The number of international students in Italy is growing fast with over 122,411 in 2023. These students are attracted not just to the scenery, beautiful cities, traditions, and way of life, but the growing number of economic opportunities.
Italy has a long history of innovation, from the masterworks of Roman engineering to cultural icons like Leonardo da Vinci, Guglielmo Marconi, Enzo Ferrari and Federico Faggin. Nowadays, Italy makes everything from luxury cars to high-tech satellites. As Europe's second-largest manufacturer, the country now faces a high demand for skilled engineers to fill a growing industrial gap.
LIUC, The Business University has just launched a new program: a Bachelor's in Management Engineering with a specialization in Industrial Operational Excellence. It's one of the first programs like this in Italy taught completely in English.
The program trains students to spot problems and fix them, but not just technical problems. These graduates will understand how to make factories run better, cut costs, reduce waste, and implement sustainable practices. They'll know Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and AI for Business, the methodologies that top companies use worldwide.
About LIUC, The Business University
LIUC, The Business University is a dynamic and innovative university located in Castellanza, Italy's industrial heartland, just 30 minutes from Milan, close to both the stunning Alps and Lake Como. Founded in 1991 by 300 entrepreneurs who wanted to create a direct bridge between education and industry, LIUC teaches effective management with care and passion. With a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the university offers personalized attention and guidance, preparing students for real-world challenges through hands-on learning and strong industry connections.
Why Combine Engineering and Business?
Engineering and business are more deeply connected than most people realise. Engineering doesn't just mean you can build; it means you understand systems, and every business is essentially a set of systems.
When you know how to think like an engineer, you can optimize anything: marketing funnels become efficiency problems to solve, sales processes become systems to streamline, and product development becomes a series of testable hypotheses. This engineering mindset gives you a massive advantage in business, you see patterns and solutions where others see chaos.
This program teaches you to apply engineering principles everywhere. You'll learn to break down complex problems, whether that's reducing waste on a production line or figuring out why customers drop off during checkout. While others guess at solutions, you'll know how to measure, test, and optimize. This combination of technical knowledge and business thinking is incredibly rare, and companies know it.
With AI and technology transforming every industry, the demand for engineers who understand business is exploding. Companies need professionals who can bridge the gap between technical possibilities and business realities. Someone who can talk to the tech about algorithms and then explain to executives why it matters for revenue. This program positions you where the market is heading: at the intersection of engineering excellence and business strategy, ready to lead companies through whatever comes next.
On top of that, here’s what you can expect in the program:
- Semester-long residential weeks abroad at partner universities (146 partnerships: 40 EU and non-EU countries)
- International lecturers from top universities like Delft Technology University (Netherlands) and Cesi (France).
- Internships abroad that provide professional experience before graduation
What Will You Learn?
This three-year bachelor's program builds skills step by step. The first year covers the basics: engineering math, management principles, how industrial systems work. Second year gets specific with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, supply chain management, and sustainability. Third year puts it all together - you'll work on real projects with actual companies and can do internships abroad.
The whole program runs in English. You'll study with students from different countries, which makes sense since most graduates will work in international companies anyway. Classes stay small (maximum 120 students) so professors actually know who you are.
The focus on operational excellence means you're learning what companies need right now. Not theory for theory's sake, but practical skills for making production lines run better, reducing defects, cutting waste, and implementing new technologies.
Plus, you can also take Italian classes while on the program which can help with your employability, and enjoying life outside the classroom.
You can download the brochure here if you’re interested to learn more about the program. Or contact us if you have any questions.
Where This Degree Takes You
LIUC has a network of over 8,000 companies which ensure graduates can find a job within 3 months. They provide workshops with companies that students can be involved in which LIUC collaborated with Logitech, TapMyLife, Siemens, Datwyler, and more.
Graduates find jobs across industries. Automotive companies need them to streamline production. Pharmaceutical firms want them to maintain quality while cutting costs. Fashion brands hire them to build sustainable supply chains. Food manufacturers need them for safety and efficiency. Renewable energy companies want them to scale operations.
LIUC also has a career service that you can maximize for you to connect directly with the business world and which means every student gets a Personal Career Advisor to help with their career path and to get students ready for job interviews and networking.
Job titles vary but the work is similar: making things run better. Operations Excellence Managers start around €35,000-45,000 in Italy. Process Improvement Specialists dig into specific problems. Sustainability Officers make sure efficiency improvements don't harm the environment. The common thread? These professionals speak both languages - engineering and business.
Why LIUC, The Business University?
LIUC sits 30 minutes from Milan in Italy's industrial heartland. The university started differently - 300 entrepreneurs founded it because they wanted graduates who could actually do the work. Students get real internships, meet actual industry leaders, and often have job offers before graduating.
The campus is a converted 19th-century cotton mill. It's beautiful, but more importantly, it's symbolic. The building itself shows how old industry transforms into something new—exactly what students learn to do. With a network of over 8,000 companies and small class sizes, students get personal attention and real opportunities.
You can hear from successful alumni who have experienced the quality education at LIUC and learn how it helped them achieve their goals and become global business leaders.
Want to apply? Check the complete LIUC Business University Admissions Guide 2026 for requirements, deadlines, and more information.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need strong math skills to apply?
You need basic competency. The entrance exam (TOLC-I) requires 16/50 points in math, or you can submit SAT scores (1150+ total with 500+ in math) or ACT scores (23+ with 19+ in math). If you don't meet these thresholds, you can still enroll but will need to complete additional math coursework.
Moreover, LIUC has just introduced GAUSS – Gen AI Used for Supporting Students, the smart tutor of LIUC’s School of Engineering!
Developed in collaboration with IFAB, the university’s digital factory for AI, training, and knowledge transfer, and with ITS INCOM, GAUSS is designed to make the beginning of a student’s academic journey smoother. Powered by a Large Language Model, GAUSS focuses on the math basics often taken for granted when entering university. If you feel you have some gaps, GAUSS offers tailored guidance to help you catch up and face your first year with confidence.
Is the degree recognized outside Italy?
Yes. The program has EUR-ACE accreditation (European engineering quality certification) and follows the Bologna Process with 180 ECTS credits. This ensures recognition throughout Europe and most countries worldwide.
How do internships work?
Internships are mandatory—minimum 200 hours worth 9 ECTS credits. LIUC's Career Service helps match you with companies from their network of 8,000+ partners. The university provides €1,000/month for European internships and €1,200/month for intercontinental placements (up to 3 months).
What if I don't speak Italian?
The program is 100% taught in English for international students. You need TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.0+ to enroll. LIUC offers Italian language courses to help with daily life, but they're not required for your degree.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is €9,656 per year. Dorm rooms cost around €500/month. Merit- and income-based scholarships can significantly reduce, or even nearly cover, tuition fees. For more details, please contact [email protected].
Learn more about LIUC
Learn more about the programs and apply to LIUC, The Business University through Global Admissions platform. Or book a call with us here.
