Master in Service Management at University of Bologna
Two-year English-taught management master at the University of Bologna's Rimini campus on designing, managing and innovating services, with crash courses and an internship. Restricted access, with 25 non-EU places in 2026/27, a related degree or 40 credits, B2 English and an interview.
Master
2 years
Bologna
English
University of Bologna
Service Management is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-77 R) taught in English at the University of Bologna's Rimini campus. Entry needs a degree in business, economics, statistics, engineering or a related class, or 40 credits in those areas, plus English at B2 and a pass in the selection and interview. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Bologna's Service Management master asks for a three-year degree in a listed class such as business, economics, statistics or engineering, or any degree with at least 40 credits in economics, business, statistics, maths, computing or business law, plus English at B2 and a pass in a two-step selection with an interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
You need a three-year bachelor's degree, or a foreign qualification that gives access to second-cycle study in the country where it was issued. It must also meet one of two routes: [1]
- A degree in a listed class: Information Engineering (L-8), Industrial Engineering (L-9), Administration and Organisation Sciences (L-16), Economics and Management Sciences (L-18), Economics (L-33), Political Sciences and International Relations (L-36) or Statistics (L-41).
- Any other degree with set credits: at least 40 ECTS across economics, economic policy, public economics, econometrics, business administration, management, finance, organisation studies and financial markets (SECS-P/01, 02, 03, 05 and 07 to 11), statistics, economic statistics, demography and social statistics (SECS-S/01, 03, 04 and 05), mathematical methods for economics and finance (SECS-S/06), management engineering (ING-IND/35), computer engineering and computer science (ING-INF/05 and INF/01), geometry and mathematical analysis (MAT/03 and 05), and business and economic law (IUS/04 and 05).
For a foreign qualification, an Admission Board assesses whether it is eligible. [1] The programme's admission page states that no minimum graduation grade is required. [2]
What this means for your transcript
For a foreign degree, the Admission Board compares your studies with these Italian classes and subject areas. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a BBA, a B.Com, a BA or B.Sc. in Economics, or a B.Sc. in Statistics, as their economics, business and statistics units usually add up to 40 credits.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech or B.E. in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, which sits close to the listed information and industrial engineering classes; a BCA or B.Sc. in Computer Science, where computing and maths credits count towards the 40; and a BA in Political Science or International Relations.
- Often short: a BA in the humanities, or a degree in life sciences, nursing or pharmacy without economics, business, statistics, maths or computing units.
The board also scores how coherent your degree is with Service Management, up to 30 points, so a closer subject match helps. We check your transcript against these rules before you apply. [1]
English and Italian
English at CEFR level B2 or higher is required. The call accepts: [1]
- a language certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL, from the list on the programme website
- a bachelor's degree taught in English
- English exams or language proficiency from earlier studies
- 6 credits in English language, translation or linguistics in an earlier degree, with B2 stated in the learning outcomes or the course title
- native-speaker status
- the Oxford Online Placement Test, subject to availability at the University of Bologna Language Centre
The call does not list minimum scores. You do not need Italian to apply, but by the end of the programme international students need Italian at B2 and, without it, include Italian language activities offered by the programme in their study plan. An Italian B2 certificate can be uploaded with the application if you have one. [1]
Selection and interview
There is no written entrance test. Access is restricted, and an Admission Board of three programme teachers selects candidates in two steps: [1]
- Evaluation, out of 100 (minimum 40): academic merit and study background, based on the length and quality of your degree and your final grade or exam average, up to 40 points; coherence of your bachelor's with Service Management, up to 30 points; your CV and motivation, including international study or work, relevant internships, your presentation letter and any reference letters, up to 30 points.
- Interview in English, out of 100 (minimum 60): on how well your profile fits the programme. An online interview via Teams or similar may be allowed on the same dates.
