Italy offers historic treasures and a rich culture that attract visitors, including international students who want to study there. From the warm, maritime Mediterranean to its snow-capped Dolomites, the country offers diverse and exciting landscapes for leisure and fun. Italy blends the ancient and modern to suit every visitor.
Many international students come to study in Italy because of its affordability, ease of movement along its borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, and an outstanding work-life balance.
Studying at a university in Italy
The Italian grading system begins from 0 to 30, with 18 being the minimum required to pass. The country is home to the world's oldest university, the University of Bologna. The Bologna Process has become the standard for excellence in higher education across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
What’s the structure of the Italian academic year
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First semester: September/October to December
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Second semester: January/February to June/July
Italian universities close during:
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Christmas break: from the end of December to the first week of January
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Easter break
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Summer break (in July/August)
When to apply to Italian universities
Each university has its own application deadlines. For degrees starting in September, applications usually open in March and finish in April or May.
Read: Uni Assist Germany: A Guide to Applications and VPD
Documents needed to apply to a university
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Academic transcript
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University application form
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Passport/ID card
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Letter of motivation
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Language proficiency (English or Italian)
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Passport-type photograph
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Exam results, SAT, ACT, or IMAT
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CV
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Letter of recommendation
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Portfolio (for students of Architecture, Art and Design, and related programmes)
Language requirements
IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted English-language tests in Italy.
Where can I find scholarships to study in Italy?
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European University Institute – "Grants for Foreigners" Programme
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University websites:
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NATO Defense College - Fellowships.
How to Study in Italy
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Find a programme: You need to choose a program on the institution's website or by consulting the "Find a program" section.”
Note: The standard academic year runs from the fall through the following September, but exams can be taken until April of the following year.
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Verify programme entry requirements: Check the programme's entry requirements. For instance, check the language requirement for that programme.
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Start your online pre-enrollment application: You need to complete the “Pre-enrolment” application on the Universitaly portal after creating your account.
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Apply for your student visa: The chosen institution issues a “Letter of eligibility for enrolment,” required for your visa application.
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Request your Permit of Stay: Within 8 (eight) working days from your arrival in Italy on a type D “national” visa for study (university enrolment), you must make an appointment to apply for a permit of stay (Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio) to the local Police Department- Immigration Office desk (Questura - Ufficio stranieri) responsible for the city where you are going to stay.
Where can I find the list of scholarships to study in Italy?
All information can be found on the webpage Grants for foreign and Italian citizens living abroad awarded by the Italian Government – Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, as well as on the portal Study In Italy.
Does my study course require pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal?
You can find this information on the UNIVERSITALY portal.
Is my qualification recognized in Italy?
You can consult the CIMEA website to check if you are qualified to study in Italy.
What shall I do to legalize my documents?
You can legalize your documents in your home country. Here is general information on legalisations and official translations: Translation and legalisation of documents – Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale.
What is the “certificate of equivalence of qualification”?
The Declaration of Value (DV) for a foreign academic or professional qualification is an informative document issued by Italian consular authorities abroad that educational institutions and authorities responsible for qualification recognition in Italy can use to evaluate qualifications. You can find information on how to obtain it on the website of the Italian Embassy or Consulate responsible for the place where the qualification was obtained.
How many types of study visas exist in Italy?
There are six types of study visas: for enrolling in an Italian University. See the database Visa for Italy
Read: How to Pay Your SEVIS Fee Without a Dollar Card: Fastest & Easiest Method
Can I work to support myself while studying in Italy?
Yes, you can. The study permit enables you to work part-time up to 20 hours per week and up to 1.040 hours per year.
How do I make my application and tuition payments?
With the Pay4Me App, you can make any payment for studies or work in Italy within 10 minutes.
