How to Apply to a University in Italy (2025)

Italy has been a significant landmark in European education. One of the oldest educational institutions in Italy and the world, the University of Bologna was where the current education system followed by the European Union (known as the Bologna Process) originated. Thus, if your concern is the standard of education you can get from Italian universities, you have no reason to be apprehensive. Moreover, studying in Italy opens you up for a cultural experience in some of the world’s most important historical, artistic, and intellectual settings. Should you feel ready for such an exciting journey, prepare yourself to apply for admission as an international student. In this article, we will help you with the general know-how of how to apply to a university in Italy.

Facts about University Admissions in Italy

The Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research is the regulating body for all international admission applications in universities in Italy.
Admission applications in Italy vary according to one’s nationality, i.e. EU or non-EU student. Applications also differ in terms of degree programs, i.e. first cycle or undergraduate program, and second and third cycle or graduate and postgraduate programs.
Universities evaluate applicants primarily on their previous studies’ Grade Point Average (GPA). Most institutions implement a minimum GPA requirement on each study program for all admission applicants.
Applying to a university in Italy gets complicated with the fact that submissions pass through the Italian Embassy before reaching a particular university.
Most universities in Italy prefer to receive application documents which have been translated to the Italian language.
Certain study programs, specifically those related to architecture, veterinary medicine, education, engineering, health sciences and medicine, demand applicants to take special admission examinations.
Universities in Italy require language proficiency test scores from an international applicant whose native language is not Italian or English (depending on the language of instruction for the intended study program).
The most commonly accepted language proficiency exams for Italian are the CILS (Certificazione de Italino come Linguage Seconda/Staniera) and the CELI (Certificato di conoscenza della Italiano Lingua Italiano).
For English, universities in Italy accept certificates from TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or C1 Advanced.
The deadline for admission applications in Italy is different for each university. However, you should have received a DV (Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco) or Letter of Academic Eligibility from the Italian Embassy in your home country by mid-April to mid-May.
Language and admission exams are usually conducted in September.

Requirements in Applying to a University in Italy

Sending in your admission application to universities in Italy should be done when you are sure you have all the necessary documents required together with your application. Remember that it is always best to submit a complete application on the first attempt, so no effort, time, or money would be wasted. Below are the specific academic and document requirements you have to secure before applying to your selected Italian university.

Academic Requirements

1. First Cycle or Undergraduate Degree Programs
Prospective students looking to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a university in Italy should have a secondary completion certificate from a recognized institution. They should hold a certification which allows them to enroll in higher studies. Also, they have to prove their language proficiency in Italian since most undergraduate programs are taught using the language.

2. Second Cycle or Graduate Degree Programs
Prospective students looking to obtain a master’s degree from a university in Italy should hold a bachelor’s degree diploma. They have to submit their academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, as well as language proficiency test scores in Italian or English, depending on their study program.

3. Third Cycle or Postgraduate Degree Programs
Prospective students looking to obtain a doctoral degree from a university in Italy should hold a master’s degree certification. They should also submit a research proposal relevant to their chosen program.

Document Requirements

Valid passport or identity document
Recent passport-type photographs
Duly accomplished pre-enrolment form
Duly accomplished application form
Previous academic background (including all relevant details of your study program, i.e. number of hours, course descriptions, activities)
Language proficiency test scores
Transcript of records
Curriculum vitae
Recommendation letters
Statement of purpose
SAT or ACT score (if required by the university)

Admission Application Process for Universities in Italy

The admission application procedure in Italy differs depending on whether the applicant is an EU or non-EU student and whether he is applying for a first cycle, second cycle, or third cycle program.

EU Students
International students from a country in the European Union enjoy the same admission privileges with Italian students. This means that they can directly submit their application to the university of their choice. However, they should first secure a DV (Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco) or Letter of Academic Eligibility from an Italian consulate in their home country. This procedure applies to all EU students regardless of their study program.

Non-EU Students
International students who come from a country which is not a member of the EU undergo a more lengthy process in applying for admission to a university in Italy. Below is a list of steps you need to take if you are a non-EU applicant:

Contact your selected university to check if you are eligible to apply for your chosen study program.
Complete a pre-application request and submit it to the nearest Italian embassy in your home country. Your pre-application request contains the following documents: a duly accomplished pre-enrolment form from the university, 2 copies of recently taken passport-type photographs, completed DV form, and other documents required by the university. You may refer to the documents listed above for the list of general requirements for university admission in Italy.
The Italian consulate will be the one to submit your application to the university you have selected. After which, the university shall evaluate your application and send you an admission notice once your application is successful.
If you are accepted to a university in Italy, check if you need a student visa. If so, make the necessary preparations for your visa application.

Now that you have understood the process of applying to a university in Italy, you can proceed to the next steps for your study abroad journey. Saluti!