Business and Economics International Foundation Year in Italy
Build your foundations in mathematics, statistics, business and entrepreneurship in Sicily. Our Business, Economics & Social Sciences Foundation Year combines academic skills with Italian language and cultural preparation, helping you take your next step towards undergraduate study in Italy.
Program
information
The Business, Economics & Social Sciences Foundation Year in Sicily is designed for international students preparing for undergraduate studies in economics, business and the social sciences in Italy.
The program builds essential foundations in mathematics, statistics, business and entrepreneurship, while developing the critical thinking, academic writing and analytical skills required for university-level study.
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A distinctive part of the curriculum is its attention to the relationship between economies and societies. Students explore business and quantitative subjects alongside Italian culture and society, developing a broader understanding of how markets, organisations and human behaviour interact.
For students coming directly from high school, the Foundation Year provides an important bridge into higher education: a structured period in which to strengthen academic knowledge, adapt to university-level learning and develop the linguistic and cultural preparation needed to continue studying in Italy.
Admission requirements
Required profile and documents
- Valid passport
- Final high-school diploma or certificate of current enrolment
- Qualification obtained after at least 11 years of schooling
- Official transcript of records
- English proficiency at B2 level
- At least 17 and no more than 27 years old at application
Academics
The BESS curriculum provides a combination of quantitative, business and social-science preparation, alongside the academic skills students need to succeed at university.
Mathematics
Strengthen the mathematical foundations required for further study in economics, business and related disciplines, developing greater confidence in quantitative reasoning and problem-solving.
Introduction to Business & Entrepreneurship
Explore the fundamental concepts behind organisations, business activity and entrepreneurship, introducing students to the way ideas can be developed within economic and market contexts.
Introductory Statistics
Develop an understanding of how quantitative information can be organised, interpreted and used to investigate real-world phenomena. Statistical literacy provides an important foundation for later studies in economics, business and the social sciences.
Italian Culture and Society through Media
Explore aspects of contemporary Italian culture and society through media, helping students understand the social context in which they are living and studying while developing a broader perspective on modern Italy.
Logical Reasoning and Critical Thinking
Learn how to break down questions, recognise relationships, evaluate information and construct logical arguments—skills that support both university study and future decision-making.
Academic Skills & Writing
Prepare for the expectations of higher education by developing effective academic communication, structured writing and independent study skills.
Italian Language & Culture
Build practical Italian language skills for everyday life, classroom participation and communication with the local community. Language learning supports students as they adapt to their new academic and cultural environment in Italy.
Program Structure
The program is designed as a coherent transition to higher education rather than a collection of separate courses. Every student combines a common Italian language component with one specialised academic track and ongoing admission support.
600
Italian Language
& Culture
- Beginner to intermediate Italian, with B2 as the target level
- CILS or PLIDA Italian examination preparation
- Academic language development
- Italian culture and practical communication for life in Italy
300
Academic Courses in English
- Subjects selected according to the chosen academic track
- Logical reasoning, critical thinking and academic writing
- Preparation for relevant national or university admission tests
- Practical workshops and portfolio development for creative pathways
Additional services
Program location
Siracusa offers a distinctive setting in which to begin studying business, economics and the social sciences.
Ortigia Study Center
Located on the island of Ortigia, in the 14th-century Palazzo Beneventano, set in the most charming square in the city, Piazza Duomo. The late-baroque style palazzo faces the Municipio, the Town Hall, and the Duomo, the Cathedral, both of which were erected on the ruins of two Greek temples, respectively the temple of Artemis and of Athena.
Neapolis Study Center
The Neapolis Study Center is located in the center of the archaeological district of the city of Syracuse, Sicily, adjacent to St. John’s Church, which gives access to its Catacombs network: considered one of the first places of Christian worship in the West.
Living and studying in Syracuse
A manageable city
For many students, Syracuse provides a particularly manageable environment for their first experience living abroad.
It is a medium-size city where everyday distances are relatively short and students can gradually become familiar with their surroundings.
Our campuses and student accommodation are located within close proximity, meaning that students can move between classes, home and many everyday services without the complexity of navigating a very large city.
Living is part of the Foundation Year
Living in Syracuse is an integral part of the Foundation Year experience. Students are not simply preparing academically for university in Italy; they are also beginning to understand how to live, communicate and manage everyday life within the country.
Why study BESS in Sicily
For BESS students, this provides an interesting environment from which to begin thinking about some of the questions at the centre of their future studies: how economies develop, how businesses respond to their environment, how societies change, and how local realities connect with wider European and global dynamics.
Located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, the island has been shaped for centuries by the movement of people, ideas, cultures and commerce.
Italian in everyday life
Learning Italian is therefore not treated as an isolated classroom subject, but as a practical tool that students can gradually apply in real situations — from daily interactions to navigating local services and routines.
This helps them become more familiar with Italian life, more confident in using the language, and better prepared for the independence they will need when they progress to university.
