Finance

/ Overview

Finance is the curriculum taught entirely in English within the Undergraduate Degree Programme in Economia dei mercati e degli intermediari finanziari. It is designed for students who want to gain an in-depth understanding of financial markets from an international perspective. It provides a strong foundation in the main areas of finance, combining economic, quantitative and legal expertise.

The curriculum covers key topics for understanding contemporary financial processes, including corporate finance, private equity, business valuation, pricing, banking economics, derivatives and financial markets. This foundation enables students to interpret complex dynamics and support decision-making in increasingly integrated and internationally competitive environments.

Teaching combines academic study with practical activities, including financial simulations, case studies and Excel-based modelling, helping students connect theoretical tools with real-world applications.

Interaction with professionals from the banking, investment and consultancy sectors helps students gain first-hand insight into the practices and challenges of the financial sector.

Studying Finance in Milan also places students in one of Italy's leading economic and financial centres, with opportunities to engage with companies, financial institutions and professional networks of national and international importance.

The curriculum also offers international mobility opportunities and the opportunity to take part in the Double Degree with Bangor University in the UK, further broadening students' international academic and professional experience.

Why choose Finance at Università Cattolica?

The Finance curriculum is designed for students who want to gain an in-depth understanding of financial markets in an international context, combining specialist knowledge and a practical approach with access to international academic and professional opportunities.

The curriculum enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of the key areas of contemporary finance, while maintaining a strong focus on the needs of the financial sector.

Taught entirely in English

Academic training focused on financial markets and international professional contexts

Specialist study of finance

Study of corporate finance, private equity, business valuation, derivatives, banking economics and financial markets

Connecting theory and practice

Integration of theoretical tools and real-world analysis through simulations, case studies and practical activities

Engaging with the world of finance

Activities that encourage interaction with professionals from the banking, investment and financial consultancy sectors

International learning experiences

International mobility opportunities and the option to take part in the Double Degree with Bangor University, enriching the programme through academic experiences in different contexts

Studying in Milan

Based in one of Italy's leading economic and financial centres, home to major institutions, companies and financial-sector professionals

91

%

Overall student satisfaction

Source: Satisfaction among students who completed the degree programme, as measured in the latest survey of graduating students, calendar year 2025.

/ Study Plan

Curriculum structure

The Finance curriculum focuses on the key areas of finance, providing students with the tools to understand how markets and financial institutions operate and how investment decisions are made.

The curriculum combines economics, quantitative and legal disciplines with specialist study in financial analysis and the assessment of corporate and market decisions.

The main areas covered include:

Corporate finance, focusing on corporate decision-making processes and financial strategies;
Private equity and business valuation, examining investment transactions and value creation processes;
Valuation and pricing, covering the valuation of companies, financial assets and market instruments;
Banking economics and financial intermediaries, providing an understanding of the role of the different players involved in the financial system;
Financial markets and derivatives, focusing on market dynamics and the management of the main types of financial instruments.

By combining these areas, the curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of financial phenomena and their application in business contexts and in national and international markets.

View the study plan

Teaching approach

The teaching approach combines academic rigour with practical application, helping students develop a concrete understanding of the mechanisms that shape markets, institutions and financial decision-making.

Alongside theoretical study, the curriculum includes activities that enable students to apply methods and tools used in the financial sector.

Financial simulations: enable students to work with tools and models used in financial markets, developing analytical and assessment skills through realistic scenarios.
Case studies: allow students to examine real-world business and financial situations, connecting theoretical principles with decision-making processes.
Financial modelling with Excel: provides practical experience in applying quantitative techniques to data analysis, investment appraisal and financial scenario modelling.
Interaction with industry professionals: provides opportunities to explore the dynamics, tools and challenges of professional practice through talks and activities involving finance professionals.

By combining theoretical study with practical activities, the curriculum enables students to become familiar with tools and working methods widely used across the financial sector.

/ Admission

The admission process

Here you can find admission information based on whether you hold an Italian or international qualification*

Places on the Finance programme are allocated through several admission rounds. Each round has specific dates for submitting applications, publishing admission rankings and reserving places.

Here are the main steps to follow:

01

Consulta le date e le procedure di ammissione

Per l’anno accademico 2027-28 sono disponibili le nuove procedure, con le modalità e le tempistiche di ammissione.

La prima fase di ammissione per candidati iscritti all’ultimo anno della scuola secondaria di secondo grado con media dei voti del penultimo anno di scuola secondaria di secondo grado ≥ 7,5/10 è aperta dalle ore 15.00 del 2 novembre 2026 e fino alle ore 23.59 del 15 dicembre 2026.

02

Prepare the required documents

Make sure you have all the documents you need to submit your application.

More information: Required documents

Passport-style photograph – Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Identity document – Identity card, passport or driving licence. Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Fiscal Code – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
High school transcript for the second-to-last year – Showing an average grade of at least 7.5 out of 10 for the first admission round or 7 out of 10 for the second admission round.
Residency Permit (if required) – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
For the final enrolment stage* – Certificate of baptism or, if you do not have one, alternative documentation. Further information on the alternative documentation will be provided later.
See: Complete enrolment.

