Admission > How to Apply

Admission to the School is based solely on merit through a competitive entrance exam

The School Diploma is equivalent to a Second Level Master’s Degree (as defined by Italian law)

APPLICATION DEADLINES

The School typically publishes two calls for applications each year, usually in May/June, on the School website.

  • First-Year Call: Offers 10 places for students enrolling in a three-year Bachelor’s degree or a single-cycle Master’s syllabus.
  • Master’s Degree Call: Offers 2 places for students already enrolled or accepted in the first year of a Master’s degree syllabus at the University of Macerata.

ENTRANCE EXAMS
The admission process consists of three parts, all held in Macerata in September:

  • Two Written Exams: Assess your academic preparation, skills, and aptitude for the syllabus.
  • Oral Interview: Provides an opportunity for the School to get to know you and to evaluate your knowledge, cultural background, reasons for applying, and suitability for the syllabus.

During the selection week, the School offers the following support services to out-of-town applicants:

  • Accommodation: Subject to availability, residence hall accommodation may be provided for those living more than 100 km from Macerata.
  • Travel Reimbursement: Reimbursement for public transportation expenses may be available for students residing more than 100 km from Macerata.

Why choose the Giacomo Leopardi School of Advanced Studies?

The Giacomo Leopardi School of Advanced Studies offers a unique and enriching experience for high-achieving students. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider joining:

> High-Calibre Training and Research
The School provides an exceptional learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and research skills.

> Vibrant University Life
You will be surrounded by like-minded peers and have access to a variety of opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

> In-Depth Interdisciplinary Learning
The School’s curriculum encourages you to explore connections between different disciplines, leading to a well-rounded understanding of complex issues.

> International Exposure
The School offers opportunities for international experiences and collaborations, broadening your horizons and perspectives.

> National Network Connections
Become part of a network of high-achieving students from across Italy, participating in joint activities and initiatives.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

For students enrolling in a three-year Bachelor’s degree or a single-cycle Master’s syllabus

  • Available Places: 10
  • Deadline: September 16th (14:00 AM)
  • Eligibility: Recent high school graduates with a minimum final exam score of 80/100 who are enrolled or who will enrol in a first-year Bachelor’s degree syllabus at the University of Macerata.

Students who plan to pursue a Master’s degree at the University after completing their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible.

Admission Process

Applications are submitted exclusively online through the University of Macerata student portal http://studenti.unimc.it Register beforehand to obtain access credentials.
The application deadline is strictly enforced. Applications received after September 16th at 14:00 AM will not be considered.

Calls for applications

Admission Exams

Admission to the Giacomo Leopardi School of Advanced Studies is contingent upon passing a competitive exam
which consists of the following tests:

FIRST TEST – WRITTEN

Preparation of a text that analyses and explores an important issue in contemporary society.

This test is common to both Classes and is designed to assess linguistic skills, critical thinking and reasoning abilities.

The test does not require specific disciplinary knowledge but rather the aptitude to address cultural, social and political issues in contemporary society.

SECOND TEST – WRITTEN

Preparation of a text on a topic in one of the disciplines (see below) of the Class for which the candidate is applying.

The choice of discipline is at the candidate’s discretion.
Class of Humanities: law, philosophy/pedagogy, literature, Latin, history, art history

Class of Social Sciences: law, philosophy/pedagogy, literature, Latin, history, economics

THIRD TEST – ORAL

An interview to assess the candidate’s knowledge of the discipline chosen in the second written test, their cultural profile, motivations, and aptitude for study and research in the chosen Class.

N.B. Admission to the oral exam is subject to obtaining an average of at least 7/10 calculated on the written exam scores. Eligibility is obtained by those who pass the oral exam with a score of at least 7/10.

Aimed at those enrolling in the first year of a master’s degree syllabus at the University

  • Available Places: 2
  • Deadline: September 16th (12:00 AM)

The Giacomo Leopardi School of Advanced Studies will conduct a selection for the academic year 2024/25 for 2 places for graduates who are entitled to access the FIRST YEAR of the master’s degree programs at the University of Macerata.

