Bocconi University
Milan is an international fashion capital and hub for creativity. You will be immersed in a wealth of history – from the Edict of Milan that allowed Christianity in the Roman Empire to Da Vinci’s Last Supper. In addition to its rich history, Milan is a modern metropolitan city and financial center, hosting Italy’s national stock exchange. You can enjoy many shops and restaurants with Milan’s famous cuisine. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Duomo Milan cathedral in addition to the many art galleries and museums.
Bocconi University is in the heart of downtown Milan, with easy access to Milan’s cultural attractions. Bocconi University has a tradition of excellence in economics, finance, law, business and management. Bocconi University was the first university in all of Italy to offer degrees in economics. In addition to its academic prestige, Bocconi University embraces a socially and economically progressive mission to make opportunities available to all.
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
Bocconi University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate level courses in English in the fields of economics, marketing, finance, management and etc. Students are expected to attend 3-6 courses per semester. A special exam session is usually arranged in December so foreign/exchange students can take exams early and return to their home countries for the holiday season.
Optional Italian language crash courses are available before the beginning of each semester. Students are expected to pay the language course fee by themselves to Bocconi University. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate that is worth 3 SUNY credits for the crash course and 2 SUNY Credits for the follow up course.
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
Each course in English is listed online with a link to the full description of the class.
Review Bocconi University’s website for more information regarding course offerings.
General Education Information for UAlbany Undergraduate Students
Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.
Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Undergraduate Students
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department. All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
Information for UAlbany Graduate Students
For Graduate students in the Rockefeller College at UAlbany: one semester exchange or Double Degree options are available (Labeled as Dual Degree here). Please consult with your advisor in your graduate department for details.
Transcript
Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript.
Your Instructors
Your courses are taught by local faculty.
Housing
Students can choose to make their own housing arrangements or stay in the University dorm–Arcobaleno Residence (Via Fratelli Fraschini 3, Milano) which is located 30 minutes by tram from Bocconi University. The Bocconi Housing options fill up quick, so it is very common for students to find their own housing options in MIlan.
When choose to stay in the University dorm, students will have single rooms in double-places apartments (2 separate single rooms in a double occupancy apartment). All rooms are furnished with a bed, a desk and a wardrobe and have a refrigerator, air conditioning and internet access. Blankets, sheets and towels are also provided. The kitchen is a common shared space on 1st floor. There is also a laundry area in the building.
Learn more online about Housing at Bocconi.
Meals
There are many restaurants near campus for you to enjoy. You can also cook in your residence hall. The Bocconi canteen has affordable meals for you right on campus!
Estimate of Costs
Italy Bocconi EXCHANGE Estimate of Costs
Note: For graduate students, SUNY tuition will be charged at the graduate rate. Please check the second tab in the Estimate of Costs.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Academic Requirements
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors of all majors with at least 2.8 GPA with good academic standing are welcome to apply for the undergraduate exchange program. Students with lower GPA should consult with the Program adviser about whether or not to apply. Graduate students should consult with their academic department before applying. Prior knowledge of Italian language is not required.
*Bocconi is a highly competitive exchange program and exchange spaces are limited to 3-4 students per semester. Preference will be given to graduate students in the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at UAlbany. If more spots are available, UAlbany students will be given preference, and GPA will be taken into consideration. Please speak to the Program Coordinator at the Office of Education Abroad at UAlbany for more information on this program and the application process.
Experiential Learning
There is a lot do to at Bocconi and in Milan. Check out some of activities online.
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are more than 100 students associations at Bocconi!