03

Register on the Enrolment Portal

If you don't already have an account, register on the Enrolment Portal.

Once you've logged in, upload the required documents.

04

Reserve your place

If you are listed among the successful applicants in the admission rankings, pay the first instalment of tuition fees through the Enrolment Portal by the place reservation deadline specified for each admission round.

You can do this even before you have obtained your high school diploma.

05

Complete enrolment

Once you have obtained your high school diploma, complete your enrolment.

At this stage, you will need to provide a certificate of baptism. If you do not have one, you can submit alternative documentation, depending on your circumstances:

If you have been baptised but cannot obtain the original certificate, you can complete a self-certification.
If you have not been baptised, you can book an appointment for an interview with the campus pastoral assistant. After the interview, you will receive a certificate that can be used as alternative documentation. If you have already booked an appointment but are still waiting for the interview, you can temporarily submit a self-certification confirming this.

You must enter your income details by the end of November using the "Income statement" (Compila Redditi) application, available on your personal iCatt page.

* The information provided is subject to the approval of the competent bodies and may be subject to change

Useful information

Practical information to help you enrol and get started at Università Cattolica.

Students who attended their second-to-last year of high school abroad

For admission to the programme, you can enter your average grade from your second-to-last year of high school in the Enrolment Portal.

More information: Second-to-last year of high school abroad

To be considered for the admission rankings for this programme, you must enter the following information in the Enrolment Portal:

Your average grade from your second-to-last year of high school.
Your grades in Italian, Mathematics and your first foreign language from your second-to-last year of high school.

If you are working towards or have already obtained an Italian high school diploma and attended your entire second-to-last year of high school abroad, you must enter your average grade and individual grades converted to the Italian grading system in the Enrolment Portal. You must also upload the high school transcript issued by your Italian school.

If you cannot obtain a transcript showing your converted grades but have an average grade on a 10-point scale for the year you spent abroad, enter your average grade for your second-to-last year and the grades you achieved in your third-to-last year. Upload an official document issued by your school confirming this information, together with your transcript for your third-to-last year, as a single file.

If you only have a document showing the school credits awarded, enter the average grade according to the table below and the grades you achieved in your third-to-last year.

School credits (Year 4)

8

Assigned average grade

6

9

6,5

10

7

11

8

12

9

13

10

Then upload an official document issued by your school confirming the credits earned in your second-to-last year, together with your transcript for your third-to-last year, as a single file.

If you do not have one of the documents listed above, enter your average grade and individual grades from your third-to-last year of high school. Upload the transcript for that year and the transcript for your second-to-last year spent abroad together as a single file.

Please note:

If you spent only the first semester abroad, enter your average grade and individual grades from the second semester on a 10-point scale. Upload your high school transcript for your second-to-last year, showing your final average grade on a 10-point scale.

If you spent only the second semester abroad, enter your average grade and individual grades converted to the Italian grading system. Upload the high school transcript showing your final grades, issued by your Italian school.

If you cannot obtain a transcript showing your converted final grades, or a document confirming your average grade or school credits at the end of your second-to-last year, enter your average grade and individual grades from the end of your first semester in Italy. Upload the transcript for the semester spent abroad and the transcript for your first semester in Italy together as a single file.

Important: Translations of transcripts issued by schools abroad and self-certifications of grade conversions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

English language requirement and English test

To apply for the Finance programme, you must have English language proficiency at B2 level or above.

You can meet this requirement by submitting a recognised language certificate, having attended the fourth year of high school in an English-speaking country, holding one of the international high school diplomas specified in the admission procedures, or passing the English Test organised by Università Cattolica at B2 level or above.

Foundation Knowledge Assessment test (VPI)

The Foundation Knowledge Assessment test (Verifica della Preparazione Iniziale – VPI) is compulsory for all students enrolled in the first year of an Undergraduate Degree Programme or an Integrated Five-year/Six-year Degree Programme.

Once you have completed enrolment, you will find your VPI test invitation, including the test date, on your personal iCatt page.

The VPI assesses your initial knowledge and provides useful guidance to help you prepare for your university studies.

To pass the test, you must answer at least 50% of the questions correctly, plus one additional question (50% + 1).

If you do not pass or do not attend the test, you will be assigned an Additional Training Obligation (OFA) to address gaps in your preparation.

Any OFA assigned to you will be communicated through your personal iCatt page after enrolment.

Applicants with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) can benefit from learning aids and adjustments or exemptions. Full details are available in the University's Services for Inclusion section.

Learn more about Services for Inclusion

Transfers, programme changes, second degrees and resuming studies

Applicants wishing to change programmes within Università Cattolica, transfer from another university, pursue a second degree or resume their university studies must meet the entry requirements.

Find out more

Notices

View notices

Rankings and waiting lists

View admission rankings

English Test

English Test: More information

/ Fees and funding

Tuition fees and financial support

Tuition fees and scholarships

Starting university often involves questions about fees, deadlines and the support available. Clear information about financial support and accommodation options helps students plan their studies with confidence, allowing them to focus on their academic progress and personal development.

