Università di Bologna - Science Only

The Faculty of Science at the University of Bologna offers a variety of programs, including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geology, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physics, and Statistics. 
The exchange agreement with Bologna for science students falls under TASSEP. TASSEP is the Trans-Atlantic Science Student Exchange Program, a consortium designed specifically with the curricular needs of science students in mind. Canadian science students have access to a variety of European Partners in the consortium.

The European system works on the number of credit points rather than courses - however, in terms of course transfers, 6 ECTS = 1 UCalgary half-course equivalent. At Bologna, students are typically expected to take 24-30 ECTS (12-15 UCalgary units) per semester.

The academic year is divided into two semesters, which run from late September to mid January and from early February to late June.

The University of Bologna helps exchange students in finding accommodation. Although there are residence halls available, the number of rooms is limited. However, it is fairly easy to find accommodation in single or double rooms in student flats.

Student Tips: "I went to Bussola (the university agency) in order to search apartments. They would look up the landlords that were searching for either males or females, how many people, price range, etc. Afterwards, they would give this information to you and you had to call them to set up an appointment to see the apartment. Pretty much all the housing in Bologna is “off campus”, and I would recommend considering location as one of the more important factors in your decision. There are university residences but the concept of the university being in one place, like in Canada, and then the city as separate doesn’t exist. All the faculties are spread across the city centre, but I liked where I lived “off campus” and I would say the location was key. Definitely think about the proximity to a hospital, transportation that would take you to the main train station, a supermarket, and a pharmacy. Also, think about getting to your classes."

This exchange is open to regular, full-time undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-).

Courses at Bologna are taught primarily in Italian. As such, applicants must have a command of Italian at minimum B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR), or have completed at least two 300-level courses in Italian, or possess equivalent knowledge. Certification of language proficiency may be required.

Do I have to speak Italian?

Yes - the language requirement is set to help students function both in their studies as well as in day-to-day life. While many young Italians will be able to speak English, it can be a significant challenge to complete day-to-day tasks without at least an intermediate understanding of Italian.

Bologna offers Italian language courses for international students. These do not replace the language requirement but are designed to support and improve your Italian language skills throughout the semester. 

Student Tips: "Italians in general are very carefree, and they like to take their time when doing things. "Punctual" seems to mean being 15 or 30 minutes late at its best."

What's special about Bologna?

Student Tips: "There were tons of libraries, they were often the most beautiful buildings (though a little crowded around exams). Try to visit as many as possible they are all so beautiful and different! The university had volleyball and basketball available on the weekends through student groups - in Italy the student groups were mostly independent from the university. I walked everywhere; it helps you find your way the city. It gets rainy, but the portici (arcs over the sidewalks) are very useful. I often wore rubber boots which were useful, and an umbrella is a necessity if you don’t live in the center. Transit is generally on time with many busses operating all over the city. I would recommend finding a place to live in the center. "

What supports and services are available at Bologna?

Bologna offers a wide variety of support services for students with accessibility needs. 

For information on accessibility and support services at campuses across Europe, please check out Inclusive Mobility. For city-specific services and places in Europe, the Jaccede interactive platform (website and/or smartphone app - both Android and iOS) also provides a searchable user-built database to identify important accessibility information of public places and locations.