International Foundation in Business and Economics
Italian University Pathway program
Italy, with one of the largest world economies, is a vibrant global epicenter of commerce and innovation. As you consider embarking on a journey to study business, imagine immersing yourself in a landscape where commercial traditions merge seamlessly with contemporary business strategies. Our Foundation program is your stepping stone to top business universities in Italy. Here, you won’t just learn; you’ll live the essence of business refined over centuries, tailored for the challenges of today’s globalized world.
Your admission to Business studies in Italy
View Student Interviews
Top Reasons to join the Business and Economics track on the International Foundation Program
Preparation for Admission Test
Completing our Foundation program enhances your chances of enrolling in the best business universities in Italy, setting the stage for an illustrious academic journey.
Experienced Faculty
Benefit from a blend of academic excellence and industry expertise. Our faculty are not just educators; they’re global business leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers.
Language Support
While the program is in English, we provide Italian language courses to enrich your educational journey and help in adapting to the Italian life.
# 1 – World-Class Reputation
“Made in Italy” is a global synonym of high quality. Italian industries, from fashion to precision engineering in automobiles, have set global benchmarks. Learning the intricacies of such industries will arm you with knowledge that’s globally relevant.
# 2 – Top ranked universities
The country boasts top-tier business universities consistently ranked among the world’s best. Esteemed institutions recognized in international rankings, offer not just a degree, but an enriching experience that intertwines traditional Italian business ethos with modern-day global strategies.
# 3 – Dynamic Cultural Immersion
Blend your rigorous business curriculum with the vibrant and diverse culture of Italy, making your educational journey an enriching experience that’s beyond the screen and textbooks.
Program Information
What are the program fees and dates?
Application Fee: € 60
Student Services Fee: € 290
Tuition Fee: € 7,500 (paid in installments)
Program Duration: 9 months
- September to June
- January to September
Complete your application and upload documents here:
What are the prerequisites to enroll?
- Must have completed at least 11 years of schooling (from primary school to high school diploma) and have obtained a high school diploma (final certification) accompanied by a transcript or report card of the last year.
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- An official translation should be provided for original documents that are not in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish or Portuguese.
- if the student is still studying at the time of application, they can submit the diploma at a later stage
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- Must have an independent level of English language. Native English speakers and students who have completed their secondary education in English are exempt (in some cases, a remote oral competence test can be requested). All other students are required to provide proof of certification with a minimum level of:
- IELTS Academic 5.0
- Cambridge Scale: 150 points (Preliminary B or higher)
- Duolingo English Test: 80 points, or equivalent)
- TOEFL iBT: 45 points
- equivalent certified tests from recognized assessment bodies
- Must be between 17 and 30 years old by the start of the program.
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- For minor students, a legal guardian is required. During the enrollment process, it is necessary to fill out and send via email to admissions@theitalianacademy.com a form confirming that the student will turn 18 by the end of the program.
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What are the enrolment deadlines?
Review the Application Deadlines here
To apply to the program, students should follow the following steps:
- Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM and upload the documents
- Complete payment of the Application Fee (€ 60)
Students that complete the application will receive an offer and the program contract. To complete the enrollment students should then:
- Make the payment of the 1st installment of the tuition fee
- Sign the Program Agreement document
NB. non-EU students that require a study visa should pay the 1st instalment of the Tuition Fees at least 60 days prior to the start of the program in order to receive the letter of enrolment for the Italian consulate. In the unlikely case of visa denial, the Tuition Fees are fully reimbursable.
Courses taught in English 
- Mathematics
- Italian Language and Culture
- Academic Skills and Logical Reasoning
- Admission Test Strategies & Simulations
- Sports (extracurricular)
- Volunteering (extracurricular)
Dive into the essential mathematical concepts vital for the world of business and economics. This course, tailored for the International Foundation Program, ensures students acquire the quantitative skills necessary to tackle complex business challenges. From algebraic functions to statistical analysis, grasp the mathematical tools that underpin critical decision-making in the global market.
Embark on a captivating journey through Italy’s rich tapestry of language, culture, history, and societal nuances. The Italian language course is offered as:
– 9-month program: up to B2 level
– 6-month program: up to B1 level
The program is intended to allow students starting at beginner levels to achieve the required intermediate (B1) or upper intermediate (B2) level of Italian language competence required for enrolment into Italian university programs. Such language objectives require commitment and dedication on behalf of each student, our instructors and student service team are here to support to create an optimal learning enviroment for students to succeed.
Students are taught by expert, highly qualified native Italian language instructors that implement the communicative method in the classroom to achieve the best results in all 4 linguistic skills: speaking, writing reading and listening comprehension. Students are taught by expert, DITALS II qualified native Italian language instructors that implement the communicative method in the classroom to achieve the best results in all 4 linguistic skills: speaking, writing reading and listening comprehension.
International Foundation may also sit the CILS exam. The CILS exam is Italy’s most widely recognized language certification and is administered by the University of Siena. Student who wish to sit the exam will go over best practices for academic writing, preparation tests with CILS past papers and oral exam simulations led by instructors that are University of Siena CILS examiners.
