ITALY · MILAN, ROME, BRESCIA, CREMONA, PIACENZA
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
private · Founded 1921 · Languages: en, it
In short
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is a private Italian university with multiple campuses offering a diverse range of undergraduate and integrated programs in Italian and English. It emphasizes practical learning and offers various student support services and scholarship opportunities.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1921
- Students
- 40,000
- International students
- 3,500
- Acceptance rate
- 45%
- Tuition (intl)
- €7–13k/yr
- Languages
- EN, IT
- Location
- Milan, Rome, Brescia, Cremona, Piacenza, Italy
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) is a prominent Italian university with multiple campuses across the country. It offers a wide array of undergraduate and integrated degree programs across various faculties, including Arts and Philosophy, Banking, Finance and Insurance, Economics, Education, Law, Medicine and Surgery, Political and Social Sciences, Psychology, and more. The university is known for its strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, often incorporating seminars, workshops, and clinical internships into its teaching methodologies. UCSC provides a supportive learning environment with a focus on student development, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in their chosen fields. Many programs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and real-world relevance, ensuring students gain both foundational knowledge and specialized skills. The university also offers various support services, including orientation events, tutoring, and assistance with housing solutions, particularly for its Rome campus.
Why study here
- Access to a wide range of undergraduate and integrated degree programs taught in both Italian and English.
- Benefit from a teaching methodology that combines traditional lectures with practical experiences like simulations, projects, and clinical internships.
- Join programs that often have strong connections with industries and healthcare institutions, providing valuable networking and career opportunities.
- Experience a supportive academic environment with dedicated tutors and student services across multiple campuses.
- Opportunity to engage with a curriculum that fosters both scientific/technical skills and crucial interpersonal and ethical competencies.
Student life
Student life at Università Cattolica spans five Italian cities, giving students a choice of vibrant urban environments from cosmopolitan Milan and historic Rome to the more intimate campuses of Brescia, Cremona and Piacenza. The university supports an active community through student associations, sporting activities, cultural and spiritual events, and volunteering initiatives rooted in its Catholic and humanistic mission. Dedicated tutoring, career services, international offices and housing support help students — including those from abroad — settle in and thrive throughout their studies.
Fees
InternationalAs a private university, tuition is income-based but typically ranges from approximately EUR 7,000 to EUR 13,000 per year for international students, with Medicine and Surgery and certain master's programmes at the higher end.
HomeDomestic Italian students pay the same income-assessed fee structure; there is no separate public rate as UCSC is private.
LivingLiving costs vary by city: Milan and Rome are higher (EUR 900-1,400 per month) while Brescia, Cremona and Piacenza are more affordable (EUR 650-1,000 per month).
Information on specific international tuition fees is not provided. However, the university offers various economic benefits and fee reductions based on merit and economic conditions. For instance, the 'Esonero Invernizzi' offers up to €5,000 reduction for agricultural science programs. The Mathematics program also provides a reimbursement of up to €500 for travel expenses for first-year students attending lectures from Milan, and exemptions from installments after the first for the academic year 2026/2027.
Admissions
Passport photoSupported formats: jpg, jpeg; maximum size: 10MB
IDID card, passport, driver's license are accepted. Supported formats: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; maximum size: 10MB
Fiscal codeSupported formats: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; maximum size: 10MB
Residence permitIf required. Supported formats: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; maximum size: 10MB
Baptism certificateRequired for final enrollment, or substitute documentation if not baptized or certificate is unavailable.
Admission InterviewMandatory for many programs, conducted via Microsoft Teams with valid ID.
IELTS6.0-6.5 or above for English-taught programmes
TOEFL80 or above (iBT) for English-taught programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings409
National (Italy)11
University scholarships
Esonero InvernizziUp to €5,000
Mathematics Program First-Year ExemptionsExemption from payment of installments following the first
UCSC International ScholarshipsMerit-based partial tuition reductions for international students enrolling in English-taught degree programmes.
Accreditation
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is a private university legally recognised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), with a pontifical charter from the Holy See.
