Erasmus guide Bologna Business School
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Bologna Business School in Bologna, Italy.
Snapshot
A smaller, professional, international business-school layer connected to the University of Bologna, best for students focused on management and career-facing programmes.
Why students shortlist it
A postgraduate business school connected to the University of Bologna, useful for exchange or visiting students on business, management, entrepreneurship, food, fashion, and digital-business routes. Daily life is more cohort-based than a classic large-campus Erasmus setup.
Teaching languages: English (primary for international programmes); Italian for some local tracks
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Programme or partner-route admission, online application documents, academic record, English readiness where required, visa or residence paperwork when relevant, and confirmation of campus/course location.
Nomination Process
Contact your home university International Office; they submit a formal nomination to the host Italian university before the faculty deadline.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a visa. Non-EU students staying >90 days need a Type-D student visa from the Italian consulate in their home country; university issues acceptance letter for visa application.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn/Full year | Typically April–May | Typically May–June — confirm with faculty |
| Spring | Typically October–November | Typically November–December — confirm with faculty |
Arrival Checklist
- Check whether your daily teaching is at Villa Guastavillani or another BBS location.
- Plan housing around commute, not only the historic center.
- Use Bologna-wide student housing routes because BBS-specific accommodation supply is limited.
Academics
Course Registration
BBS is more programme-shaped than a large exchange university. Students should follow their cohort calendar and practical project deadlines closely.
Credit System
ECTS or programme-specific credit structure depending on route
Grading System
ECTS-based assessment or programme-specific grading depending on the route; ask the programme office how final transcripts convert to your home university.
Exam Culture
BBS assessment is usually case and project-heavy, with presentations, team deliverables, applied workshops, and final exams or capstone work depending on the programme.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + EUR 140–170 tassa regionale + EUR 16 bollo | Public Italian universities (Politecnico Milano, Bologna): tuition waived for exchange, but regional tax (tassa regionale) €140–170/year required + €16 bollo… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 15,000–35,000/programme | Bologna Business School is private — MBA €25,000–35,000 total, specialist Masters €15,000–22,000. Separate from University of Bologna (public). International… |
EUR 0 tuition + EUR 140–170 tassa regionale + EUR 16 bollo
Public Italian universities (Politecnico Milano, Bologna): tuition waived for exchange, but regional tax (tassa regionale) €140–170/year required + €16 bollo…
EUR 15,000–35,000/programme
Bologna Business School is private — MBA €25,000–35,000 total, specialist Masters €15,000–22,000. Separate from University of Bologna (public). International…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — EU: EHIC; non-EU: Italian SSN registration or private insurance valid in Italy.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
BBS is affiliated with the University of Bologna. Students access Bologna's public healthcare network via AUSL and University of Bologna health resources.
Mental Health
University of Bologna SAP (Servizio di Assistenza Psicologica) provides free confidential psychological counselling for enrolled students including BBS.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Covers medically necessary care for EU/EEA students in Italy.
Italian SSN (National Health Service)
€149.77/year
Register at local AUSL office; choose a GP and access full Italian public healthcare network.
WAI / Private insurance
€71–120 for 6–12 months (WAI)
Required for non-EU students. WAI (Welcome Association Italy) is a popular low-cost option.
Campus Services
Bologna Business School
Programme guidance, campus information, and student support through the school.
University of Bologna housing and residences
Bologna-wide accommodation resources relevant to international students.
Student Services (BBS)
Bologna Business School student services: accommodation search, guided city tours, Italian language courses, and access to all University of Bologna libraries and digital resources.
BBS Career Service
Bologna Business School Career Service: career development workshops, employer connections, job market preparation, and professional development path from start of studies.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- More professional and cohort-based than classic Erasmus, but Bologna's wider student ecosystem is easy to join.
Buddy Program
Use cohort channels first, then ESN Bologna and city language exchanges for broader social life.
Sports & Recreation
- City and university sports options
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
BBS cohort and programme channels - usually the most practical first community.
ESN Bologna - useful if you want the broader Erasmus social layer.
Bologna language exchanges - good for meeting people outside the business-school bubble.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm campus location and commute before choosing a room.
- Join your cohort channels immediately.
- Use ESN or language exchanges if your programme is small.
Key Dates
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Final exam periods
January (autumn semester) and June (spring semester)
Resit/retake windows usually in late August. Book travel only after exam dates publish.
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