Study location	Italy, Siena, Palazzo San Niccolò, via Roma, 56
Type	Pre-University Course, full-time
Study language	English
Awards	PUC

Tuition fee	€3,516 one-time The tuition fee must be paid in a single installment and is required to complete enrollment in the Foundation Course, after obtaining the necessary visa (if applicable) and all required documents.
Application fee	€49.90 per program You may apply for admission to up to two programs within the same application. The application fee must be paid separately for each program to which you apply.
Registration fee	€500 one-time Admitted students are required to confirm their intention to enroll by paying a registration fee (University Services). Read more information in the guide linked below.

Entry qualification

High school / secondary education (or higher) The following candidates are eligible for admission to the Foundation Course: Students holding a secondary school diploma (or an equivalent qualification in accordance with current regulations) obtained abroad after a minimum of 11 years of total schooling, which grants access to higher education in the educational system of the issuing country. Students holding a U.S. High School Diploma (HSD) who have not completed the three Advanced Placements (APs) required for admission to Italian universities. Students holding a General Certificate of Education (GCE) or an International General Certificate of Education (IGCE) from the United Kingdom who do not meet the requirement of three A-levels for admission to Italian universities. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language at a minimum B1 level (or higher) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The verification procedures for language proficiency are outlined at: admission.unisi.it/?p=1944. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age (or turn 17) by December 31, 2025, to be eligible for enrollment in the Foundation Course. Download the guide to the Foundation Course in Engineering and Science The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Italian. Schools and universities usually provide documentation translated into English. If this is not available, an official translation will be required, along with certification of the authenticity of the original documents. Review the documents required for the admission application at this link: admission.unisi.it/?p=1193 Review the documents required for enrollment (upon admission) at the link admission.unisi.it/?p=1982

Language requirements	English English fluency is required, with a minimum proficiency level of B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For further information, check the following link admission.unisi.it/?p=1944

Other requirements

NOTICE: The Foundation Course in Engineering and Science is a restricted-access program with a limited number of 50 places. To participate in the selection process, candidates must take the English TOLC-I online test, which is organized by the University of Siena for all applicants who have submitted their application through this portal. The structure and content of the test are available on the CISIA website . The evaluation of candidates will conclude with an interview, which will be conducted online. The University of Siena is offering English TOLC-I test sessions exclusively for applicants who have submitted their application through this portal. The test fee is included in the admission fee. The following sessions are currently scheduled: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 14:30 (CET) Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 14:30 (CEST) Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 14:30 (CEST) Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 14:30 (CEST) – final available session for the Foundation Course. Please check the test registration deadlines (download the guide below). To access the English TOLC-I exclusive-access sessions organized by the University of Siena, candidates must: Pay the admission fee Fill out the application form with the required information. Upload the available documents, even if incomplete (download the guide below). Submit the application, even if incomplete (download the guide below). NOTICE: Until May 6, 2025 (the application deadline), candidates can reopen their application at any time to update or add information and documents. If you reopen the application, remember to resubmit it. Download the guide to the Foundation Course in Engineering and Science

Overview

The Foundation Course in Engineering and Science is a multidisciplinary program that includes teachings in mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry, along with English language courses (B2 level) and Italian language courses (A1 and A2 levels). Among the activities that students can choose from a set of options (equivalent to 12 CFC), elective courses include English and Italian language enhancement and computer science.

All activities are designed to strengthen or provide fundamental knowledge in specific subject areas at a pre-academic level, preparing students for a strong start in STEM degree programs.

Download the guide to the Foundation Course in Engineering and Science

Program structure

The Foundation Course in Engineering and Science provides educational activities amounting to 60 Foundation Course Credits (CFC). Each CFC corresponds to 25 hours of academic commitment, which include individual study, possible classroom exercises, and no fewer than 8 hours of face-to-face teaching or laboratory activities.

CFCs are not university credits. They cannot be recognized to shorten subsequent study cycles, nor can they be replaced with university credits.

Course content:

• English Language B2 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Italian Language A1 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Italian Language A2 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Mathematics (15 CFC, 120 hours)
• Physics (5 CFC, 40 hours)
• Chemistry (5 CFC, 40 hours)
• Biology (5 CFC, 40 hours)

The student must complete the study plan with optional activities for 12 CFCs, which include:

• Introduction to Programming (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Italian Language – B1 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Italian Language – B2 Level (6 CFC, 48 hours)
• Advanced English Language (6 CFC, 48 hours)

Achieving B2 level proficiency in Italian allows students to meet the language requirements for enrollment in degree programs taught in Italian at the University of Siena.

Achieving B2 level proficiency in English allows students to meet the language requirements for enrollment in degree programs taught in English at the University of Siena.

The Foundation Course is taught in English. Courses in Italian language and culture are taught in both Italian and English. All language courses will be organized in optimally sized classes to ensure the best quality of instruction.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory, with a minimum requirement of 75% of the total hours for each activity.

Students who fail to meet this requirement due to documented health issues or other exceptional circumstances may access make-up options. However, make-up options shall not compensate for absences exceeding 5% of the total hours.

Failure to meet the attendance requirement will result in ineligibility to take the final assessment.

Opportunity

The Department of Information Engineering and Mathematics will offer up to ten €1,500
merit-based scholarships for students who perform well and continue their future studies
at the University of Siena.