Erasmus guide Bocconi University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
Snapshot
Milan's clearest business, economics, finance, and management exchange option, with a polished campus rhythm and a very international student network.
Why students shortlist it
Business-focused private university in Milan with a strong exchange offer in economics, management, finance, law and marketing. Best fit for students who want a structured, career-oriented semester and can handle competitive course demand.
Teaching languages: English (primary for exchange and master's programmes); Italian for some undergraduate courses
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
Students normally need partner-university nomination, the Bocconi incoming application, a valid ID/passport, a learning agreement or course plan, insurance, and any visa documents required for Italy.
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
- Apply for Bocconi housing as soon as the window opens; residence spots can sell out quickly.
- Have private housing backups ready before the application window.
- Join official exchange and student channels early to avoid relying only on random listings.
Academics
Course Registration
Bocconi is strong academically but structured. Students should prepare backup courses and watch exam dates carefully.
Credit System
ECTS
Grading System
Italian 18-30 scale: 18 is the minimum pass, 30 is the top mark, and 30 e lode indicates distinction. Bocconi publishes exchange exam windows separately from regular course dates.
Exam Culture
Exchange students register for courses through Bocconi systems and must sit exams during official exam sessions. The calendar normally includes mid-terms, early exchange exam windows and regular exam sessions, so departure dates should be planned only after exam dates are confirmed.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 — Bocconi waives ALL fees for exchange | Bocconi has NO tuition and NO administrative fees for incoming exchange students through bilateral agreements. No application fee for Master programs either.… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 0–29,000/year (income-based) | Bocconi sliding scale based on family income (ISEE): bracket 1 (lowest) = €0, bracket 7 (highest) = ~€29,000/year. Average student pays ~€12,000/year. Exchan… |
EUR 0 — Bocconi waives ALL fees for exchange
Bocconi has NO tuition and NO administrative fees for incoming exchange students through bilateral agreements. No application fee for Master programs either.…
EUR 0–29,000/year (income-based)
Bocconi sliding scale based on family income (ISEE): bracket 1 (lowest) = €0, bracket 7 (highest) = ~€29,000/year. Average student pays ~€12,000/year. Exchan…
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
Bocconi has an on-campus medical infirmary (Via Bocconi 12) and a medical centre (Piazza Sraffa 11) for prevention services and health support.
Mental Health
Bocconi offers free professional counselling sessions and wellness seminars (yoga, meditation) on campus for enrolled students.
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
Housing information for incoming exchange students
Residence information and housing-application route for exchange students.
Career Services (Bocconi)
Bocconi Career Services: recruiting events, employer connections, career counselling, networking activities, and the DAL service for students with disabilities.
Counseling & Wellbeing
Bocconi counseling service: free professional sessions for personal, relational, or academic difficulties. Yoga, meditation, and wellness seminars also available on campus.
Prevention & Support on Campus
Campus medical infirmary (Via Bocconi 12) and on-campus medical centre (Piazza Sraffa 11). Prevention services, health promotion, and campus safety support.
Disability & Learning Support
Bocconi support for students with disabilities, SLDs, ADHD, and specific needs: academic adjustments, priority housing allocation, exam accommodations, and career support.
Medical Assistance (Exchange)
Bocconi medical assistance guide for incoming exchange students: Italian health system, insurance registration, and campus health resources.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Career, business, finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, and international student groups are especially visible.
Buddy Program
Use official exchange channels and ESN Bocconi for first-week social structure.
Sports & Recreation
- Campus gym and city sports options
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN Bocconi - exchange events and international-student onboarding.
Bocconi official incoming exchange channels - important for semester-specific groups.
Milan housing and language groups - useful backup layer, but verify before paying.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Do housing first, not later.
- Check exam dates before booking trips.
- Join ESN Bocconi and one academic/career student group.
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.
Campus events hub: Browse all events