You pass with at least 100 out of 200, provided you reach both minimums. Separate rankings are drawn up for the non-EU quota and the EU quota, and ties go to the youngest candidate. Candidates who pass but rank beyond the places available are listed as eligible and can declare interest in places left unfilled. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27 the call offered 50 places: 25 for non-EU citizens living abroad and 25 for Italian, EU and equivalent applicants. [1]
- First round: applications opened in March 2026 and closed on 5 May 2026 at 12:00 (GMT+1); interviews ran from 25 to 27 May 2026; rankings came out on 9 June 2026, with enrolment by 16 June 2026.
- Possible second round, if places remained: applications from 1 July to 19 August 2026 at 12:00 (GMT+1); interviews from 1 to 3 September 2026; rankings on 8 September 2026, with enrolment by 15 September 2026.
You could apply before graduating, but the degree had to be obtained by 31 December 2026, otherwise you are excluded even if ranked and enrolled. Careers had to be activated by 26 February 2027. The 2027/28 call sets the new dates. [1]
Documents and non-EU steps
You apply on Studenti Online, and the application also covers a later round. Documents are uploaded in PDF and in English. Mandatory items are: [1]
- a valid identity card or passport, with a passport copy if your ID has no English translation
- your foreign qualification with a Transcript of Records and Diploma Supplement where available, translated into Italian or English, or your list of exams if you have not yet graduated
- your English certificate at B2
- a signed CV in English on the programme's CV form; not using the form leads to exclusion
Optional items are one or two reference letters from university professors or researchers, evidence of study or work abroad, a residence permit if you hold one, and an Italian B2 certificate. [1]
Non-EU applicants living abroad must also hold a qualification that gives access to this master's and pre-enrol on Universitaly, choosing only this programme. After enrolment, the International Desk of the Rimini Campus checks the eligibility of your foreign qualification and the authenticity of your documents against the originals. [1]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Bologna, Rimini Campus. Call for applications to the Master's degree in Service Management (restricted access, class LM-77 R, code 6804), academic year 2026/2027, Italian text and English abstract. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna, Service Management programme website: How to enrol page, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna. Tuition fees and exemptions, academic year 2026/27: fee calculation system, maximum contributions by programme and reduced fixed fee for citizens of non-OECD and developing countries. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bologna. Teaching regulations of the Master's degree in Service Management (LM-77), Rimini Campus, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Service Management is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-77 R, Management, taught entirely in English on the University of Bologna's Rimini campus by the Department of Management (DiSA). It is worth 120 ECTS, has restricted access and is directed by Marco Visentin.
The degree starts from the observation that services are where much of today's economic value is generated.
It trains professionals to design, manage, innovate and internationalise services, combining data and processes with an understanding of human and organisational dynamics. It suits graduates who want a management career in a service-oriented economy.
What you will study
The overview names service business models, innovation strategies, corporate finance, behavioural economics, industrial organisation, international business law, service data analysis, human resource management in services, marketing, performance measurement and quality. Digital transformation and sustainability run through the programme.
Second-year units on the 2026/27 timetable include:
- Digital Transformation of Business
- Change Management in the Service Industry
- Service Marketing, with modules in Service Quality and Service Performance Metrics
- International Services, with modules in Service Design and Internationalization of Services
- Service Project Financing
- Destination Marketing and Management
- Sustainable Business
- Sustainability Reporting Laboratory
How the programme is taught
Introductory crash courses in accounting, finance, statistics, economics and Italian help students build the foundational knowledge the degree assumes.
All teaching is in English, attendance is not compulsory, and the final dissertation is written and discussed in English. [4] By the end of the programme, international students need Italian at B2 level; those without it add Italian language activities offered by the programme to their study plan. [1]
The second year includes an internship, and the degree runs its own job placement service, Erasmus+ exchanges with partner universities, study grants for dissertation research abroad and partnerships with organisations.
Career paths
The university prepares graduates for qualified roles in companies, start-ups and international organisations, with a focus on strategic positions in a service-oriented economy. Examples it gives include service business analyst and corporate service manager.
