Admissions Requirements

The following guide will help you understand the step to step admission requirements for studying abroad in Italy:

The requirements for admissions in Italy are different for EU nationals and NON-EU nationals. The EU nationals can directly apply at any Italian University’s official website whereas the NON-EU nationals such as Pakistani students would have to follow a different procedure. The Pakistani students willing to get admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in an Italian University will have to register a Pre-Application Request to the Italian consulate in their home country. The Italian Consulate will accept the Pre-Application Form of the applicant and the further admissions process will start. The admissions submissions start from March to July. After acceptance of the Pre-Application Form, the Consulate issues a document (“Dichiarazione di valore in loco”,) statement of validity. After that you will consult the International Student Office of your chosen university online or in some cases the embassy can forward the application itself. The university will send an email and ask for enrollment documents. The enrollment and merit requirements can be different according to your degree programme about which you can take information from the Italian University you have chosen for admission.

Choosing A Right University in Italy

There are a number of high-ranked universities in Italy and picking one would be rather difficult for you. But choosing the most suitable university which situates in the city you desire to live in is the first step in planning to study abroad in Italy. After deciding on the city of Italy you want to live in start searching for the best universities in that specific premise. Select a university according to its international rankings from Wikipedia or QS rankings. The affordability factor is the most important factor. See if the university you are choosing has scholarships and fee waivers in Italy. This search process is time-consuming therefore it is highly recommended to start the selection of the university process right after you have given examinations in your home town.

Choosing A Study Program

Italian universities are offering a plethora of study programmes in all disciplines. There will be so many opportunities that can equally attract you. The best way is to stick with the subject that interests you the most and choose the study programme where that specific subject is continued as a major. Search for the career scope and job market trends and then choose a study programme in accordance with it. The admission requirement can vary from programme to programme also be sure that you meet the eligibility and merit criteria for admission to your chosen study programme. Most importantly make sure the programme you chose is being offered in English.

How Students can Apply in Italian University 2023 Intake

Enrollments in Italian Universities are controlled and processed by the Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) and assimilated by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For admission in each course or study programme the eligibility criteria might be different but there are general requirements as stated below;

Non Residents Must Follow This Procedure of Application

All Non-EU nationals including Pakistani nationals who do not have a resident permit in Italy must register a Pre-Application Request to the Italian consulate in their home country. The Italian consulate in their home country will be responsible to accept a candidate’s pre-application request. The pre-application request will e accepted on the basis of the candidate’s eligibility for a student visa.
The Pre-Application Request can be applied for either:
>Single Italian university
>Single degree programme

When to Submit Pre-Application Request

Submissions usually start from the start of March until July. For admissions in Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Medicine and Health Professions programmes, International Medical School, and Dental Medicine courses the dates are not specified which can be known from the Italian consulate firsthand. The number of seats available for such courses is finalized by Italian Universities on yearly basis and published on the MIUR (the Ministry of University and Research) website officially.

Language Proficiency Test

Passing Language test is compulsory for admissions in under graduate and post graduate programmes unless:

  • The applicant holds a certificate attesting their knowledge of the language at the B2 level (e.g. CELI 3 certificate)
  • The applicant has attended some Italian Schools abroad
  • The applicant is applying for admission to programme which is entirely taught in English or some master's programmes without an entrance examination.

Acceptance of the Pre-Application Request

If your application has been approved then you will be issued a document (“Dichiarazione di valore in loco”,) statement of validity. After that you will consult the international Student Office of your chosen university online or in some cases the embassy can forward the application itself. The university will send an email and ask for enrollment documents which are written below.

Enrollment in Undergraduate/Post Graduate (Master’s) and (PhD)Programmes in Italian Universities 2023

The Italian Universities take entrance exams for some of its degree programmes. If you have chosen the programme for which an entry test is required then your application procedure depends upon passing it. After having passed the entrance exam you will have to submit following documents online ion reply to email sent by international student’s office of your chosen Italian University. For the programme where entry test is not a requirement the similar documents will be required..:

  • You will have to log in to the Online Services (SIFA) and choose the Enrolment option.
  • Submit the required details and upload a photo and an identity document (file format JPG, PNG, BMP max 2 Mb).
  • Do payments of the first installment of the enrolment fee using by a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or the payment slip (bollettino MAV) printable at the end of the enrolment procedure online? The MAV or payment slip can be paid at any bank or post office in Italy.
  • Submit the required documents to the International Students Desk.

Documents Required to Get Admission

  • Form A (filled at the Italian consulate during pre-application).
  • Valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
  • Certified and original Upper secondary school diploma/Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree, translated into Italian, legalized by the authorities in the country where the qualification was issued and carrying (the Dichiarazione di valore in loco or statement of validity issued by ENIC_NARIC centers or by diplomatic missions resident in Italy).
  • Certificate of enrolment at university with a list of the exams taken, or certificate of post-secondary education obtained in a non-university higher education Institute if the local education system provides less than 12 years of schooling.
  • Certificate demonstrating the academic eligibility if provided for in the country of origin (e.g. GAO KAO for China, Vestibular for Brazil, etc.).
  • Other documents stating specific requirements of validity of the title (e.g. Aps for the United States titles, A-level for British titles).
  • Passport/identity card.
  • Italian tax code.
  • Admission fee receipt.
  • Enrolment fee receipt Italian.
  • Language Proficiency Test Certificate(Italian Language Test for Italian Taught Courses and English Language Test for English Taught Courses).

All documents must be certified and translated in Italian language. The documents must be authenticated by authorities

Approximate Living Expenses for a Student in Italy

Housing (per month) Meals
Single room in the dorm: 400 - 600€ Lunch at cafes: 10€
Private single room: 600 - 800€ McDonald’s menu: 6 - 9€
Flat: 800 - 1200€ Dinner at restaurant: 30 - 50€

Types Of Italy Study Visa


C Type Visa: C-type Visa is applied to study programmes not exceeding a time duration of more than 90 days.
D Type Visa: D-type Visa is applied to study programmes exceeding a time duration of more than 90 days.

Student Visa Italy Application Process

The following guide will help you understand all of the steps involved in the visa application process.

  • Visit the Embassy of Italy to get Absolute Information.
  • Choose Your Visa Type.
  • Ask for the Documents Required.
  • Complete the Required Documents According to Your Students Visa Type.
  • The Italian Embassy does not accept any visa application with incomplete documents.
  • After Completing Your Documents Visit the Visa Application Center of the Italian Embassy.
  • You must bring the Application form, Required Travel documents, and Supporting documents On Your Visit to Visa Application Center (Documents must be originals).