Undergraduate Degree in Food Sciences and Cultures
The world's first degree programme entirely dedicated to food systems and quality food.
FORMAT
Mandatory attendance (except for part-time students)
LANGUAGE
English (1st year) Italian (2nd and 3rd year)
DURATION
3 years
CREDITS
180 ECTS
START DATE
22 September 2026
SCHOLARSHIPS
Available
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ADMITTED PARTICIPANTS
110
Three years in Pollenzo to become a Food Specialist: professionals capable of reading food through its cultural, scientific, economic and market contexts.
This comprehensive programme provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of food, from molecules to global food systems. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, we go beyond traditional classroom teaching, bringing our education outside the lecture hall through study trips, hands-on workshops and engaging field projects.
17 compulsory courses
3 elective courses
Study trips and field studies
WHY UNISG?
- Study trips included in tuition fees
- Interdisciplinary approach bridging natural sciences and socio-humanistic disciplines.
- Practical workshops and gastronomic laboratories
- Direct connection with the global Slow Food network
- A student community from 87 countries
Study Plan
Unique in the world, our degree programme skilfully integrates molecular sciences, food ecosystems, sustainability and food practices. It interweaves academic teaching with experiential learning, providing a comprehensive vision of the food world.
With a global perspective, we prepare graduates capable of understanding the broader issues of culture, health and sustainability within food systems. This holistic programme enables students to influence the dynamic world of gastronomy.
Courses may be subject to change
Ecology and Biodiversity
Chemical and Microbiological Food Sciences
- Molecular Sciences and the Science of Taste
- Microbiology and Food Fermentation
Economics and Sustainable Development Policies
History of Food Cultures 1
Food Anthropology
Legal Ecology and Historical Forms of Sovereignty
Gastronomic Lab I
Language Skills – Italian/English
Travel Practices and Field Experiences
Agroecosystems and Sustainability
Territories, Landscapes and Tourism
- Sustainable Tourism and Social Dynamics
- Food Territories, Historical Ecology and Local Knowledge
History of Food Cultures 2
Gastronomic Communication
- Media and Food Narratives
- Marketing and Gastronomic Enhancement Strategies
Food Product Sciences for Quality
- Food Technology and Food Product Quality Parameters
- Sensory Quality Analysis and Consumer Sciences
Gastronomic Design
Gastronomic Lab II
Travel Practices and Field Experiences
Food and Health
- Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
- Psychology of Eating
Global Food Governance
Philosophy of Quality, Ethics and Aesthetics of Taste
Management and Innovation in the Food Industry
- Data Analysis
- Management & Business Planning
Traditional Knowledge, Ethnobiology and Gastronomic Heritage
Gastronomic Lab III
Travel Practices and Field Experiences
Final Dissertation
Career Opportunities
Upon completing the Bachelor's Degree in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures, our students become Food Specialists, a versatile profession that offers multiple opportunities to take on a leading role in the food sector. Food Specialists possess comprehensive and all-encompassing expertise across the entire food production cycle, spanning food safety, product quality, nutrition and sustainability, combined with a cultured and attentive understanding of diverse gastronomic cultures.
Action Learning
Action learning activities are an integral part of the programme, offering direct contact with the reality of the agri-food sector. By going beyond the classroom, students meet professionals, observe food systems in real contexts and apply the knowledge they have acquired. These experiences strengthen critical thinking, collaborative skills and the preparation needed to competently address the challenges of the global food system.
Faculty
The faculty of the Bachelor's Degree in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures brings together academics and professionals with expertise spanning the full breadth of gastronomic sciences, from natural sciences to socio-humanistic disciplines.
Program Coordinator: Prof. Donatella Saccone
Admission Requirements and Procedures
For all information about admission requirements, language requirements, how to register for the competition, the competition tests, important dates, admission criteria, and registration procedures, download the document Admission Requirements and Procedures.
Follow the steps below to submit your application through UNISG's ESSE3 portal, the student records system used by Italian universities.
- Click the Apply Now button at the top right of this page.
- Click Web Registration and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
- Open ESSE3 di UNISG portal in your browser.
- Select Login from the top right menu.
- Enter your username and password to access your account.
- From the top right menu, click Registrar Office.
- Click Admission Process.
- Select your desired program from the list.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your application.
The University of Gastronomic Sciences guarantees that students enrolled in the Undergraduate’s Degree and Graduate’s Degree programs who are unable to regularly attend teaching activities can be recognized as 'part-time' students.
