Study location	Italy, Siena, Piazza San Francesco n.7/8
Type	Pre-University Course, full-time
Study language	English
Awards	PUC

Tuition fee	€3,516 one-time The tuition fee must be paid in a single installment and is required to complete enrollment in the Foundation Course, after obtaining the necessary visa (if applicable) and all required documents.
Application fee	€49.90 per program You may apply for admission to up to two programs within the same application. The application fee must be paid separately for each program to which you apply.
Registration fee	€500 one-time Admitted students are required to confirm their intention to enroll by paying a registration fee (University Services). Read more information in the guide linked below.

Entry qualification

High school / secondary education (or higher) The following candidates are eligible for admission to the Foundation Course: Students holding a secondary school diploma (or an equivalent qualification in accordance with current regulations) obtained abroad after a minimum of 11 years of total schooling, which grants access to higher education in the educational system of the issuing country. Students holding a U.S. High School Diploma (HSD) who have not completed the three Advanced Placements (APs) required for admission to Italian universities. Students holding a General Certificate of Education (GCE) or an International General Certificate of Education (IGCE) from the United Kingdom who do not meet the requirement of three A-levels for admission to Italian universities. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language at a minimum B1 level (or higher) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The verification procedures for language proficiency are outlined at: admission.unisi.it/?p=1944. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age (or turn 17) by December 31, 2025, to be eligible for enrollment in the Foundation Course. Download the guide to the Foundation Course in Economics and Management The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Italian. Schools and universities usually provide documentation translated into English. If this is not available, an official translation will be required, along with certification of the authenticity of the original documents. Review the documents required for the admission application at this link: admission.unisi.it/?p=1193 Review the documents required for enrollment (upon admission) at the link admission.unisi.it/?p=1982

Language requirements	English English fluency is required, with a minimum proficiency level of B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For further information, check the following link admission.unisi.it/?p=1944

Other requirements

NOTICE: The Foundation Course in Economics and Management is a restricted-access program with a limited number of 160 places. To participate in the selection process, candidates must take the English TOLC-E online test, which is organized by the University of Siena for all applicants who have submitted their application through this portal. The structure and content of the test are available on the CISIA website. The University of Siena is offering English TOLC-E test sessions exclusively for applicants who have submitted their application through this portal. The test fee is included in the admission fee. The list of sessions available for the test and the registration deadlines will be announced shortly on this page. To access the English TOLC-E exclusive-access sessions organized by the University of Siena, candidates must: Pay the admission fee Fill out the application form with the required information. Upload the available documents, even if incomplete (download the guide below). Submit the application, even if incomplete (download the guide below). NOTICE: Until May 6, 2025 (the application deadline), candidates can reopen their application at any time to update or add information and documents. If you reopen the application, remember to resubmit it. Download the guide to the Foundation Course in Economics and Management

More information	foundation-course.unisi.it/en

Overview

The Foundation Course in Economics and Management is a multidisciplinary program that includes teachings in economics, law, and mathematics, along with English language courses (B2 level) and Italian language courses (A1 and A2 levels). Among the activities that students can choose from a set of options (equivalent to 18 CFC), elective courses include English and Italian language enhancement, further study of law, economics and the fundamentals of Python programming.
All activities are designed to strengthen or provide fundamental knowledge in specific subject areas at a pre-academic level, preparing students for a strong start in Economics and Managment bachelor’s degree program.

Download the guide to the Foundation Course in Economics and Management

Program structure

The Foundation Course in Economics and Management provides educational activities amounting to 60 Foundation Course Credits (CFC). Each CFC corresponds to 25 hours of academic commitment, which include individual study, possible classroom exercises, and no fewer than 8 hours of face-to-face teaching or laboratory activities.
CFCs are not university credits. They cannot be recognized to shorten subsequent study cycles, nor can they be replaced with university credits.

Course content:

• English Language B2 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Italian Language A1 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Italian Language A2 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Mathematics (15 CFC, 120 hours)
• Principles of Economics (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Principles of Law (6 CFC, 48 hours)

The student must complete the study plan with optional activities for 15 CFCs, which include:

• Introduction to Python Programming (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Italian Language – B1 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Italian Language – B2 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Essay Writing and Presentations (3 CFC, 24 hours)
• Principles of Economic History (3 CFC, 24 hours)
• Principles of Business Management (3 CFC, 24 hours)
• Special Legal Issues (3 CFC, 24 hours)

Achieving B2 level proficiency in Italian allows students to meet the language requirements for enrollment in degree programs taught in Italian at the University of Siena.

Achieving B2 level proficiency in English allows students to meet the language requirements for enrollment in degree programs taught in English at the University of Siena.

The Foundation Course is taught in English. Courses in Italian language and culture are taught in both Italian and English. All language courses will be organized in optimally sized classes to ensure the best quality of instruction.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory, with a minimum requirement of 75% of the total hours for each activity.
Students who fail to meet this requirement due to documented health issues or other exceptional circumstances may access make-up options. However, make-up options shall not compensate for absences exceeding 5% of the total hours.
Failure to meet the attendance requirement will result in ineligibility to take the final assessment.

Opportunity

The School of Economics and Management will offer up to twenty €2,500
merit-based scholarships for students who perform well and continue their future studies
at the School of Economics and Management of the University of Siena.