Guides to the university

Internationalization at Bocconi University has been a strategic priority pursued since 1974, the year in which the first international cooperation agreements were put into place. Over the years these programs have developed an extensive network of relations and exchanges with prestigious academic and cultural institutions all over the world, which means there is constant collaboration with the foreign universities on research and joint teaching projects, thus providing Bocconi students and teaching staff with invaluable international experience.
Thanks to its network of international relations, Bocconi University is able to offer its students several opportunities to acquire the kind of business training which is necessary for dealing with global economic developments.

Study abroad programs:

• Long programs with the selection process during the first year (Exchange Programs, Free-Mover Semester Programs, Double Degree Program);
• Long programs with the selection process at the time of admission (CEMS-MIM, China MM, IM Asia ESSEC-Bocconi DD, IM Concentration ESSEC-Bocconi Luxury Management DD, LSE-Bocconi DD, Science Po-Bocconi DD, Yale-Bocconi DD).

Additional opportunities are also available that include attending a course - in virtual mode - at several of the partner schools that participate with Bocconi in the GNAM network.
The study abroad opportunities promoted by the University are presented in detail during ad hoc initiatives throughout the academic year.

The Bocconi University Exchange Program (including the Erasmus Programs) deals with student exchanges under bilateral agreements with over 293 universities in about 56 countries across 5 continents, giving students the opportunity to attend courses for which they can receive credit as part of their Bocconi degrees. The international universities included in the program are some of the most renowned institutions in the world in the fields of management, political science and law. In fact, Bocconi University belongs to some of the most prestigious international networks: CEMS (The Global Alliance in Management Education), PIM (Partnership in International Management), GULF (Global University Leaders Forum), GNAM (Global Network for Advanced Management), EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development), ETGN (European and Transnational Governance Network), EUA (European University Association), CIVICA (The European University of Social Sciences), THEMIS (Network in International Business Law), APELIA (The Asia-Pacific and Europe Law Institutes Alliance), U7+ (Alliance of world Universities) and ALEUESS (Alliance of Leading European Universities in Economic & Social Sciences).

The agreements are based on reciprocal arrangements that allow students from both institutions involved to complete a period of study abroad without paying extra university tuition and fees to the partner institution. Students are, however, responsible for travel, board and lodging expenses.

Eligibility and requirements

The semester abroad takes place during the second year of the program. All students regularly enrolled in the first year of MSc programs, for which the Exchange Program is provided, can apply.
Students are allowed to attend courses for a semester at one of the partner universities abroad only after passing the selection which is based on merit and language skills.

Application and deadlines

Students are advised to check the application procedures and deadlines released in Study Abroad office publications and on the website at www.ir.unibocconi.eu/exchange.

Exam recognition

Students can receive credit for a maximum of 30 credit points.
The credit approval procedure is explained in "Credit for exams passed at universities abroad"

Information
For Exchange Program details, updated information on eligible students, admissions procedures, deadlines and available destinations, check the website www.ir.unibocconi.eu/exchange.
In the same area you can also check comments by students who have been abroad in previous years, along with detailed information on partner universities.

Students interested in attending a semester abroad outside the Exchange Program can enroll at a number of universities abroad where they can study for one semester in their second year of the program as part of the Free-Mover Semester Program (fee-paying Visiting Students or Independent Students).

The Free-Mover Semester experience is incompatible with both participation in the Exchange program and participation in long study abroad programs.
Students are responsible for tuition and fees for both Bocconi University and the foreign university, as well as travel, board and lodging expenses for the period abroad.
Students are required to take out health insurance for the entire period of study abroad.

It is also the student's responsibility to request any certifications relating to their current academic career to be presented to foreign universities, using the appropriate cert@B procedure (see chapter 11 Certificates, self-declarations and Diploma Supplement). The office does not issue letters of admission or participation.

Bocconi University has identified a number of schools, mainly from among its international network, that have accepted such students in previous years. The number of students allowed at each University abroad is limited. The list of universities abroad is available on the website www.ir.unibocconi.eu/. This is the only list considered valid for the recognition of exams taken as part of the Free-Mover Semester in schools abroad. Each destination will be allowed up to a maximum of ten participants per academic year, regardless of the number of actual students admitted by the host school.

Any other options must be authorized in advance, on a case-by-case basis, by the Study Abroad office. The application, accompanied by a motivational letter and information on the chosen university, must be presented before enrolling in the Free-Mover Semester Program at the university abroad, and submitted to the Study Abroad office.

Exam recognition
Students can receive credit for a maximum of 30 credit points.

The credit approval procedure is explained in "Credit for exams passed at universities abroad"

Information
Students should check detailed information and requirements on the website www.ir.unibocconi.eu/. In the reserved area of the website, you can also check comments by students who have been abroad as part of the Exchange program.

The Double Degree Program gives MSc students the opportunity to study abroad for one academic year and obtain both an Italian Master of Science degree from Bocconi University and a foreign Graduate degree from the partner University at the end of their studies.

Application procedure
The Program is addressed to students enrolled in the first year of an MSc Program with a undergraduate graduation grade equal or more than 100/110 (or equivalent grades for students who were awarded a bachelor degree abroad) and who meet specific language requirements that may differ according to the destination. The Program is generally held in the second year of studies. Participation in these programs is subject to the payment of an administrative fee in addition to regular Bocconi tuition and fees. Students who confirm participation in the Double Degree Program by paying the related administrative fee cannot participate in the following international programs: Exchange Program and Free-Mover. Students who are selected for more than one program must choose one, withdrawing participation in the other programs.

Information
Detailed information on the Double Degree Program and updated information related to eligibility and requirements, application methods, deadlines and available destinations are posted on the website www.ir.unibocconi.eu/doubledegree. For any questions, please contact the appropriate office through B in Touch > Double Degree.
Reports by students who have spent time abroad in previous years and details on the opportunities dedicated to each individual program are available in the Restricted Area.

Exam recognition
For information on recognition of exams taken abroad as part of a Double Degree, see paragraph 7.14.2 in Exams.

Application procedure
Admission to the long programs with the selection process at the time of admission listed below occurs at the same time as admission to the Master of Science program which these programs belong to. Access criteria can be found in the section of the website dedicated to the specific programs.
Participation in these programs is subject to the payment of an administrative fee in addition to regular Bocconi tuition and fees.

During the second year of the Master of Science, the program includes an exchange semester at a university partner, an internship abroad and supplementary educational activities (Skill Seminars, Block Seminars, Global Citizenship Seminar, Business Project).

CEMS-MIM Program Structure
Bocconi students participating in the CEMS-MIM program are required to include all the CEMS-MIM courses they will attend during the semester at Bocconi in their second-year Bocconi study plan, in order to meet the second-year Bocconi program structure requirements. These courses may be included in the Bocconi study plan as electives or additional electives (within the maximum limit of 3), in compliance with the rules valid for additional courses.
Due to the special nature of the program, students selected for CEMS-MIM must refer to the program structure indicated in the Guide they receive.

Exam recognition
For information on recognition of exams taken abroad as part of CEMS-MIM please see paragraph 7.14.1 in the Exams chapter.

The China-MIM Double Degree is a Master offered by Bocconi in collaboration with the School of Management, Fudan University (Shanghai, China). The program trains graduates ready to become global leaders, with an in-depth knowledge of the economic dynamics of both China and Italy, and a unique understanding of the cultures that influence business in Asia and Europe. It is a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to work in an international context, where economics and culture intertwine and create new challenges and opportunities.

China MIM program structure
The Program, taught entirely in English, includes lectures at Bocconi in the first year of studies and the second year at the School of Management of Fudan University in Shanghai. Bocconi students participating in the China MIM program must make reference to the program structure of the Master of Science in International Management at Bocconi. In addition, during the second year at Fudan University, students will attend a Chinese language course, beginner level only. Students participating in the program need to have completed and recorded 100% of their first-year credits by July and meet Fudan University’s requirements in order to be eligible for the Chinese degree. Upon completion of the program and in compliance with the regulations of both universities, students will be awarded two degrees: one issued by Bocconi and one issued by Fudan University.
For more information on the program and the China-MIM program structure, see the Bocconi website or email: chinamim@unibocconi.it

Exam recognition
For information on recognition of exams taken abroad as part of China-MIM please see paragraph 7.14.3 in Exams.

