Italy: Florence University of the Arts

‌Florence - A city that challenges the concepts of past, present, and future. Its location allows students access to every region of Italy very easily. The benefits of studying abroad at FUA begin with the flexibility of the institution's academic sessions offered throughout the year. The courses at FAC include studies in a diverse area of academic disciplines which feature experiential components such as educational field trips, getting involved in local culture through community service, as well as extracurricular activities.

Dates & Deadlines

Term: Summer 2025
App Deadline: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Program Dates: May 19th- June 27th or June 30th- August 8th

Term: Fall 2025
App Deadline: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Program Dates: August 25th- December 12th 2025

The application cycle for Spring 2025 is currently closed. Summer and Fall 2025 applications are now open. Students can click the link below to schedule a meeting to go over important details about the program.

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the Spring of 2026 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. You can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Study Abroad Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Learn More about FUA

Location

The city of Florence is an excellent compass for navigating Italian culture. The city shows unique characteristics coupled with a primary position in international and Italian tourism, economy, and culture. It is an intriguing example of how past, present, and future blend together in a stimulating European context. Its central position makes it a unique portal to various breathtaking destinations. Florence is located only an hour from Bologna, an hour and a half from Rome, and 2 hours from Milan by train.

Florence is a city that is easy to walk from one place to another. The city center is a walkable 20-30 minutes, end to end. There are many cafes, restaurants, and shops spread throughout! Many students get to walk past notable historical sites like the Duomo on their way from housing to classes.

Notable Area Sites:

Mercato Centrale (Central Market)
Florence Cathedral
Palazzo della Signoria (the Old Palace)
Mueseo di Storia Naturale di Firenze (Natural History Museum of Florence)
Piazza della Repubblica (City center square)
Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella basilicas

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Acacemics

FUA’s name bears the core of their educational philosophy: a group of prestigious, meticulously renovated historic buildings, that have witnessed the life of Florence throughout centuries, to strive to bring innovation to the present. Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is accredited by the Region of Tuscany, delegated by the Ministry of Education and consists of nine different schools.

The Student Life and Development department (SLD) strives to bridge the cultural gap between students and the Florentine locals by offering engaging activities to compliment FUA academic sessions. Student Life staff aims to assist students as they acclimate to their surroundings by providing educational field trips, housing coordination, health and safety assistance, and FAQs. From the time of pre-departure to program completion, the Student Life and Development Department acts as a source of guidance and support for FUA students.

Teaching Methods and Styles: Courses at FUA are offered similarly to in the US with regard to credit, lecture, and assessment, however, FUA tends to be a more hands on and experiential school. Students may have experiential learning as part of their course. It is important for students to read the syllabus of each course thoroughly prior to registering. They can meet with their study abroad advisor to get the full detailed syllabus.

Courses: FUA offers a wide variety of courses all offered in English for students to chose from. Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers many academic areas for students to chose from. The most prominent fields of study are:

Publishing, Digital Media, Visual Communication
International Hotel and Tourism Management, Culinary Arts & Food Service Management
Humanities and Fine Arts
Business and Economics
Italian language and Contemporary Italian Studies
Social Sciences

Course descriptions and offerings for each course can be found in FUA's Academic Catalog. These courses are not guaranteed to be offered each semester or session. Courses available for each session can be found in FUA's Academic Schedule. The right-hand side will list "open" or "closed".

Internships and Experiential Learning (Special Projects): FUA offers these options for students to gain hands on experiences related to their fields of study. These options are offered on a for-credit and not-for-credit basis. Internships are experiences where students actively assist professionals in fulfilling daily tasks and chores in external placements. The students do not receive academic instruction, but learn by performing tasks and span generally across the semester for 6 credits. Experiential Learning (Special Projects) consist of student learning by doing and observing the assigned tasks while also receiving academic instruction in the CEMI. These are generally shorter experiences and are offered usually for 3 credits.

Students register for courses at the time of completing the application for the university itself. Students pick about 4 to 5 courses they want to take and also list an alternative for each course (note, alternatives are required). Final schedules should have a minimum of 12 credits during fall or spring semester. The program cost lists prices for 15 credit hours, any additional credits will be charged directly to the student.

College of Business: For College of Business students, there is a pre-approved bundle package (see Advisor for details). For the Business Administration emphasis, every course counts toward the 4 required electives. Student can complete an entire sequence of electives in one semester at FUA through the Business Administration emphasis. That will give a clear practical edge in sports, fashion or restaurant management. In addition, you can get an FUA certificate in sports, fashion or restaurant management.

