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Study in Italy in English: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia)
A Historic University with a Global Outlook
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia) is one of Italy’s most respected public universities. Founded in 1868, it was the first institution in Italy to specialise in commerce and economics. Over time, it has expanded into a modern, multidisciplinary university offering English-taught programs in Italy across economics, environmental science, languages, digital humanities, and international relations.
Known for its strong academic performance and international partnerships, Ca’ Foscari consistently ranks among the top universities in Europe for humanities and social sciences. It is also a leader in sustainability education and research. The university attracts thousands of students from more than 100 countries, offering a welcoming and multicultural learning environment.
Students who wish to study in Italy in English can choose from a growing number of bachelor’s and master’s programmes, all taught by experienced faculty and supported by career services and international offices.
What You Can Study at Ca’ Foscari
Ca’ Foscari offers a wide range of academic programmes. While many are in Italian, the university has expanded its English-taught options to meet the needs of international students.
Popular departments and areas of study:
- Economics and Business Administration
- Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development
- Humanities and Digital Heritage
- Foreign Languages and Literature
- International Relations and Global Studies
- Data Analytics and Computer Science
Many of these programmes are designed to be interdisciplinary, giving students both deep subject knowledge and practical skills for today’s job market. For example, students studying environmental science may also take economics or data courses to understand climate policy and global development.
Courses use a mix of lectures, seminars, group work, and applied projects. Students are encouraged to participate in research, language training, and internships during their studies.
Living in Venice: A Student-Friendly Experience
Venice is not only a world-famous tourist destination but also a peaceful and safe city for students. Its unique layout—with canals instead of roads—makes the city quiet and walkable. Most university buildings are spread across the historic centre, and students quickly learn how to move around on foot or by waterbus.
Highlights of student life in Venice:
- A calm and visually inspiring study environment
- Affordable housing in shared flats or student residences
- Student discounts on meals, transport, and cultural events
- Access to libraries, study spaces, and university cafes
- Festivals, exhibitions, and international conferences year-round
The city offers a balance between study and leisure, with easy access to nature, culture, and neighbouring cities. Venice is also connected by train to cities like Padua, Verona, Bologna, and Milan, giving students more travel and job options.
Internships and Jobs in Venice and Beyond
Venice offers various job and internship opportunities, especially for students in the humanities, arts, economics, and sustainability. While the city is small compared to other Italian centres, it hosts major institutions, cultural organisations, and international NGOs.
Key sectors for internships and employment:
- Cultural heritage and museum management
- Environmental consulting and marine research
- Tourism and event coordination
- International trade and logistics
- Language services, publishing, and translation
- Public administration and policy research
The university's career office connects students with internships and part-time jobs. Many students also use their time at Ca’ Foscari to prepare for careers in the EU or to apply for PhD programmes across Europe.
Because the degrees are recognised throughout the EU, graduates can apply for jobs in Italy and other countries without additional certifications.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
One of the best reasons to choose public universities in Italy is the availability of financial support. Ca’ Foscari students can apply for national and regional aid, including the DSU grant, which offers broad support based on family income.
DSU grant benefits:
- Full or partial tuition fee waivers
- Annual cash payments up to €7,000
- Free or reduced-price meals at university canteens
- Discounted housing in student dorms or apartments
- Help with public transport and study materials
To qualify, students must submit proof of income and assets from their home country. These documents must be translated and legalised. ApplyAZ helps international students complete this process and apply for all available scholarships for international students in Italy.
Even without a grant, tuition at Ca’ Foscari is lower than in most countries, making it a smart financial choice.
Why Choose Ca’ Foscari University of Venice?
Ca’ Foscari combines tradition and innovation in a one-of-a-kind setting. With strong programmes in languages, economics, environmental studies, and culture, it gives students the knowledge and tools to work across borders.
Key reasons to consider Ca’ Foscari:
- Ranked among Italy’s best for humanities and sustainability
- English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Support for internships, Erasmus+ exchange, and research
- Scholarships and DSU grant access for non-EU students
- Safe and welcoming environment for international learners
- Historic but modern campus life in Venice
For students who want an education that prepares them for global careers—while studying in a peaceful and beautiful place—Ca’ Foscari is an excellent match.