CALENDAR
Opening of applications
December 1, 2025
First session deadline
March 20, 2026
Second session deadline
May 26, 2026
Third session deadline
July 21, 2026
Start date
September 21, 2026
Visit UNISG
We offer a range of in-person and online events designed for prospective students who are considering joining the UNISG community. Whether you prefer to visit our campus or connect with us virtually, these are the perfect opportunities to explore our academic programs, meet our faculty and staff, and get a real feel for life at UNISG.
Find out more about our Orientation Days, Open Days and individual campus visits.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The tuition fee for the 2026/2027 academic year is €15,500* and includes:
- all academic activities, including conferences, tastings, and seminars;
- all field study and study-trip expenses as programmed;
- participation in many UNISG and Slow Food events as included in the undergraduate program;
- access to Career Center services (food sector job placement)
- enrollment certificates, official transcripts, receipts of payment.
The University of Gastronomic Sciences offers fee-exemptions for first-year students of all nationalities.
The scholarships are valid for the first year of the course and may be renewed for the following years, provided that the student maintains the academic requirements specified in the scholarship public announcement.
Scholarship announcement, 2026/2027 a.y.
Italian Candidates
- Documents requested
- Merit requirements to confirm the scholarship
- Scholarship Application form for Italian Candidates
Non-Italian Candidates
- Documents requested
- Citizens coming from Particularly Poor Countries: Documents requested
- Merit requirements to confirm the scholarship
- Scholarship Application form for non-Italian Candidates
All UNISG students who are currently completing or have already obtained a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or a First-level Master’s degree at our University are eligible for a €4,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year.
The reduction will be applied upon payment of the second installment.
All students who have attended a UNISG Summer School are eligible for a €500 reduction on the first-year tuition fee, applied to the second installment.
For the academic year 2026/2027, UNISG has allocated a total of €103,000 across all degree programmes to cover fee waivers for EDISU scholarship recipients, until funds are exhausted. Waivers are therefore awarded following the EDISU eligible candidates ranking, starting from the highest positions, until the allocated resources run out. Once these funds are depleted, the remaining students on the ranking list will not be eligible for a full fee waiver for the relevant academic year.
- Recipients: Italian Students residing in Italy (fee-exemptions assignees or not).
- Partner Bank: Intesa Sanpaolo (official website).
- Guide to “Merit Loan- Prestito per Merito” (downloadable here)
Students with United States citizenship are eligible to apply for American financial aid through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Note that for all UNISG programs, loan applications, must be initiated by the student and received at UNISG electronically.
Maximum Loan Amounts
Direct Stafford Loans are need based (subsidized) and non-need based (unsubsidized) and are subject to annual limits. The loan calculation is based on information from your FAFSA, information about other financial aid you are receiving and the cost of attendance (tuition and living expenses) which is set by the University. The maximum amounts are as follows:
- Three-Year Undergraduate Program
Dependent Undergraduate Students
– Year I: $ 3,500 subsidized; $ 5,500 total (subsidized & unsubsidized)
– Year II: $ 4,500 subsidized; $ 6,500 total (subsidized & unsubsidized)
– Year III: $ 5,500 subsidized; $ 7,500 total (subsidized & unsubsidized)
Independent Undergraduate Students please contact financialaid@unisg.it for more information
PLUS loans (for parents of dependent students) and Grad PLUS loans (for independent students in the UNISG Master program) are also available.
Several steps are involved in applying for financial aid. Ensure that you start the process early in order to complete all steps in accordance with both U.S. Dept. of Education and UNISG deadlines.
As loans of all kinds involve serious financial commitments, UNISG requires that students be fully responsible in ensuring accurate and timely submission of their FAFSA. Although in some cases a student’s parents may participate in completing the form, the student is considered ultimately responsible for his or her application process.
Applying
To apply to Direct Loan, you must:
- Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). In completing the FAFSA, you must indicate the UNISG Federal School Code (also called the Title IV Code): G41391.
- E-Sign an MPN (Master Promissory Note).
- Email the UNISG Financial Aid Office, indicating the total amount of subsidized loan, unsubsidized loan, and PLUS loan you are applying for. Also indicate any other financial aid or scholarships you are receiving, as well as any other documentation or information you wish to transmit that was not included in your FAFSA. All amounts should be shown in U.S. dollars and you should indicate the UNISG program you are applying for.
- Complete entrance counseling, if you are a first-time Stafford Loan applicant.
