Barbara De Donno is Full Professor of Private Comparative Law at Luiss University since 2006. She is Member of the Board of the Luiss School of Law as LL.M. Programmes Coordinator and part of the Board of Editors of the International Business Law Review. She is co-leader of the Research project Human-Centred Business Model coordinated by OECD and World Bank
Luiss Foundation Programme: Requirements and Course Overview
The Luiss Foundation Programme on Social Sciences is a 2-semester study program that allows students to fulfil the prerequisites for applying to a bachelor's or single-cycle degree program in Italy, including at Luiss.
To access the course, students must have completed at least 11 years of secondary education and possess a B2-level English language certification (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Duolingo).
The program offers introductory courses in Economics, Law, Political Science, and modules aimed at developing critical and computational thinking. Additionally, there are classes designed to improve English language skills and learn the basics of Italian, along with workshops focused on developing soft skills The Programme is delivered on campus and/or through synchronous online classes, and is characterised by continuous assessment.
At the end of the Foundation Programme, students will receive a completion certificate that verifies the skills acquired and grants access to Luiss bachelor's and single-cycle degree courses, upon participation in one of the admission selection processes. The Foundation Credits (FC) are not convertible into CFU or ECTS.
Details on admission requirements, academic calendar, enrollment procedures, and benefits are available in the official call for applications. Additional useful documents can be found at the bottom of the page.
Download the Call for Applications
Useful Information
The Programme's Director is Prof. Barbara De Donno
E-mail: foundation@luiss.it
Phone: +39 06 85225386
Address: Viale Romania, 32 - 00197 Roma
Informazioni Utili
La direttrice del corso è la Prof.ssa Barbara De Donno
E-mail: foundation@luiss.it
Phone: +39 06 85225386
Sede: Viale Romania, 32 - 00197 Roma
Useful Information
The Programme's Director is Prof. Barbara De Donno
E-mail: foundation@luiss.it
Phone: +39 06 85225386
Address: Viale Romania, 32 - 00197 Roma
Study Plan
The Foundation Programme on Social Sciences offers a study plan of 60 credits, with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary educational offering. Students have access to introductory courses in Economics, Law, and Political Analysis, which help them understand the basics of Social Sciences. Additionally, they learn to work on soft skills such as coding, negotiation, and public speaking, which are essential for their future careers.
Why choose Luiss Foundation Programme on Social Sciences
The Luiss Foundation Programme on Social Sciences is much more than just a preparatory course: it is a real opportunity to build a solid academic foundation and experience a unique educational journey. Designed to meet the needs of international students, this program not only opens the doors to Italian universities but also serves as a launching pad for personal and professional growth.
In just one year, students can:
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Fill any gaps in the requirements for access to Italian universities, such as reaching 12 years of schooling or lacking AP or A-Level qualifications for students from countries with different education systems, such as those with American or British diplomas.
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Acquire a solid academic foundation to pursue Bachelor's or Single-Cycle Master's degree programs.
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Prepare for the standard admission procedures at Luiss.
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Make the most of their gap year by living an international experience in Rome.
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Improve language skills (English and Italian) and soft skills essential for the future.
Finally, the Foundation Programme stands out for its academic quality. Students attend classes taught in English by an internationally recognized faculty, acquiring skills that are globally acknowledged and useful. This not only enriches students' resumes but also prepares them to excel in both academic and professional global environments.
Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
The tuition fee for the Foundation Programme is set at €6,500. The amount can be paid in two installments according to the following amounts and deadlines:
- 1st installment – to be paid by the deadlines indicated in the admission email: €3,500
- 2nd installment – no later than January 16th: €3,000
For all enrolments by April 30th 2025, students will receive a discount of 15% on the tuition fee of the Luiss Foundation Programme. The tuition fee reduction will be applied on the payment of the first installment.
Thanks to collaboration with public and private partners, Luiss offers dedicated scholarships, providing significant financial support to facilitate access to the program for deserving students.
Explore all scholarship opportunities.
FAQ
To apply, you must complete the online application and upload the required documents, including your secondary school diploma, an ID document, and a B2 English language certification. For more information, refer to the admission call or contact the Foundation Office at foundation@luiss.it.
Yes, attendance is mandatory for at least 80% of each course in order to take the final exams and receive the completion certificate.
Students with international qualifications must hold a high school diploma that complies with current regulations, with at least 12 years of schooling.
Specific requirements include:
- American Diploma: at least 3 Advanced Placement (AP) exams with scores between 3 and 5 in subjects relevant to the chosen field of study, including one in Italian if required by the rules.
- British Diploma: at least 3 relevant Advanced Level (A-Level) exams with a passing grade.
- IB Diploma: only diplomas that meet the IBO requirements for obtaining the full diploma (IB courses, certificates, and the IB Career Program are not valid).
If the qualification does not meet the requirements, the student can compensate with:
- Completion of a Foundation Programme consistent with the chosen field of study, offered by an accredited university.
- One academic year completed at an accredited university or college, passing all required exams.
For further information, visit this page.