Programme enrolment: requirements, deadlines and methods

Important notice: the EPOS 3^rd intake of admission IS taking place, with 28 spots still available, for European citizens and non-European citizens assimilated only. Applications will close on 8^th July 2024 at 1pm (CET time).

For all information and deadlines please refer to the Call for Applications.

                                                                                                              Last update : July 3rd, 2024

What is EPOS?

EPOS stands for Economics, Politics and Social Sciences. It is an international undergraduate degree course, entirely taught in English and open to Italian and international applicants. It lasts 3 years and leads to the title of Bachelor's in Economics or Political Science (1st-cycle degree). You would be studying at the University of Bologna which is the oldest University in the western world (established in the year 1088).

Am I eligible to apply?
EPOS is a restricted-access programme. Anyone with an Italian Diploma di Maturità can apply. Have you got a non-Italian secondary school certificate? If so, check this page to understand if you have the requirements to apply and the specific documentation needed. Also have a look at the page for special cases and information by country.

When can I apply?

You can submit your application between February 5th through early June 3^rd until 1 pm Italian time. There will likely be an additional window of one week, in July 1^st-8^th, but it is not guaranteed. Below you find more details on the calendar. 

How many places are available?

EPOS is a restricted-access programme: there is an application process that will lead to the enrollment of at most 120 students. Admission takes place in two or three waves that are called “intakes”.

•  1st intake: 45 places for EU and EU-assimilated citizens + 35 places for non-EU residing outside of Italy; applications between February 5^th through April 11^th at 1 pm Italian time.
•   2nd intake: 35 places for EU and EU-assimilated citizens + 5 places for non-EU residing outside of Italy; applications between April 12^th through June 3^rd at 1 pm Italian time.
• 3rd intake:  28 places for EU and EU-assimilated citizens; applications between July 1st through July 8th at 1 pm Italian time.

Unsure if you are in the EU and EU-assimilated citizens category? check this page. Information on the dates will be available soon in the Call for Applications posted here.

How does the selection work?

The selection of applicants is based on the SAT General test, which is an international test in English managed by CollegeBoard , and stands for “Scholastic Assessment Test.” The test will take place in presence and will focus on logical, mathematical, and linguistics skills. Completing the test is necessary before you apply to EPOS.

Where and when do I take the SAT?

You may take this test in Bologna or in one of the many test centers available worldwide;  then, you'll be able to forward your application to the University of Bologna when our application process will open. Any SAT score obtained since 1^st February 2022, both in the digital and non digital version, will suffice to apply.

Please remember the following key points! 

• When registering for the SAT on the College Board website use the same personal email address that you will use as "private email" to apply to EPOS through the portal Studenti Online.
• Before sitting the test or once you have taken the test, send your score to the University of Bologna using code 6993. Do it as early as possible, so that we receive the score within the application deadline. You can do this directly from the College Board website.

>>>> Please check the information about SAT posted on the box on the right side of this page.

How do I complete my application?

• Upload all requested documents into the Portal - Studenti Online. All applicants shall upload a valid copy of Passport or ID.
• Pay the registration fee (20 euros).
• Employ as “private email” the same personal email address that you used to register for SAT.
• Carefully read the Call for Application in order to complete all the steps required.

Do I need to certify my English knowledge in order to apply to EPOS?

A good score on SAT will be a sufficient proof for us of your English skills. No linguistic certificate is required for admission.  Keep in mind that the working language of EPOS is English: all lectures, exams and other activities are in English, and a proficiency level of at least at B2 level is necessary to effectively complete the EPOS programme. EPOS is not a course to improve your language skills, which you should have from the beginning of the first year, before classes begin.

Do I need to speak Italian to apply to EPOS?

English is the working language of EPOS for classes, exams, and communications but some basic Italian will facilitate your everyday life in Bologna. You can be admitted to EPOS even if you do not possess Italian language skills at the moment of admission.

By the end of your study, though, you are required to know Italian at least at the B1 level. Specific Italian language learning activities will be offered for international students. If you have already taken Italian classes before or have an Italian language certificate you can ask to be exempted from this activity. For any information, please contact the Programme Manager or the University Language Center – CLA. Click here for more information.

Do you need more information?

Please read carefully the information provided. If you need more support, please email the course tutor Giorgia Zito at didatticasociale.tutorepos@unibo.it 
or the programme manager at didatticasociale.epos@unibo.it .

THE INFORMATION POSTED BELOW REFER TO LAST YEAR AND WILL BE UPDATED LATER.