How to Apply for Italian Universities – Step-by-Step Guide (2026 Intake)

So, you’ve decided to study in Italy in 2026 — great choice!
Now it’s time to learn exactly how to apply, what documents to prepare, and when to submit them.

This guide breaks down the entire Italian university admission process step-by-step, from selecting the right program to receiving your admission letter and preparing for your visa.

Step 1: Choose Your Program and University

Before applying, you need to decide which course and university best fit your goals.

How to Choose the Right Program

• Decide between a Bachelor’s (3 years) or Master’s (2 years) program.
• Check if your desired program is taught in English.
• Look for courses that align with your academic background and career goals.

Useful Resources

• List of Public Universities in Italy

Tip: Always review the official university website for your chosen program — each course has its own requirements and deadlines.

Step 2: Check the Eligibility Requirements

Each university sets its own criteria, but here’s a general overview:

For Bachelor’s Programs

• High school diploma (12 years of education).
• English proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or MOI letter).
• In some universities, you may need to pass a TOLC test or online interview.

For Master’s Programs

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Transcripts showing completed courses and grades.
• Motivation letter explaining why you’re choosing that program.
• Two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
• English proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or MOI letter).

Pro Tip: If you’re applying to programs like Engineering, Architecture, or Medicine, double-check if any entrance exams are required.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

To make your application smooth, prepare scanned and verified copies of the following documents in advance.

Commonly Required Documents

For Master’s Applicants

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript (with translation if required).
• High school certificate.
• Passport (valid for at least 12 months).
• Motivation letter (specific to each course).
• Curriculum Vitae (in Europass format) – Watch Complete Video on It
• CIMEA or DOV
• English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL or university letter).
• Two recommendation letters.
• Passport-size photo.
• Internship or experience letters (if available).

For Bachelor’s Applicants

• High school certificate and transcript.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Motivation letter.
• Passport copy.
• CV (optional but recommended).
• Entry test result (TOLC or university-specific test).

Important:
All documents should be in PDF format and properly labeled (e.g., Passport_YourName.pdf, Degree_YourName.pdf).

Credential Recognition: CIMEA or Declaration of Value (DOV)

If your previous education was completed outside Italy, you might be asked to validate your qualifications through CIMEA or a Declaration of Value (DOV).

You don’t need to apply for both — your university will tell you which one they accept.
Usually, you’ll be asked for it after receiving conditional admission, not before.

1. CIMEA (Centro di Informazione sulla Mobilità e le Equivalenze Accademiche)

CIMEA is Italy’s official body for academic credential evaluation.
It issues Statements of Comparability (Attestato di Comparabilità) and Verification (Attestato di Verifica).

• Statement of Comparability = confirms the level of your foreign qualification in the Italian system.
• Statement of Verification = confirms that your educational documents are genuine and recognized.

Used for:
Most Master’s degree applications, especially in public universities (e.g., University of Milan, Bologna, or Padua).
It’s often requested after conditional admission, not at the initial stage.

When to Apply:
After you receive your conditional offer or when the university explicitly asks for it.

You can request it through the official CIMEA Portal

Pro tip: CIMEA evaluation can take 4–6 weeks, so apply early once you get your admission offer.

2. DOV (Declaration of Value)

The DOV is issued by the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the country where you earned your qualification.
It’s an official document explaining:

• The validity of your degree or diploma in your home country.
• The type and level of the qualification.
• The duration of the study program.

Used for:
Some universities (especially traditional or regional public universities) may ask for the DOV instead of CIMEA.

When to Apply:
Usually after receiving admission but before pre-enrollment on the Universitaly portal.

Note:

• You don’t need to submit both CIMEA and DOV.
• The university will specify which one it requires.
• Many universities now prefer CIMEA, as it’s digital and accepted across Italy.

In Short

Step 4: Register and Apply on University Portals

Once your documents are ready, you’ll need to apply through the university’s official portal.

Common Application Platforms

• University Portals: Most Italian universities use their own portals. Example: Politecnico di Milano Online Application Portal
• Universitaly Portal: Official government platform for pre-enrollment and visa support – www.universitaly.it

What You’ll Do on the Portal

1. Create your student account.
2. Fill out personal details and academic history.
3. Upload all required documents.
4. Write or upload your motivation letter.
5. Pay any application fee (if applicable).
6. Submit the application before the deadline.

Keep your login credentials safe — you’ll need the same account for admission updates and pre-enrollment.

Step 5: Track Deadlines and Calls

Each university in Italy has its own application call schedule.

Typical Timeline for 2026 Intake

• First Calls Open: November–December 2025
• Main Application Window: January–April 2026
• Second Calls / Late Applications: May–June 2026

Warning: Missing deadlines may delay your scholarship or visa process, so always apply early.

Step 6: Wait for Evaluation and Admission Results

After submission, universities review applications over several weeks.

What Happens Next

• You may receive an email requesting additional documents or an interview.
• Once accepted, you’ll get an “Admission Offer” or “Conditional Offer.”
• If you accept the offer, you’ll need to complete your pre-enrollment through the Universitaly Portal.

Once confirmed, you can use the admission letter to apply for scholarships and your visa.

Step 7: Apply for Scholarships (Optional but Recommended)

You can apply for financial support immediately after getting your admission offer.

Top Scholarships for 2026

1. DSU Regional Scholarship – Covers tuition, meals, and living expenses.
2. EDISU Piemonte Scholarship – For students in the Piedmont region.
3. MAECI Government Scholarship – €900 monthly stipend for postgraduate students.
4. Invest Your Talent in Italy – Funded program for students from selected countries.

Read the full details in Part 3: Scholarships and Funding Opportunities in Italy 2026 (coming next).

Step 8: Pre-enrollment on Universitaly Portal

All international students must register and pre-enroll through Universitaly.it.

Steps:

1. Visit the website and create your account.
2. Select your university and program.
3. Upload your admission offer and passport.
4. Complete pre-enrollment form and submit.
5. Wait for confirmation from the university.

This confirmation is mandatory for your student visa application.

Step 9: Apply for a Student Visa

Once your pre-enrollment is approved, start your Type D Student Visa process at the Italian Consulate in your country.

Required for Visa

• Admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrollment confirmation.
• Proof of funds (€6,000–€7,000 minimum or scholarship proof).
• Proof of accommodation in Italy.
• Valid passport and ID photos.
• Travel and medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage).

Visa processing takes 4–8 weeks — apply as soon as possible.

Step 10: Finalize Enrollment and Travel

Once your visa is approved:

• Book your flight to Italy.
• Upon arrival, visit your university for final registration.
• Apply for your Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days of arrival.
• Attend orientation and welcome sessions.

Congratulations! You’re now officially a student in Italy.

Quick Checklist

Before you click “submit” on your applications, make sure you’ve done this:
✅ Shortlisted 3–5 programs
✅ Checked eligibility for each
✅ Prepared all documents (scanned and verified)
✅ Created university accounts
✅ Submitted applications before deadlines
✅ Applied for scholarships (if available)
✅ Completed Universitaly pre-enrollment
✅ Prepared visa documentation

Summary

Studying in Italy is an exciting opportunity, and the process becomes simple once you know the steps.
Start early, stay organized, and keep checking university portals for updates.

What’s Next

➡️ Part 3: Scholarships and Funding Opportunities in Italy 2026
➡️ Part 4: Visa, Cost of Living, and Accommodation Guide
➡️ Part 5: Top Public Universities and Programs in Italy 2026