University of Gastronomic Sciences
Cultivating the future of food through science and culture.
📍 Pollenzo, Italy 🇮🇹
Quick Facts about University of Gastronomic Sciences
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 4,000
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $10,000 – $15,000/year
- Language: English, Italian
- Intakes: September, October, March
About University of Gastronomic Sciences
Academics
UNISG provides a multidisciplinary education, blending humanities, biosciences, and social sciences to explore the intricate relationships between food, ecology, and cultures. Notable programs include a three-year undergraduate BSc in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures (taught in English and Italian), and two-year Master's programs in Sustainable Food Innovation & Management and International Gastronomies and Food Geo-Politics, both entirely in English. The university emphasizes hands-on learning through global study trips, sensory analysis labs, and collaborative research projects, allowing students to engage directly with food production and cultural heritage.
International Students
UNISG boasts a strong international character, attracting students from over 60 countries, with a goal to increase non-Italian students to 60% within three years. The university offers several English-taught programs, particularly at the Master's level, to accommodate its diverse student body. Cultural integration is fostered through a vibrant international community, where every class and shared meal provides opportunities for exchanging ideas and traditions.
Campus & Location
The UNISG campus is situated in Pollenzo, a suburb of Bra, Italy, approximately 50 kilometers south of Turin. The campus is part of the historic Castello di Pollenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which also houses the Banca del Vino (wine bank) and the Albergo dell'Agenzia (a hotel with a restaurant). Pollenzo itself is a small town, but its proximity to Bra offers a lively student atmosphere, with bus services connecting the two. Nearby attractions include the medieval village of Serralunga d'Alba and the city of Asti, known for its museums.
Career Outcomes
UNISG graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the food sector, equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge to promote sustainable food systems. Alumni pursue careers in artisan and industrial agri-food production, distribution, tourism, food education, and non-governmental organizations, with many also becoming entrepreneurs. The university maintains industry connections through its Strategic Partners' Club, comprising important businesses and institutions in food production, sales, and consumption, fostering collaborative research and development projects.
Information for International Students at University of Gastronomic Sciences
University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$350/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Italian
Admissions Requirements for University of Gastronomic Sciences
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Gastronomic Sciences:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 80
- Application fee: $75
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: December 15, 2025 (Early Application), March 31, 2026 (Regular Application)
Programs at University of Gastronomic Sciences (23 programs)
University of Gastronomic Sciences offers 23 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (2)
- Gastronomy, Culture and Communication (BA) — 36 months · Italian · €12,500/yr
This program explores the complex relationship between food, culture, and communication, preparing students to understand and interpret gastronomic phenomena from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Field: Gastronomy
Career outcomes: Food Journalist, Food Event Organizer, Food Marketing Specialist, Cultural Mediator - Gastronomy, Culture and Communication (BA) — 36 months · Italian · €12,500/yr
This program explores the complex relationship between food, culture, and communication, preparing students to understand and interpret gastronomic phenomena from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Field: Gastronomy
Career outcomes: Food Journalist, Food Event Organizer, Food Marketing Specialist, Cultural Mediator
Master Programs (19)
- Master in Food Culture and Communications: Food, Place and Identity (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
Exploring the intricate connections between food, geographical place, and cultural identity, this master's program examines how food shapes and reflects communities.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Cultural Heritage Manager, Food Tourism Developer, Regional Development Specialist, Researcher - Master in Food Innovation & Management (MIFIM) (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr · STEM
This master's program focuses on innovation within the food industry, covering product development, business strategies, and management practices for sustainable growth.
Field: Food Innovation
Career outcomes: Food Innovation Manager, Business Developer, Startup Founder, Consultant - Master in Wine Culture and Communication (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program explores the cultural, historical, and communicative dimensions of wine, from production to consumption, including marketing and sensory analysis.
Field: Wine Studies
Career outcomes: Wine Journalist, Wine Marketing Specialist, Sommelier, Wine Tourism Developer - Master in Food Culture and Communications: Human Ecology and Sustainability (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This master's program focuses on the ecological and sustainable dimensions of food systems, examining the impact of human activities on food production and consumption.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Sustainability Consultant, Food Policy Analyst, NGO Program Manager, Researcher - Master in Agroecology and Food Sovereignty (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr · STEM
This program explores agroecological principles and practices, aiming to build resilient and equitable food systems that promote food sovereignty and environmental justice.
Field: Agroecology
Career outcomes: Agroecology Consultant, NGO Project Manager, Farmer, Policy Advisor - Master in Food Culture and Communications: High-Quality Products (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program delves into the world of high-quality food products, covering their production, sensory analysis, marketing, and cultural significance.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Product Manager, Food Quality Control Specialist, Food Buyer, Food Critic - Master in Gastronomy and Tourism (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program focuses on the intersection of gastronomy and tourism, preparing students to develop and manage food-related tourism experiences and destinations.
Field: Gastronomy and Tourism
Career outcomes: Food Tourism Manager, Event Planner, Destination Marketing Specialist, Consultant - Master in Food Culture and Communications: Contemporary Food Habits (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program investigates current trends and evolving patterns in food consumption, analyzing the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing contemporary food habits.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Market Researcher, Food Consultant, Public Health Educator, Trend Analyst - Master in Food Culture and Communications: High-Quality Products (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program delves into the world of high-quality food products, covering their production, sensory analysis, marketing, and cultural significance.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Product Manager, Food Quality Control Specialist, Food Buyer, Food Critic - Master in Gastronomy and Tourism (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program focuses on the intersection of gastronomy and tourism, preparing students to develop and manage food-related tourism experiences and destinations.