Student life in Siracusa
Student
housing
Student housing
Students live in program-provided furnished shared apartments, designed for independent living and study. Standard accommodation is in a shared bedroom; single rooms may be available subject to availability.
Apartments include high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, equipped kitchens, furnished living and dining areas, washing facilities and utilities. Periodic cleaning of shared areas and apartment maintenance support are also included.
Student support
Students receive check-in, check-out and housing orientation support when settling in, alongside help with practical and administrative aspects of studying and living in Italy and ongoing academic support.
Program housing is required for Foundation Year students unless they meet one of the exemption criteria established by the program.
Ask about housingWhat to Expect
Italian Language & Cultural Integration
Intensive Italian language and culture study supports students as they prepare for university and everyday life in Italy.
Academic Skills Development
Dedicated preparation in academic writing, critical thinking and university study methods helps students make the transition from high school to higher education.
University & Admission Support
Students receive guidance throughout their Foundation Year as they prepare for their next academic step.
Student Support
International students receive assistance with the practical and administrative aspects of studying and living in Italy, alongside ongoing academic support.
Housing Services
Furnished shared accommodation, housing orientation and ongoing support help students settle into life in Siracusa.
Field Trips and Activities
Organised visits and activities introduce students to Sicily’s history, culture and everyday life beyond the classroom.
24/7 Emergency Service
Students can contact the team for urgent assistance at any time during their stay in Siracusa.
Information for parents
Explore our dedicated page for parents.
Top reasons to join
Build the Bridge from High School to University
Strengthen your academic foundations while learning how to approach the greater independence, analytical thinking and study methods expected in higher education.
Understand Business in its Wider Context
Business does not exist independently of society. The track combines quantitative and business foundations with critical thinking and the study of Italian culture and society, encouraging students to understand the wider environment in which organisations operate.
Develop Quantitative Confidence
Mathematics and introductory statistics provide essential preparation for future university studies in economics and business.
Learn to Think Critically
Logical reasoning, critical thinking and academic writing help students move beyond memorising information towards analysing evidence, questioning assumptions and constructing well-supported arguments.
Experience Italy While Preparing for University
Developing Italian language and cultural knowledge alongside academic subjects allows students to prepare for higher education while becoming familiar with the country in which they intend to continue their studies.
Explore Economics and Society from a Mediterranean Perspective
Studying in Sicily provides a distinctive context for observing the connections between culture, society, entrepreneurship and economic activity within Italy and the wider Mediterranean.
Future prospects
The BESS Foundation Year prepares students for further study in fields concerned with economies, organisations, markets, societies and human behaviour.
Its interdisciplinary structure is particularly valuable at the beginning of a student's university journey. Mathematics and statistics develop quantitative reasoning; business and entrepreneurship introduce students to organisations and markets; while critical thinking, academic writing and the study of society encourage them to interpret economic activity within a wider human context.
Academic Progression
This gives students a foundation from which they can later move towards more specialised undergraduate studies.
Within the progression framework identified with the University of Catania (UNICT), the track prepares students for Italian-taught undergraduate courses within:
- Department of Economics and Business.
- Department of Political and Social Sciences.
Admission remains subject to the entry requirements and procedures of the chosen university and course.
Career Pathways
Depending on the undergraduate degree and later specialisation chosen, students can build towards professional areas connected with:
- Business, management and entrepreneurship.
- Economics and market analysis.
- Public and social institutions and policy.
- International environments and social research.
The Foundation Year is the starting point of an academic pathway, rather than professional training for a particular occupation.
Transferable Skills
Students develop abilities that remain useful across different academic directions:
- Working with quantitative information.
- Analysing complex questions and assessing evidence.
- Communicating ideas clearly.
- Understanding problems from more than one perspective.
International Foundation Year
Discover our other
Foundation Year tracks
Explore our other academic pathways in Sicily and Milan and find the direction that best matches your university plans.
Siracusa, Sicily
4 other tracks
Engineering,
Architecture
Medicine
Art,
Communication,
Arts, Fashion
Business,
Science
LifeFAQ
What courses are offered in the Foundation Year Program?
Choose from five specialized pathways:
- Engineering & I.T.
- Architecture
- Business, Economics & Social Sciences
- Medicine & Life Sciences
- Communication, Culture & & Media
- Interior, Product & Graphic Design
- Fashion, event & & hospitality management
Each track includes subject-specific preparation and admission test training (e.g., TOLC-I, ArchED, IMAT), guiding students toward their target university programs in Italy.
What is the duration of the Foundation Year?
The duration of the International Foundation Year program at The Italian Academy is 9 months (Fall intake: September–June or Winter intake: January–September). It includes:
- 600 hours of Italian language and culture
- 300 academic hours of track-specific subjects, entirely taught in English
Is the Foundation Year certificate valid for access to Italian universities?
