Mission and activities

Cultivating talent, knowledge and relationships in a community of excellence.

The Collegio Superiore, founded in 1998 as a College of Excellence, welcomes deserving students, selected through a competitive call, enrolled in the University's degree programmes or PhD programmes. It offers pathways of advanced interdisciplinary learning and research that enrich the university experience and support the development of knowledge, competence and critical thinking abilities.

The Collegio was established to nurture talent, foster a passion for learning and create a space open to personal and cultural growth, where students can experiment, collaborate and fully develop one's potential in a stimulating, inclusive environment that encourages dialogue.

What are University Schools of Excellence and which ones are there?

Find out more about the history of the Collegio

Our mission

The Collegio is a space for growth and dialogue, where knowledge, competence and relationships can be nurtured. The community is committed to:

  • Recognising merit and a passion for study and research;
  • Promoting interdisciplinary learning, encouraging dialogue between different bodies of knowledge;
  • Experimenting with innovative teaching models, based on active participation;
  • Strengthening the international outreach, through exchanges and collaboration;
  • Enhancing the University's image in Italy and around the world;
  • Engaging public and private bodies interested in investing in quality learning.

Training and research programmes

Courses for students enrolled in first, second and single-cycle degree programmes

The Collegio’s educational offering changes every year and includes Integrated Courses, Seminars and Transferable Skills Laboratories, ranging from scientific and technological fields to humanities and social sciences. These extracurricular pathways complement the university curriculum and enable the attainment of a diploma equivalent to a professional master's programme (2nd level).

International PhD College (I-PHD) for PhD students

The I-PHD College is a training and research programme, accessible through a call for applications, and complementary to the University's PhD programme. Those who take part have the opportunity to combine the research activity provided for by their PhD programme with seminars, meetings and projects organised by the Collegio and the University Schools of Excellence. The programme also includes interdisciplinary co-working activities, cross-disciplinary tutoring with professors from an area other than their own, and public engagement initiatives aimed at sharing knowledge and results with society.

Why apply to join the Collegio

Joining the Collegio means having an experience that goes beyond study and research, engaging with other disciplines and growing together with the community. Those who join the Collegio can rely on:

  • High-quality interdisciplinary pathways;
  • Personalised tutoring with highly qualified lecturers;
  • Opportunities for national and international mobility and exchange;
  • Free accommodation at the Collegio Superiore Irnerio Residence;
  • Annual contribution towards expenses and exemption from university fees (set annually by the Academic bodies).
  • Accommodation support for PhD students of the I-PhD College;

Explore life at the Collegio

The experiences of past graduates

The advanced learning offered by the Collegio Superiore is reflected in the achievements of its members. Those who complete their degrees or PhDs often obtain scholarships, PhDs and research fellowships at the most prestigious universities, both in Italy and abroad, or pursue successful careers in leading companies.

Listen to what our alumni have to say

Our supporters

The activities of the Collegio Superiore are supported by the University of Bologna and by public and private funders who, through their contributions, foster growth, innovation and meaningful relationships between members, lecturers and the scientific community.

Find out who supports us