Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Email: international.inquiry@unicatt.it
Overview
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is a private Catholic university in Italy and is considered the largest non-state university in Europe, with multiple campuses in cities including Milan, Brescia, Piacenza-Cremona, and Rome. It was founded in 1921 and combines strong academic traditions with a breadth of modern programmes across humanities, social sciences, economics, law, medicine, and more, grounded in a mission of cultural, ethical, and intellectual formation.
The university is internationally engaged, offering a variety of academic opportunities, research activities, and exchange programmes that attract both Italian and international students. It is recognised in global rankings for its academic quality and is notable for its international exchange participation.
Key Strengths of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore:
Broad and multidisciplinary academic offerings: UCSC provides degree programmes across a wide range of fields including economics, business, international relations, social sciences, humanities, medicine, law, and agricultural sciences, enabling students to pursue diverse academic interests.
Extensive international engagement: The university has strong global connections and exchange networks, ranking highly in Europe for both outgoing and incoming student mobility, which supports rich cross-cultural academic experiences.
Multiple campuses with cultural and professional contexts: The university hosts several research centers and maintains active extension programs, contributing to scientific development, community service, and knowledge transfer both locally and regionally.
Integrated international curriculum options: The university facilitates programmes through its Cattolica International initiative that allows international students to take courses in English or a mix of English and Italian, making it adaptable to different linguistic backgrounds.
Academic Calendars
The academic year at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is divided into two semesters:
Spring Semester:
Nomination and Application Deadline: October - December
Semester Start: Early March
Semester End: Late June - Early July
Fall Semester:
Nomination and Application Deadline: April - June
Semester Start: Early September
Semester End: Late December - Early January
Orientation for international students is conducted a week before each semester, covering essential topics such as course registration, cultural adaptation, and campus facilities.
Courses in English
Based on Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore official information (International Academy and international admissions materials), several English-taught programs are available for international students (based on the most recent listings):
International Relations and Global Affairs
Economics and Management
Sustainable Agriculture for Food Quality and Environment (SAFE)
Medicine and Surgery
In addition to full degree programs, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore also offers a wide range of individual courses taught in English at undergraduate and graduate levels across faculties. The availability of courses may vary by academic year and department.