How to apply to university in Italy for international students?

After we got to know some of the best universities to study in Italy, here’s some important information on the next step to start a career in this fascinating country! To apply to a university in Italy, here are some steps that you must follow:

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Preparing to register in Italian universities

Before you apply for enrollment in an Italian university, you must first check whether your qualifications are considered suitable for higher education studies in Italy. Contact the university you want to register with and request an advance assessment. The university will provide you with comments about your eligibility.

If you meet the required standards at that university, then you have to submit a pre-registration application to the nearest Italian embassy or consulate in your country. Basically, this will submit your application and documents to the Italian higher education institution in which you have chosen to register.

Finally, the Italian embassy or consulate publishes a list of usually accepted candidates at the end of August.

Tips when you apply for university studies in Italy

Like for the student visa application in Italy, the procedures when you apply to university depends on your country of origin. EU citizens and non-EU citizens already residing in Italy, you apply directly to the university. Non-EU citizens need to undergo the pre-application steps.

Accepted students are usually graded based on their average score from their previous studies. Check with the chosen university and see the minimum grade you need to get the degree you want to study in.

Also, you may have to attend specific entrance exams for some specialized fields of study such as medicine, engineering, and architecture.

Language requirements for an Italian university

Italian universities offer study programs in both Italian and English. Furthermore, most study programs are available in English for postgraduate level, masters and doctoral courses.

At some Italian universities, you may have the option to apply for degrees in Italian, but you can do homework and exams in English.

Language tests accepted by universities in Italy

CILS (Certificate of Italian as a Foreign Language): The examination may take place in Italy or in Italian institutes of culture spread all over the world. Take the exam in accredited centers in partnership with the University of Perugia.

Can I study in Italy in English?

If you apply for a degree in English, you’d be required to provide evidence of your proficiency in the language.

The accepted English language certificates in Italy are:

TOEFL test
IELTS Reading and Listening test
Cambridge Exam.

Students who can demonstrate that they have studied a Bachelor’s degree in English (at least for a period of three years) aren’t required to provide any of these certificates in the English language.

Learn our tips to succeed your IELTS

Documents required for university admission in Italy

Identity/Passport document (photocopy)
Academic file: detailed study programs/course description (must contain the number, of course, hours of training activities that you have completed according to your curriculum).
Curriculum Vitae
Recommendation letter
Cover letter
Language Proficiency Certificate (English or Italian)
Portfolio (only for students applying for architecture, urban planning or any design program)
Official score for SAT or ACT test

Application deadline of Italian universities

Application deadline for Italian universities vary depending on each institution. But it usually takes place from mid-April to mid-May for non-EU citizens and extends to mid-June for EU applicants and international students who have a residence permit in Italy. This is for those who apply for admission in a master’s degree, for example. So, you always have to check the institution you want to enroll in (try to apply as soon as possible).

Moreover, students receive their notification letter on their admission (or rejection) in August. This letter also contains the date to take any exam in case you apply to study programs with limited study places. It contains as well the exact date to take the Italian language exam, which like the entrance exams usually takes place in September.

Universities in Italy for international students

Here are some of the most popular international universities in Italy. You can check them and consider them to start your study abroad adventure in Italy.

University of Pisa
POLI.design University in Milan
University of Padova
University of Turin
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
European School of Economics in Milan

You can also check out our ranking of the best universities in Italy for international students.

Steps after receiving your acceptance letter

To apply to university in Italy, you should be prepared to take additional steps after the application process. One of the most important ones is to apply for a visa.

Apply for a residence permit by registering with the Questura Local Police within eight days of your arrival in Italy.

Students must register officially with the university after they arrive in Italy before they can start their classes. Finally, for more details about applying to an Italian university, you can always check with the Italian Ministry of Higher Education, universities and research.