Classes at Local Institutions

The Stanford in Florence Program offers exceptional opportunities to connect with the local community in an educational context. By joining the University of Florence, the Accademia Italiana (studio arts), the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (music), or the Studio Marangoni Foundation (photography), students gain access to immersive environments and are able to engage deeply with Florence’s academic and cultural landscapes.

Making the most of these experiences requires commitment, an open mind, and a readiness to adapt to local cultural norms and differences. Expectations may differ from those at Stanford, and students may be pushed beyond their comfort zones—an essential part of the growth that comes with studying away.

To apply for any local institution class, students must complete this google form outlining their motivation for attending their chosen institution and, if applicable, demonstrating prior and relevant academic experience or professional training (i.e., a list of coursework or a portfolio of previous projects). All applications are subject to final approval by the host institutions.

Please see below further details and application deadlines at each institution or contact the Stanford in Florence staff for further information.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All classes at local institutions must be taken above 12 units of Stanford in Florence coursework. General university credit towards graduation will be granted, and students may decide to petition their departments to seek major credit.

If you apply for these programs, Stanford University may need to share certain personal data you provide to facilitate the application process. The respective institution will process this data in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

Musicians visiting Florence who wish to continue their studies can benefit from personalized instruction offered by the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. The Accademia provides one-on-one classical training for voice, piano, string and wind instruments, as well as percussion.

Admission requirements include the submission of an audio or visual recording demonstrating the applicant’s performance skills. Instruction at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino will require a minimum of 10 hours of private lessons, and at least 5 hours of academy activities.

Application Deadlines: Fall Quarter Deadline: July 15; Winter Quarter Deadline: November 15; Spring Quarter Deadline: February 25.

Accademia Italiana

Florence is truly an ideal location for art students who, in addition to Stanford in Florence Art History courses, have the option of choosing studio art classes from a list of Accademia Italiana offerings (painting, design, free-hand sketching, and more).

Students wishing to partake in this opportunity should submit a portfolio of art coursework or professional training with their application. Students should expect to spend roughly 5 hours per week at the Accademia between classes and individual practice/research.

Application deadlines: Fall Quarter Deadline: July 15; Winter Quarter Deadline: November 15; not offered in the Spring Quarter.

Studio Marangoni Foundation

Students interested in photography, with any level of former experience may enroll in a photography class at the Studio Marangoni. Through engaging lectures, lively discussions, and hands-on assignments, students will learn composition, lighting, and editing, both in the studio and out in the city.

Students interested in this opportunity should submit a paragraph of motivation and a 12-photo portfolio to Stanford in Florence via this google form. Spaces are limited, and acceptance is at the discretion of the Studio Marangoni.

Application deadlines: Spring Quarter Deadline: February 25; not offered in the Fall or Winter Quarters.

University of Florence (UniFi)

An exciting new exchange agreement between Stanford in Florence and the University of Florence (UniFi) will enable Stanford students to take classes (in English or in Italian) at the local university, and Italian students to join our classrooms. This exchange program will foster academic growth and cultural enrichment for all students involved.

Students of all disciplines are encouraged to visit the University of Florence homepage to learn more about this institution, explore its degree programs, and review the wide range of academic opportunities available. Students may also learn about the history and structure of the University of Florence here: History and Profile.

Before applying, please read our prepared FAQ below.

Application Deadlines: Fall Quarter Deadline: July 15; Spring Quarter Deadline: February 25; not offered in the Winter Quarter.

A list of courses taught in English during the Spring 2026 quarter is available here.

UniFi FAQ:

To apply, complete the local institution application form by the relevant deadline. The form will ask for:

Details about relevant prior coursework.
The UniFi courses you are interested in.
A short paragraph describing your academic motivation and preparation.

Please review your submission carefully before sending.

Before each application deadline (July 15 for Fall; January 31 for Spring) we will publish the list of available UniFi courses for that quarter.

A list of courses taught in English during the Spring 2026 quarter is available here.

Congratulations! If accepted, you will receive a UniFi matricola (student ID number), credentials, and a UniFi email account. All UniFi doors will be open to you!

Courses taken at UniFi must be in addition to the requirement of 12-units of Stanford in Florence coursework. UniFi courses typically amount to 3 to 4 credits, calculated according to Stanford policy, and typically involve 3 hours of in-class instruction per week. General university credit towards graduation will be granted, and students may decide to petition their departments to seek major credit.

Plan your schedule carefully to balance your coursework and maximize this immersive learning opportunity.

UniFi uses the Italian grading scale (18 to 30, with 30 e lode as the highest distinction). Your grades will be converted to Stanford’s grading system upon completion of the course, ensuring consistency in academic records. The conversion process will account for differences in evaluation criteria between the two institutions.

Yes. Students may choose to attend a UniFi class as an auditor. Auditing allows you to observe and participate without exams or grades — still a valuable way to engage with the Italian university environment.

All Stanford policies (shopping, withdrawal/grading basis deadlines, etc.) also apply to the classes you will take at the University of Florence.

For all UniFi courses, students will enroll by using the corresponding OSPFLOR 100F. This course is open in axess, with variable units, for enrollment with a letter grade, or as pass/fail.

As a UniFi student, you will have full access to the university’s facilities and services. For a comprehensive list of available services, refer to this document.

One of UniFi’s distinctive features is its decentralized campus, with departments and classrooms spread throughout the city of Florence. This gives students the chance to discover different neighborhoods, enjoy a deeper connection to the city, and experience everyday life as a local.

All university locations are easily accessible on foot or by public transportation.

UniFi operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which means its courses are only available during the fall and spring quarters. To accommodate the slight difference in academic schedules, special arrangements have been made with UniFi for these periods. Although UniFi does not hold classes during the winter term, you will still have the opportunity to meet its students enrolled in our Stanford in Florence courses.

Yes, it’s possible.
Students with a good level of Italian may take courses taught in Italian at the University of Florence, subject to availability and depending on their academic background or prior knowledge of the subject. In addition, it is often possible to audit Italian-taught courses across many departments, allowing for deeper academic and cultural immersion. We strongly encourage students with sufficient Italian proficiency to take advantage of this opportunity.