ISTUD Business School

ISTUD Business School, founded in 1970, is Italy’s first independent business school and a long-standing hub for managerial training. Its main campus in Baveno, overlooking Lake Maggiore, hosts programs rooted in ethical leadership and sustainable enterprise. With over 63,000 trained executives and a network surpassing 65,000 alumni, ISTUD blends Harvard-inspired teaching with Italian industry expertise.

The school maintains a near-full placement rate for full-time Master’s graduates, supported by 118 staff members and affiliations with EFMD, ASFOR, and the UN PRME. Guided by a vision of lifelong learning, ISTUD cultivates forward-looking managers attuned to economic and social change.

ISTUD’s powerful Amici di ISTUD network connects students with more than 65,000 professionals across major Italian industries, enabling consistently strong employment outcomes. Graduates access opportunities in HR, marketing, sustainability, healthcare management, and legal-business roles through structured internships and corporate partnerships.

Career services provide personalized coaching, recruitment events, and direct company engagement, supporting near-100% placement for full-time Master’s students. Alumni often progress into leadership positions at firms such as Ferrero, Barilla, and major banks, benefitting from lifelong access to executive training and an active professional community.

Students choose ISTUD for its independence, agility, and strong commitment to responsible management. Programs are designed to develop socially aware leaders capable of navigating digital, environmental, and organizational transformation. Small cohorts ensure tailored guidance and meaningful engagement with faculty and industry experts.

The school’s Lake Maggiore setting enhances creativity and focus, while its Milan and Turin connections expand professional reach. High employability, an extensive alumni network, and a hands-on teaching method distinguish ISTUD as a practical, human-centered alternative to more traditional business education models.

ISTUD drives innovation through research on organizational development, socio-economic trends, and sustainability. Its integration of UN PRME principles shapes curriculum and institutional strategy, influencing Italian business culture through projects centered on ethical transformation, digital work evolution, and environmental responsibility.

Innovation labs in Baveno encourage experimentation, particularly within Green Management and healthcare tracks, where participants prototype solutions and explore emerging technologies. Executive programs incorporate digital tools, inclusive design concepts, and project management certifications, positioning ISTUD as a catalyst for entrepreneurial thinking and sustainable organizational progress.

What is the typical class size and teaching style? Classes generally include 20–30 participants, emphasizing interactive case discussions, role-plays, and peer learning guided by experienced faculty.

How international is the community? Programs are mainly Italian-speaking but attract diverse professional profiles, with some modules taught in English and international exchanges enabled through global affiliations.

What career support is offered? Students receive personalized coaching, internship placements, and access to the extensive alumni network, resulting in strong placement rates across business sectors.

Admission requires an online application with a CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and references. Interviews assess motivation, potential, and alignment with ISTUD’s managerial philosophy. Most full-time post-graduate programs favor recent graduates, while executive paths target professionals seeking advancement.

Tuition typically ranges from €15,000 to €25,000, with scholarships and corporate sponsorships available. Students can access housing near the Baveno campus, while Milan and Turin locations support flexible commuting. International applicants receive assistance with visa procedures, and orientation sessions help them adapt before courses begin.