A comprehensive programme bringing together the Magisterium, interdisciplinary formation, canonical norms and practice. Beginning this year, the lectures will also be translated into French. The curriculum has been enriched with two new courses, and 120 scholarships are reserved for consecrated women.
To live one’s consecration with intelligence and heart. With this invitation, the new two-year cycle of the eStudium course begins, intended for those who wish to deepen their own journey and for those who carry out services of governance, formation, animation and accompaniment within institutes and communities.
The course is not limited to the study of norms. Alongside canonical norms and practice, it brings together the Magisterium, theology, liturgy and history. Canon law is thus read within the life of institutes and communities, in relation to discernment, formation, governance, mission and fraternal life, thereby restoring to the norm its proper nature: an instrument that arises from life in order to respond to cultural and ecclesial challenges.
Registration for the new 2026–2027 academic year has been open since 10 September. The course, promoted by the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, runs for two years and is delivered entirely online.
Since 1951, formation at the service of consecrated life
Heir to the historic Scuola Pratica, established in 1951 within the then Congregation of Religious, the eStudium course offers specialised formation in the Magisterium, canonical norms and the canonical practice of consecrated life, drawing on the knowledge developed through the practice and experience of the Dicastery.
The programme is structured in two teaching modules offered in alternating years and brings together two complementary areas.
The interdisciplinary area explores consecrated life through theology, liturgy, history and the Magisterium. It examines in greater depth biblical hermeneutics, the identity, significance and ecclesiality of the different forms of consecration within the socio-cultural contexts in which they are called to live and work.
The area devoted to canonical norms and practice addresses current issues related to discernment, formation, governance, financial management, mission and fraternal life. Drawing on the practice of the Dicastery, it offers an integral understanding of canon law, useful to those who carry out particular forms of service within institutes and communities.
The first module of the programme will take place during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Why enrol
To deepen one’s understanding of the identity and ecclesiality of one’s own form of life and to take on, with broader preparation, the responsibilities that service entails.
The course is intended for those who carry out responsibilities of governance, formation, animation and accompaniment, as well as for younger consecrated women and men and for those who wish to continue their formation.
The online format also enables consecrated women and men living in countries where opportunities for this kind of formation are less readily accessible to take part.
From this year, also in French
The lectures are offered in Italian and simultaneously translated into English, Spanish and, beginning this year, French as well. The introduction of a fourth language allows for ever broader participation.
Interactive teaching and the platform’s internal communication system facilitate contact between students, lecturers and the secretariat, bridging geographical distances.
Those enrolled can follow the lectures and access teaching materials and recordings in their chosen language.
Synodality and a culture of safeguarding
The curriculum has been enriched with two new courses:
Synodality and consecrated life
Safeguarding in consecrated life: prevention and practice
The two courses will offer tools for reflection and deeper study on themes of particular significance for the journey and mission of consecrated life.
Schedule and participation options
Classes will take place from late October to early June, on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. The timetable also enables consecrated women and men living on other continents to take part.
It is possible to enrol as an ordinary student, sitting the examinations required by the curriculum and obtaining the final diploma, or as an auditor, attending classes and accessing the teaching materials and recordings.
One hundred and twenty scholarships for consecrated women
Thanks to the support of the Hilton Foundation, the Dicastery is making 120 scholarships available, reserved for consecrated women:
40 for English;
40 for Spanish;
40 for French.
The scholarships are intended for women religious who are able to commit themselves to following the entire two-year formation programme consistently and successfully, taking part in the teaching activities, sitting the required examinations and obtaining the final diploma.
The consecrated woman’s Major Superior must submit the application by 10 October using the designated form.
Information and enrolment
The programme, curriculum and enrolment procedures are available on the platform:
The platform can also be accessed through the Dicastery’s website:
For further information: