University Website
Exchange Student Information
University and Location
Founded in 1902 with an endnowment from wealthy merchant Ferdinando Bocconi, Bocconi University (Università Bocconi) was the first Italian institution of higher education to grant a degree in economics. Bocconi has a long history of supporting equality of opportunity, and upholds the values of liberalism, pluralism, and social and economic progress.
Language and Instruction
English and Italian
Available Fields of Study
International Economics and Management (Bachelor), International Economics and Finance (Bachelor), Management, International Management, Marketing Management, Accounting, Financial Management and Control, Finance, Economics and Management in Arts, Culture, Media and Entertainment, Economic and Social Sciences,- Economics and Management of Innovation and Technology
Program Dates
Fall: Early September-Mid December.
Spring: Early February-End May
Course Selection
Students select classes online prior to their arrival. Course selection periods are in August (for the Fall) and January (for the Spring). Students can change their study plan during the add/drop period (available in both semesters), which takes please once Bocconi classes have started.
A limited list of courses taken by previous Rensselaer students is available in the SIS transfer course guide. This list does not indicate which courses will be offered in future semesters and should be used only as a reference. All courses must be evaluated and approved, even if they appear in SIS. The complete educational offering (in English and Italian) is available
here. Basic course descriptions can be accessed by clicking on the
course title. Rensselaer students are only permitted to take undergraduate level courses while at Bocconi (with code 30xxx and some 50xxx) and are not permitted to take courses at the graduate level.
Course load
Bocconi uses the European Credit System or ECTS. One ECTS credit is normally interpreted as approximately .5 of a U.S. semester credit. Exchange students may take a maximum of 5 courses/semester.
Grading and Academic Evaluation
Students should be aware that grading is essentially based on the result of one final exam. While most exams are written, some courses may have an oral exam. In some instances, the final grade may take elements such as group work, assignments, essays, and class participation into account. Exams must be taken during official examination sessions and may only be taken at Bocconi. Grades are given on a scale of 30/30. Rensselaer students will only receive credit in courses where a grade of 18 or better is earned. All classes must be taken for a grade and not on a pass/fail basis.
Accommodation
Exchange students can request accommodation in Bocconi residence halls through the ISD Housing Office when completing the online application for the exchange program. Housing is not guaranteed and places are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. Full details about accommodation available
here. The costs range between 500 (shared bedroom in private apartments) and 900 euros per month.
Estimated Expenses and Cost of Living
Students pay regular Rensselaer tuition while on exchange at Bocconi, in addition to airfare, accommodation, and other living expenses. Individual student expenses will vary according to lifestyle and travel. An estimated breakdown of living expenses is as follows:
- Housing: between 500 (shared bedroom in private apartments) and 900 euros per month.
- Food: a complete meal at the university canteen is approx. 4 euros (reduced rate for exchange students).
- Transportation: the student travel card monthly recharge costs 22 euros for students under 26 and 35 euros for students over 26.