SDA Bocconi GEMBA Review Overview
The SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) is a prestigious joint program offered by SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Designed for senior executives seeking a global leadership perspective, the GEMBA spans 18 months and takes participants across major business hubs including Milan, Toronto, Mumbai, Copenhagen, Shanghai, and San Francisco.
SDA Bocconi GEMBA Review offers a balance between academic excellence, experiential learning, and international exposure, preparing leaders to manage across borders while maintaining career continuity. Its modular format allows professionals to continue working while completing the degree, making it one of the most flexible yet globally immersive EMBA programs in the world.
Admissions
Admission to the SDA Bocconi GEMBA is competitive and designed to select experienced, high-potential executives.
Eligibility Requirements:
A university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent).
Minimum 5 years of professional experience (10+ preferred).
Demonstrated leadership potential and global outlook.
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if applicable).
Application Components:
Online application form
Academic transcripts and resume
Essays outlining career goals and motivation
Two professional recommendation letters
Interview (virtual or in-person)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but early submissions are encouraged as class sizes are limited.
For full details, visit the SDA Bocconi GEMBA Admissions page.
Academics and Programme Content
The GEMBA curriculum integrates managerial fundamentals with a global business mindset through 10 intensive modules across continents.
Core Courses:
Strategy & International Management
Corporate Finance
Leadership Development
Marketing Analytics
Global Operations
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Each module blends classroom teaching, case studies, and field immersions—referred to as “Learning Safaris”—where participants visit global companies and engage with local markets.
The final component of the program is a Capstone Project, where participants apply their learning to a real-world business problem.
Learn more about the program design on the SDA Bocconi GEMBA Curriculum page.
Application Deadlines
The next intake begins in November 2025.Applications are reviewed in multiple rounds, with the final deadline typically in October each year.
Round 1: February 2025
Round 2: May 2025
Final Round: October 2025
Early applications increase scholarship eligibility. You can check the updated schedule on the official application timeline.
Scholarships and Financing
SDA Bocconi offers a range of merit-based tuition waivers and financial aid options for the GEMBA program. Over USD 300,000 in scholarships are available annually, including awards for academic excellence, leadership potential, and diversity initiatives.
Types of Support:
Partial Tuition Waivers (up to 25–30%)
Women in Leadership Scholarships
Corporate Sponsorships
Education Loans (through Prodigy Finance and Italian partner banks)
All scholarship applications must be submitted by October 2025, prior to the final admission round .You can explore all available options on the SDA Bocconi Scholarships page.
Fees and Costs
The total tuition fee for the Global Executive MBA is approximately USD 110,000, payable in installments.
This includes:
Tuition and teaching materials
Accommodation during international modules outside Italy and Canada
Meals and networking events during class sessions
However, travel, visa, and personal accommodation costs are not covered. For a breakdown of the latest tuition fees, visit the GEMBA fees and financing section.
