Colleges in Italy

SDA Bocconi University's MBA programme typically requires professional work experience for admission. On average, students in the MBA programme have five years of work experience, with the range between three and ten years. However, younger candidates may be eligible for admission if they have an excellent academic background, test scores, soft skills, and motivation. Additionally, the admission requirements include a detailed CV, proficiency in English, GMAT or GRE scores, and two references, indicating the importance of work experience in the admission process. Therefore, it is unlikely to get into Bocconi University's MBA programme without the required work experience.

Both Bocconi University in Italy and IIM Ahmedabad are prestigious institutions for pursuing an MBA. According to the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023, SDA Bocconi School of Management is ranked 6th, while the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad is ranked 51st. SDA Bocconi's MBA programme is known for its high international mobility rank, strong alumni network, and a significant salary percentage increase after graduation. On the other hand, IIM Ahmedabad is recognised for its excellent career progress rank and high overall satisfaction. The choice between the two institutions depends on various factors such as career goals, location preferences, and specific programme offerings. It is important for prospective students to carefully consider their individual priorities and conduct thorough research before making a decision.

Bocconi University in Italy offers a Master of Science in International Management programme that prepares graduates to work in companies of any size, public or private institutional structures, as well as startups or established businesses. Graduates are particularly fit for companies with an international outreach and a strong focus on international markets and international organizations. Graduates may pursue careers as Management Specialists and Consultants for both international and national companies, and may be involved in management activities at companies operating in global markets and/or marketing department, accounting/finance department, planning and control department, human resources department, operations department, etc. Graduates may perform activities such as business development, marketing management, accounting/financial management, performance measurement, human resources management, and global supply chain management. According to the Financial Times, SDA Bocconi School of Management MBA graduates receive the second the biggest salary increase in Europe after HEC Paris. In 2019, 92% of SDA Bocconi grads seeking employment found a new job three months after graduation, and 80% changed either country, sector, or function. Graduates find careers in a wide array of sectors, and several globally renowned companies. 82% of graduates found jobs in Europe, and of these graduates, 57% were from non-EU countries. Precise location data shows that 39% of grads remained in Italy post-graduation, with a wider 42% remaining in Europe. 7% chose to work in North America, 6% in the Asia Pacific region, 4% in Latin America, and 2% in the Middle East. The Career Development Center at SDA Bocconi connects students to the business world and supports them in finding their next job or internships, giving them tools to be prepared and develop a career strategy. The CDC team provides training, tools, and knowledge to plan and execute an effective career strategy, hosts a large variety of employers, and tells the experience of Alumni, helping students to successfully re-enter the job market after graduation.

Bocconi University's SDA Bocconi School of Management is highly regarded for its MBA program, with some key aspects that attract students and alumni:

1. Rankings: SDA Bocconi is ranked 1st in Europe and 4th in the world in the SportBusiness Postgraduate Course Rankings 2023. It is also ranked 2nd in Europe behind INSEAD, LBS, IESE, and HEC
2. Diversity: The school has a diverse cohort of students from over 35 nationalities, providing a rich cultural experience
3. Course Curriculum: The MBA programme offers a comprehensive curriculum, with a focus on finance and accounting, and is considered one of the best in central Europe
4. Career Services: SDA Bocconi provides effective career services, especially for EU citizens seeking jobs in Italy. However, the career services may be less effective for students from other nationalities
5. Class Size: The class size is relatively small, with 15-30 people in each teaching session, allowing for more individualized attention and discussion
6. International Exposure: The school has a strong international focus, with a global perspective in its curriculum and a diverse student body

However, there are some concerns and challenges to consider:

1. Language Barrier: Students from non-European countries may face language barriers and the need to obtain a work permit
2. Job Opportunities: While the school is well-regarded in Europe, job opportunities for international students may be limited
3. Cost: The MBA programme is expensive, and students should consider the return on investment (ROI) before enrolling

Overall, SDA Bocconi is considered a top-tier MBA programme in Europe, with a strong reputation for quality and diversity. However, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the costs and challenges before deciding to enroll.

Choosing between Bocconi University and IES Open University for an MBA in Italy depends on various factors, such as your career goals, academic preferences, and personal interests. Here are some reasons to consider Bocconi University for your MBA:

1. Ranking: Bocconi University's SDA Bocconi School of Management is ranked as the best MBA in Italy and is highly ranked globally, being 13th globally and 5th in Europe by the Financial Times
2. Location: Milan, where Bocconi University is located, is a manageable city with a strong business ecosystem, offering opportunities in industries such as luxury and fashion, consulting, technology, and e-commerce
3. Diversity: Bocconi University values the diversity of its cohort, as it brings together students with different perspectives and backgrounds, fostering a more interesting and dynamic learning environment
4. Strong focus on structured analysis and quantitative decision-making: Bocconi University is known for its strong focus on structured analysis and quantitative decision-making, which can be beneficial for students interested in strategy consulting
5. International opportunities: Bocconi University offers MBA programs with international accreditation and rankings, providing students with opportunities to explore various industries and job markets

While IES Open University is not mentioned in the search results, it is essential to research and compare the programs and offerings of both institutions to determine which one best aligns with your career goals and personal interests. Factors such as the university's reputation, faculty, and alumni network can also play a significant role in your decision-making process.

The documents required for Indian students in the visa process for Bocconi University, Italy, include the following:

1. Original certificate of high school/bachelor's degree
2. Documented guarantees regarding the applicant's study curriculum
3. Acceptance of enrollment by Bocconi University
4. Receipt of full payment of the first part of tuition fees
5. Application form downloaded from the Italian Consulate Webpage
6. Two recent passport-size photographs
7. Passport with a validity of 90 days from the date of expiry of the visa and at least 1 blank page
8. "Dichiarazione di Valore" (Declaration of Value) of the applicant's educational certificates
9. Permit of Stay for study purposes, once in Italy

The official Acceptance Letter issued by Bocconi University is also required for the visa application. The visa application process involves completing a 2-step application, pre-registering, and submitting the application on the Universitaly portal. Once in Italy, all non-EU students will have to obtain a "Permesso di Soggiorno" (Permit of Stay). It is important to apply for the appropriate visa at the Italian diplomatic authority of the country of residence and to follow the instructions provided on the website of the relevant consulate.

Bocconi University and IES Open University have different tuition fees depending on the programme and the student's residency status. For Bocconi University, the tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year for students enrolled in their first year of a Bachelor of Science or Law programme are set at €16,500 per year. For the Master of Science programs, the tuition and fees for the 2023-24 academic year are set at €16,103 per year. On the other hand, The Open University has different fee structures depending on the programme and the student's residency status. For UK students, the annual fee for research degrees is £5,692, while for international students, it is £7,072. The fees for postgraduate certificates and diplomas vary depending on the subject area, ranging from £3,462 for a 60-credit module to £9,145-£9,480 for computing. In summary, Bocconi University seems to be cheaper for undergraduate programs, while The Open University has more varied fees depending on the programme and the student's residency status.