A Confident Step Toward Your Future
Choosing Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia) means joining a respected academic community with international recognition. You’ll receive a high-quality education, live in one of the most unique cities in the world, and prepare for a successful global career.
You’ll study in Italy in English, benefit from career and scholarship support, and graduate with a degree that opens doors across Europe.
In two minutes we’ll confirm whether you meet the basic entry rules for tuition-free, English-taught degrees in Italy. We’ll then quickly see if we still have space for you this month. If so, you’ll get a personalised offer. Accept it, and our experts hand-craft a shortlist of majors that fit your grades, goals, and career plans. Upload your documents once; we submit every university and scholarship application, line up multiple admission letters, and guide you through the visa process—backed by our admission-and-scholarship guarantee.
Study in Italy in English: Global Development and Entrepreneurship at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia)
Innovate for Change with a Unique Interdisciplinary Master’s
The Global Development and Entrepreneurship master’s degree (LM-56) at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia) is a two-year, English-taught programme that blends social development theory with practical entrepreneurship skills. Covering topics from poverty reduction to social enterprise, this course prepares you to study in Italy in English and drive positive change worldwide. Ca’ Foscari is one of the leading public Italian universities, offering affordable fees and access to tuition-free universities Italy is known for, thanks to low public tuition and the DSU grant and other scholarships for international students in Italy.
English-Taught Programs in Italy: A Global Classroom
Ca’ Foscari’s Global Development and Entrepreneurship programme belongs to the growing suite of English-taught programs in Italy. You will study alongside peers from various countries, gaining a global perspective on development challenges.
- Core seminars in English ensure full comprehension
- Multicultural teams enrich class discussions
- Guest lectures by international experts in NGOs, UN, and business
- Virtual partnerships with development organisations for live projects
This environment helps you build networks and intercultural skills vital for a career in international development or social ventures.
Programme Structure and Learning Path
The master’s spans four semesters and grants 120 ECTS credits. It combines:
- Core modules establishing foundations in development theory and entrepreneurship
- Electives allowing specialisation in areas like social innovation or impact investing
- Practical labs, workshops, and a field project to apply concepts
- A final thesis based on original research or a social business plan
This structure ensures you acquire both academic knowledge and hands-on experience.
Core Curriculum: Theory Meets Practice
The core modules in the first year cover essential topics:
- Development Economics and Policy: Study economic growth models, poverty metrics, and policy instruments for sustainable development.
- Social Entrepreneurship: Learn to identify social needs, design ventures that balance profit and purpose, and develop business models for impact.
- Project Management for Development: Master planning, monitoring, and evaluation techniques for development programmes and social ventures.
- Impact Assessment and Measurement: Use quantitative and qualitative methods to measure social and environmental outcomes.
- Ethics and Governance in International Development: Explore ethical frameworks, stakeholder management, and governance models in complex contexts.
Each module combines lectures with case studies on microfinance, fair trade, and health initiatives across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Electives and Specialisation Tracks
In the second year, you choose electives that match your interests:
- Impact Investing and Finance: Understand how investors support social enterprises and measure financial and social returns.
- Digital Innovation for Development: Explore how mobile technology, AI, and platforms can empower communities.
- Sustainable Supply Chains: Study ethical sourcing, circular economy practices, and certification systems.
- Gender and Development: Analyse gender dynamics in development projects and design inclusive programmes.
- Urban Development and Smart Cities: Examine urban planning, housing solutions, and digital infrastructure for emerging economies.
These options let you tailor your studies to careers in finance, technology, policy, or project design.
Practical Labs and Field Projects
Applied learning is central to this master’s. You take part in:
- Social Venture Lab: Team-based course where you develop a real business plan for a social enterprise.
- Development Project Workshop: Collaborate with NGOs or UN agencies on a short-term field assignment.
- Design Thinking Bootcamp: Use user-centred design to prototype solutions for development challenges.
