International Foundation in Engineering
Italian University Pathway program
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.
View Student Interviews
Top Reasons to join the Engineering track on the International Foundation Program
Preparation for Admission Test
We ensure students are well-prepared for the Italian university admission tests, enhancing chances of securing a spot in their desired institution.
Experienced Faculty
Learn from experienced professors who understand the nuances of Italy’s engineering education system and are committed to student success.
Language Support
While the courses are taught in English, we offer Italian language classes to enrich your experience and help you assimilate.
# 1 – Pathway to success
Our foundation program has been curated to seamlessly transition international students to continue their studies in engineering in Italy. Engineering degree programs in Italian universities are acclaimed for their advanced research facilities and are globally recognized for their academic excellence.
# 2 – Heritage of Innovation
Italy, home to great scientists and engineers like Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci, has a rich history of engineering and innovation. Study amidst Italy’s unparalleled cultural heritage, artistic treasures, and technological advancements.
# 3 – Blend of Theory and Practice
Italy’s engineering programs emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for real-world challenges.
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
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Italian Language
- Academic Skills and Logical Reasoning
- Admission Test Strategies & Simulations
- Sports (extracurricular)
- Volunteering (extracurricular)
Delve deep into the intricate world of mathematics as it aligns with Italy’s secondary education curriculum, laying a robust foundation for advanced engineering studies. Covering topics ranging from algebra, calculus, to statistics, this course prepares students for the mathematical rigor expected in Italian bachelor degree programs, ensuring a smooth transition to university-level engineering studies.
In alignment with Italy’s secondary education standards, this course encapsulates the core principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. It offers students an in-depth understanding of the physical world, equipping them with the essential knowledge required for engineering specializations in Italian universities.
Reflecting the benchmarks of Italy’s secondary education curriculum, our chemistry course introduces students to the fundamentals of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. With a focus on atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions, it lays the groundwork for more advanced studies in chemical engineering and related fields in Italy’s top universities.
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.
This course emphasizes the cultivation of critical thinking, logical analysis, and academic writing – all pivotal for success in Italian higher education. Drawing from Italy’s secondary education expectations, it not only hones students’ analytical abilities but also equips them with the skills to articulate and present their arguments effectively.
Tailored to meet the specific demands of Italian university entrance examinations, this course offers students strategic insights and hands-on practice with simulated tests. By familiarizing students with the format, content, and techniques required to excel, it enhances their confidence and competence, ensuring they are well-prepared for the real challenge ahead.
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.
Engineering Specializations in Italian universities
Italy’s engineering universities offer various specializations, including:
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Employability and Career prospects for Engineering students in Italy
Italy is a great place to study engineering. It’s one of the world’s biggest economies and is famous for its top-notch manufacturing. The “Made in Italy” label stands for quality and innovation. Think of fast cars from Ferrari and Lamborghini, advanced designs from aerospace company Leonardo, trendy fashion from Armani, energy solutions from Saipem, and top-quality glasses from Luxottica. Studying in Italy gives you a front-row seat to see how these big brands combine tradition with new ideas.
For students, Italy opens a treasure trove of career opportunities. Italian universities often have strong ties with industry giants, both within the country and across Europe. These relationships translate into valuable internship and job placements for international students. By pursuing studies in Italy, students have the unique advantage of accessing these platforms, providing them with real-world experience at renowned brands. The combination of academic excellence and hands-on training ensures that graduates are not just job-ready but are also prime candidates for leading roles in global corporations. Whether it’s a startup in Milan or a multinational enterprise in Berlin, the doors to myriad professional journeys swing wide open for those nurtured by Italian academia.
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 University 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