Take courses in the vibrant city of Milan! SAI semester students at UCSC enroll in 4 - 5 elective courses for a total of 12 - 18 US credits. Courses are taught in English and are offered in a variety of fields, including business & economics, international relations, fashion & design, communications, psychology and more. Students interested in completing Italian language courses can do so during the semester or enroll in an intensive 2 week language course that takes place prior to the regular semester start. Students also have the option of completing a part-time internship or earning a SAI Global Leadership Certificate as part of their programs.
Application open until: October 15, 2025
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Attend one of the most prestigious private universities in Italy
- Earn a Global Leadership Certificate
- Get a taste of Italy while studying in a traditional Italian educational context
Program Dates
Mid February – Late May 2025
dates may differ as a result of add-ons
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) or above.
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 79+ or IELTS: 6+, or proof of attending school in English for 3+ years.
Global Leadership Certificate
Students can supplement a regular semester of studies with the SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC), designed to enrich students’ experiences and to acknowledge their academic and service work by providing an additional credential beyond a university transcript. Students enrolled in the Global Leadership Certificate program broaden their awareness of global issues and deepen their knowledge of the host community’s role in an increasingly interconnected world through exploration of research, engagement in community service and interaction with experts and leaders. Students interested in applying for the GLC should select the program at application. GLC applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
Courses & Schedule
The majority of UCSC courses are held 2 days a week, Monday through Friday. SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses.
Course Registration
Students select preliminary courses upon submitting their application to SAI. Students wishing to enroll in Italian Language courses must select the course during the application process. Students complete official course registration for all elective courses (not including Italian Language courses) via UCSC’s registration portal approximately 8 weeks prior to the start of the program.
Program Add-On: Pre-Session 2 week Italian Language Course
Semester students have the option to add an intensive 2 week 3 credit Italian language and culture course that takes place prior to the semester start (for a maximum of 18 US credits over the semester). The course meets 5 days per week for a total of 45 hours, and is best suited for students with no prior knowledge of Italian, or those with some basic knowledge. Students can also pair this pre-session course with a regular semester Italian language course in order to maximize language learning. Please note: students enrolled in this program add-on will arrive in Milan two weeks prior to the start of the regular semester (specific date TBA).
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 15 2025 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 1 2025 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| October 15 2025 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| October 15 2025 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| October 29 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| November 15 2025 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| November 30 2025 |
UniversItaly Deadline UniversItaly is a system maintained by the Italian government which is designed to help students obtain their university-sponsored visas. Students are required to complete the official online forms by this date. |
| December 1 2025 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Coming soon |
Regular Semester Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 12:00 noon, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| Coming soon |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| Coming soon |
UCSC Academic Orientation UCSC holds week-long orientation activities. In addition to the mandatory orientation, students have opportunities to take city tours, join clubs, and meet professors. |
| Coming soon |
Semester Classes Begin |
| Coming soon |
Last Day to Add or Drop a Class |
| Coming soon |
Spring Break (no class) |
| Coming soon |
Last Day of Classes |
| Coming soon |
Final Exams |
| Coming soon |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
* Students opting to add the Pre-Session Italian language course arrive in Milan two weeks prior to the start of the regular semester (specific date TBD).
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Program Add-On: Pre-Session Italian Language Course Two week course that takes place prior to the regular semester. Includes housing; cost varies by private or shared occupancy room. |
Coming soon |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
Coming soon |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Milan |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees. |
$300 | $1,500 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees | $30 / course | $50 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $850 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $350 / month | $450 / month |
| Transportation within Milan Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $250 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community for you and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Parent & family resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Student visa advising
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
- SAI alumni network
SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.
Welcome Day: SAI Milan Orientation
The SAI Orientation is an introduction to SAI and Milan. The onsite team discusses the main aspects of living and getting around Milan, public transportation, safety and much more. The orientation program is followed by lunch and a wine tasting at Milan’s first urban winery.
Milan Walking Tour
Following the wine tasting and lunch, we will discover the fashion district including La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala, Brera District, via Montenapoleone and Piazza San Babila.
Gallery Visit- Fondazione Prada and Bar Luce Visit
Since 1993, Fondazione Prada’s mission is to highlight contemporary art and culture. You will be able to admire permanent exhibitions and take part in the interactive and immersive upside down mushroom room by Carsten Hölle. After the visit, you can snap a photo of the iconic Bar Luce, which was designed by director Wes Anderson.
Gelato Meet-up in Chinatown
This meetup will allow you to meet and connect with all of the members of your cohort in one of the oldest and biggest Chinese districts in Italy. Chinatown consists of delicious restaurants and street food vendors, themed cafes, cute shops, and international markets.
Atelier Insights: An Evening with a Milanese Designer
Join us for an exclusive visit to a Milanese designer’s atelier, where they will share the story of their brand, its origins, and their vision for the future. The evening will conclude with a delightful aperitivo, offering a perfect blend of creativity, conversation, and Italian charm.
Yoga and Meditation on Lake Como
Join us for a rejuvenating day at Lake Como! Enjoy breathtaking lake views as you unwind with a soothing yoga and meditation session, followed by a delicious, relaxing lunch. A perfect blend of nature, mindfulness, and nourishment!
Pirelli HangarBicocca Gallery Visit
Join us on a visit to the Pirelli HangarBicocca, where you will be able to view contemporary pieces in one of Milan’s most iconic art spaces. Formerly a factory that manufactured train cars, the complex houses a reading room, bookshop, cafe, and three exhibition spaces.
Day Trip to Lake Garda
A day trip to Lake Garda, with stops in the beautiful towns of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda, is the perfect escape to experience Italy’s lake views, medieval architecture, and lively Italian culture in just one day.
Day Trip to Verona
We will start the day with a visit to the Verona Arena, a stunning Roman amphitheater that has hosted events for centuries. For lunch, savor Veronese specialties at a cozy trattoria and learn how to make pasta. In the afternoon, we will visit Juliet’s House and enjoy a classic view from her famous balcony before a leisurely walk across Castelvecchio Bridge with its beautiful views over the Adige River.
Farwell Aperitivo
Come celebrate a successful term abroad with a special aperitivo in the heart of Isola, an artistic neighborhood in Milan.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.
Depending on the consulate, students will either mail in their student visa application or appear in person to present their application to the consulate. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in preparing for the appointment; SAI Student Visa Consulting is part of the SAI 360° Services included in the program fee. SAI Student Visa Processing Service is available for select consulates only, for an additional fee.
UniversItaly
UniversItaly is a website developed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) with the aim of supporting students throughout their study experience in Italy. The MUR has determined that all international, non-European students planning to attend an Italian academy or university must complete the pre-enrollment procedures through UniversItaly. Detailed, step-by-step instructions for completing this process will be provided by the UCSC.