The official certificate ceremony for the ninth edition of the University of Pisa’s Foundation Course took place on July 11 in the Aula Magna of Palazzo Matteucci. This university programme is designed to help international students meet the educational requirements necessary to enroll in a first-cycle (undergraduate) degree program at an Italian university.
During the ceremony, final certificates were awarded to the first group of students who successfully completed the programme. Representing the Rector was Professor Giovanni Federico Gronchi, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and International Relations. He was joined by Professor Marco Polini, Director of the Foundation Course Science (FCS), and Professor Carlotta Ferrara degli Uberti, incoming Director of the Foundation Course Humanities. Also in attendance were Professor Massimo Caboara, instructor of Basic Mathematical Language, and the team from the International Cooperation Unit, coordinated by Dr. Paola Cappellini.
The Foundation Course is a one-year academic programme aimed at bridging the gap for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for Italian undergraduate programmes. Since its launch in 2016, the University of Pisa has remained a national pioneer in this field, being the first Italian institution to offer such a programme—already a well-established practice in leading European universities.
The University of Pisa was the first Italian university to launch this important programme in 2016, already well-established in major European universities for several years. By attending the Foundation Course and passing the related exams, students can continue their academic journey by enrolling in a first-cycle degree programme at the University of Pisa and other Italian universities.
This year’s ceremony not only marks the successful conclusion of the academic programme but also celebrates the commitment of the university to fostering international education and academic excellence.