Fees and scholarships
For 2026/27 Service Management fees have a fixed part and an income-based contribution. [3]
The actual fee depends on family income: with an ISEE up to €27,000 only the fixed part is due, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students. [3]
Non-OECD citizens (countries like India are on the list) whose family income is only abroad can choose a flat fee instead. [3] ER.GO, the regional right-to-study body, awards scholarships; winners pay only the fixed part.
How to apply from outside the EU
Access is restricted. For 2026/27 the call offered 50 places, 25 of them reserved for non-EU citizens living abroad, with a separate ranking for each quota. First-round applications closed on 5 May 2026 at 12:00 (GMT+1), with interviews from 25 to 27 May 2026, and a possible second round for remaining places closed on 19 August 2026. We apply on Studenti Online. The 2027/28 call sets the next dates. [1]
Non-EU applicants living abroad also pre-enrol on Universitaly, where only one programme can be chosen and you must be admitted to it, and then apply for a study visa, which needs proof of financial means. [1][2]
On enrolment, you pay the first instalment, upload your foreign qualification documents and show the originals to the International Desk of the Rimini Campus, which checks their eligibility and authenticity. For 2026/27, careers had to be activated by 26 February 2027. [1] You also apply for a residence permit within eight days of arrival.
Compare related master's programmes
If you are exploring tourism and service management, compare the curriculum and entry requirements on these programme pages before choosing your shortlist.
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Bologna's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your Studenti Online application with your transcript, English certificate and CV form, and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ER.GO Emilia-Romagna scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What bachelor's degree do I need for Bologna's Service Management master?
A three-year degree in information or industrial engineering, administration, business, economics, political science or statistics (classes L-8, L-9, L-16, L-18, L-33, L-36 or L-41), or any degree with at least 40 credits in economics, business, statistics, maths, computing or business law. An Admission Board checks foreign degrees. [1]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test, but access is restricted. A board scores your degree, its coherence with the programme and your CV and motivation out of 100, with at least 40 needed, then interviews you in English out of 100, with at least 60 needed. You pass with 100 out of 200. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2. IELTS, TOEFL and the other certificates on the programme's list count, as do a bachelor's taught in English, English exams in earlier studies, 6 credits in English at B2, native-speaker status or the Oxford placement test. The call lists no minimum scores. [1]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, first-round applications closed on 5 May 2026 at 12:00 (GMT+1), with interviews from 25 to 27 May. A possible second round for remaining places closed on 19 August 2026. The 2027/28 call sets the new dates. [1]
How many places are there for non-EU students?
For 2026/27 the call offered 50 places: 25 for non-EU citizens living abroad and 25 for Italian, EU and equivalent applicants, with a separate ranking for each quota. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. For 2026/27 you could apply with your list of exams, but the degree had to be obtained by 31 December 2026, otherwise you are excluded, even if ranked and enrolled. [1]
I have a B.Com or a B.Tech. Can I apply?
Possibly. A B.Com usually has many credits in economics, business and statistics, which count towards the 40-credit rule, and information and industrial engineering are listed degree classes. For foreign degrees the Admission Board decides, and it also scores how well your degree fits the programme. We check your transcript before you apply. [1]
Do I need to speak Italian?
Not to apply. The programme is taught in English, but by the end of the degree international students need Italian at B2. If you do not have it, you add Italian language activities offered by the programme to your study plan. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Service Management at Bologna?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Bologna's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ER.GO Emilia-Romagna scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Service Management?
An Indian BBA, B.Com, or BA or B.Sc. in Economics, or a B.Tech in an information or industrial engineering branch, sits close to the rule, and other degrees need 40 credits in economics, business, statistics, maths, computing or business law. You also need English at B2. The steps are the Studenti Online application, the evaluation and interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Service Management are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: Studenti Online application, the evaluation and interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Service Management are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: Studenti Online application, the evaluation and interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Service Management are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: Studenti Online application, the evaluation and interview, and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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