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, through EDUCatt, offers income- and merit-based scholarships and graduation awards, providing financial support to help students continue their studies.

Visit the dedicated section for information on tuition fees and other costs, use the online fee simulator, and find out about available financial support.

Find out more

Student accommodation

Università Cattolica offers a range of housing options to support students throughout their studies.

On campus residences

Nine residences are located on or near Università Cattolica campuses. They offer an educational experience that goes beyond accommodation, with cultural activities, meetings and workshops that complement university study. Residence life also provides opportunities to be part of an active community, exchange ideas and share experiences.

Explore on-campus residences

Residences in the city

Residences located across the city are well connected to Università Cattolica campuses. They offer students greater independence in their day-to-day life, while providing comfortable accommodation and the flexibility to balance study, social life and personal time.

Explore city residences

/ International experiences

Study, internship and volunteering abroad

During your studies at Università Cattolica, you can gain international experience as part of your academic journey. Studying, doing an internship or volunteering abroad gives you the chance to experience new academic, professional and cultural environments, improve your language skills and develop an international perspective that can enrich your studies and support your future career.

Discover the opportunities to study, undertake an internship or volunteer abroad:

Semester abroad

Double degrees

Language courses and certifications

Summer programmes

Internships abroad

International volunteering

Thesis abroad

Short programmes

Virtual programmes

You can include an experience abroad as part of your studies. For programmes involving exams abroad, you can check in advance whether they can be recognised, following the guidance provided by your Faculty and discussing this with the relevant academic staff.

Find out more

/ Internships and careers

Internships and careers

The Faculty offers a range of internship and professional training opportunities, enabling students to put the skills they have acquired into practice in real-world professional settings.

Internships and professional training

Internship and professional training opportunities give students the chance to gain first-hand experience of organisations operating in the financial sector and engage with highly international professional environments.

Students can undertake placements with banks, financial institutions, asset management companies and organisations specialising in corporate finance, both in Italy and abroad. These experiences provide an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the processes involved in financial analysis, investment activities and corporate decision-making.

This practical experience gives students a valuable opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during their studies, work with professional tools and practices, and deepen their understanding of the dynamics shaping today’s financial markets.

The Career Service supports students and graduates as they prepare to enter the job market, providing career guidance and resources to help them navigate different professional and organisational contexts. It supports the development of transversal skills, creates opportunities to meet employers and helps students develop an informed and coherent career path.

Every year, more than 20,000 students take part in events organised with over 100 partner companies, and more than 9,500 undertake an internship with support from the Career Service and internship tutors.

Find out more

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, graduates have the skills to analyse financial data, assess investment opportunities and support decision-making within organisations operating in financial and corporate markets.

Financial and economic analysis

Interpreting financial data and information, assessing business performance and understanding the main relevant regulatory requirements

Financial modelling and forecasting

Using quantitative tools to develop scenarios, produce forecasts and support valuation processes

Investment appraisal

Analysing investment opportunities and supporting financial resource allocation processes

Financial risk management and measurement

Identifying, assessing and monitoring the main risk factors affecting investments and financial activities

Corporate finance and planning

Applying tools to support business decision-making, company valuation and medium- to long-term planning

Financial communication in international contexts

Presenting and sharing financial and economic information with different audiences, including in multicultural and international environments.

Career prospects

The knowledge acquired through the Finance profile prepares graduates for careers in organisations operating across key areas of finance, in both national and international contexts.

The combination of financial, quantitative and analytical skills enables graduates to contribute to the evaluation, planning and management of financial and economic decision-making processes.

Graduates can pursue career opportunities in a range of sectors:

Banks and financial institutions
Activities related to financial analysis, investment services and managing relationships with businesses and investors

Asset management and wealth management

Supporting investment management processes and assessing opportunities in financial markets

Corporate finance

Financial roles within national and multinational companies, involving planning, budgeting and support for strategic decision-making

Private equity and investments

Analysing financial transactions, valuing companies and managing investment projects

Financial consulting and advisory

Supporting businesses and organisations with valuation, financial analysis and corporate transactions

Financial market analysis firms

Research, data analysis and support for financial decision-making processes

Continuing your studies

The Finance profile provides a solid foundation for further study in finance and economics, both in Italy and abroad.

The combination of financial, quantitative and analytical skills prepares graduates for specialised programmes focusing on financial markets, investment management and corporate financial decision-making.

After completing their undergraduate degree, graduates can continue their studies through Graduate Degree Programmes and postgraduate programmes in key areas of finance, including:

Finance and financial markets: programmes focusing on financial market analysis, investments and financial intermediaries;
Corporate finance: specialisations focusing on corporate finance, company valuation and strategic decision-making;
Investment management and asset management: programmes focusing on investment and portfolio management;
Risk management and quantitative analysis: programmes focusing on risk measurement and the application of quantitative models in financial contexts.

The international nature of the curriculum and the fact that the programme is taught in English also provide a strong foundation for admission to graduate programmes and Master of Science programmes at international universities.

/ Advising and support

Choosing your programme

Advising events

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Open Days

Find out about Università Cattolica Open Days for prospective students who want to learn more about the University and its programmes.

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