Bocconi: Italy’s #1 University for Business & Beyond

Dreaming of studying business, economics, or law at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities? Bocconi, located in the heart of Milan, might be your perfect match! In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to apply — from choosing the right program to preparing for the admission test. And don’t worry, Zenith Education is here to support you every step of the way — from writing your cover letter to acing the Bocconi test!

Why Study at Bocconi?

The Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, located in Milan, has long been celebrated as Italy's top university! Established in 1902, it excels in teaching subjects like economics, finance, management, and political science, with over 12,000 students enrolled in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. It's a fantastic place to study, ranking 10th in the world for Business Management (according to QS Ranking).

What makes Bocconi particularly attractive to students is not just its great reputation, but also the chance to experience studying in Italy's vibrant multicultural environment, where students come from more than 100 different countries. For many, Bocconi represents a wonderful alternative to English universities. It offers high-quality education abroad but at a more budget-friendly price, with tuition fees averaging around €16,500 per year for Bachelor's degrees starting from the 2024-2025 academic year (and all Bachelor's programs last three years).

Choose Your Perfect Program

If you’re interested in applying, you can do so in the final year of high school or just after completing your second-to-last year, directly through the Bocconi website. You’ll even have the chance to list up to four Bachelor’s programs you’d like to study, making the process smoother and more tailored to your interests!

Your Application Timeline

When applying to Bocconi, you’ll find that there’s a schedule to follow, divided into three sessions!

Just a friendly reminder: if you didn't get accepted this time, you can always try again for the next session! There's always another opportunity waiting for you.

Step 1: Build a Strong Application File

We’re excited to guide you through the application process! To complete your administrative file, please follow these steps:

1. Fill out all your personal information.

2. Upload a copy of your passport or ID card.

3. Share your report cards from 10th and 11th grade.

4. Upload your CV in English.

5. Write and submit your cover letter in English, following the Bocconi guidelines.

6. Register for the Bocconi Online Test or send over your SAT or ACT scores.

7. Feel free to upload any additional documents that could support your application.

Just a heads-up: your grades, cover letter, and CV will make up 45% of your admission decision. While you don’t need to provide an English test score right now, you’ll need to submit one if your application is accepted to confirm your admission.

Step 2: Nail the Admission Test

To complete your application, you’ll need to share your scores from one of three tests: the Bocconi Test, SAT, or ACT. These results play a big role in the admissions process, making up 55% of the decision!

Usually, if you’re not aiming for American universities, we recommend the Bocconi Test. It’s specially designed to be easier and quicker to prepare for compared to the SAT or ACT. Plus, unlike other European BBA admissions tests like ESADE or IE, the Bocconi Test isn't broken into sections.

You’ll have 75 minutes to complete it, answering a total of 50 multiple-choice questions. Most questions have five answer choices, but the “Critical Thinking” (Textual Logic) questions offer three choices for the right answer.

Know the Rules: How the Test is Scored

Each correct answer gives you 1 point, so you can score a total of 50 points. If you choose not to answer a question, it won’t affect your score at all, but keep in mind that wrong answers do carry a small penalty—0.2 points for most questions and 0.33 points for the “Critical Thinking” ones, which have three options.

Also, it’s important to note that if your score is below 17 out of 50 when you submit, you’ll need to try again, as you’ll be disqualified. But don’t worry! You have three attempts to get it right across all sessions.

You can take the Bocconi Test anytime from July 10, 2025, to April 2, 2025, except during these short breaks:

• August 1 to 25, 2025
• September 25 to October 5, 2025
• December 19, 2025, to January 1, 2026
• January 22 to February 3, 2026

How Hard is it to Get into Bocconi?

Bocconi University is known for being quite selective, so it’s a good idea to aim for strong academic results—typically the equivalent of an upper B to A average (around 85% or higher, depending on your school system). Doing well on a standardized test—whether it’s the Bocconi Test, SAT, or ACT—can significantly boost your chances. You’ll also want to prepare a compelling portfolio, including your CV and a well-crafted cover letter. While students with slightly lower averages (around 75–80%) may still be admitted if they perform exceptionally well on the test, admission is very rare for applicants with significantly lower grades. Focus on presenting your strongest academic and personal achievements, and you’ll be well on your way!

Zenith Can Boost Your Chances

At Zenith, we’re here to make your Bocconi admission process smooth and enjoyable! Our friendly team of experts in bachelor's admissions is ready to support you every step of the way. Here’s what we’re happy to offer:

-Help you find the perfect program that fits your goals

• Work together on your cover letter to make it shine.
• We’ll support you in putting together an awesome CV.
• We’re here to assist you with all the necessary paperwork and administrative steps.

-Looking to ace the TOEFL or IELTS exam? We can guide you through your preparation.

• Get you ready for the Bocconi Online Test

Let’s work together to make your application stand out!