Almo Collegio Borromeo (Pavia)

Friday, January 18, 2008

Almo Collegio Borromeo (Pavia)
The Collegio Borromeo, founded by Saint Charles in 1561, is one of the most magnificent buildings in Lombardy. Designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi known as ‘il Pellegrini’, the college looks onto the River Ticino and is set in delightful gardens which also host a botanic garden. It was described by Vasari as a ‘palace of Knowledge’.

It has played host to thousands of students from the University of Pavia. Some of its most illustrious students include Federico Borromeo, Agostino Bertani, Carlo Forlanini, Contardo Ferrini and Cesare Angelini who, over the years, have honoured the Sciences and the Arts, not to mention the moral and civil obligations of our culture and society. Today, the College houses approximately 100 male students, who are admitted on merit and retain their places by maintaining standards of academic excellence.

Students can develop their full potential here thanks to internal in-depth, complementary courses, foreign language courses, the School of Ethics and also thanks to an outstanding cultural and musical programme. Some of these teaching programmes are accredited by the University of Pavia. Post qualification graduate courses include the European School of Advanced Studies in Materials Science, the Centre for Study and Research into Ancient Law and a Masters in International Finance.

These courses are held at the College and are jointly promoted with the University of Pavia’s School of Advanced Studies. Postgraduate students and researchers from the adjacent ‘C. Ferrini’ graduate residence act as student tutors.

The Alumni Association also offers helpful guidance to students on outside employment. Students are housed in single study bedrooms, all provided with Internet access. Other facilities include a dining hall, library, computer room, gym, football fields and tennis and basketball courts.

The College recruits approximately 20 undergraduates each year and admission is competitive. The entrance examinations (one written and two oral) are held in September. Successful applicants may qualify for special economic treatment including exemption from fees where applicable. During the academic year all students are required to complete the exams for that current year achieving an average of at least 27/ 30.
Services and facilities

Residential services: single study bedrooms, breakfast, lunch and dinner (weekends included), daily room cleaning.

Resources and facilities for study and leisure activities: library, computer room, Internet access in all rooms, periodical room, playing fields and gym, newspaper reading room, TV lounge, chapel.

Cultural and formative activities: study guidance, tutoring, conferences, internal courses, concert season, courses in fundamental and applied ethics, International Masters in Materials Science (ESAS), Centre for Studies and Research into Ancient Law (CEDANT), Masters in International Finance (MIF).