Luiss University, Rome, Italy

Luiss University: Academic Programs and Admission Requirements

Luiss Guido Carli University stands out with a unique educational philosophy and is internationally oriented. The research-inquiry based “Luiss Inquirer” educational model offers comprehensive services to students; and broad international opportunities, including dual degree options with prestigious universities.

The undergraduate application process is divided into two parts: EU citizen candidates can receive direct admission based on test performance, while non-EU candidates are subject to a competitive ranking system. The institution offers a wide portfolio, from the online Foundation Program for students with academic deficiencies to undergraduate programs, 1 and 2-year master’s degrees, and executive education, including the international laboratory-based Flex MBA.

A strategic transformation over the last 20 years has elevated Luiss from a regional institution to a university with international recognition and triple accreditation. Partnerships with institutions like Sciences Po and George Washington University; a structure of 11,000 students in classes of 10–30 people; and tuition fees of €14,000 for undergraduate and €17,000 for master’s programs are indicators of this transformation.

Integrated career services and a Corporate Advisory Board provide a direct bridge to job opportunities after graduation.


Programs

Foundation Program

  • Purpose: A preparatory entry program for students with academic deficiencies or those who have completed only 11 years of education.

  • Structure: Two fully online semesters between October–April; an on-campus option in April for those who can obtain a visa.

  • Admission & Outcomes: Applications open in March. Graduates earn “bonuses” that provide an advantage in undergraduate rankings. Approximately one-third of 100 students transition to undergraduate studies at Luiss.

Master’s Programs (Graduate School)

  • Structure: Typically two years; three semesters of coursework, followed by a thesis. One and two-year options are available.

  • International Focus: Approximately 65% of programs are in English; Management and Finance are particularly prominent.

  • Flexible Paths: E.g., the opportunity to specialize in the final semester of an MBA to earn an additional MS in Finance.

Executive Education

  • Full-time MBA: For young professionals with an average of 3 years of experience.

  • Flex MBA: Online, but includes in-person “lab” sessions in centers like Dubai and Amsterdam.

  • Executive MBA: Only in Italian.

Short-Term and Specialization

  • Summer & Winter Schools: Graduate Summer School and Winter Semester in January.

  • Study Tours: Three-day study visits for post-doctoral students.


3) Admission Processes and Conditions

Undergraduate (EU vs. Non-EU)

  • EU Citizens: Direct admission upon meeting minimum scores.

  • Non-EU Candidates: Minimum scores are a prerequisite, admission is granted via a ranking list.

Academic Background:

  • EU: Valid high school diploma

  • Non-EU: Valid diploma showing 12 years of education

Standardized Tests (for both groups):

  • Luiss Test or SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 25 or IB ≥ 36

Language: English B2 level

Timeline (Undergraduate):

  • Application: October–April

  • Luiss Test windows: October–February and March–May

  • Results: Approximately 1 month after the test

  • Enrollment: Within 1 month of results

  • Note: Some undergraduate programs may have deadlines such as May 6.

Master’s Programs

  • Process: Same for EU/non-EU.

  • Requirement: Luiss test or GMAT/GRE score.

  • Timing: Luiss online test in April; results in May; June enrollment.


Internationalization

Dual Degree Programs (highly competitive)

  • Sciences Po (France): ~400 applications for 20 spots (5% acceptance).

  • George Washington University (USA): 50% of Luiss students participate in this path; tuition fees are the same, expenses are borne by the student.

  • Solvay Brussels School (Belgium/Germany): 10 spots on the “Luiss Belgium Frankfurt” track.

Exchange and Short-Term Mobility

  • ACE Program: 15 students go abroad from 30–35 applications.

  • Winter Semester Partners (mid-January):
    Bergen (Norway) • Mannheim (Germany) • WU Vienna (Austria) • ESADE (Spain) • Toulouse School of Economics (France) • Hanken (Finland) • Tilburg (Netherlands) • Interest in collaboration with St. Gallen.

  • Doctorate: Joint doctoral programs supported by the European Commission.


Institutional Profile

  • Accreditation: Triple accreditation

  • Student Count: 11,000

  • Class Environment: Average class size of 10–30 students

  • Fees: Undergraduate €14,000 • Master’s €17,000

  • Management and Affiliations: Collaboration with Uni-Italia, a national education institute under the joint authority of the Ministries of Research/Education, Interior, and Foreign Affairs.