Foundation Year

The University of Catania establishes the Foundation Year, a preparatory program for international students designed to meet entry requirements and strengthen linguistic and academic skills in preparation for enrollment in a three-year Bachelor’s degree program in Italy.

The program is specifically designed for students from countries where the pre-university school system lasts less than the 12 years of schooling required by Italian regulations, and/or where the school year ends six months earlier than the Italian academic calendar.

Program Objectives

The Foundation Year aims to:

• Bridge educational gaps related to the duration or content of previous schooling;
• Improve proficiency in the Italian language;
• Develop disciplinary skills essential for accessing degree courses;
• Prepare students for university entrance exams;
• Introduce students to Italian language and culture, university study methods, and the pedagogical approach of European academic contexts.

The program is open to students interested in enrolling in degree courses taught in either Italian or English.

The Foundation Year is managed by the Department of Humanities and the School of Italian Language and Culture for Foreigners (ITALSTRA), in collaboration with the University Language Centre (CLA) and the International Relations Office (UORI).

The program is directed by the Scientific Committee of the School of Italian Language and Culture for Foreigners at the University of Catania.