University Counsellor – Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

We know that choosing a university is one of the most important decisions in a young person’s life. In collaboration with Lamonda Lewis, High School Counsellor, we present a new university each month to inform you of the many options available. This month, we highlight Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy.

University Website: https://international.unicatt.it/

Institutional Type: Private, not-for-profit university

Location: Italy (Milan, Brescia, Piacenza, Cremona, Rome)

Average Cost of Attendance for non-EU/ EEA Students (including tuition, room and board, etc.): € 17,000/year (€ 5,000-tuition; € 10-12,000 -cost of living)

Requirements to be accepted at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy SAT/ ACT/IB/A Level Score Range: SAT: Minimum 1120; IB: preferably at least 5 in relevant subjects; A Level: 3 A Levels in relevant subjects; GPA Range: 3.0/5.0

English Language Requirements (DET/TOEFL/IELTS): IELTS 6.0 minimum TOEFL 80 minimum

What programmes are the university most known for?
The university is well-known for its Medicine and Surgery programme as Cattolica School of Medicine is affiliated with the Policlinico Gemelli University Hospital; which opened in 1964. Policlinico Gemelli is the second-largest hospital in Italy, with more than 1700 beds. Twenty-four Cattolica faculty members are listed among the Top Italian Scientists (Plos Biology). Double Degree Programme with Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia is offered to Cattolica MD students. Aside from medicine, the university is also known for its high-quality programmes in Psychology, Communication Management, Economics and Management, Food Production Management, and International Relations and Global Affairs.

Please provide a brief description of the type of student who thrives in your university setting?
A student that is proactive, willing to ‘hit the ground running’ (grades count from day one!), open to challenging themselves culturally and academically, good at independent study, has a strong thirst for theoretical knowledge, and curious to learn about Italian culture and perhaps embrace the Italian language.

How strong is your alumni network throughout Asia?
The Shanghai and Beijing Alumni Chapters were opened in 2017.

What services are provided in helping international students transition into life on campus and support them while there?

• The International Office assists international students from the very first moment of contact and throughout their experience at Cattolica. Support services include assistance with admissions, registration, housing, academic advising, access to health and welfare services, visa and residency permit applications and financial questions.
• Each bachelor degree student enrolled at the university will be paired with a tutor, whose responsibility is to assist him/her with integrating into the university environment and provide support should they need it. More specifically, the tutor can help with questions regarding the degree curriculum and requirements, the scheduling of exam dates or sessions, the university services, and assist in solving any administrative difficulties encountered. The overall role of the tutor is also to encourage the formation of study groups.
• The Servizio Linguistico di Ateneo (SeLdA) offers a variety of language courses to support International and Italian students, faculty and staff. At present, the Language Centre also offers language training and instruction in Italian, French, German, Spanish, Russian, and Mandarin.
• General, specialist (gynaecology, ophthalmology, nutrition) and preventative medical examinations are available to all students at the Cattolica Health Centre. During the centre’s opening hours, the Nursing Service is always on hand to administer first aid, medication, and prescribed drugs, measure blood pressure, take body temperature, provide information about local health services, and give health advice. Access is free, no appointment needed, and there are English-speaking doctors at hand. 

What are the benefits for students attending university in your location?
If you are holding a valid study residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per studio), you can work in Italy for max. of 20 hours per week. The country is not yet saturated with international students, allowing international profiles with their own cultural IQ and language skills to “stand out” in the job market more easily.

What percentage of your international students go on to graduate school in the US?
Students are eligible for graduate programmes both in Europe and in the US, some of them might take a one-year internship before applying for a PG programme.

What level of assistance does your career centre provide in helping international students find internships and post-graduate employment?
The Università Cattolica Stage and Placement Office supports graduates in finding internships and working positions in Italy. Degrees often have internship tutors integrated inside the Faculty as extra support. The international office also offers tailor-made internship opportunities abroad.

What are the visa requirements for a student to remain in the EU to work upon graduation?
If students hold an accredited undergraduate/graduate degree, Ph.D., University “master”, first/second-level academic degree, they can apply for a permit for the purpose of job searching or entrepreneurship (Permesso di soggiorno per ricerca lavoro o imprenditori- alità degli studenti), that allows students to legally live in Italy after their graduation while searching for a job/start a business for up to one year.

Are merit or need-based scholarships available for international students?

• UCSC International Scholarship - is an annual tuition fee reduction promoted by Università Cattolica in order to enable international students access to the degree programmes. This reduction covers about 37% of the total cost.
• EDUCattScholarship-Needandmerit- based scholarships are offered by EDUCatt, the non-profit foundation that develops actions and strategies aimed at promoting access to higher education (the so-called DSU: diritto allo studio universitario) on behalf of Università Cattolica.