New Dual Degrees from Polytechnique and Bocconi in Finance and AI Redefine the Future of Higher Education

Summary:
École Polytechnique and Bocconi University are joining forces to launch forward-thinking double Master’s programs in Finance and Artificial Intelligence. These dual degrees combine technical and economic mastery for the hybrid careers of tomorrow.

Europe’s Bold Educational Alliance: Polytechnique and Bocconi Unite

In a remarkable partnership, École Polytechnique and Bocconi University have announced two new double-degree Master’s programs—one in Finance (starting 2026) and the other in Artificial Intelligence (launching 2027–2028).

Formalized on December 2, 2025, in Milan, this collaboration was led by Laura Fioni, Director of Degree Programs at Polytechnique, and Francesco Saita, Dean of International Affairs at Bocconi.

This step follows a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by university leaders in 2024.

Bringing together Polytechnique’s prowess in engineering and innovation and Bocconi’s strengths in economics, data science, and finance, the joint initiative aims to produce “hybrid talent” capable of thriving in interdisciplinary roles.

These new programs respond to global industry trends demanding professionals equipped with both quantitative and strategic acumen.

Master the Markets: The Finance Double Degree Program

The Finance dual-degree program will kick off in 2026. Students will gain dual credentials by enrolling in Polytechnique’s MSc&T in Economics, Data Analytics and Corporate Finance and Bocconi’s MSc in Finance (Finance Track). This program is crafted for students eager to tackle fast-paced, data-driven financial landscapes.

Polytechnique emphasizes data analytics and corporate finance theory, complemented by Bocconi’s training in financial markets, risk management, and investment strategies.

This dual-degree structure produces professionals who can leverage algorithmic tools, financial data, and economic theory to lead teams in fintech, quantitative investment, and green finance innovations.

Industry data shows that fintech investment reached $238 billion globally in 2024, while AI-powered financial tools continue to grow. This illustrates the increasing importance of combining tech skills with financial insight—exactly what this dual-degree enables.

Ethical Innovation at Scale: The AI Double Degree Program

Launching in the 2027–2028 academic year, the Artificial Intelligence double degree brings together Polytechnique’s MSc&T in Trustworthy and Responsible AI and Bocconi’s MSc in Artificial Intelligence (Milan Track).

Polytechnique focuses on building robust, ethical AI systems with attention to regulation, transparency, and data bias mitigation. Bocconi complements this with coursework on AI’s economic, legal, and business applications—equipping graduates to deploy AI in policymaking and corporate settings.

The need is urgent: the EU AI Act, taking effect in 2026, is projected to create up to 50,000 specialized roles in AI ethics alone. Hybrid programs like this will be essential, echoing recent moves in international education—such as the KEDGE dual degree expansion in Japan, also targeting global networks.

Meeting Market Demands: Why These Programs Are Timely

The collaboration aligns tightly with growing student and employer interest in interdisciplinary programs. Bocconi has a broad network of dual-degree partnerships, and between 2023 and 2025, double-degree enrollments surged by 25% worldwide.

Here are some significant stats that underline the demand:

• Roles requiring data analytics in finance grew 35% across Europe between 2024 and 2025.
• AI-related job postings increased by 74% globally in 2025, with hybrid roles earning 20–30% higher salaries.
• Bocconi reports nearly 100% placement for graduates of its finance and AI programs, with alumni at firms like Goldman Sachs and Google DeepMind.

This initiative mirrors the ambitions of other global programs like the Sciences Po regional hub in São Paulo, offering a strategic academic model for cross-disciplinary education.

Best Practices and Design of the Dual-Degree Model

The Polytechnique-Bocconi dual degrees emphasize practical innovation, ethical responsibility, and academic rigor. Students will benefit from multi-campus mobility and international exposure across Paris and Milan—two of Europe’s top education and business hubs.

These programs are built around three pillars:

• Multidisciplinary excellence: Merging engineering, data science, and economics into a unified learning path.
• Global experience: Encouraging cultural and geographic diversity, similar to trends observed at institutions like KEDGE Sport Community, which supports elite athletes navigating international systems.
• Real-world readiness: Ensuring graduates can transition directly into competitive positions in emerging tech sectors and sustainable finance.

Of course, these programs are rigorous. Candidates will need multilingual capacity (English/French/Italian) and readiness for intense competition.

A Launchpad for Global Careers

Graduates from these dual-degree programs will carry prestigious credentials that unlock lucrative, global career opportunities. Paris, Milan, London, and Silicon Valley are key targets for employment, particularly in roles blending tech acumen with regulatory insight.

Polytechnique, ranked among France’s top engineering institutions, and Bocconi, a global top-10 business school, are positioning themselves at the frontier of modern education.

Their joint initiative is aligned with industry trends highlighted in analyses such as AI in Higher Education: Opportunity and Risk, and will shape talent cultivation for years to come.