Field: Gastronomy and Tourism
Career outcomes: Food Tourism Manager, Event Planner, Destination Marketing Specialist, Consultant - Master in Food Culture and Communications: Contemporary Food Habits (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program investigates current trends and evolving patterns in food consumption, analyzing the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing contemporary food habits.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Market Researcher, Food Consultant, Public Health Educator, Trend Analyst - Master in Food Culture and Communications: Food, Place and Identity (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
Exploring the intricate connections between food, geographical place, and cultural identity, this master's program examines how food shapes and reflects communities.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Cultural Heritage Manager, Food Tourism Developer, Regional Development Specialist, Researcher - Master in Food Innovation & Management (MIFIM) (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr · STEM
This master's program focuses on innovation within the food industry, covering product development, business strategies, and management practices for sustainable growth.
Field: Food Innovation
Career outcomes: Food Innovation Manager, Business Developer, Startup Founder, Consultant - Master in Wine Culture and Communication (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program explores the cultural, historical, and communicative dimensions of wine, from production to consumption, including marketing and sensory analysis.
Field: Wine Studies
Career outcomes: Wine Journalist, Wine Marketing Specialist, Sommelier, Wine Tourism Developer - Master in Food Culture and Communications: Human Ecology and Sustainability (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This master's program focuses on the ecological and sustainable dimensions of food systems, examining the impact of human activities on food production and consumption.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Sustainability Consultant, Food Policy Analyst, NGO Program Manager, Researcher - Master in Agroecology and Food Sovereignty (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr · STEM
This program explores agroecological principles and practices, aiming to build resilient and equitable food systems that promote food sovereignty and environmental justice.
Field: Agroecology
Career outcomes: Agroecology Consultant, NGO Project Manager, Farmer, Policy Advisor - Master in Food Culture and Communications: High-Quality Products (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program delves into the world of high-quality food products, covering their production, sensory analysis, marketing, and cultural significance.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Product Manager, Food Quality Control Specialist, Food Buyer, Food Critic - Master in Gastronomy and Tourism (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program focuses on the intersection of gastronomy and tourism, preparing students to develop and manage food-related tourism experiences and destinations.
Field: Gastronomy and Tourism
Career outcomes: Food Tourism Manager, Event Planner, Destination Marketing Specialist, Consultant - Master in Food Culture and Communications: Contemporary Food Habits (MA) — 12 months · English · €16,500/yr
This program investigates current trends and evolving patterns in food consumption, analyzing the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing contemporary food habits.
Field: Food Studies
Career outcomes: Market Researcher, Food Consultant, Public Health Educator, Trend Analyst
PhD Programs (2)
- PhD in Gastronomic Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English
The PhD program offers advanced research opportunities in various aspects of gastronomic sciences, including food history, sociology, anthropology, and sustainable food systems.
Field: Gastronomic Sciences
Career outcomes: University Professor, Researcher, Policy Analyst, Consultant - PhD in Gastronomic Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English
The PhD program offers advanced research opportunities in various aspects of gastronomic sciences, including food history, sociology, anthropology, and sustainable food systems.
Field: Gastronomic Sciences
Career outcomes: University Professor, Researcher, Policy Analyst, Consultant
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Gastronomic Sciences
Annual tuition for international students: $10,000 – $15,000/year
✅ University of Gastronomic Sciences offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Campus & Facilities at University of Gastronomic Sciences
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
- Average class size: 20
- Housing cost: ~$350/month
Key Highlights
- Founded by Slow Food International
- Located in Pollenzo heritage site
- Interdisciplinary approach to food studies
- Strong focus on global sustainability
- Extensive field study travel program
- Diverse international student community
Accreditation
- Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research
Fields of Study at University of Gastronomic Sciences
- Gastronomy
- Food Studies
- Tourism
Notable Alumni
- Luca Fantin
- Francesco Buscemi
- Paolo Tucci
- Beatrice Guzzi
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Gastronomic Sciences
What is University of Gastronomic Sciences?
University of Gastronomic Sciences is a private non-profit university located in Pollenzo, Italy. It has approximately 4,000 students.
How much does it cost to study at University of Gastronomic Sciences?
Tuition fees at University of Gastronomic Sciences for international students range from $10,000 – $15,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $350/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of Gastronomic Sciences?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 80. Application fee: $75. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: December 15, 2025 (Early Application), March 31, 2026 (Regular Application).
What language are courses taught in at University of Gastronomic Sciences?
Courses at University of Gastronomic Sciences are taught in English and Italian. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does University of Gastronomic Sciences offer?
University of Gastronomic Sciences offers 23 programs: 2 Bachelor's, 19 Master's, and 2 PhD programs across various fields of study.
Does University of Gastronomic Sciences offer scholarships?
Yes, University of Gastronomic Sciences offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does University of Gastronomic Sciences provide visa support?
Yes, University of Gastronomic Sciences provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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