The ESSEC-Bocconi Double Degree is a master's program jointly offered by Bocconi University and ESSEC Business School (Cergy, France).

The program is designed to prepare global managers with a comprehensive understanding of the economic dynamics of Europe (Italy and France) and Asia (Singapore), enriched by an in-depth appreciation of the cultural factors shaping business across both continents. It is intended for students who aspire to pursue leadership roles in international environments, supported by a strong foundation for navigating the challenges and opportunities of diverse yet increasingly interconnected markets.

International Management Asia Double Degree ESSEC Bocconi - Study Plan

The program is structured as follows:

• First semester of the first year: Bocconi University (Milan)
• Second semester of the first year: ESSEC Asia-Pacific (Singapore)
• First semester of the second year: Bocconi University (Milan)
• Second semester of the second year: ESSEC Business School (Cergy)

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded two master's degrees: one conferred by Bocconi University and one by ESSEC Business School.

Bocconi students participating in the ESSEC–Bocconi Double Degree must refer to the study plan of the Master of Science in International Management at Bocconi University.

For further information, please visit the Bocconi website or contact the program office at dd.bocconiessec@unibocconi.it.

Exam Recognition

For information on recognition of exams taken abroad within the framework of the International Management Asia Double Degree ESSEC–Bocconi, please refer to Section 7.14.4, "Exams".

The Double Degree in Luxury Management between Bocconi and the ESSEC Business School (Cergy, France) offers a unique international experience in the luxury industry. The program combines Italian and French excellence, two global benchmarks in the sector, and provides access to an international network of leading companies and professionals. Taught entirely in English, it prepares future managers to thrive in an increasingly global and competitive luxury market.

IM Concentration ESSEC-Bocconi in Luxury Management Double Degree program structure

The first year of the program takes place at Bocconi, where students attend courses and seminars focused on the core aspects of International Management.

The second year is held at ESSEC Business School’s Cergy campus, where students take selected courses from ESSEC’s Master in Luxury Management.

Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded two degrees: one issued by Bocconi and one issued by the ESSEC Business School.

Bocconi students participating in the ESSEC-Bocconi Luxury Management program must make reference to the program structure for the Master of Science in International Management at Bocconi.

For more information, see the Bocconi website or email: dd.bocconiessec@unibocconi.it

Exam recognition

For information on recognition of exams taken abroad as part of the IM Concentration ESSEC-Bocconi in Double Degree Luxury Management please see paragraph 7.14.4 in the Exams chapter.

The Double Degree between Bocconi and the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (London, UK) combines the different and complementary expertise of the two universities with a focus on quantitative methods and policy assessment in the first year at Bocconi and multidisciplinary and critical analysis of current topics of European and international governance in the second year at LSE.

LSE-Bocconi Double Degree Program Structure
The program requires participants to attend lectures at Bocconi during the first year and at LSE during the second year. After completing the compulsory courses in the first year for the Master of Science in Politics and Policy Analysis at Bocconi, students will have the chance to attend courses in the Master of Science in European and International Politics and Policy offered by the European Institute at LSE and obtain a degree from both universities starting in the related graduation sessions in December after completing the two years of the program.
By July, after the first year at Bocconi, students must record 73% of first-year credits in their academic career, equal to 44 ECTS. Failure to meet this requirement shall prevent access to the second year at LSE.
For more information, contact the partner school and see the school’s program website. You can also check the Bocconi website or email: doubledegree@unibocconi.it.

Exam recognition
For information on recognition of exams taken abroad as part of the LSE-Bocconi Double Degree, please see paragraph 7.14.2 in the Exams chapter.
The official LSE transcripts will be sent in the fall at the end of the second year, then the Bocconi graduation can be completed starting from the December session.