Sharpen your intellectual faculties and prepare for rigorous academic challenges ahead. This course empowers students with the critical thinking, analytical abilities, and logical reasoning skills vital for success in higher education and beyond. Through practical exercises and interactive sessions, cultivate the mindset and capabilities to excel in complex business scenarios.
Turn your aspirations into achievements with a targeted approach to university admissions. This course meticulously prepares students for the Business and Economics admission test through strategic insights and real-time simulation exercises. Familiarize yourself with the test format, hone your problem-solving speed, and build the confidence to navigate the admissions landscape seamlessly.
Students may choose to dedicate free time to improve their sports skills in a range of different areas. The city of Siracusa has excellent sport facilities, teams and coaches. At close vicinity from the school there are swimming pools, gyms, running and cycle tracks, football fields, basketball and handball facilities, as well as world-famous tennis and paddle clubs. There is also an excellent golf course “Monasteri” on the outskirts of the city.
Siracusa is also famous for a range of water sports, with students having the option to join Stand-Up Paddle surfing (SUP or Paddleboarding), kayaking, rowing, kyte-surfing and sailing clubs in the Great Harbour and on the Ciane river, where the historical naval battles of Ancient Syracuse took place, and where sportspeople still battle it out today.
Students may choose to dedicate time to social and/or environmental volunteering, to develop their interpersonal and intercultural skills and enrich their CV. Activities will be conducted with NGOs that our institution supports, and will vary based on the needs of the organization, the students’ age, interests and skillsets. Students in the past have volunteered in the role of teaching assistants for language and homework support, participated in the clean up of beaches and historical sites.
Employability and Career prospects for Business and Economics students in Italy
Italy’s economic landscape is vast and varied, offering students unparalleled internships and junior positions in Italian companies:
- Fashion and Luxury: Engage with leading brands like Gucci, Prada, Armani and Luxottica. Understand the nuances of luxury brand management and global fashion commerce.
- Automotive Mastery: Gain hands-on experience with stalwarts like Ferrari and Fiat, exploring the intricate world of automotive business strategies.
- Manufacturing and Innovation: Italy’s manufacturing sector, home to brands like Ferrero, Lavazza, Pirelli, Alessi and Flos, offers insights into global supply chain management and innovative product design.
- Financial Frontier: Experience the pulse of the global economy with Italian financial behemoths like UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo.
As well as in one of the many Italian and European headquarters of multinational enterprises, such as Amazon, Google, Meta, Whirlpool, STMicroelectronics and more.
Our foundation program not only enhances your chances of enrollment in top business universities in Italy, by doing so, it also exponentially expands your career opportunities:
- Leadership Roles: Command teams in leading multinationals with the skills acquired from our program.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures: Utilize the entrepreneurial lessons learned in Italy and carve a niche in the business world.
- Consultation Expertise: With deep-rooted business knowledge, guide firms in making impactful strategic decisions.
- Financial Mastery: Predict and shape market trends with the analytical acumen developed during your foundation years.
Unlock your potential: Specializations in Italian Universities
Italy’s business universities offer a diverse range of specializations for Italian and international students, including:
- International Business: Navigate the global market maze with a distinct Italian approach.
- Entrepreneurship: Channel the spirit of iconic Italian entrepreneurs and shape the business landscapes of tomorrow.
- Supply Chain and Logistics: Italy’s export-centric economy offers invaluable lessons in efficient supply chain management.
- Luxury Brand Management: A journey into the heart of Italian luxury, understanding brand ethos and global strategy.
- Economic Analytics: Embrace the future by mastering data-driven decision-making.
Progam Location: Syracuse, Sicily
Student housing
Student housing options
About The Italian Academy Neapolis & Ortigia Study Centers
The Neapolis Campus is a state-of-the-art International Study Center set in a historical villa surrounded by a lush 2-acre garden with outdoor study areas and Mediterranean terraces where students enjoy immersing in the greenery. Social and cultural events are organized weekly at the campus. Located in the city center of Syracuse (Sicily), next to St. John’s Church, which gives access to the Catacombs, that run underground a few feet below the campus and are considered one of the first places of Christian worship in the West. The villa is also adjoining the Archaeological Museum and the Basilica of Our Lady of Tears, while the Greek Theater, the beaches and the island of Ortigia are at a short walking distance.
The Ortigia Study Center is located in the central square of Syracuse on the island of Ortigia. The center is located in the 12th century baroque Palazzo Beneventano, with classrooms overlooking the world-famous Duomo cathedral.
Your Pathway to undergraduate degrees in Italy
Take the first step and contact our team. We are here to help!
Our team of student advisors is glad to support you every step of the way: from enrolment and visa application, to departure preparations, orientation and settling into your new city and home.
Address
Head Office: Piazzale San Marziano, 1, Siracusa, Italy
Call Us
Phone: +39 0931 61424
Email Us
admissions@theitalianacademy.com