Welcome to your first step towards a world-class engineering education in the heart of Italy. Our International Foundation Program offers you the perfect pathway to thrive in Italy’s renowned engineering universities.
The International Foundation in Engineering, part of The Italian Academy Pathways, is a preparatory program designed for international students who need to meet university entry requirements before starting an engineering degree in Italy or abroad. This foundation year strengthens students’ knowledge in mathematics, physics, and technical problem-solving, essential for disciplines like mechanical, civil, aerospace, and electrical engineering. It also includes academic English training, ensuring students can confidently study in English-taught or bilingual programs.
Serving as a bridge between secondary education and university, the program equips students with the necessary qualifications, study skills, and subject expertise for a smooth transition into top engineering degrees. By completing this foundation year, students gain a strong academic foundation and the confidence to excel in their future studies.
Furnished residences or homestays near campus.
Academic and personal help anytime.
Intensive language and cultural prep.
Core training in art, fashion, and design.
Practical skills with experts.
Visits to museums, studios, and landmarks.
Personalized portfolio guidance.
Help with top design school applications.
Students enrolled in the International Foundation in Engineering program benefit from high-quality, conveniently located accommodation near the study center. Housing options include modern student residences and welcoming homestays, both offering a safe and comfortable environment. Residences are well-connected to the city’s main transport links, providing easy access to classes, university facilities, and cultural attractions.
All accommodations are fully furnished and include essential amenities such as Wi-Fi, study areas, and communal spaces, creating a supportive and social living experience. With 24/7 student support, dedicated staff ensure a smooth transition to life in Italy, helping students settle in and focus on their academic journey.
The International Foundation in Engineering program is hosted at the Neapolis Study Center in Syracuse (Siracusa), Sicily. Situated in the heart of the city’s archaeological district, the center is adjacent to St. John’s Church, renowned for its access to the ancient Catacombs. The campus is housed in a historic villa surrounded by a lush two-acre botanical garden, featuring citrus trees, Mediterranean flora, and century-old palms, providing a serene and inspiring environment for study. Its central location offers students convenient access to significant cultural landmarks, including the Archaeological Museum, the Basilica of Our Lady of Tears, and the Greek Theater, all within walking distance. The nearby island of Ortygia, known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, is also easily accessible, enhancing the overall educational experience with a blend of academic excellence and cultural immersion.
The International Foundation Year in Engineering at The Italian Academy Pathways provides a rigorous preparatory curriculum tailored for students aiming to enter engineering degree programs in Italy. The course strengthens core competencies in mathematics, physics, and academic English, ensuring students develop problem-solving techniques and analytical reasoning essential for university-level studies.
Teaching is delivered through interactive lectures, laboratory-based exercises, and structured coursework, reinforcing theoretical concepts with hands-on applications. The curriculum aligns with the requirements of leading Italian universities, ensuring students gain the necessary academic foundation to excel in their future engineering studies.
The Engineering & IT (EIT) Track of the International Foundation Year equips students with the analytical mindset and technical competencies needed to thrive in university-level science, engineering, and technology programs. Through a curriculum rooted in mathematics, physics, chemistry, logic, and computational thinking, students build a robust foundation in problem-solving and quantitative reasoning, skills that are highly valued in both academia and industry.
Throughout the EIT Track, students are thoroughly prepared for the academic and admission challenges of technical degree programs. The program develops the scientific, logical, and quantitative skills required for success in competitive university environments.
The track also includes targeted training for the TOLC-I and TIL tests, ensuring students are confident and well-prepared for national and institutional admission requirements.
Italy is a global leader in high-performance engineering, with a legacy of excellence in automotive, aerospace, industrial design, and innovation. The Made in Italy label is synonymous with technological quality, from Ferrari and Lamborghini to Leonardo in aerospace and Luxottica in optics.
Students who continue their academic journey in Italy benefit from close ties between universities and industries, including access to advanced labs, simulators, and collaborative innovation platforms.
Choose from five specialized pathways:
Engineering & I.T.
Architecture
Business, Economics & Social Sciences
Medicine & Life Sciences
Design, Fashion & Art
Each track includes subject-specific preparation and admission test training (e.g., TOLC-I, ArchED, IMAT), guiding students toward their target university programs in Italy.