Admission Process

Applications are submitted exclusively online through the University of Macerata student portal http://studenti.unimc.it Register beforehand to obtain access credentials.
The application deadline is strictly enforced. Applications received after September 16th at 14:00 AM will not be considered.

Calls for applications

Admission Exams

Admission to the Giacomo Leopardi School of Advanced Studies is contingent upon passing a competitive exam
which consists of the following tests:

FIRST TEST – WRITTEN

Preparation of a text that analyses and explores an important issue in contemporary society.

This test is common to both Classes and is designed to assess linguistic skills, critical thinking and reasoning abilities.

The test does not require specific disciplinary knowledge but rather the aptitude to address cultural, social and political issues in contemporary society.

SECOND TEST – WRITTEN

Preparation of a text on a topic in one of the disciplines (see below) of the Class for which the candidate is applying.

The choice of discipline is at the candidate’s discretion.
Class of Humanities: law, philosophy/pedagogy, literature, Latin, history, art history

Class of Social Sciences: law, philosophy/pedagogy, literature, Latin, history, economics

THIRD TEST – ORAL

An interview to assess the candidate’s knowledge of the discipline chosen in the second written test, their cultural profile, reasons and aptitude for study and research in the chosen Class.

A discussion in English is also planned to assess the candidate’s level of English proficiency.

N.B. Admission to the oral exam is subject to obtaining an average of at least 7/10 calculated from the written exam scores. Eligibility is acquired by those who pass the oral exam with a score of at least 7/10.

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Admission to the School is based on a competitive entrance exam held in September.

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

For Applicants with Three-Year Bachelor’s Degrees or Integrated Master’s Degrees (selection “bando” 1)

  • You must have achieved a minimum final high school exam (“Maturità”) score of 80/100.
  • You must have graduated from high school in either the 2023/2024 or 2022/2023 academic year.
  • You must be no older than 21 years of age on December 31, 2024.

For Applicants with Master’s Degrees (selection “bando” 2)

  • You must hold a completed three-year Bachelor’s degree or be on track to complete it by November 30, 2024.
  • You must have a minimum average grade of 27/30 (with no individual exam score lower than 24/30) in your Bachelor’s studies.
  • You must be no older than 24 years of age on December 31, 2024.

If you pass the entrance exam and decide to enrol in a different degree syllabus at the University than originally indicated in your application, you may still be eligible to attend the School under certain conditions.

  • Same Syllabus Class: If the new Syllabus belongs to the same class (Humanities & Social Sciences) as your original choice, you can submit a request to the Board of Directors for permission to change.
  • Different Syllabus Class: Changing to a Syllabus outside your original class requires permission from the Board of Directors and passing an oral exam.

The School Diploma is equivalent to a Second Level Master’s Degree. To be awarded the diploma, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Maintain the required academic performance throughout your studies.
  • Earn 60 University credits from courses offered by the School.
  • Obtain a Master’s degree from the University of Macerata within the designated timeframe.

No. Admissions decisions for both the University and the School are made independently. You should wait for notification of your admission status to the School before enrolling or paying any fees at the University.

Students enrolled in the syllabus will:

  • Attend classes for their chosen degree syllabus at the University of Macerata.
  • Participate in mandatory internal seminars offered by the School.
  • Maintain a minimum average score of 27/30 with no individual exam scores below 24/30.

The School covers all tuition fees, including those for your chosen degree syllabus at the University of Macerata. Additionally, the School provides free accommodation at the “Collegio Matteo Ricci” dormitory and meals at the university dining hall.

The entrance exam is made up of three parts:

  1. General Knowledge Written Test: This test assesses your overall knowledge base.
  2. Subject-Specific Written Test: You will select a subject from a list provided in the application materials relevant to your chosen syllabus class. This test will assess your knowledge in that specific subject area.
  3. Oral Interview: The interview aims to evaluate your knowledge of the subject chosen for the written test, your general cultural background, and your motivations for applying to the School.