Foundation Year in Political & International Studies

Why Choose a Foundation Year in Political & International Studies in Italy

Choosing a Foundation Year in Political & International Studies in Italy allows international students to build the academic preparation and language skills needed before applying to university. For many applicants, it is also an essential pathway to meet the 12-year schooling requirement and gain access to higher education in Italy.

In addition to supporting academic eligibility, the programme introduces students to the foundations of political science, international relations, history, economics, and law. This makes it particularly valuable for students who want to understand global challenges, political systems, and contemporary international dynamics before progressing to undergraduate study.

Who is this Foundation Year for?

This Foundation Year in Political & International Studies is designed for international students who want to prepare for undergraduate study in politics, international relations, diplomacy, global studies, or related fields and need a recognised academic pathway before entering university.

It is particularly suitable for students who have completed less than 12 years of schooling, for applicants who want to strengthen their academic background before undergraduate study, and for students who want to improve their proficiency in English while developing a deeper understanding of global affairs and international systems.

• International students who need an academic pathway before university admission in Italy
• Students with less than 12 years of schooling who need additional preparation
• Applicants interested in politics, diplomacy, and international relations as their future degree field
• Students who want to strengthen academic English and critical thinking before undergraduate study

A Foundation Year for Politics and Global Affairs

The Foundation Year in Political & International Studies is designed for students who are interested in global affairs, politics, and international relations and wish to build a strong academic foundation before progressing to an undergraduate degree. By fulfilling the 12-year schooling requirement, students complete a recognised pathway that supports progression to university study in Italy.

Throughout the year, students develop the ability to analyse political systems, global challenges, and international dynamics, while improving their academic English and communication skills. The course encourages debate, independent thinking, and critical analysis, helping students engage more confidently with contemporary global issues.

The programme also introduces essential concepts in history, economics, law, and social studies, providing a broad interdisciplinary foundation for undergraduate study in fields such as political science, international relations, diplomacy, and crisis management.

Academic and Critical Preparation

In addition to subject-specific learning, this programme helps students develop the academic skills required for higher education in Italy. The Foundation Year supports the development of critical thinking, analytical reasoning, academic writing, communication skills, and independent study methods, all of which are essential in politics- and international-studies degree programmes.

Students also strengthen their ability to understand and discuss contemporary issues in a structured academic environment, while building the confidence needed to continue their studies in an international setting.

Foundation Year in Political & International Studies: Study Plan and Course Modules

This Foundation Year in Political & International Studies in Italy offers a structured study plan designed for international students preparing for university. The programme includes language training, academic skills development, and subject-specific modules, for a total of 540 hours and an overall learning commitment of 60 FCC.

Progress to a Bachelor’s Degree in International Politics and Crisis Management

After completing this Foundation Year in Political & International Studies, students meet the academic preparation requirements to apply for undergraduate study in Italy and strengthen their readiness for progression into politics- and international-relations-related degree programmes.

At Link University, students who complete the programme can apply for a Bachelor’s Degree in L-36 in International Politics and Crisis Management. The Foundation Year is designed to support this transition by combining subject knowledge, academic skills, and language preparation within a structured pathway.

Entry Requirements for International Students

• Upper secondary school qualification: applicants must have completed secondary education and may need to bridge the 12-year schooling requirement for university access in Italy.
• English proficiency: a minimum B2 level (CEFR) is required.
• Suitable for: international students who want to undertake a structured introduction to politics, international relations, and global affairs before undergraduate study.
• Tuition fee: €5,000 for the academic year.