To view admission requirements for the Foundation Year check our application page
The duration of the International Foundation Year program at The Italian Academy is 9 months (Fall intake: September–June or Winter intake: January–September). It includes:
600 hours of Italian language and culture
300 academic hours of track-specific subjects, entirely taught in English
All track-specific courses of the International Foundation Year are taught entirely in English.
The total cost of the Foundation Year program is divided into three manageable installments. Each installment includes a portion of the tuition and housing fees. The first installment also includes the one-time enrollment fee.
No, scholarships are not offered for the Foundation Year program itself.
All students must pay the full tuition, enrollment, and housing fees as outlined in the payment schedule.
However, students who successfully complete the Foundation Year may become eligible for dedicated scholarships or tuition reductions when enrolling in selected Bachelor’s programs at our partner universities:
To view admission requirements for the Foundation Year check our application page
Underage students (minors) Students who have not yet reached 18 years old at the time of their application can apply for the Foundation Year program provided they will turn 18 by June 30th of the year of program completion. Underage students who are admitted to the programme are required to send extra documentation:
Students can apply for an Italian Type D Study Visa only after completing the following steps of the application process:
Students will receive an official Letter of Enrolment to be submitted with the required documentation to the Italian Consulate in their country. Students are encouraged to complete their applications and apply for their visa as early as possible, as some consulates may require extended periods of time (up to several weeks) to issue the visa depending on the time of year. NB. The Letter of Offer issued upon review by the admissions committee of the students eligibility for the program is NOT valid for visa application purposes.
The Foundation Year is designed in line with the standards set by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and supports students in meeting the academic and linguistic requirements for university admission in Italy. The program equips students with strong preparation in their chosen track and provides targeted entrance exam training.
The Foundation Year program is offered in partnership between the Italian Academy and Kore University or ABADIR Academy, depending on the chosen track. The Italian Academy provides the student services, housing, language training and academic support for students enrolled in the program.
Students receive a Certificate and Academic Transcript issued by Kore University of Enna (protocol n. 12794 of July 7th 2023) for successful completion of the Foundation Year BESS (Business, Economics and Social Sciences), MLS (Medicine and Life Sciences), EAIT (Engineering, Architecture and IT) academic tracks. Students that complete the DFA (Design, Fashion and Art) track receive a Certificate and Academic Transcript issued by MADE Fine Arts Academy.
The Foundation Year Certificate attests:
Students that obtain the Foundation Year certificate are still required to pass the national Admission Test to enroll in “closed number” degree programs in Italian universities.
Students that choose to take the CILS Italian language Exam during their program will also receive the University for Foreigners of Siena B1 or B2 language certificate, based on successful achievement.
Yes, we know that finding a place to live in a new country can be a challenge, so The Italian Academy guarantees housing for every enrolled student. To make your transition as smooth as possible, we manage all placements within our network of student residences and comfortable shared apartments.
Cancellation in case of visa denial:
A full refund of all fees paid to the Academy is offered to the student if the visa denial is communicated in writing before the program start date (bank transfer fees are covered by the student).
Cancellation of enrollment by the student:
The Application fee is non-refundable. In case the student gives notice of postponement, the student may start the program at a later date without being charged the Application fee.
Cancellation must be made in writing.
In the case of any refunds bank transfer fees are covered by the student.
The cancellation fee deadlines following will apply:
Cancellation of Enrollment by the Academy:
The Academy may cancel a student’s enrollment up to 30 days before the course start date should the minimum number of enrolled students to the course not be achieved. In this case the Academy will provide full refund of any fees paid and provide the option of postponement of the program enrollment for the next intake.
The Academy may cancel a student’s enrollment should the student breach any of the rules outlined in the Academy student code of conduct document or if their behavior is deemed unacceptable. If a student’s enrolment is canceled by the school due to breach of student code of conduct or student contracts signed with the Academy, there will be no refund of any fees paid.
Health and travel insurance is mandatory for all non-EU students attending the Foundation Year. Coverage must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Italy, and must be in place before arrival, as it is also required to apply for your permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno).
While students are free to choose their provider, we strongly recommend the policy offered by W.A.I. – Welcome Association Italy, which is widely used by international students. It provides 12 months of private health coverage suitable for visa and residency purposes.
You can register and purchase the insurance directly online:
👉 WAI association Italy
Payment options include PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer.