The Double Degree between Bocconi and Sciences Po (Paris, France) combines the different and complementary expertise of the two universities, with a focus on quantitative methods and policy assessment in the first year at Bocconi and a critical analysis of decision-making processes 2.0 (Master in Public Policy) or current issues of European governance (Master in European Affairs) in the second year at Sciences Po.

Sciences Po-Bocconi Double Degree Program Structure
The program requires participants to attend lectures at Bocconi during the first year and at Sciences Po during the second year. After completing the compulsory courses in the first year for the Master of Science in Politics and Policy Analysis at Bocconi, students participating in the program can attend courses offered as a part of the Master in Public Policy or the Master in European Affairs at Sciences Po and obtain a degree from both universities.
By July, at the end of the first year at Bocconi, students must record 100% of first-year credits. Failure to meet this requirement shall prevent access to the second year at Sciences Po. For more information, contact the partner school and see the school’s program website.
You can also check the Bocconi website or email: doubledegree@unibocconi.it.

Exam recognition
For information on recognition of exams taken abroad as part of the Sciences Po-Bocconi Double Degree, please see paragraph 7.14.2.

The Yale-Bocconi Double Degree combines the different and complementary expertise of Yale University (New Haven, United States) and Bocconi, to provide and integrate competences from various management subjects used for critical analysis of the complex problems at the core of business and contemporary society.

Yale-Bocconi Double Degree Program Structure
The program requires participants to attend lectures at Bocconi during the first year and at Yale during the second year. After completing the compulsory courses in the first year for the Master of Science in International Management at Bocconi, students participating in the program can attend courses offered as a part of the Master in Global Business and Society at the Yale School of Management and obtain a degree from both universities.
Students participating in the program must record 100% of first-year credits in their academic career by July.They must also complete a minimum 12-week internship/work experience by the program start date at Yale. Failure to meet these requirements shall prevent access to the second year at Yale.
For more information, contact the partner school and see the school’s program website or email: doubledegree@unibocconi.it.

Exam recognition
For information on recognition of exams taken abroad as part of the Yale-Bocconi Double Degree, please see paragraph 7.14.2 in Exams chapter.

As part of the GNAM network, Bocconi students have the opportunity to take a maximum one online course (SNOC) taught by one of the network's member schools and have the activity recognized in their Bocconi career in lieu of a free elective exam.

SNOC courses are open to students who meet the requirements of the MSc programs to which the edition is promoted. Students may apply independently, directly on the site indicated by the GNAM network, and selection is the responsibility of the host school (not at Bocconi University).

Application procedures and deadlines for each edition will be sent via email to the students involved.

SNOC activity is incompatible with participation in the Double Degree, CEMS, Exchange, Free-Mover and other long study abroad programs.

To encourage participation in international mobility programs organized by the University, the availability of specific resources that can be used for this purpose is verified from year to year.

As a rule, any resources - whether ministerial or regional - resulting from participation in the European Union’s Erasmus Plus program or related to the right to study, are considered and made available. The total amount of these funds is not clear at the beginning of the year, and depends on the availability of the entities involved, the student’s destination, the duration of the experience and the student’s financial situation, as well as specific requirements that may be requested from time to time. For this reason, the University undertakes to make the various opportunities known as soon as possible, but only once it becomes aware of the above-mentioned elements.

To request certificates confirming admission to and/or participation in an international mobility program (Exchange Program, Double Degree, China-MIM, CEMS-MIM, DD ESSEC-Bocconi), the Cert@B procedure available in the yoU@B Agenda must be used (see Chapter 11: Certificates, Self-Certifications, and Diploma Supplement). The documents described in the following paragraphs are exceptions to this procedure.

Students selected for an Exchange program will be allowed to download their Transcript of Records, Nomination Letter and Language Letter, which are required for the application and admission procedures at the host university. Instructions for downloading these documents will be shared with students after selection.

Students selected for a Double Degree program should contact the Global Alliances Office if the foreign partner university requests a document for admission to the program and/or information relating to enrollment at Bocconi along with the student's academic transcript. The same procedure is applicable in case the document of admission to the program is required to obtain a visa.

Any procedure changes will be communicated to the affected students.