The University of Chicago Bologna program provides students in the College with an opportunity to live for a semester or year in the medieval/modern city of Bologna while taking classes in English at the venerable University of Bologna, arguably Europe’s oldest university.
The program is operated by the Bologna Consortial Studies Program (BCSP), comprised of eight universities: Chicago, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It begins in late August/early September with an orientation session and a practical introduction to the Italian language. Once the academic year begins, students take courses taught in English at the University of Bologna.
Participants in the Bologna program share an apartment in Bologna with other local or BCSP students, or reside in student/dormitory style housing, based on preference. Most students enrolling in the English language Bologna program stay in Laude Living apartments or The Social Hub. The program will provide more information and assist you with finding arrangements. Most of the available housing is within walking distance of the center, though some require a short commute by bus.
Participants in the Bologna program remain registered as full-time students in the College. Course titles, units of credit, and grades are placed on the College transcript. Since the use of these credits in a specific degree program is variable, students should consult with their academic adviser and program chair to determine exactly how credits may be distributed toward degree progress. All students are required to read and follow the Direct Enrollment Credit Guide ahead of committing to a direct enrollment program in order to fully understand the process.
A searchable list of the 450+ courses offered in English is available here (Make the following selections: Campus: University of Bologna, Course Type: 1st Cycle Degree/Bachelor, Language: English): Course unit catalogue.
Bologna program participants pay regular College tuition and a nonrefundable study abroad administrative fee. The tuition is paid in conformity with the home campus payment schedule, and a deposit toward the nonrefundable study abroad administrative fee is submitted when accepting a place in a program. Students pay living expenses, including housing, food, books, travel, and incidentals while in Bologna. Precise figures for the Bologna program for the 2024-2025 year are listed below:
Academic year tuition: as set by the Bursar’s Office
Study abroad administrative fee: $675
Out-of-pocket expenses include:
- round-trip airfare to and from the program site
- passport/visa fees
- transportation on site
- accommodation
- meals
- course materials
- personal entertainment and travel
- communications (cell phone, etc.)
- health insurance and upfront payments for care
- other miscellaneous expenses
Study abroad students retain their financial aid eligibility. For more information about financial aid resources, please see our Tuition, Fees, and Funding section.
The Bologna program is open to University of Chicago undergraduate students only. Students at one of the other BCSP universities should apply through their home institution.
The program is designed for undergraduates in good academic and disciplinary standing who are beyond their second year in the College. For the English-language program, no prior Italian language study is necessary. Students are expected to have a solid overall academic record, usually at least a B average.
Students wishing to apply to the Bologna program are expected to meet with Elana Kranz as a requirement of the application process. Please email Elana Kranz to set up an appointment.
To discuss the Bologna program and the possibility of participating, please contact Elana Kranz.
