Study Abroad in Milan

College Study Abroad

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milan italy study abroad waterway in the city

Explore Milan, Italy

Say hello to Milan, the second-largest city in Italy and the country’s unofficial fashion capital. Home to some of Italy’s major fashion brands, a booming wine industry, the oldest shopping center in the world (the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II), and a thriving international student community, there is plenty to experience and explore in the cosmopolitan city of Milan. 

When you study abroad in Milan, you call the Lombardy region of northern Italy home. Here, you’ll have every opportunity to enjoy one of the city’s many study spaces (like University Biblioteca Statale di Milano, the largest academic library in Italy), shop in one of 200+ shops and boutiques, indulge in one of nearly 6,000 restaurants, and so much more while immersing yourself in the local culture. Make Milan your home away from home with CIEE! 

location of milan italy on a map with a red pin
milan galleria vittorio emanuele ii interior shot
famous church in milan italy city center during the day

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Milan, study tours and excursions may include: 

  • A guided tour of the Duomo di Milano, the largest Gothic building in Italy 
  • A visit to the Navigli District, Milan’s canal district 
  • A night at the opera theatre, Teatro alla Scala 

If you’re a student looking for an authentic study abroad experience in Milan, our cultural excursions and tours allow you to do just that! Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit famous sites, or make new friends, studying abroad in Milan offers something for everyone. 

Where Students Study

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 
Affectionately known as Cattolica, is an Italian private research university, founded in 1921. Its main campus is located in Milan, Italy, with satellite campuses in Brescia, Piacenza, Cremona, and Rome. The university is organized into 12 faculties and seven postgraduate schools. In the renowned QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022, Cattolica’s ascendency placed the University in formidable company, with 16 disciplines ranked in the top 300 in the world, or higher.   
 
Milano Fashion Institute 
A non-profit inter-universities institute, Milano Fashion Institute (MFI) connects management, design, and communication for the fashion field. MFI was founded in 2007 by the most important Milanese universities (Politecnico di Milano, Università Bocconi, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), and institutions (Municipality of Milan, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana). MFI offers masters programs only, and some courses are open to CIEE undergraduate students.
 

New Programs Coming Soon

woman taking a selfie by a famous milan cathedral

Spring 2024

  • Semester in Milan
  • Open Campus Block
  • Business + Culture
  • Fashion, Retail + Innovation
waterway in milan italy at night

Summer 2024

  • Summer Fashion + Innovation
  • Summer in Milan
  • Summer Global Internship

city center sunset with statue and church in milan italy

January 2025

  • January in Milan

Pocket Guide to Milan

  • Currency
    Euro

    Spoken Languages
    Italian, English

    Available Transportation
    Taxi, metro, bus

    Famous Local
    Caravaggio – Italian realist painter known for his dramatic use of light

  • Climate
    A humid, subtropical climate with an average yearly temperature of 58°F

    Local Attraction
    Sforzesco Castle – a medieval castle and museum built in the 15th century

  • Airport
    Malpensa Airport (MXP)

    Social Norms
    Guests are invited to start eating when their host says “Buon appetito” (enjoy your meal)

    What to Pack
    Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, travel adapter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milan a good place to study abroad?

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A bustling metropolis boasting a youthful vibe while retaining its old-fashioned Italian roots, Milan is a great place to study abroad. This international city in Europe offers excellent public transportation, a lively and dynamic culture, a booming restaurant scene, world-renowned art, and is widely considered the entertainment capital of Italy.

Why study abroad in Milan?

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Home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, Milan hosts a large international student community, making it the perfect place to live and learn abroad. Study alongside students from diverse backgrounds while enjoying all of Milan’s lovely parks, exciting nightlife, cultural activities, impressive artwork, historic churches, and so much more.

Milan vs. Rome vs. Florence study abroad?

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With CIEE, you can take your studies to Italy in three amazing cities! Each location has so much to offer, which means finding the best fit for you can be challenging. Consider these fast facts to inspire your decision: 

  • Milan: The second-largest city in Italy, Milan is an economic hub known for its booming wine industry, renowned arts, fashion influence, and thriving music scene. There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the local culture here! 
  • Rome: Rich with more than 2,500 years of history, Rome is the perfect place to live and learn if ancient architecture, historic treasures, and exquisite artwork intrigue you. Rome is also widely considered Italy’s “pizza expert,” with pizzerias located all around the city! 
  • Florence: The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the go-to study abroad destination for students who appreciate art, history, and architecture. Boasting a thriving international student community, Florence is a great host city for students who appreciate stunning views, Italian countryside, and more.  

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

study abroad student in milan on a skiing trip

APPLY IN 1,2,3!

You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Milan. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Milan to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application

students in milan at famous museum

STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible. 

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible. 

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status. 

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS