SDA Bocconi MBA
The SDA Bocconi MBA is one of Europe’s top-ranked MBA programs, located in the heart of Milan, Italy—a global hub for finance, fashion, and innovation. This one-year, full-time MBA offers a rigorous curriculum focused on leadership, strategy, and global business. Known for its strong return on investment and international outlook, the program attracts a diverse cohort from over 30 nationalities. With close ties to European and global companies, the SDA Bocconi MBA is ideal for professionals seeking career advancement, industry switch, or international mobility.
SDA Bocconi MBA – Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common queries applicants have about this prestigious one-year MBA program
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Yes, SDA Bocconi offers a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships covering partial tuition fees. Indian applicants are also eligible for these awards, and scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process
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The Career Services team provides personalized coaching, mock interviews, resume reviews, and hosts regular recruitment events. The school has strong corporate ties, especially across Europe, offering students excellent job placement support
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Indian students benefit from the international exposure, diverse cohort, and strong placements in European markets. The one-year format is especially attractive to professionals aiming for a fast-track global career shift
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Yes, SDA Bocconi offers study tours, international exchange programs, and global business seminars, allowing MBA students to experience business environments across different regions
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While the average is around 5–6 years, SDA Bocconi welcomes candidates with 3–10 years of experience. Indian applicants with strong professional progression and leadership potential are well-regarded, even with slightly below-average work experience
SDA Bocconi MBA - Class Profile
A Globally Diverse and Industry-Rich MBA Cohort
The SDA Bocconi Full-Time MBA attracts high-potential professionals from across the globe, creating a truly international learning environment. With participants representing 37 countries and a wide range of industries, the program delivers a dynamic and multicultural business education experience in the heart of Milan.
Class Profile Highlights – MBA Class of 2025 (50ᵗʰ Edition)
- Class Size: 146 participants
- Average Age: 29 years
- Average Work Experience: 5.5 years
- Women in Class: 43%
- Countries Represented: 37
- Notable countries: India, USA, Italy, China, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Egypt, Canada, Mexico, and more
- Geographic Diversity
- 21% from Italy
- 25% from Latin America
- 19% from Asia & Oceania
- 14% from Europe (excluding Italy)
- 13% from North America
- 8% from Africa & Middle East
- Academic Background
- 44% Economics
- 31% Engineering
- 9% Law
- 8% Sciences
- 8% Humanities
- Work Experience Range
- 30% have 3–4 years
- 51% have 5–7 years
- 19% have more than 7 years
- Industry Background
- 20% Financial Services & Insurance
- 19% Consulting & Professional Services
- 10% Media, Advertising & Digital Services
- 10% Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- 9% Consumer Goods / Food & Beverage
- 7% Manufacturing / Chemicals
- 7% Construction / Real Estate
- 6% Energy
- 5% IT / Telecom
- 7% Fashion, Luxury, Hospitality & Other
SDA Bocconi MBA – Basic Program Information
The SDA Bocconi Full‑Time MBA is a globally renowned, career‑accelerating leadership program taught entirely in English in Milan.
- Program Duration:
12 to 15 months of full‑time study, typically starting in September and lasting up to 15 months depending on elective structure and concentration choices - Tuition Fees (Domestic & International):
Approx. €82,000, payable in four installments, covering tuition, academic materials, concentration modules, study tours, and access to campus resources - Estimated Living Expenses:
Estimated monthly personal expenses (accommodation, meals, transport, miscellaneous) range from €1,700 to €2,400, totaling approximately €20,000–€30,000 for the full program
SDA Bocconi MBA - Employment Report (Class of 2025–26)
Graduates of the SDA Bocconi Full-Time MBA program consistently achieve outstanding career outcomes, making it one of the best MBA programs globally in terms of international job opportunities and return on investment.
- Key Employment Metrics
- Employment Rate (3 months post-graduation): 80% of graduates seeking employment secured a new job within three months of graduation.
- Average Post-MBA Salary: €106,000, which includes gross salary and other guaranteed compensation.
