When you have one of the world’s leading universities right on your doorstep, it’s only natural that it will attract great interest among prospective students. Citizens of Croatia have exactly such a university close at hand, so to speak. Milan’s Università Luigi Bocconi is a university that has ranked at the very top of global university rankings for decades, and last year it was rated as the 6th best university in the world.
1. History of Bocconi University
Bocconi has a long and proud tradition. The university was founded in 1902 and was the first higher education institution in Italy to offer a program and degree in economics. While programs have evolved over time, Bocconi has remained true to economics, which still forms the core of its offerings today.
2. Cost and accessibility
One of the reasons Bocconi is so popular, both in Croatia and beyond, is its relatively accessible tuition. Tuition for one year at Bocconi is just over €13,000 for undergraduate studies and around €14,500 for graduate studies. For most Croatians, this is still a significant amount, but for countries with higher standards of living, it is quite affordable. Bocconi is three times cheaper than top British universities and five times cheaper than top American universities. That’s something!
In addition, under certain conditions, such as medical reasons, you may receive a substantial tuition reduction. This university is also socially sensitive.
The application fee is €100.
3. Programs and number of students
Bocconi University offers eight undergraduate programs and 13 Master’s programs. In addition, it offers specialized Master’s degrees, doctoral studies, and a summer school.
Most programs are related to economics, but at Bocconi you can also study political science and law. Teaching is conducted in both Italian and English, with an approximately equal number of groups in each language. Around 2,800 students are admitted each year, and about 50% of students in English-taught undergraduate programs are international, meaning they are not Italian citizens. In total, only around 700–800 Bocconi students are international, making competition among international applicants very strong.
4. Application evaluation
The evaluation criteria for applicants are quite straightforward. When applying to Bocconi, you must submit transcripts from the second and third years of high school, and the average of these grades accounts for 45% of the total score. The remaining 55% comes from your test results. There are two options: take the Bocconi entrance test or submit SAT results. For the SAT, a good score is considered 1350+/1600. The entrance test is conceptually similar to the SAT but can only be taken once. On the other hand, the SAT can be taken multiple times, making it a safer option.
In addition to your high school grades and test results, you must also submit a CV and a motivation letter.
English language certificates are not scored but must be submitted to confirm eligibility for enrollment.
Before applying, it is essential to check whether your high school program meets Bocconi’s requirements, and you can also find the list of accepted language certificates there.
Test results must be submitted before the application deadline, which means you must take the SAT or entrance exam before the selected application round deadline. After submitting your application, you cannot change the selected test or submit results later.
5. Application deadlines
Bocconi offers three application rounds: at the end of September, at the end of January, and at the beginning of April. Results are released in October for the September round, in March for the January round, and in May for the April round. It is strongly recommended to apply as early as possible, as by the end of the second round typically 90–95% of places are filled, leaving only 5–10% of spots available for the third round.
6. Advantages of a Bocconi degree
In addition to the university’s strong brand name that opens doors, a Bocconi degree represents broad knowledge and an excellent springboard for a future career. Bocconi offers highly specialized programs, providing students with depth and strong foundations for further development. Around 4,000 Bocconi students go abroad for internships each year, and the university also offers opportunities to study in other countries, assisting students in securing placements.
Bocconi also boasts a network of over 100,000 alumni who actively support each other professionally.
As with all top universities, expectations at Bocconi are high. The motivation letter is the only part of the application that is not a number or score, making it extremely important to write it well and present yourself in the best possible light. Of course, your CV must also be carefully prepared. Most importantly, you should inform yourself early and prepare thoroughly for the SAT or entrance exam.
It would be wonderful to study at such a prestigious, world-renowned university while still being so close to home. It is definitely worth the effort!