Programs
a selectionUniversità Cattolica del Sacro Cuore · Italy
Arts, Media and Performance Studies (DAMS)
The Arts, Media and Performance Studies (DAMS) program at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Brescia offers a comprehensive undergraduate degree focused on the interdisciplinary study of visual arts, music, performing arts, and fashion. This 3-year program provides students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for diverse careers in the cultural and creative industries. A key feature of the program is its emphasis on hands-on learning through professionalizing workshops led by industry experts. Students engage in real-world projects, gaining valuable skills and insights into their chosen fields. The curriculum is designed to be consistent with specific training profiles, allowing students to tailor their learning experience.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore · Italy
Banking and Consulting
The Graduate Degree Programme in Banking and Consulting is designed to prepare professionals for the evolving economic and business landscape, heavily influenced by technological innovation and regulatory changes impacting banking and financial structures. This program integrates traditional lectures with practical experiences such as meetings with industry experts, project work, and case studies developed in collaboration with partner companies. Students will develop essential problem-solving and teamwork skills through group activities that mirror the dynamics of banking, financial intermediation, and consulting firms. The curriculum aims to equip graduates with the capabilities to navigate and succeed in modern financial and business consulting environments.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore · Italy
Biomedical Laboratory Techniques
This Bachelor's degree program trains healthcare professionals to perform laboratory analyses in various fields, including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, genetics, and more. Graduates will be competent in managing technical aspects of laboratory services and will understand the principles of biological and pathological phenomena. The program emphasizes the operational principles of analytical instrumentation, methodological bases for clinical pathology, and laboratory safety. The curriculum is designed to align with the European Qualifications Framework (Dublin Descriptors), ensuring that students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for a career as a Biomedical Laboratory Technician. The program is offered at the Rome Campus of Università Cattolica, within the Policlinico A. Gemelli, providing a strong clinical context for learning.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore · Italy
Business Administration
This Bachelor's degree program in Business Administration provides students with the essential skills and methodologies to understand, plan, and manage business strategies. You will learn to detect and measure business performance, evaluate corporate values, and understand the legal and regulatory frameworks governing business activities. The program also covers human resource organization, marketing and sales management, the use of financial instruments, and strategies for international market development. The curriculum features a multidisciplinary approach in the first two years, covering economics, law, and quantitative methods. The third year allows for specialization through various profiles, including Management and Accounting, Markets and Financial Intermediaries, Marketing Management, and the International Business Management track, which is taught in English and offers a Double Degree opportunity. Teaching methods combine lectures with active student involvement through workshops, group work, internships, and meetings with industry professionals. Graduates are well-prepared for responsible roles in various business sectors, financial institutions, public administration, and consulting agencies.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore · Italy
Business and Economics Law
This undergraduate program integrates economic-business training with legal knowledge, equipping students with high-level skills in business administration and management. It delves into corporate governance, financing, legal management control, and business contracts, providing a strong foundation in private, public, commercial, and tax law. The curriculum aims to prepare graduates for consultancy roles in commercial, tax, and labor fields, as well as management positions in companies, covering accounting, budgeting, internal control systems, and financial statement analysis. Additionally, students will develop proficiency in two foreign languages, including compulsory English, and gain skills in using IT tools for information management.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore · Italy
Business and Finance
The Business and Finance programme is a three-year, English-taught bachelor’s degree designed to equip you with essential skills in core business and finance principles, alongside expertise in emerging areas like data science and artificial intelligence. This program balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for diverse career opportunities in both domestic and international business environments. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of business operations and financial management, making you a competitive candidate in today's dynamic global market.
Bachelor's
Level
€8k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Italy
full fundingHarvard University - Villa I Tatti, Center for Italian Renaissance Studies
Harvard University I Tatti Fellowships in Italy
Open to postdoctoral scholars and researchers who hold a PhD or equivalent terminal degree by the time of application. Research projects must align with the Italian Renaissance, art history, and cultural-exchange themes supported by Villa I Tatti. Open to international and domestic scholars from all countries; some fellowships target early-career or mid-career researchers depending on the programme.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Urbino Carlo Bo
University of Urbino Carlo Bo PhD Scholarships
Open to international and domestic applicants from all countries holding (or about to hold) a qualifying master's-level degree for PhD admission. Selection is based on academic merit and the quality of the research project proposal; all academic fields offered in the doctoral call are welcome.
full
Funding
€24k
Max
Jun 10, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCarlo Cattaneo University (LIUC)
PhD Scholarships at Carlo Cattaneo University (LIUC)
Open to candidates of all nationalities who hold, or expect to hold by 31 October 2026, a Master's degree in economics, finance, engineering management, communication, or public administration (or an internationally equivalent qualification) with a minimum final grade of 95/110 or equivalent. Other backgrounds may be considered where academic and professional experience aligns with the programme's research themes.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Jun 3, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSapienza University of Rome
Sapienza University of Rome PhD Scholarships
Open to international students from any country who hold (or will hold) a Master's degree or equivalent by the stated qualification date around 31 October 2026, and who demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to advanced research. Applications are made to the relevant doctoral programme within the new PhD cycle, with positions spread across the university's doctoral programmes.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Jun 19, 2027
Deadline
full fundingPolitecnico di Milano
PhD Scholarships at Politecnico di Milano
Open to all international candidates (EU and non-EU) who hold, or will hold by enrolment, a Master's degree (or equivalent) recognised internationally. Applicants choose between Open Subject scholarships (research topic finalised after admission) and Thematic scholarships (pre-defined research themes selected before the deadline). All application documents must be submitted in English or Italian.
full
Funding
€19k
Max
May 29, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE)
UNIMORE PhD Scholarships
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, can read and write in English, and are 40 years old or younger at the time of application.
full
Funding
€19k
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the tuition for international students at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore?
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As a private university, tuition is income-based and typically ranges from approximately EUR 7,000 to EUR 13,000 per year for international students. Medicine and Surgery programs, as well as certain master's programs, are at the higher end of this range.
What are the living costs in cities where Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is located?
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Living costs vary by city. Milan and Rome are more expensive, with estimated monthly costs between EUR 900-1,400. Brescia, Cremona, and Piacenza are more affordable, with estimated monthly costs between EUR 650-1,000.
Does Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore offer programs taught in English?
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Yes, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and integrated degree programs taught in both Italian and English. International students can benefit from these English-taught programs.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For English-taught programs, students typically need an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 or above, or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, merit-based scholarships such as the UCSC International Scholarships offer partial tuition reductions for international students enrolling in English-taught degree programs. Specific program-related reductions, like the 'Esonero Invernizzi' for agricultural sciences, are also available.
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