- Salary Increase: Graduates reported a salary increase of +135% three years after graduation.
- Career Services Ranking: Ranked 3rd in Europe for Career Services by the Financial Times in 2024.
- Top Hiring Sectors
- Consulting: 55%
- Technology & Product Roles: 11%
- Investment Banking & Financial Services: 11%
- Other Sectors: Fashion & Luxury, FMCG, Healthcare, and more.
- Top Hiring Regions
- Europe (Northern/Western): 30%
- Asia-Pacific: 24%
- Middle East & Africa: 23%
- Top Recruiters
- Consulting Firms: McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Strategy&, Oliver Wyman, Roland Berger, Deloitte, EY-Parthenon, and more.
- Technology Companies: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, Uber, and more.
- Financial Institutions: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and more.
- Consumer Goods & Luxury Brands: L'Oréal, Unilever, Gucci, and more.
- Alumni Network
- SDA Bocconi boasts a strong global alumni network, providing graduates with access to a vast community of professionals across various industries and regions.
SDA Bocconi MBA Program Deadlines & Intakes
The SDA Bocconi Full-Time MBA follows a rolling admissions model with four application rounds per intake, encouraging early submission for best chance at admission and scholarship awards.
Intake for September 2025 (Class of 2025‑26)
- Tuition Waiver Application Rounds:
- Round 1: November 8, 2024
- Round 2: January 10, 2025
- Round 3: February 28, 2025
- Round 4: April 15, 2025
- Final MBA Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Admisssion Review Period: Rolling – begins September 2024 and concludes by July 2025
- Program Start: September 2025
- Program End: December 2026 (Commencement in December)
SDA Bocconi MBA - Application Requirements
Prepare a comprehensive application package to showcase your academic ability, leadership potential, and global mindset. All materials must be submitted via SDA Bocconi’s online application portal before the intake deadline.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years, equivalent to UK/US Bachelor’s) in any discipline
- Typically 3–10 years of professional experience (average MBA cohort ~5.5 years)
- Test Requirements
- GMAT or GRE: Mandatory for all candidates (preferred GMAT; no minimum score, but competitive scores are favored)
- SDA Test: Optional internal alternative to GMAT/GRE for specific circumstances (requires separate registration and €100 fee)
- English Language Proficiency
- Required unless applicant is a native speaker or has earned a degree in English
- Acceptable tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or CAE
- Test scores must be submitted directly from the exam provider
- Some candidates may qualify for a waiver based on educational and professional background
- Application Components
- Completed online application form (in English) with short-answer motivation questions
- Curriculum Vitae (CV/resume, detailed professional history)
- Two professional reference letters (upload referee contact details; references submitted via portal)
- Video pre‑interview: record several short response prompts during application process; must complete within a specified time frame
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (official copies; Italian graduates submit self‑certified forms)
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Application fee: €120 (non-refundable); your application will be reviewed only after payment
- Essays
Candidates must respond to the following essay prompts (280 words each) to demonstrate self-awareness, personal growth, and aspects of their profile not covered elsewhere:- Essay 1: What interests and occupations do you pursue in your free time?
Choose meaningful activities such as hobbies, community service, or sports. Reflect on how these have enriched you, showing global mindedness or teamwork, and highlight new facets of your personality. - Essay 2: What do you think you gained from your university studies? Conversely, what important things do you think your studies lacked?
Discuss knowledge and skills gained with specific examples, then identify gaps like soft skills or practical experience, explaining their importance to your career goals. - Essay 3: Explain the most significant goals you think you have achieved so far and the reasons for their importance in your personal growth.
Describe 2-3 personal growth milestones with concise STAR-format stories, focusing on personal development over professional advancement.
- Essay 1: What interests and occupations do you pursue in your free time?
- Admission Interview
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to a formal interview assessing leadership potential, motivation, and program fit
- Interviews conducted in Milan, via local alumni interviewers (domestic/international), or remotely via webcam
- Additional Optional Materials
- Third recommendation letters
- Certificates, accolades, additional transcripts
- Sponsorship form if employer finances your studies
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