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
In Their Own Words
“Overall, Bocconi has been a great experience. It is a very competitive university. It is situated over 4 buildings in a nice part of Milan. As an exchange student, this is a nice change from the sprawling Stony Brook University. You can’t get too lost once you are there! Students are friendly, but there is a bit of a stigma attached to being an Exchange student. Apparently many exchange students don’t go to class on a regular basis. In fact, the program at Bocconi is so challenging that I have not been traveling as much as I would have liked. I would recommend brushing up on your Italian conversation skills, as English is not that common in Milan. As someone who has only ever lived in America, it is certainly worthwhile to get out of your comfort zone. I am usually the only American, and even the only native English speaker in my groups. It can feel isolating, when students text back and forth in Italian, and you cannot really grasp the conversation. It is a humbling experience, to realize just how large the world really is, and you will experience a whirlwind of emotions! It is definitely worthwhile, and I would heartily recommend the program!” – Heather, Master of Business Administration Program
“Ever since I was a little kid I knew I wanted to study abroad. Being able to study in a different country, meet new people, and experience new cultures all seemed fascinating to me. I am so grateful for everything I have encountered during my study abroad experience in Milan, Italy. Four months in this beautiful, fun-filled city was like a dream and I can’t believe it is almost over. I have made lifelong friends from all over the world in which we will all remember sharing this once in a lifetime opportunity with and all the memories we have made together. Milan has made me grow as a person and really sparked my love for traveling even more. Since my time abroad I have been to 13 different countries and 23 cities and every one of them did not fail to amaze me. Although the language barrier was quite difficult to get used to, I would not change anything about my time in Italy. Studying abroad has taught me so much and it will always have a piece of my heart. Thank you Albany for giving me this wonderful experience!” – Annaliese, Bachelor of Business Administration Program
“I am so glad I decided to spend a semester in Milan at Bocconi University. The school has a very competitive atmosphere, so if that appeals to you then this is a great program for you. I found it easier to connect with other exchange students than with Italian students, but Bocconi hosts so many exchange students every year that it is easy to make friends. I loved spending four months in Milan, I thought it was a beautiful city with a lot of history, culture, and great food. In addition, I found that it was easy to travel both to other areas of Italy and other parts of Europe from Milan. I really enjoyed my courses at Bocconi; they gave me a perspective I could not have gotten anywhere else. I took the Italian language course throughout the semester, which I would highly recommend because it will help you as you navigate the city, but it will also introduce you to more exchange students. Overall, I had a great experience in Italy and hope to go back in the future.” Sarah, Master of Public Administration Program
About the City
Milan is known as the economic and production capital of Italy and the leading Italian hub for services, finance and industry. Milan is the engine of the country’s economy and home of the Italian stock exchange. This cosmopolitan, modern and forward-looking city is world-renowned as a European capital of fashion, design, architecture, finance, publishing, modern art and music. It is deeply rooted in a flourishing past and hosts authentic treasures which have survived damage during WWII, including its elaborate cathedral, the La Scala opera house and Castello Sforzesco.
Milan has a young and vibrant soul and each year several festivals, concerts and sporting events take place in the city. Learn more online about Living in Milan.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. You will need to start the Italian visa process immediately after acceptance to the program. To prepare, review the information online here from the Italian Consulate in New York. More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring programs: July
- Fall/Year programs: December
Program Dates
Academic Year 2022/2023
8/26/2022 to 6/1/2023
Fall 2023
Coming Soon!
Fall 2022: 8/26/2022 to 12/23/2022
Spring 2023
1/25/2023 to 6/1/2023
Here is Bocconi’s Academic Calendar for Exchange Students. The dates above reflect the residence hall check in/out dates. Classes start about a week after move in. Retaking an exam happens after the end date.
About the Program
The University at Albany partners with Bocconi University in Milan to provide opportunities for students to attend Bocconi University for a semester or an academic year. Students can take regular university courses taught in English. This exchange option is great for students who want to take courses in accounting, economics, business, finance, public administration or law. Students with fluent Italian can also take courses that are taught in Italian.
The international student desk is your primary resource at Bocconi.
A comprehensive fact sheet is also available that has essential information you may need in one place. Or check out a virtual tour of campus!
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted in early May and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at Bocconi University, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.