How To Get Into Bocconi IPG – International Politics and Government
Why Choose Bocconi’s International Politics and Government?
Are you driven by global challenges and eager to shape policy in an international context? Bocconi University’s International Politics & Government (IPG) program offers a dynamic, English-taught bachelor’s degree tailored to students with big ambitions and global perspectives. Centered in the heart of Milan, IPG blends political science, economics, law, quantitative methods, and hands-on policy design - and this guide shows you exactly how to stand out.
What’s covered
Why choose Bocconi University and study in Milan.
Who the IPG program is for – and what makes it unique.
Complete application requirements: diplomas, test scores, language proof.
Admission process & timelines.
How to write a compelling motivation letter.
Next steps after acceptance.
Getting into Bocconi’s International Politics and Government (IPG) program isn’t easy - but with expert guidance, it’s absolutely possible.
Our Think Smart Admissions Experts will help you craft a standout application, from your motivation letter to diploma recognition and test strategy.
Reach out today and take the first step toward studying in Milan at one of Europe’s top universities.
Why Bocconi University & Milan?
Located in Italy´s financial and fashion capital, Bocconi is one of the most prestigious European universities if it comes to social sciences and economics. The IPG (international Politics and Government) course is specifically small, creating an international, high-performance culture. The course focuses on the policymaking in the real world: the development of effective policies on the part of a government to the measurement of their effects with the latest quantitative tools.
Distinctive features are an exchange semester in a foreign country, or optionally, internship. Tech-savvy students aiming at big-data and analytics can also take a dual degree track with HEC Paris.
Milan itself provides a rich student environment, with Bocconi integrated into the city´s vibrant cultural, political, and economic life. It´s a platform for launching careers in diplomacy, consultancy, NGOs, public institutions – and connects you with an influential alumni network across Europe.
Who is this program for?
The course of International Politics and Government is ideal for students who are eager to analyze political and economic systems globally. Understand and shape policies in a global context, seek to blend political science with economic, law, and quantitative tools.
If you are seeking a program that will allow you to thrive in an international, multicultural classroom and are planning on working in diplomacy, policy analysis, NGOs, or public affairs this is the university and course for you!
Through a mix of political theory, economics, statistics, egal studies, and fieldwork, graduates emerge as well-equipped policy professionals, ready to influence national and international institutions or move into advisory roles in multinational environments.
Admission Requirements & diplomas
Admission to Bocconi’s International Politics and Government program is by means of a rigorous admission procedure that requires both strong academic credentials and a demonstrated readiness for analytical, interdisciplinary study. The admissions policy followed by Bocconi is merit-based, so you will not have any interviews: your university entrance will depend solely on your grades, marks, and motivation.
Bocconi accepts a wide range of international high school diplomas, as long as they are academically rigorous and allow access to university in your home country.
IB Diploma: Aim for a total score of at least 36 points, with strong results in subjects like mathematics, economics, or global politics.
A-Levels: A minimum of 3 full A-levels is required. Subjects such as history, politics, economics, or maths are particularly valued. Predicted grades should be in the A–B range.
US High School Diploma: You’ll need a GPA of ~3.5+ (B+ average) and either SAT, ACT, or AP scores. AP courses in comparative politics, macroeconomics, or statistics can strengthen your application.
European systems (e.g. Italian Maturità, French Baccalauréat, German Abitur) are accepted, as long as your diploma meets the Italian Ministry of Education’s equivalency.
Important: Your last two years of grades are heavily weighted. Bocconi calculates a weighted GPA from your junior and senior years, which is a key part of your application ranking.
Bocconi’s International Politics and Government (IPG) program is one of the most competitive social science degrees in Europe. Maximise your chances with TS Admissions experts - specialists in top European university applications.
Admission Deadlines:
| Step | Deadline & Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Jul–Sep 2025 (document prep, diploma checks, test prep) |
| Register & Apply Online | Sep 2025 – Apr 2026 (varies by round: early, winter, spring) |
| Standardized Test (SAT/ACT/Bocconi) | Jul 2025 – Apr 2026 (book at least 48h in advance; max 3 attempts) |
| Submit Supporting Documents | Ongoing – aligned with application deadlines |
| Receive Admission Results | Oct 2025 – Apr 2026 (rolling per application round) |
| Visa + Insurance (non-EU students) | Apr–Jun 2026 (allow 2–3 months for visa) |
| Housing + Tuition Payment | May–Jul 2026 |
| Submit Final Diploma | May–Jul 2026 (usually within 2–3 weeks of issue) |
| Semester Start | Early September 2026 |
Test score requirements:
Besides your high school diploma, you must also submit one of the following standardized tests:
Bocconi Online Test:
A logic and problem-solving exam, focused on verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning.
Available several times per year between July and April. Starting 16th of July - early April. You can schedule your test anytime within this window, based on available slots. Remember that you can have max 3 attempts, with each attempt costing €100. This test is administered online and remotely via webcam.
SAT:
We recommend a minimum score of 980-1100+ excluding the writing section. The scores must be sent via College Board using Bocconi code: 7206.
ACT:
We recommend a minimum composite score of 18-22+. The scores must be sent via ACT using Bocconi code: 5356.
Bocconi will automatically put in consideration your highest score in any of the test attempts. In case you are not confident about the tests and questions to choose, Bocconi online test is usually the easiest of choices and can be retaken more than once.
English Language Proficiency
As IPG program is fully conducted in English, the language proficiency level should be rather high among all candidates. This may be achieved through the following:
You are automatically exempted if you:
Completed your entire high school diploma in English.
Attended an English-language international school (e.g., IB, British, American).
You have an A-level in English Language or Literature with a grade B or higher.
If your education wasn´t in English, the required proof of language proficiency can be shown as followed:
IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 or higher.
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90-100, depending on cohort competetivness.
Cambridge English Advanced (C1) or Proficiency (C2): Overall pass.
The results of tests have to be submitted prior to the enrollment by no later than the end of June of the year of entry. In case you have not taken your test at the time of applying to the university, Bocconi offers provisional admission as long as you take the test to complete this qualification.
Tip: Bocconi is very open to checking that your diploma will pass an exemption even though you attended an English language school (we have one or two such students here).
Interested in improving your chances of getting into Bocconi’s International Politics and Government program? Our Think Smart Admissions Experts can help - contact us for support today!
Final Thoughts
The Bachelors in International Politics and Government of Bocconi is not merely one of the most prestigious degrees, but it is a kick-starter of internationally minded future students prepared to intervene in the public matters, the diplomatic field, and policymaking. The political theory, economics, law and quantitative skills integrated in the program are not common across undergraduate courses, and the Milan location puts an international touch to it.
Although the journey to application is competitive and meticulous, it is open and can be passed with the right preparations. Bocconi can become the best place to start a journey in case you take good academics, critical thinking, and vision of where you want to get with you.