- Data for Development Workshop: Learn GIS mapping and data visualisation to inform programme decisions.
These practical experiences sharpen your problem-solving skills and demonstrate your ability to deliver real-world impact.
Internship and Professional Placement
Ca’ Foscari’s partnerships offer internship placements in:
- International NGOs (e.g., Oxfam, Save the Children)
- UN agencies (e.g., UNDP, UNICEF regional offices)
- Social enterprises and B Corps in Europe and developing countries
- Impact investment funds and microfinance institutions
- Government development agencies
Internships allow you to work on grant proposals, run community workshops, or manage social media campaigns—building your professional network and CV.
Capstone Thesis and Social Business Plan
Your final semester focuses on a capstone thesis. Options include:
- Research Thesis: Empirical study on topics like microenterprise sustainability or digital inclusion.
- Social Business Plan: Full plan for launching a social venture, complete with market analysis, financial model, and impact metrics.
Under faculty supervision, you apply research methods and entrepreneurial skills to produce a deliverable ready for implementation or publication.
Skills You Will Acquire
Graduates of this master’s emerge with:
- Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret development indicators, market data, and impact metrics.
- Strategic Planning: Expertise in designing programmes and ventures with social and financial goals.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Confidence to launch and manage social enterprises or innovation labs.
- Project Management: Competence in budgeting, stakeholder coordination, and risk management.
- Communication Skills: Clear writing, storytelling, and presentation abilities for diverse audiences.
- Digital Literacy: Proficiency in GIS, data analytics, and digital collaboration tools.
These skills equip you for roles in programme design, impact investing, policy advice, or social venture leadership.
Career Pathways: From NGO Manager to Impact Investor
Global Development and Entrepreneurship graduates pursue roles such as:
- Social Entrepreneur, launching ventures in education, health, or agriculture
- Programme Manager, overseeing development initiatives in NGOs or UN agencies
- Impact Investment Analyst, evaluating social enterprises for funding
- Consultant in international development and corporate social responsibility
- Policy Advisor, shaping development strategies for governments or the EU
- Project Coordinator for digital inclusion or urban sustainability projects
The combination of development theory and entrepreneurship training opens doors in both the public and private sectors.
Admission Requirements and Application Timeline
Applicants need:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree in social sciences, economics, business, or STEM
- CV outlining academic achievements and any development or entrepreneurship experience
- Motivation letter explaining your interest in global development and innovation
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, or equivalent)
- Two academic or professional recommendations (optional but recommended)
Scholarships and DSU Grant Support
Ca’ Foscari is part of Italy’s public university system, offering low tuition fees. Eligible students can apply for the DSU grant, which provides:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Annual stipend up to €7,000
- Discounted meals in university canteens
- Subsidised or free student housing
- Support for transport and study materials
Why Choose Ca’ Foscari University of Venice?
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia) stands out for:
- English-taught programmes that meet global development and entrepreneurial needs
- Interdisciplinary curriculum blending social science and business skills
- Experienced faculty active in UN and NGO research projects
- Strong internship links with international organisations and social enterprises
- Affordable public tuition with DSU grant eligibility
- Supportive international community
The university’s reputation in economics, management, and area studies ensures you receive a well-rounded education with practical relevance.
Summary: Lead Social Change Through Entrepreneurship
The Global Development and Entrepreneurship master’s at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice offers an affordable, practice-oriented path to becoming a leader in development and social innovation. You will study in Italy in English at a respected public university, developing the analytical, entrepreneurial, and managerial skills needed to design and scale solutions for global challenges. With financial aid options like the DSU grant, this programme is an accessible way to launch a career that balances purpose and profit.
Ready for this programme?
If you qualify and we still have a spot this month, we’ll reserve your place with ApplyAZ. Our team will tailor a set of best-fit majors—including this course—and handle every form and deadline for you. One upload, many applications, guaranteed offers, DSU grant support, and visa coaching: that’s the ApplyAZ promise. Start now and secure your spot before this month’s intake fills up.
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