Learning Abroad Center
Basilica di San Petronio in Bologna

Bologna Consortial Studies Program

Europe

The Bologna Consortial Studies Program (BCSP) offers qualified students the opportunity to study for a full academic year or semester at the University of Bologna. Choose from coursework across disciplines at one of the oldest universities in Europe and experience the gastronomic capital of Italy.

Program Details

Location
Location
Bologna, Italy
Term
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
Italian
Sponsor
Sponsor
BCSP

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
B average in Italian language courses
Language Prerequisite
Language Prerequisite
4 semesters of college level Italian for fall semester, and 5 semesters for spring semester

Program Model

University Study

Program Structure

The BCSP program is a consortium program run through Indiana University. You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades count toward your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript. More information can be found on the Academic Policies page.

The BCSP program allows for cultural immersion through classes at the local university, living with local Italians, and the possibility to do an internship with a local organization. 

Coursework

While studying on the BCSP program, you will take some classes at the University of Bologna, and some classes at the BCSP center. Classes at the BCSP center are limited and are with other US students studying abroad. Beyond that, you can choose from a wide variety of classes at the University of Bologna, where you will be in class with local Italian students. All courses are taught entirely in Italian.

Fall semester will start with an intensive language course that all BCSP students take together. Once that is completed, you will start your University of Bologna courses and your BCSP courses. Spring semester does not start with an intensive language course, so students studying abroad only for the spring semester must have at least 5 semesters of college-level Italian.

For more information, visit the BCSP website.

Finding Course Information

Learn about country-specific academic terminology and how to find host university course information.

This is an affiliate program. You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades factor into your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript with an A/F grade. Consult the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies for more information.

Affiliate organizations and partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center. Students must participate in affiliate organization and partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process.

Dates Details

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Spring 2025 Early January to mid June September 15th
Academic Year 2024/2025 Late August to mid June March 15th
Fall 2024 Late August to mid December  March 15th

**If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials by the following business day.

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will consist of: 

  • Online health & safety orientation - This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory for all students.
  • LAC affiliate orientation (live Zoom session) - UofM-specific information will be covered (academic planning, finances, etc.). Details on the LAC affiliate orientation will be sent to students via email. 
  • Affiliate provider orientation - This orientation will cover program-specific information. Your affiliate provider will invite you to a pre-departure orientation leading up to your departure. 

Understand it is your responsibility to review the information shared at these orientations. 

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Each of our affiliated programs awards its own array of scholarships. While many are need-based, others are based on merit, location, academic area, or diversity criteria. Explore your options within specific affiliates' scholarship pages.

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling

Academic Year 2023–24

Bologna Consortial Studies Program

Academic Yr Fall 2023/Spring 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $34,975
International health insurance $600
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to your provider in Bologna. $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $35,975
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $35,975

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip airfare to and from Bologna $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the cost of the visa, and $120 for the residence permit, paid when you arrive. $180
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,130
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $400
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeIncludes rent, utilities, and meals ($1200 per month) $12,000
Essential daily living expensesIncludes things like transportation, toiletries, cost of required cell phone, etc. $2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $14,400

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $52,505
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $3,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2023

Bologna Consortial Studies Program

Fall Semester 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $21,625
International health insurance $240
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to your provider in Bologna $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $22,265
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $22,265

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip flight to and from Bologna $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the cost of the visa, and $120 for the residence permit, paid when you arrive. $180
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,130
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $200
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeIncludes rent, utilities, and meals ($1200 per month) $4,800
Essential daily living expensesIncludes things like transportation, toiletries, cost of required cell phone, etc. $1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $6,000

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $30,395
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Spring 2023

Bologna Consortial Studies Program

Spring Semester 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $20,405
International health insurance $300
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to your provider in Bologna. $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $21,105
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $21,105

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $1,700
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the cost of the visa, and $120 for the residence permit, paid when you arrive. $180
Travel clinic/immunizations*In case of required COVID tests for entry/exit $150
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,180
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $250
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeIncludes rent, utilities, and meals ($1200 per month) $7,200
Essential daily living expensesIncludes things like transportation, toiletries, cost of required cell phone, etc. $1,200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $8,650

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $31,935
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Application Essay 
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation (One needs to be completed by a recent Italian instructor/professor and should include a detailed description of your language level and proficiency) 

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

Next Steps

  1. Upon submitting the online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application was received.
  2. Follow the instructions on your application checklist to submit all of the items. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are either received or waived.
  3. Complete the affiliate program's application requirements as applicable.
  4. Your completed application is reviewed by our program team. If nominated for participation, the Learning Abroad Center contacts the affiliate's staff to notify them of your status.
  5. You will be notified of an admission decision by email. If admitted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist. Log in to the online application to review the confirmation checklist and submit the required items.
  6. Do not pay the affiliate’s confirmation deposit. The affiliate accepts the Learning Abroad Center’s deposit as indication of confirmation. The Learning Abroad Center deposit is submitted by completing the Confirmation and Payment Agreement found on the confirmation checklist assigned to you.
  7. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log in to the online application and submit a Cancel Request. You must also notify your affiliate of your cancellation.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Clara Arent or call at 612.301.1571

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.

Spring 2023

Ben B.—Finance major