Janice Lozano
Italy is a popular destination for international students, offering a rich history and culture, as well as affordable student accommodation. The application process for international students varies depending on their country of origin and residency status. Non-EU citizens residing abroad must submit a pre-application request to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, while EU citizens or those with residency in Italy can apply directly to their chosen university. Students should also be aware of the eligibility requirements, such as having completed 12 years of schooling and possessing a valid school-leaving certificate. English language proficiency tests may also be required for those whose previous studies were not conducted in English. International students are encouraged to research the specific application procedures and requirements of their chosen Italian university, including the need for entrance exams, and to plan their finances accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Submit a pre-application request to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, indicating the institution and program you're applying to. |
| Application Portal | Create an online account on the Universitaly portal and complete the "Pre-enrollment" application. |
| Application Fee | For the academic year 2025/2026, an application fee of €15.00 is charged for submitting up to two applications. |
| Application Requirements | Vary based on the institution and program. Generally, a high school diploma, equivalent to 12 years of education, is required. Entrance exams, such as IMAT for medicine, may be mandatory. English proficiency tests like TOEFL® or IELTS may be required for programs taught in English. |
| Visa Application | Non-EU students should apply for a study visa after receiving an acceptance letter. EU citizens and those from EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are exempt. |
| Student Accommodation | Italy offers affordable student accommodation compared to other European countries. |
| Transportation | Familiarize yourself with local transportation options and consider purchasing transportation passes or cards for frequent use of public transport. |
| Language | Learning basic Italian is recommended, even if your program is in English. |
| Health Services | Italy has an excellent public health service. |
| Tuition Fees | Public universities: €1,000 to €4,000 per year for international students. Private universities: €7,000 to €25,000 per year. |
| Scholarships | Scholarships are available, and the application process involves submitting relevant documentation and a motivation letter. |
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What You'll Learn
Check eligibility and financial requirements
To check your eligibility for enrolment in an undergraduate degree programme at an Italian university, you must be at least 17 years old and have completed 12 years of schooling. For postgraduate degree programmes, students must have completed at least 15 years of education. You must also qualify for higher education studies in your home country.
If English is the language of instruction for your chosen course, you may need to prove your proficiency by taking a recognised English language test like TOEFL® or IELTS. Each university and programme has its own specific admission requirements, so it is important to check with your university of choice. Some universities, especially for fields such as medicine, engineering and architecture, require entrance exams, entry tests or a portfolio.
Tuition fees for international students at public universities in Italy range from €1,000 to €4,000 per year. Fees at private universities are significantly higher, ranging from €7,000 to €25,000 per year. Living costs can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle.
If you are a non-EU citizen residing abroad, you will need to submit a pre-application request (known as 'pre-enrolment') to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You will need to indicate the institution and programme you are applying to. If you are a non-EU student, you will need to apply for a study visa after receiving your acceptance letter and completing the pre-enrolment. You will need to provide required documents, including the acceptance letter, proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation details. Within eight working days of your arrival in Italy, you must make an appointment to apply for a permit to stay at the local Police Department-Immigration Office.
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Prepare documents and translations
When applying to an Italian university as an international student, you will need to prepare several documents and translations. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Check Your Qualifications and Eligibility:
Before starting the application process, it is crucial to verify that your previous education meets Italy's higher education requirements. For undergraduate degree programs, you must have completed at least 12 years of schooling and be at least 17 years old. For postgraduate degree programs, the requirement is 15 years of education. Additionally, ensure that your school-leaving certificate or high school diploma is equivalent to the Italian "diploma maturità."
Prepare Required Documents:
The specific documents you need may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to. However, here is a general list of documents commonly required for international students:
- Identity Documents: A valid passport is typically required for international students. An EU identity card may also be accepted for EU citizens.
- Academic Records: You will need to provide transcripts or a list of exams taken during your previous education, including grades or marks.
- Language Proficiency Proof: If you are applying for a program taught in English and your previous studies were not in English, you may need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL® or IELTS. Similarly, for programs taught in Italian, you may need to provide an Italian language certificate.
- Entrance Exam Certificates: Some universities and specific fields of study may require entrance exams, such as IMAT for medicine, or TOLC-I and TOLC-E for STEM and economics, respectively. Check with your chosen university to confirm.
Translations:
If your documents are not in Italian, you may need to provide certified translations. Ensure that all translations are accurate and completed by qualified translators. Translations should be submitted alongside the original documents.
Create an Online Account:
To apply for a study program in Italy, you will typically need to create an online account on the Universitaly portal or the university's specific application portal. This account will allow you to submit your application and any required documents.
