The UniME Foundation Course (UFC) is an intensive and comprehensive preparatory programme designed specifically for international students. This bridging course is tailored to help you meet the official academic requirements for enrolment in Italian higher education while strengthening the language proficiency and core disciplinary knowledge necessary for a successful university career.
Specifically designed for international applicants who have completed fewer than the 12 years of global schooling required by Italian law, UFC offers a seamless path to future studies. Successfully completing the programme grants you direct admission to open-access Bachelor's Degree programmes at UniME.
Furthermore, for those aiming for a career in healthcare, the curriculum is structured to provide rigorous preparation for the highly competitive entrance examination (IMAT) for the prestigious Medicine and Surgery Degree Programme.
The programme is delivered in a hybrid format. Students will begin their journey during the first semester with remote, online classes, studying from home while finalising their visa arrangements. For the second semester, the attendance will be on campus in Messina for in-presence lessons, with a full immersion in university life.
All enrolled students are guaranteed accommodation during their stay, which is conveniently arranged at the Villa Amalia compound.
UFC programme makes fully eligible to apply for a student visa and subsequently obtain an Italian residence permit for study purposes.
Applicants must hold a final qualification that grants access to academic-level higher education in the country where it was issued. Minimum GPA required: Grade Point Average (GPA) of 70%
Total: 60 equivalent credits over 2 semesters.
1st Semester – 28 equivalents credits
- Italian Language and Culture (Levels A1/A2) - 16 ECTS
- English Language - 6 ECTS
- Critical thinking – reasoning on text and data- 6 ECTS
2nd Semester – 32 equivalent credits
Students must choose 4 elective courses of 8 equivalent credits each from the following options:
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Economics and Business
- International and European Law
- Political Institutions
And
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suitable also for IMAT Test Preparation |
We are committed to supporting students at every step of their journey. All enrolled students will be guided by a tutor to select the most suitable subjects for the second semester based on the specific degree programme you plan to pursue.
Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Giacomo Fiumara - gfiumara@unime.it
This section is currently being updated. Detailed information on the application process and participation requirements will be published shortly.
Upon successfully passing all the scheduled examinations within the study plan, students will receive the official final certificate of completion of the UniME Foundation Course. This credential certifies that you have met the minimum academic requirements necessary to access Bachelor’s and Single-Cycle Master's degree programs in Italy.
UFC graduates will benefit from a direct exemption from the entry assessment tests required for admission to any open-access Bachelor’s Degree programme at the University of Messina. Furthermore, for those aiming to pursue medical studies, the program provides the essential scientific and logical foundational knowledge required to confidently sit the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) for English-taught Medicine and Surgery programmes.
To secure and maintain your enrollment in the UFC, the tuition fees are divided into three installments, to be paid according to the following deadlines:
- First Installment: €500 due within 7 days of receiving your official UFC Admission Letter. Please note that this payment is mandatory to secure the place and is strictly non-refundable, including in the event of a visa refusal.
- Second Installment: €2,500 due by October 5, 2026. In alignment with programme policies, this fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your visa application.
- Third Instalment: €2,000 due by January 30, 2027.
