in global ratings;
- Wide selection of English-taught programs for international students;
- Strong university connections with international corporations;
- Internships and practical training;
- Competitive tuition fees compared to other European countries;
- Easy access to EU markets;
- Rich culture, comfortable climate and high level of safety.
Formats and levels of business programs in Italy
International students can choose the following programs:
- Bachelor's degree (Laurea Triennale) - basic business education lasting 3 years.
- Master's degree (Laurea Magistrale) - advanced training, lasts 2 years.
- MBA (Master in Business Administration) - professional management programs for graduates with work experience, from 12 to 24 months.
- First-level Masters (Master di I livello) - one-year specialized programs for bachelor's graduates.
- Second-level Masters (Master di II livello) - for those who already have a master's degree.
- Short-term courses, certifications, summer schools - from 1 month to a year, for professional training and advanced training.
Study programs for international students are available in both Italian and English.
Top universities and schools for studying business in Italy
University name | Program name | Tuition fees for international students | Ranking and comments |
---|---|---|---|
Bocconi University | International Economics and Management (BSc) | €13,000 - €17,000 per year | Ranked among Europe's top 10 business schools (QS, Financial Times), strong focus on finance and economics. |
LUISS Business School | Master in Management | €14,000 - €18,000 per course | Leader in international management, strong connections with Italian companies. |
POLIMI Graduate School of Management | International MBA | €37,000 for the entire course | Ranked in FT Global MBA, strong emphasis on innovation and digital economy. |
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | MSc in Business Management | €8,500 per year | One of Europe's largest private universities, good positions in international rankings. |
Università di Bologna (UNIBO) | Business and Economics (BSc) | €2,200 - €3,500 per year | Europe's oldest university, consistently high positions in QS and THE rankings. |
How to apply for business programs in Italy
Admission to business education programs in Italy includes several mandatory steps:
1. Program selection and application
The candidate selects the program of interest and submits an application through the university's official website or special platforms.
2. Document submission
Standard package:
- High school diploma or previous degree certificate;
- Academic transcript with grades;
- Language proficiency certificate:
- For English programs - IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, sometimes TOLC;
- For Italian programs - proof of B1-B2 CEFR level;
- Motivation letter;
- CV;
- Recommendation letters (1-2);
- Copy of passport with sufficient validity.
3. Pre-enrollment on Universitaly platform
Mandatory step for international students wishing to study in Italy:
- Registration on universitaly.it;
- Filling out the form;
- Uploading documents;
- Waiting for university confirmation;
- After receiving confirmation - preparing visa documents.
Important: Without pre-enrollment you cannot get a student visa for Italy.
4. Entrance exams and interview
Some universities require entrance exams:
- For bachelor's - logic, math, English tests;
- For master's and MBA - GMAT or GRE may be required;
- Mandatory interview (online or in-person) to assess motivation and academic level.
5. Student visa application
After receiving the invitation and successful pre-enrollment, you need to submit documents for a category D student visa.
Tuition fees for business programs in Italy
Approximate study costs:
- Bachelor's - €2,000 - €20,000 per year;
- Master's - €3,000 - €25,000 per year;
- MBA - €15,000 - €45,000 per course;
- Short-term courses - from €3,000.
Additional expenses:
- Accommodation: €400 - €900/month;
- Food: €250 - €350/month;
- Transport: about €40/month;
- Insurance: €120 - €200/year;
- Study materials and living expenses - additional €200/month.
Scholarships and grants for business programs in Italy
Italy offers various scholarships for international students:
Government and university scholarships:
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarships (for students from certain countries including CIS);
- Financial aid programs from regional authorities (DSU, EDISU);
- University scholarships including Bocconi, POLIMI, LUISS.
Private grants:
- Academic merit scholarships;
- Achievement, leadership, volunteer scholarships;
- Grants for students with limited financial means;
- Research and assistant positions at universities.
Application deadlines:
- Usually 6-12 months before the academic year starts;
- Some programs have additional summer competitions.
Career prospects after business programs in Italy
After graduation, graduates are in demand in the following fields:
- International business and trade;
- Finance and banking;
- Consulting and strategic management;
- Marketing and brand management;
- Logistics and operations management;
- Technology and innovation business.
Major employers:
- UniCredit Bank;
- Ferrari;
- Barilla;
- Pirelli;
- Luxottica;
- Gucci;
- Deloitte;
- EY;
- PwC.
Students can stay in Italy with a residence permit for job search (from 6 months to 1 year).
Is it worth studying business programs in Italy
Italy offers a balanced combination of education quality, affordable costs and career opportunities. Business programs meet European standards, and diplomas are recognized in the EU and beyond.
Italy's advantages compared to other countries:
- Lower tuition fees than in the UK or US;
- Rich cultural environment;
- Opportunity to learn Italian - a plus for employment;
- Access to European markets and participation in international projects.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I study business in Italy in English?
Yes, most leading universities and business schools offer programs entirely in English.
2. Is pre-enrollment through Universitaly mandatory?
Yes, without registration on universitaly.it you cannot obtain a student visa.
3. How much are tuition fees for business programs in Italy?
Prices range from €2,000 to €45,000 per year depending on the level and university.
4. What exams are needed for admission to Italian business schools?
You will need language certificates (IELTS, TOEFL), sometimes GMAT or GRE, as well as an entrance interview.
5. Which Italian universities are considered best for business?
Leading universities include Bocconi, POLIMI Graduate School of Management, LUISS, Università di Bologna.
6. What scholarships are available for international students in Italy?
Government, regional and university grants, including financial aid and academic scholarships.
7. Are there dual degree business programs in Italy?
Yes, several Italian universities offer joint programs with partner universities in Europe and the US.
8. Can I stay after business studies to work in Italy?
Yes, graduates have the right to stay for job search for up to one year.
9. Which business fields are most in demand in Italy?
Finance, marketing, international management, logistics, consulting.
10. Is it difficult for international students to get into business schools in Italy?
Competition is high, especially in top schools, but with motivation and good preparation chances are good.