Bocconi University in Milan: A Guide for International Applicants

Bocconi University is a private university in Milan, founded in 1902, focused on economics, management, finance, law and political science. Most bachelor's programs are taught in English, and the university says about 3,700 of its roughly 15,000 students come from 124 countries. There are around 3,000 first-year places, decided mainly by a test score and school grades.

It suits students who want business, economics or finance with strong subject rankings and who can fund the budget or qualify for an income-based waiver. It is a weak fit for engineering, medicine or design, or if your family cannot cover €17,000 a year plus Milan living costs without a waiver.

You submit the application yourself in Bocconi's online portal. AcademGo checks your grades and documents, plans the test, reviews the application before you send it and builds a backup list.

Bocconi University tuition fees

Bocconi charges one flat fee for EU and non-EU students, with no lower band based on income. Family income matters only if you apply for a tuition waiver. The fee for the next academic year has not been published yet ("will be defined soon"), so plan with the current figures.

There is no separate deposit. To confirm your place, you pay an advance on the first installment about three weeks after results; it can be refunded if you withdraw within each session's deadlines. For first-year students, the rest of the first installment is due October 15, the second January 31 and the third April 28.

Tuition waivers and scholarships

For bachelor's and law, support is income-based. One application, Bocconi4Access to Education, covers 100%, 80% and 60% waivers and 40% and 20% waivers (Boost Your Future), and international first-year candidates can apply. Bocconi reviews your family's income and assets documents and awards waivers from the top level down until the budget runs out. Income thresholds are not published.

A 100% waiver covers tuition and fees, not housing. Waivers renew each year if you meet the merit requirements. Early and Winter applicants apply in separate windows, with results about 10 weeks after each deadline. Other options include the Women Award, a sibling discount, a sports scholarship and student loans; master's students can apply for merit awards such as the Bocconi merit award.

Programs and the degree you receive

Bachelor's programs (BSc) last 3 years. The English-taught options are:

Bachelor's programs taught in English

• Economics
• Finance
• International Politics and Government (including a HEC-Bocconi double degree)

Economia aziendale (BSc) and the 5-year Integrated Master of Science in Law are taught in Italian. First-year classes have around 115 students. According to the university, most Master of Science and MA programs are in English.

Bocconi describes itself as a legally recognized non-state university. Graduates receive Italian degrees: a Laurea (bachelor's) and a Laurea Magistrale (master's). For regulated professions at home, check with your national authority how the degree is assessed.

Admission requirements for international students

Master of Science applicants have four rounds, from October 1 to April 29. According to the university, it considers a GMAT, GRE or Bocconi test score, GPA, dossier and motivation.

What to know before you apply

• Budget is the main filter. Tuition is €17,000 a year, and Milan costs roughly €1,100–1,400 a month with a room.
• Waivers are not guaranteed and do not cover housing. Have a plan that works without a full waiver.
• The consulate checks money separately: at least €10,179.85 per year in traceable funds, yours or a relative's up to the 4th degree.

We check your budget, grades and English against these points before you pay any fee, and plan parallel applications where the numbers work.

Rankings and accreditation

As a specialized university, Bocconi is not in the overall QS or THE world rankings. Look at subject tables instead.

Housing and student life

Bocconi runs 7 residences (Bligny, Bocconi, Castiglioni, Dubini, Isonzo, Javotte, Spadolini) with single rooms only, around 1,700 places. For the current academic year, the full rate is €770–1,050 a month for 10 months, plus a €600 deposit; a reduced rate of €380–650 depends on income. Next year's prices come by the end of January.

A private single room in Milan averages about €704 a month. The university reports more than 280 partner universities for exchanges.

Student visa

Non-EU students pre-enroll on Universitaly, then apply for a type D visa at the Italian consulate in their country of residence, with proof of €10,179.85 for the year. Pakistan, India and Bangladesh use the apostille; Nigeria, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait need consular legalization. The deadline is October 31, and the residence permit application is due within 8 working days of arrival. Full steps are on our Italy student visa page and in the Universitaly pre-enrollment guide.

Other options

If Bocconi's budget or test is a stretch, compare it with public universities. Politecnico di Milano and the University of Bologna charge roughly €160–4,000 a year, depending on family income and fixed rates for international students, and you can apply for a DSU scholarship. For design and fashion, NABA and Istituto Marangoni cost around €22,000–30,000 a year for non-EU students. The full picture is in our guide to studying in Italy.

Book a free consultation. We check your documents against Bocconi University's requirements and compare 2–3 alternatives in Italy where your profile is strong. Write to us through the form, WhatsApp or Telegram.