Free Mover Semester
Students interested in spending a semester abroad without participating in the Exchange Program can enroll as Free-Movers (Fee-paying Visiting Students or Independent Students or Contract Students) at some foreign Universities where they can study for a semester on a fee-paying basis.
The difference between the Free-Mover and the Exchange is the admission process which is freely defined by the host institutions and out of any Bocconi responsibility or involvement. On top, Bocconi has its own process since a maximum of 10 students in each destination will be authorized to recognize their courses taken abroad during their Free-Mover Semester. This number considers the entire a.y. (considering both first and second term).
Bocconi click day will be each year in May. Please be aware that admission processes abroad may have different timelines. Students are strongly advised not to undertake any binding financial commitment before the release of the updated information and/or having secured their place at Punto Blu. Please refer to the Guides available in the following sections for each degree level.
Please note that the Free-Mover Semester initiative is not open to the following Degree courses: BSc in International Politics and Government, MSc in International Management Global Experience and MSc in Finance Global Experience Track as they have already a guaranteed Exchange experience.
Timing and deadlines
-
Deadline for obtaining the minimum credits and uploading the language certificates (if required to satisfy the minimum language requirement): at least 5 working days before departure
-
Publication of possible destinations and guides: 18 March 2026
-
Click day, opening days
-
Integrated Master of Arts in Law: 5 May 2026 at 12 pm (Italian time)
-
Bachelor in Global Law: 6 May 2026 at 12 pm (Italian time)
-
Undergraduate programs: 7 May 2026 at 12 pm (Italian time)
-
Graduate program: 8 May 2026 at 12 pm (Italian time)
-
-
System closure for departures in 2026-27: 1 February 2027
-
Confirmation: Students must inform the Study Abroad Office via B in Touch once they have uploaded the required documents on Punto Blu.
Please note that:
- Students who withdraw from the Exchange Program cannot apply for the Free-Mover Semester.
- Students who are in waiting list for the Exchange Program can apply for the Free-Mover Semester but, if they apply for this initiative (by reserving a place at Punto Blu), their name will be removed from the waiting list by the Study Abroad staff and will not be contacted any further.
Check the appropriate Guide for a successful experience abroad and in order to get all the necessary information in terms of requirements, destinations, procedures, timeline, and academic recognition.
How we support you
Our role in the Free Mover process includes:
- Verify whether the chosen destination has already been attended by Bocconi students
- Evaluate ad hoc destinations
- Assess and recognize courses once back, according to the academic recognition process, provided you have secured a place at Punto Blu
- Forward transcripts bought through yoU@B to the final destination school via e-mail
The Study Abroad Office is not involved in nominations or in managing individual applications.
What is managed directly by the students
The Free Mover semester allows students to independently organize an international experience.
As this is an independently arranged experience, students are responsible for:
- Identifying and applying to the host institution
- Completing the admission process and meeting deadlines
- Complying with the host university’s academic and administrative procedures