Bachelor in Economics, Politics and Social Sciences at University of Bologna

About the programme

Economics, Politics and Social Sciences (EPOS) is a three-year laurea (first-cycle degree) that belongs to two classes at once: L-33 R, Economics, and L-36 R, Political science and international relations. It is run by the Department of Economics (DSE) in Bologna, is worth 180 ECTS and is delivered entirely in English. Access is restricted, with 130 places listed on the degree website, and Matteo Dian is the degree programme director.

The university describes a multidisciplinary approach to contemporary problems through economic, political, legal and managerial studies, backed by sound quantitative training. Because the degree is interclass, students can graduate in either economics or politics. It suits school leavers who want to understand economic, political and social change in a globalised world without closing either route too early.

What you will study

Courses cover economics, political science, law and management, together with quantitative subjects such as mathematics, statistics, econometrics, programming and big data. In the third year you choose a track: Data Analysis, Global Political Economy, Public Economics or Management. First-year units on the degree's timetable include:

• Mathematics for Social Sciences, with a crash course in mathematics
• Microeconomics
• Statistics and Programming (a statistics module and a programming module)
• Accounting and Financial Statements
• Political Behavior and Institutions
• Principles of Public Law
• Global Connections: A Long-Term History

The course structure diagram for students enrolling in 2026/27 is published on the degree website.

How the programme is taught

Lectures are held in Bologna and link theory with the analysis of empirical data. Students can join exchange programmes to study, do an internship or write their thesis abroad, through Erasmus+ or overseas agreements, and the degree reports that 45% of its graduates have spent time abroad and 88% are satisfied with their studies. Students admitted with an additional learning requirement (OFA) must make it up, as set out on the degree website.

Career paths

The university says EPOS builds the skills for qualified roles in private companies and in public administration, with a focus on managing public bodies and firms in complex, globalised settings. It is also designed as a base for master's degrees in social sciences, economics, management, politics, law and statistics, several of which the University of Bologna teaches in English.

Fees and scholarships

EPOS follows the standard first-cycle fee rules for 2026/27. Everyone pays a fixed €157.04 (regional tax, stamp duty and insurance); above that the contribution rises with family income up to €2,040 a year, but a family ISEE up to €27,000 adds nothing, which means zero euro tuition for eligible students. Non-OECD citizens whose family income is only abroad, from countries like India, can choose a reduced flat fee of €1,000 plus €157.04. ER.GO, the regional right-to-study body, runs the scholarship, and its winners pay only €157.04.

How to apply from outside the EU

Because access is restricted, the yearly admission call sets the selection method, the number of places, the places reserved for non-EU citizens living abroad and the deadlines. The 2027/28 call is not yet published, so check the degree's admission pages before planning any test. Applications run on Studenti Online.

Once admitted, you enrol and pay the first instalment on Studenti Online. If you need a visa, file the Universitaly pre-enrolment: the consulate needs the university's unconditional validation, which is not issued during the August closure, and proof of means of at least €10,179.85 (2026). Your school qualification needs a translation, legalisation and a declaration of value, and you apply for a residence permit within eight days of arrival.

How ApplyAZ helps

If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.