Bocconi Early, Winter or Spring: When to Apply
Which admission session you target has a real effect on your chances — and the single most common mistake is missing the fact that the test closes before each application deadline. Here is the official 2027-28 structure.[1]
The sessions for 2027-28
International applicants have two sessions:
| Session | Application window | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Early | 2 – 29 September 2026 (3:00 PM Italian time) | mid-November 2026 |
| Winter | 25 November 2026 – 26 January 2027 (3:00 PM Italian time) | mid-March 2027 |
Italian applicants (anyone completing an Italian-system secondary school in Italy) additionally have a later Spring session, and can book test attempts all the way to 20 April 2027.[2] If you're unsure which category you're in, it's determined by your school system — not your passport.
Bocconi's own advice is blunt: competition is intense and early applications have greater chances — more seats, better scholarship odds, and comfortable visa timelines for non-EU applicants. If you're not admitted in Early, you can apply again in Winter.
The deadline trap: the test closes first
The web-testing platform closes a few days before each application deadline, and tests must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. For international applicants in 2027-28:
| Early | Winter | |
|---|---|---|
| Last available test date | 24 September 2026 | 21 January 2027 |
| Application deadline | 29 September 2026 | 26 January 2027 |
Late slots are the most requested and sell out fast — book well in advance. Bookings open 13 July 2026 (€60 per attempt, up to four attempts per test type per year), and remember you can sit the test multiple times and apply with your best score.
A simple plan
- Pick your round now. Aim for Early or Winter if you can — that's where the seats are.
- Work backwards from the test date, not the application deadline. The test closes first.
- Book your slot early to avoid sold-out dates near the deadline.
- Leave room for a retake. With up to four attempts a year, plan so a second try still fits inside your target round's window.
- Prepare before you book. Sit the test when your practice scores have stabilised, not on a deadline scramble.
Lock in pacing and strategy with timed mocks, or add a live crash course scheduled ahead of the main rounds.
See the Crash CourseSource: Bocconi University official admissions pages (Online Bocconi Test, sessions and deadlines). Seat-distribution percentages are approximate, derived from Bocconi's guidance that the large majority of places fill in the first two rounds. Confirm current dates before planning. BocconiPrep is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Bocconi University.
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