Deadlines
- FAFSA submission: within five days of the UNISG Registrar’s announcement of accepted candidates.
- Acceptance of UNISG admission offer and payment of initial deposit: within five days of receipt of loan confirmation from UNISG Financial Aid.
Disbursement of Funds
FSA funds are not disbursed directly to the student. Disbursements are made to UNISG and applied to the student’s university account. Funds in excess of the student’s university fees will be disbursed to the student’s personal bank account once the student arrives at UNISG. All currency exchange rates are based on the rate in effect on the day of deposit of funds.
All students receiving U.S. federal financial aid must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (SAP) during their UNISG program, according to the University’s SAP policy. Additional details regarding SAP will be provided to students upon enrollment.
For more information, contact: UNISG Financial Aid Office
UNISG Federal School (Title IV) Code: G41391
CALENDAR
| Payment | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | €2,000 | Within 8 days of admission notification |
| 1st installment | €7,000 | September 01, 2026 |
| 2nd installment | €6,500 | February 25, 2027 |
Scholarship pre-assessment deadline
May 26, 2026
Recipient notification
June 04, 2026
Where does a UNISG graduate work?
UNISG graduates build careers across diverse sectors of the food industry. The interdisciplinary training, which integrates technical, cultural and methodological expertise, prepares students for roles in business, innovation, public institutions and entrepreneurship. Our alumni apply the skills acquired during their studies to address complex challenges in the food system and society.
Graduates work in product development and brand strategy for food companies, beverage brands and retail organizations. Their understanding of food systems, consumer behavior and market dynamics enables effective product positioning and brand value creation in competitive markets.
Our alumni work as:
- Global Brand Manager
- Export sales manager
- Global Communication Manager
UNISG graduates work as specialized journalists, content creators and communication managers for media outlets, companies and organizations. They communicate complex topics to diverse audiences, addressing sustainability, culture and science through editorial content, visual media and digital platforms.
Our alumni work as:
- Food & Sustainability Journalist
- Content Strategist – Media and Corporate Communication
- Communication Manager – Food and Environmental Organizations
Some graduates launch businesses in the food sector: restaurants, food production, agritech ventures and specialized startups. Their interdisciplinary training in business, innovation and food systems provides the tools to develop innovative concepts and scale enterprises.
Our alumni work as:
- Founder & CEO – Food Startup
- Owner – Innovative Food & Beverage Project
- Agritech Entrepreneur
UNISG graduates contribute to policy development and program implementation in government agencies, NGOs and international organizations. They work on food policy, agricultural development, nutrition and sustainability, addressing food security and systemic change at both local and global levels.
Our alumni work as:
- Food Policy Officer – NGO or International Organization
- Programme Coordinator – FAO / UN Agencies
- Agricultural Development Consultant – Government Bodies
Consulting firms employ UNISG graduates to support food companies, retailers and organizations on strategy, sustainability, supply chain management and innovation. Their multidisciplinary perspective enables them to assist clients in navigating complex operational and strategic challenges.
Our alumni work as:
- Sustainability Consultant – Agrifood Sector
- Gastronomic Heritage Advisor – Cultural and Territorial Institutions
- Sustainability & Supply Chain Advisor – Food & Beverage Industry
Universities, culinary schools and professional training organizations employ UNISG graduates as lecturers and trainers. They teach food systems, sustainability, culture and innovation through academic and specialized programs.
Our alumni work as:
- Lecturer in Food Systems & Sustainability
- Curriculum Developer – Culinary Schools and Professional Programs
- Trainer – Food Education Programs
The hospitality and food service sector employs graduates in management roles: restaurant management, menu development, culinary operations supervision and team coordination. They apply their gastronomic, cultural and managerial expertise to create distinctive dining experiences.
Our alumni work as:
- Restaurant General Manager
- Food & Beverage Director – Hospitality Venues
- Culinary Operations Coordinator
Some of our alumni
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"Pollenzo was the dream I had as a child coming true: I could finally spend my time studying what I loved most and engage every day with others who shared my same passion."
Eugenio Signoroni Food & Beer Writer
Work on Real Projects
With Industry Leaders
The Strategic Partners Club is an international network of organizations, businesses, and professionals operating in over 50 industry sectors: from production to distribution, from catering to food packaging. The partners recognize Pollenzo as a center of excellence in transdisciplinary research and innovation in the world of food, and collaborate with the University on concrete projects: corporate training, innovation initiatives, and shared research pathways. It is a network that students begin engaging with as early as their first year of study.
