Dual Career programme for student-athletes
Following the EU Guidelines on Dual Careers of Athletes, approved in Poznań on 28 September 2012, the University of Milan has launched the Dual Career programme. This initiative is designed to support high-level athletes in balancing their competitive sports commitments with university career, ensuring their right to education and fostering future professional opportunities after their sports career.
All details regarding the application process can be found in the call for applications for the Dual Career programme.
Starting from 15 July 2025, you can submit your application via InformaStudenti > Your career > Dual Career programme for student-athletes, using your University credentials ([email protected]).
Make sure to fill out all required fields and attach the necessary documents proving your sports qualifications.
Applications will be vetted by a dedicated Selection Board.
Applications open on 15 July 2025.
General requirements
- Membership card from a National Sports Federation (FSN) or Associated Sports Discipline (DSA) recognised by CONI — the Italian National Olympic Committee — and/or CIP — the Italian Paralympic Committee;
- Selection for preparation programmes for the summer or winter Olympic/Paralympic games in the last 12 months;
- Participation in an FSN national team recognised by CONI/CIP at least once in the last 12 months;
- Formal recognition as an athlete of national interest by their respective FSN or FSP (Paralympic Sports Federation).
Specific requirements
- Individual sports:
- ranking within the top 32 in national or youth rankings;
- participation in a national championship in the last 12 months;
- status of professional athlete, where applicable.
- Team sports:
- participation in the highest league level organised by FSNs;
- participation in professional championships recognised by FSNs.
- Additional criteria:
- medal at the National University Championships or European University Championships (EUSA) in the past 12 months;
- membership of a military sports group with the role of "athlete";
- selection as a coach/referee to represent Italy (or another country) at olympic/paralympic events, or for national/international competitions.
The programme is open to students who are formally recognised as athletes, coaches, referees and competition judges of national interest, enrolled — on track or off track — for the a. y. 2025/2026 in one of the following programmes:
- Bachelor's, Master's or single-cycle Master's degree programme;
- postgraduate school;
- PhD programme;
- 1st or 2nd level vocational master.
For students enrolled in a vocational master, postgraduate school or PhD programme, admission to the dual career programme is subject to approval by the relevant governing bodies of these programmes.
Participation in the Dual Career programme must be renewed for years subsequent to the first.
Those enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's or single-cycle Master's degree programmes are required to earn:
- at least 10 CFU (in the case of full-time enrolment), or 6 CFU (in the case of part-time enrolment) for participation in the second year of the Dual Career programme
- at least 20 CFU (in the case of full-time enrolment), or 12 CFU (in the case of part-time enrolment) for participation in the following years.
All academic requirements follow the regulations of each study programme regarding prerequisites and academic progress.
Student-athletes admitted to the Dual Career programme will have the following benefits:
- possibility to request additional exam dates during the session in case of conflicting sports commitments;
- academic tutoring for support with their coursework and internships;
- peer-to-peer tutoring offered by students selected within each Faculty/School (one tutor for each three students, for a maximum of 50 hours per year); possible financial support from the University of Milan and CUS (University Sports Centre);
- possibility to partially make up mandatory face-to-face activities (with the exception of laboratories, workshops and internships with a 100% attendance requirement, especially if said requirement is established at ministerial level) in compliance with the course schedule, where feasible;
- possibility to adjust the study plan based on sports obligations or academic objectives, within the limits of the regulations of each study programme;
- official recognition of the status of student-athlete during the graduation ceremony;
- free access to the sports facilities managed by CUS, in compliance with current regulations;
- official recognition of the status of student-athlete and tutor in the Diploma Supplement.
Renewal
Participation in the Dual Career programme must be renewed for years subsequent to the first.