The Foundation Year is designed in line with the standards set by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and supports students in meeting the academic and linguistic requirements for university admission in Italy. The program equips students with strong preparation in their chosen track and provides targeted entrance exam training.
The Foundation Year program is offered in partnership between the Italian Academy and Kore University or ABADIR Academy, depending on the chosen track. The Italian Academy provides the student services, housing, language training and academic support for students enrolled in the program.
Students receive a Certificate and Academic Transcript issued by Kore University of Enna (protocol n. 12794 of July 7th 2023) for successful completion of the Foundation Year BESS (Business, Economics and Social Sciences), MLS (Medicine and Life Sciences), EAIT (Engineering, Architecture and IT) academic tracks. Students that complete the DFA (Design, Fashion and Art) track receive a Certificate and Academic Transcript issued by MADE Fine Arts Academy.
The Foundation Year Certificate attests:
- the complete course list and number of contact hours completed by the student
- the fulfilment of mandatory schooling and academic minimum requirements necessary to be admitted to degree programs at Kore University and other Italian Universities as defined by the MUR – Italian Ministry of University. Italian and international universities generally accept the Foundation Year certificate to fulfil their schooling minimum requirements, however, students should review this acceptance directly with the admissions office of the university of interest.
Students that obtain the Foundation Year certificate are still required to pass the national Admission Test to enroll in “closed number” degree programs in Italian universities.
Students that choose to take the CILS Italian language Exam during their program will also receive the University for Foreigners of Siena B1 or B2 language certificate, based on successful achievement.
In what language are the courses taught?
All track-specific courses of the International Foundation Year are taught entirely in English.
What are admission requirements for the Foundation Year?
To view admission requirements for the Foundation Year check our application page.
What are the application steps and deadlines?
To view admission requirements for the Foundation Year check our application page.
What are the fees for the program?
The total cost of the Foundation Year program is divided into three manageable installments. Each installment includes a portion of the tuition and housing fees. The first installment also includes the one-time enrollment fee.
Total Program Costs:
- Tuition Fee: €7,500
- Housing Fee: €110 per Week (for the shared bedroom in the shared apartment)
- Enrollment Fee: €400 (one-time fee)
Is housing provided for enrolled students?
Yes, we know that finding a place to live in a new country can be a challenge, so The Italian Academy guarantees housing for every enrolled student. To make your transition as smooth as possible, we manage all placements within our network of student residences and comfortable shared apartments.
What documents are needed for underage students?
Underage students (minors) Students who have not yet reached 18 years old at the time of their application can apply for the Foundation Year program provided they will turn 18 by June 30th of the year of program completion. Underage students who are admitted to the programme are required to send extra documentation:
- Consent form for admission signed by both parents
- Official nomination of a legal guardian residing in Italy for the duration of the Foundation Year programme until they reach legal age
- Parents’ ID
- Legal guardian’s ID
- Delegation form for requesting an Italian taxpayer’s code (codice fiscale)
Who needs a Foundation Year before studying at an Italian university?
A Foundation Year can be relevant for students who completed at least 11 years of schooling, need to reach the academic or language level required by an Italian institution, or want structured preparation for a competitive admission test. Whether it is necessary depends on the applicant’s qualification and the requirements of the receiving university.
What is Universitaly and when is it required?
Universitaly is the official portal managed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. Non-EU students applying from outside Italy use it for the pre-enrolment procedure required before submitting a study-visa application. The process begins after the student receives the official Enrollment Letter.
When should accepted students apply for a visa?
Students can apply for an Italian Type D Study Visa only after completing the following steps of the application process:
- Completion of the application form
- Signing the Program Agreement and any additional required documentation
- Payment of the Application Fee and 1st Installment of the Tuition Fees.
Students will receive an official Letter of Enrolment to be submitted with the required documentation to the Italian Consulate in their country. Students are encouraged to complete their applications and apply for their visa as early as possible, as some consulates may require extended periods of time (up to several weeks) to issue the visa depending on the time of year.
NB. The Letter of Offer issued upon review by the admissions committee of the students eligibility for the program is NOT valid for visa application purposes.
Are there any scholarships available?
No, scholarships are not offered for the Foundation Year program itself. All students must pay the full tuition, enrollment, and housing fees as outlined in the payment schedule.
However, students who successfully complete the Foundation Year may become eligible for dedicated scholarships or tuition reductions when enrolling in selected Bachelor’s programs at our partner universities:
- ABADIR Design Academy: Students from the DFA track may benefit from direct progression with a tuition fee scholarship when applying to ABADIR’s undergraduate programs in design and visual communication.
- Kore University of Enna: Foundation Year graduates who choose to continue their studies at Kore may be considered for special tuition scholarships offered by the university.
Can students work a part-time job while attending Foundation Year classes?
Students who are 18 or older and have a type D Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week. However, due to the full-time commitment and mandatory attendance required by the Foundation Year Program, holding even a part-time job might not be feasible.