Cattolica’s Foundation Programme does not compensate for other missing requirements (i.e. academic requirements such as an American Diploma with no APs, or a British Diploma with no/missing A Levels, or a diploma with IB certificates).

Students applying outside of the scope of the programme may be placed on a waiting list or rejected.  
 

Based on the students’ English proficiency upon application, they will be placed in one of the following 2 tracks: 

TRACK 1: from English level B1+/B2 to C1
 

Structure of the programme:

• English Language and Academic Skills (500 hours)
  Advance from B1+/B2 to C1 with comprehensive training in reading, writing, speaking, and listening for academic purposes.
   
• Italian Language and Culture (160 hours)
  Achieve A2 level Italian, equipping you for real-life interactions and academic integration in Italy. This course is for beginners!
   
• English in disciplinary specific contexts (140 hours)
  • Humanities and Social Studies
  • Art and Literature
  • Business, Finance and Law
  • Political Science

TRACK 2: English level C1 to C2
 

• English Language and Academic Skills (500 hours)
  Advance from C1 to C2 with comprehensive training in reading, writing, speaking and listening for academic purposes.
   
• Italian Language and Culture (160)
  Achieve A2 level Italian, equipping you for real-life interactions and academic integration in Italy. This course is for beginners!
   
• Subject courses (140) 
  Choose 3 courses from a catalogue of university level courses in different disciplines, here are some examples:  
  • ZXT430 -  Diversity at Work: Working Better by Working Together
  • ZXW440 - Sustainable tourism lab
  • ZXV378 - Entrepreneurship Lab: Creating a New Business (Ed. B)
  • ZXT856 - Brand Communication in the Art and Tourism Sectors
  • ZXT431 - A Sensorial Journey Towards Intercultural Competences
  • ZXV379 - Corporate Social Communications and Green Marketing
  • ZXP696 - Publishing, Publicity and Cultural Journalism
  • ZXP718 - The European Union in the World: Crisis or Transformation?
  • ZWX791 - The International System in International Relations: Origins, Evolution, and Contemporary Challenges
  • ZXP723 - Drama: "The Word to the Action" in the Italian Commedia dell'Arte
  • ZXZ498 - Italian Heroines in Contemporary Literature and Culture
  • ZXP722 - Methods of Illusion: la Mise-en-scéne from Drama to Fiction and Visual Arts
  • ZXS567 - Managing Sustainability in Fashion and Luxury

The Cattolica Foundation Programme does not compensate for other missing requirements. Any student who applies for the Foundation Programme for other motivations will be placed on a wait list and may be considered upon places availability.

To apply, candidates must complete the online application form and upload the required documents.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Foundation Programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• High School Completion: students must have completed or be in the final year of high school.
• Years of Schooling: 11
• Language Proficiency of a minimum B1. Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency (see accepted certificates below).
• Minimum Age: Candidates must turn 17 by July 31, 2026.

Required Documents

While filling out the online application form, you must upload:

• High School Transcript: a complete transcript showing results for each year of high school. If candidates have not yet graduated, they must submit their most up-to-date transcript, including their final year. If the documents are not in English, provide an official translation along with the originals.
   
• High School Diploma (if already obtained): a copy of their diploma. If the documents are not in English, provide an official translation along with the originals.
   
• Language Certification: When applying, you must upload an official language certification - minimum level B1 (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, etc.).CV/Resumé: Highlight academic and extracurricular experiences. 
  
  The minimum scores required are: 
  • IELTS: min 4
  • TOEFL: min 42
     
• Motivation Letter: Students are invited to articulate their academic ambitions and goals, and to explain how Cattolica’s Foundation Programme supports them in achieving these aspirations..
   

Take the first step toward your academic journey: 
 

• Application Fee (non-refundable): € 100 (includes an Italian language placement test)
   
• Tuition Fee: € 9,450 - 3 instalments:
  • € 1,500 due upon confirmation of enrolment
  • € 3,975 due October 31, 2026
  • € 3,975 due February 28, 2027

Accommodation Type

Single rooms or Shared bedroom (2 per room) in shared apartments (4 – 6 total occupants). Bathrooms will be shared between two students. Single rooms are more limited than double rooms.

Rent and payment schedule: 
 

• 1 semester contract (23 September 2026 – 15 January 2027) with possibility of renewal for 2nd semester (16 January 2027 - 29 May 2027). Renewal requests must be made no later than October 30, 2026
  • Single room: €4.675,00 with full payment due upon booking confirmation.
  • Double room: €4.175,00 with full payment due upon booking confirmation.
     
• Full-year contract (23 September 2026 – 29 May 2027)
  • Single room: €8.350,00 with deposit of €4.175,00 due upon booking confirmation and balance due before arrival.
  • Double room: €7.350, 00 with deposit of €3.625,00 due upon booking confirmation and balance due before arrival.

Instructions on how to secure housing will be sent to students via email once they will have paid the first instalment.

Key Features
 

• Convenient Location: Housing within a short commute to the Milan campus. 
• Transparent Costs: No hidden fees or agency charges. 
• Year-Round Access: Includes Christmas and relevant holidays from September to May. 
• Comprehensive Service: Regular linen changes, cleaning, and in-house maintenance assistance. 
• Hassle-Free Utilities: All-inclusive (electricity, internet, etc.). 
• Visa-Friendly: Documentation provided to support visa applications. 

1. Visa Denial

If a student is unable to begin the programme due to a visa denial or significant delay preventing the student from meeting the minimum attendance requirements (as outlined in the Attendance Policy), they are eligible for a full refund of all fees paid, minus an € 80 administrative charge. To process the refund, official documentation confirming the visa denial must be submitted.

2. Withdrawal Before Programme Start

If a student withdraws from the programme after enrolment but before the official start date, the following applies:

• The first instalment of tuition fees are non-refundable.
• Any other payments made beyond the first instalment will be refunded.

3. Withdrawal After Programme Start

If a student withdraws after the programme has begun, the following applies:

• No refunds will be issued for any tuition instalments already paid.
• Future unpaid instalments will not be charged.

4. General Conditions

• All withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing to the admissions office at the following email: foundation.programme@unicatt.it
• Refunds, where applicable, will be processed within 45 working days of confirmation of eligibility.
• The institution reserves the right to amend this policy at any time, with notice provided to enrolled students.

Your application will be reviewed based on:

• Your Foundation Programme results
• Your past school grades
• Your motivation letter

We also look at how engaged and committed you were during the Foundation Programme. If needed, our international admissions team may talk with your Foundation lecturers to better understand your profile.

Please note: We cannot give early feedback or tell you your chances before the official results are announced. This ensures fairness for all applicants.