6 credit hour experiential courses count as internships -- for marketing majors, international business minors, etc.

Credits:
Credits are the same as in the U.S.

Grades:
Grading scale is the same as in the U.S.

Academic Calendar: FUA offers very customizable sessions for students to take part in while in Italy. Their Fall semester is generally from late August to December and their Spring semester is from January to May. They offer 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12 week summer sessions, as well. Students can combine these in any way they like. To view the academic calendar, please see here.

NOTE: No previous knowledge of Italian is required to attend or get accepted into FUA. All courses are offered in English with the exception of Italian language courses. Students are encouraged to take a survival course while studying in Florence.

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Florence, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Italy.

Immigration Information

Students going to Italy for more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa.

Your Study Abroad Advisor will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Housing & Meals

FUA's Housing Office is pleased to assist with the housing arrangement process for students. They do not own or lease apartments, but work as a facilitator to assist students in finding accommodation during their stay in Florence. Students choosing to secure housing independently must notify the university by indicating their preferences on their admission application. Housing options include the following:

Shared Apartment Housing: Apartments are located throughout the historic center of Florence, within a 15-20 minute walk to FUA facilities. The Housing Office will complete assignments only for students who request housing by the deadline. Apartments are fully furnished and utilities are included in the housing cost. The standard layout of the apartments consists of multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen, and living/dining room space. The bedrooms range from single bedrooms for one occupant to triple bedrooms, with the occasional quad space. Although apartments are of the same standard and have similar facilities, no two apartments are alike. They are not all located in the same neighborhood, but are all within walking distance to our campuses or the nearest bus route.
*Reflected on the program cost estimation page is "Multiple" apartment stay accommodations. Pleas speak with your Study Abroad Advisor for any further clarifications.
Host family - La Famiglia Italiana: Students will live with a host family and be immersed in the Italian culture and language. Evenings and dinner meals are shared together. It should be noted that not all host families are a traditional family of parents and children. Families will vary in terms of age and family situation. Students choosing the host family option live with an Italian family in the greater area of Florence and not necessarily in the historic city center. Although the location will be easily connected, most host families require a short bus ride to reach the city center and school. Meals will be served at a specific time and students are required to attend dinner, thus punctuality is important, as well as notifying in advance the host family when students wish to dine out.

Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers many academic programs in the following areas:

Publishing, Digital Media, Visual Communication
International Hotel and Tourism Management, Culinary Arts & Food Service Management
Humanities and Fine Arts
Business and Economics
Italian language and Contemporary Italian Studies
Social Sciences

Academic information:

There are many sessions each summer with various lengths (3, 6, 9, or 12-week options). Students may combine courses from any session, with no class conflicts.
Course descriptions for each course can be found in FUA's Academic Catalog. These courses are not guaranteed to be offered each session.
Courses available for each session can be found in FUA's Academic Schedule. The right-hand side will list "open" or "closed".

College of Business Program:

Earn a prestigious FUA certificate in restaurant management, fashion management, or sports management while adding a distinct practical edge to your business education. Earn an internship in fashion or sports management in a city known worldwide for food and fun.

Students will earn up to three courses and can participate either in the 6-week May - June or the 6-week June - July session.

BA Emphasis: Study restaurant management, retail management, or sports management towards your major elective requirements while completing an internship.
Marketing and Management Majors: Complete an internship, earn university elective credits, and potentially satisfy your Retail Management elective credits.

Florence Summer 2025 Cost Estimate (3 week session, 1 course)

Florence Summer 2025 Cost Estimate (4 week session, 1 week travel course, 3 week course in Florence)

Florence Summer 2025 Cost Estimate (6 week session, 2 courses)

Florence Summer 2025 Cost Estimate (6 week session, 3 courses)

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $17,211*

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Estimated Total Program Cost	$17,211
Estimated U-bill Charges	$11,558
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs	$5,653

Florence Cost Estimate Fall 2024 (4 courses)

Florence Cost Estimate Fall 2024 (5 courses)

Florence Cost Estimate Spring 2025 (4 courses)

Florence Cost Estimate Spring 2025 (5 courses)

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI

Tuition & Fees	$4,864
Room & Board	$4,993
Books	$400
Personal Expenses	$902
Transportation	$385
Total	$11,544

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/cost-aid

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). Additionally, students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to study abroad:

Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
- Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.

Must be over the age of 18 years old
Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
Must be in good standing with the university
UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements, if applicable.
Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.