Columbia Business School arrives in Genoa with its first campus in Italy

Genoa is preparing to welcome a major investment in international higher education: Columbia Business School, one of the world's most prestigious business schools, will open its first campus in Italy in the Ligurian capital, with academic programs set to begin in the 2027/2028 academic year.

Founded in 1916 and an integral part of Columbia University in New York, Columbia Business School is recognized as one of the leading global institutions for management education. Following its presence in New York, Paris, and Dubai, Genoa will become the fourth international location for the program, marking the culmination of a collaborative initiative promoted by the Genoa Founder School together with numerous local partners, including the Chamber of Commerce.

The academic program will last eight months and provide an international learning experience, with activities taking place in both Genoa and New York. Applications will be accepted through the official Columbia Business School website, and upon completion participants will earn the Certificate of Business Excellence, becoming part of Columbia’s prestigious academic community.

The participation fee will be €25,000, with dedicated scholarships available to support the most deserving candidates.

A key figure behind Columbia Business School’s arrival in Genoa is Guglielmo Schenardi, a 27-year-old Genoese entrepreneur and founder of the Genoa Founder School, whose international background played a crucial role in making the project possible. The initiative highlights Genoa’s potential as an attractive educational hub for talented young people from around the world, thanks to its mild climate, high quality of life, and strong local academic ecosystem.

According to the Times Higher Education rankings, the opening will also help position Genoa as the city hosting the most prestigious business school in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

The establishment of Columbia Business School in Genoa represents another significant step in the city’s internationalization process, aimed at attracting highly qualified students and professionals while strengthening cooperation among universities, businesses, and local institutions.