Bachelor programs in Olbia: there are students from USA, China, India

Olbia is increasingly becoming the heart of sustainable tourism and innovation in Sardinia. The Master in Innovation Management for Sustainable Tourism - offered by Disea of the University of Sassari, entirely in English and active only in Olbia - is attracting international students in increasing numbers.

During the academic year 2023/2024, they are almost half of the total enrollment. An extraordinary result, which could be consolidated in the next academic year: the non-EU students who have passed the first admission test are in fact 238.

The first time of the US, China and Saudi Arabia

The turning point came in 2023. With the course of Innovation Management for Sustainable Tourism, Olbia has welcomed for the first time students from the United States, China and Saudi Arabia and has seen the consolidation of the presence of students from India. This means making Sardinia known to future professionals and entrepreneurs of the most important markets in the world, such as the USA. Or like those in increasingly emerging countries, like India, or in the process of change, like Saudi Arabia.

International membership almost 50%

Over the years, starting from 2019, the course of Innovation Management for Sustainable Tourism has recorded a constant and decisive growth of foreign students. A sign that American, Chinese and Indian students are attracted by the knowledge they can derive from the qualified offer of the University of Sassari and from the tourist model of Sardinia, in particular from the sustainable luxury model of the Costa Smeralda, whose green areas account for 96% of the entire destination.

There have been and there are students, as well as from the three countries indicated, from Russia, Nepal, Brazil, Romania, Bangladesh, Ghana, Pakistan, Lebanon, Morocco, Malawi. 

Analyzing the data, it emerges that the percentage of foreign students increased to represent almost half of the total enrollment: they were 10.7% in 2020/21, 11.1% in 2021/22, 38.1% in 2022/23 and reached 47.4% in the current academic year. 

Gallura, a destination of excellence

Olbia and Gallura are a privileged destination for international companies. Costa Smeralda has some of the biggest sovereign wealth funds, like Qatar, and the largest investment fund in the world, Blackrock, which has a stake in the management company of Olbia airport.

Gallura, confirming its central role in tourism, also holds 46% of the international presence of Sardinia.

Now it is a pole of attraction also for university students, which makes Olbia, in particular, complete in its offer of excellence.

An innovative degree programme

The Master of Science in Innovation Management for Sustainable Tourism is distinguished by a curriculum that combines advanced theory and practical applications in the field of sustainable tourism. Students will gain skills in innovation management, tourism services design and sustainable well-being measurement, preparing for managerial and consulting roles in an evolving industry.

The new university campus

Thanks to the agreement with Cipnes Gallura, which offers its accommodation in the Geovillage, students can now find accommodation in the nascent University Campus of Olbia. This solution - which also sees the collaboration of the Sardinian universities, the ERSU and the Municipality of Olbia - offers a comfortable and stimulating environment, encouraging integration and cultural exchange among students. Here the link to apply.

The satisfaction of the UniOlbia Consortium

UniOlbia is very proud to support the universities of Sardinia in training the entrepreneurs of tomorrow in an international and dynamic environment. The degree programme in Innovation Management for Sustainable Tourism represents, as the Disea has created it, a remarkable factor of growth not only for students but for all of Sardinia, thanks to collaborations with the rest of the world. Other degree programs are being activated and promise to enrich the skills acquired in Olbia.

Learn more and join us to build a sustainable future in tourism!
Degree programmes in Olbia supported by UniOlbia
Bachelor in Innovation Management for Sustainable Tourism