Learning Abroad Center
Duomo in Milan

University Study in Italy: Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Europe
LAC Program

Study at a local university in Milan, Italy's second largest city. Take classes alongside Italian and international students, in either English or Italian.

Program Details

Location
Location
Milan, Italy
Term
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English
Italian

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
2.75
Language Prerequisite
Language Prerequisite
No Language Prerequisite

Photos

About

This program allows you to directly enroll in courses at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. You will choose courses from a wide range of fields at the university, taught either in English or Italian. The program is well suited to students seeking an affordable, integrated Italian university experience.

Milan has historical roots, but is also a hub of business, fashion and so much more. 

Program Model

University Study

Housing & Meals

Shared student housing is included in the program fee and arranged through Cattolica prior to your departure. Locations are scattered throughout the city of Milan and are not on-campus as you might expect in the US. Because Milan is a large city, a commute of up to 45 minutes to and from campus is normal. There is no meal plan; you can prepare meals in your apartment, or eat at local restaurants and cafes. Housing is guaranteed for students who apply by the deadline.

Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff at the University Cattolica del Sacro Coure are accessible and supportive. You will work closely with the International Office at UCSC before and during your experience abroad. 

The International Office organizes an orientation for study abroad students upon arrival to help you adjust to a new educational system and integrate into campus life. At this orientation you will receive information about campus facilities and support services, clubs and societies, and the Italian educational system. 

Program Structure

Program Level
Various levels
Courseload

12-18 credits per semester

Coursework

Italian Language Pre-Session

Enroll in the required Italian language pre-session to get a jump start on your language learning. Beginning through advanced levels are offered. Classes are 6 ECTS which will transfer back as 3 UofM credits. 

International Curriculum

CLASSES

Classes in the International Curriculum are all in English, are designed for international students, and will have a similar academic structure to a class you might take in the US. You will register for these classes as part of your pre-departure process. All classes on the International Curriculum have the same course dates and exam dates, which are posted in advance.

Academic Curriculum

CLASSES

Classes in the Academic Curriculum are designed for Italian students, and will consist of mostly Italian students. On this track, there are courses available in English and Italian. If you want to take classes in Italian, you must have taken the equivalent of 4 semesters of college level Italian, and have received a B average or higher. Classes on this track will be in the Italian academic structure, and your registration will take place after you arrive.

Notes on Academic Curriculum coursework:

  • Registration for these courses can be confusing, so we recommend you be in close contact with the Cattolica international office to ensure the courses you need are available and will work for you. 
  • Each Faculty (department or college) can have slightly different dates. Pay close attention to the dates of the faculty you are interested in.
  • Courses in the Faculty of Economics in English are run on a trimester system and have different dates from the rest of the university. For this reason, if you want to take classes in this faculty, you should plan to go abroad in the fall semester and not the spring semester.
  • Fall students: Many fall courses extend into January or February. As an international student, you can request an early exam so that you can complete the course before you return home in December. 
  • Spring students: Exam dates vary, but you should expect your exams to be sometime in early to mid June.

Finding Course Information

For more tips on difference in terminology and finding course information, go to Finding Course Information for Host Universities.

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

This program runs annually during the terms listed on the Snapshot page. Program dates are typically posted within a month of when each application cycle opens.

Orientation Dates & Locations

The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.

Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:

  • Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
  • LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.

The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:

Spring 2025

Application Deadline: Oct 1, 2024

ScheduleDate
International Curriculum 
Program StartLate January
Program EndLate May
Academic Curriculum 
Program StartLate January
Program EndMid June*

*Depending on finals schedules, Academic Curriculum courses could go into July, but the majority of them will be completed by mid-June.

Academic Year 2024–2025

Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartLate August
Program EndMid-June

Fall 2024

Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartLate August
Program EndMid-December

Spring 2024

Application Deadline: Oct 1, 2023

ScheduleDate
International Curriculum 
Program StartLate January
Program EndLate May
Academic Curriculum 
Program StartLate January
Program EndMid June*

*Depending on finals schedules, Academic Curriculum courses could go into July, but the majority of them will be completed by mid-June.

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

 

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Spring 2025

University Study in Italy: U Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Milan

Apartment 1—Shared Apartment

Spring Semester 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $8,763
International health insurance $304
Housing and/or mealsRent and utilities in a shared student apartment. No meals included. $5,023
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $14,490
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $14,490

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip airfare to and from Milan $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the student visa, $50 for using the UofM visa service, and $120 for the residence permit, when you arrive on-site. $230
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,180
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $200
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeGroceries and meals (budgeted at $175 per week) $2,975
Essential daily living expensesIncludes things like a cell phone plan, metro pass, toiletries, etc. $1,200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $4,375

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $21,045
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Academic Year 2024–25

University Study in Italy: U Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Milan

Academic Yr Fall 2024/Spring 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $15,276
International health insurance $634
Housing and/or mealsRent and utilities in a shared student apartment. No meals included. $10,045
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $26,355
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $26,355

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip airfare to and from Milan $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the student visa, $50 for using the UofM visa service, and $120 for the residence permit, when you arrive on-site. $230
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,180
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $400
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeGroceries and meals (budgeted at $175 per week) $7,000
Essential daily living expensesIncludes things like a cell phone plan, metro pass, toiletries, etc. $2,500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $9,900

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $38,435
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $3,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2024

University Study in Italy: U Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Milan

Fall Semester 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $8,777
International health insurance $230
Housing and/or mealsRent and utilities in a shared student apartment. No meals included. $5,023
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $14,430
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $14,430

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip airfare to and from Milan $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the student visa, $50 for using the UofM visa service, and $120 for the residence permit, when you arrive on-site. $230
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,180
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $200
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeGroceries and meals (budgeted at $175 per week) $2,975
Essential daily living expensesIncludes things like a cell phone plan, metro pass, toiletries, etc. $1,200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $4,375

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $20,985
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

If you do not currently have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your return date, or are still needing to apply for a new one, start the process as soon as possible. Visit the UofM Passport Office website for more information.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received.  Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist. 

The Learning Abroad Center will review your application. You will receive a link to Cattolica's online application system when it opens. Create an account there, and upload the items requested. These items include but are not limited to:

  • Unofficial transcript
  • Course selection information
  • Digital photo
  • Passport Copy

Affiliate organizations and partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center. Students must participate in affiliate organization and partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Sara McCabe at [email protected], or call at 612.624.9373

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.

Spring 2024

Emily B.: Biology major

Lizzy V.: Food Science major