Visa Application:
If you are a non-EU student, you will need to apply for a student visa after receiving an acceptance letter from the university. Start this process as early as possible, as visa processing can take time. Contact the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country to initiate the visa application process and provide the required documents, including acceptance letters, proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation details.
Remember to always refer to the official website of the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research, and the specific university you are applying to, for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on document requirements and translations.
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Submit applications
The application process for Italian universities varies depending on your country of origin and residency status. If you are a non-EU citizen living outside Italy, you must submit a pre-application request to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, specifying your chosen institution and programme. The officials will forward your documents to the institution, and you should confirm with them how and when the results will be posted. If you are an EU citizen or non-EU citizen residing in Italy, you can apply directly to your chosen university.
Before submitting your application, ensure your qualifications meet Italy's higher education requirements. Additionally, check the university's specific deadlines and application sessions for international programmes. You can find information on application procedures and services for international applicants on the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research website.
To apply for a study programme in Italy, you typically need to complete a "'Pre-enrolment'" application on the Universitaly portal after creating an online account. However, some universities may require you to submit applications through their own portals. For example, the Università degli Studi di Messina (UniME) allows students to submit applications on the UniME Application Portal and the Portale UniME dei candidati for English and Italian-taught programmes, respectively.
When applying, you may need to submit various documents, including identity documents (e.g., passport, EU identity card), proof of qualifications (e.g., high school diploma, university transcripts), language proficiency certificates (e.g., TOEFL®, IELTS), and entrance exam certificates. Some universities may also require additional documents, such as a motivation letter, letter of recommendation, or proof of financial means. Always review the specific application requirements for your chosen institution and programme.
After receiving an acceptance letter, non-EU students should initiate the visa application process by applying for a study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country. This process can take time, so it is advisable to start as soon as possible. Additionally, within eight working days of arriving in Italy on a study visa, non-EU students must apply for a permit to stay ("Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio") at the local Police Department-Immigration Office.
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Apply for a visa
Applying for a Visa
If you are a non-EU international student, you will need to apply for a study visa to attend university in Italy. The first step is to receive an acceptance letter from an Italian university. Once you have been accepted, you can apply for a visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. It is important to start this process as soon as possible, as visa processing can take some time.
When applying for a visa, you will need to provide several documents, including:
- The acceptance letter from your university
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your studies
- Health insurance information
- Accommodation details
Some universities may require additional documents, so it is important to check with your specific university for any further requirements.
If you are arriving in Italy on a type D "national" visa for study, you must make an appointment within eight working days to apply for a permit to stay (Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio) at the local Police Department- Immigration Office. Alternatively, you can make this request at a post office, and they will direct you to the Police Department.
If you are a citizen of an EU country or EFTA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland), you do not need to apply for a visa. However, if you plan to stay in Italy for more than three months, you should register with the Anagrafe (Register Office) of your Municipality of residence.
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$10
Attend orientation
Orientation events are an important part of the process of studying in Italy as an international student. They are designed to help you settle into your new university and your new country.
Once you have received your student visa, you must attend orientation at your university. These events are often held online and in English, as well as Italian, and will brief you on how to register for your classes and other important details.
Some universities in Italy will record these orientation sessions or provide a PDF file with all the information covered, so that students can refer back to the details if they need to.
These orientation events are a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the university and get to know your new classmates. They will cover important topics like how to register for classes, and other administrative details.
Outside of the official orientation, there may be other welcome events organised by the university, which you should also attend. These will help you settle into life in Italy and meet other students.
Overall, orientation is an important part of the process of studying abroad and will ensure you start your time at your Italian university feeling prepared and ready to go.
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Frequently asked questions
To be eligible for enrolment in undergraduate degree programmes in the Italian University system, students must be at least 17 years old and have completed 12 years of schooling. For postgraduate degree programmes, students must have completed at least 15 years of education.
The documents required may vary depending on the university and programme. Generally, you may need to submit the following:
- A valid passport.
- A school leaving certificate or high school diploma.
- Proof of financial means.
- Health insurance.
- Accommodation details.
- English language certificate (if your previous studies were not in English).
- Italian language certificate (for courses taught in Italian).
If you are a non-EU citizen residing abroad, you need to submit a pre-application request to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. After receiving an acceptance letter, non-EU students should apply for a study visa.
Tuition fees at private universities range from €7,000 to €25,000 per year. Tuition fees at public universities are more affordable, ranging from €1,000 to €4,000 per year for international students.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Purchase an Italian SIM card for your mobile phone to stay connected and benefit from local rates.
- Attend orientation sessions and welcome events organised by the university to help you settle in.
- Familiarise yourself with local transportation options and consider getting a transportation pass if you plan to use public transport frequently.
- Learn basic Italian, even if your programme is in English.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the local embassy or consulate, university contacts, local emergency services, and contacts of close friends or relatives.
