Admission Is Easier than It Seems
We help with the choice of the program and guide you through all the stages.
Italy is one of the most popular destinations for high-quality European education. Annually, over 40,000 foreign students choose this sunny country to earn their degree — and they have good reasons for it.
What makes Italy stand out from other European countries? One of the main advantages of the Italian education system is its social orientation and accessibility. Italy offers one of the most socially fair and often the most affordable model of higher education in Western Europe. The minimal annual tuition fee for non-EU students typically starts from €900–2,000, and for students from low-income families it can be reduced almost to zero (regional is not taken into account). In addition, scholarships of up to €8,000 per year are available to help cover living and study expenses.
Meanwhile in other countries:
This makes Italian education an excellent investment in students’ future, opening the path to an international career in the most prestigious world’s companies.
What makes Italy stand out from other European countries? One of the main advantages of the Italian education system is its social orientation and accessibility. Italy offers one of the most socially fair and often the most affordable model of higher education in Western Europe. The minimal annual tuition fee for non-EU students typically starts from €900–2,000, and for students from low-income families it can be reduced almost to zero (regional is not taken into account). In addition, scholarships of up to €8,000 per year are available to help cover living and study expenses.
Meanwhile in other countries:
- United Kingdom: Tuition for international students starts at £15,000–25,000 (~€17,500–29,000) and can exceed £40,000 (€46,500) for medicine and MBA programs.
- Netherlands: For non-EU students — from €8,000 to €20,000 per year.
This makes Italian education an excellent investment in students’ future, opening the path to an international career in the most prestigious world’s companies.
Advantages of Entering an Italian University
Flexible Payment System
It is possible to reduce the tuition fee to €0.
High Scholarships
Average annual amount — €8,000.
Unique Programs
Exclusive programs ranging from art restoration to luxury brand management.
Concentration of Brands and Industry in Key Sectors
Studying at the epicenter of world’s industry, gaining access to internships, projects, and career opportunities in legendary companies.
Cultural Immersion and Quality of Life
Education is not just about lectures — it’s living in a country with 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites (ranked 1st in the world), surrounded by masterpieces of art, wonderful cuisine, and climate.
English-taught Programs
According to the Study in Italy portal, there are over 500 programs in English, especially at the master’s level.
University Admission Stages
Entrance Exams
February – March
For most programs, the TOLC exam is held from February to March.
The test costs €30 and it can be taken once per month, there is no limit on the number of attempts.
For most programs, the TOLC exam is held from February to March.
The test costs €30 and it can be taken once per month, there is no limit on the number of attempts.
- Format: online or in-person
- Language: English or Italian
Obtaining a Diploma
May – June
To enroll in an Italian university, you need a diploma confirming 12 years of education. If your school education is less than 12 years, you can achieve it by completing a year at a college or university in your country, or by attending a Foundation Year preparatory program in Italy.
To enroll in an Italian university, you need a diploma confirming 12 years of education. If your school education is less than 12 years, you can achieve it by completing a year at a college or university in your country, or by attending a Foundation Year preparatory program in Italy.
Document Preparation
May – June
It is necessary to gather all the required documents for the university application.
It is necessary to gather all the required documents for the university application.
Passport
Certificate of 12-year education or diploma
Dichiarazione di Valore (DOV) or CIMEA Statement of Comparability
Academic transcript (if you attended a Foundation Year program or university)
TOLC or IMAT certificate (for medicine programs)
Proof of language proficiency
Letter of motivation
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Recommendation letters
Portfolio
- Must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of entry into Italy.
Certificate of 12-year education or diploma
- Must be translated into Italian or English and certified.
Dichiarazione di Valore (DOV) or CIMEA Statement of Comparability
- This is a document that confirms the equivalence of your certificate/diploma to the Issued by the Italian consulate or online via the CIMEA system
Academic transcript (if you attended a Foundation Year program or university)
- List of courses and grades, translated into Italian or English.
TOLC or IMAT certificate (for medicine programs)
Proof of language proficiency
- For programs in Italian: B2 level in Italian (CILS, CELI, PLIDA, or equivalent).
- For programs in English: IELTS (6.0 or higher), TOEFL or another recognized international certificate.
Letter of motivation
- Not always required, but may be needed for certain programs.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Required for master’s or doctoral programs.
Recommendation letters
- Sometimes required for master’s programs.
Portfolio
- Required for creative fields such as design or architecture.
Scholarship Application
May – September (dates vary by region)
For some scholarships, university enrollment is not required.
To apply for the regional DSU scholarship (based on family financial situation), you must be enrolled in the university. Application deadlines and required documents vary by region, so it’s necessary to check the information on website of the regional DSU where you plan to apply. This scholarship fully covers the full cost of tuition, accommodation and meals, as well as may provide a grant of up to €7,000 per year (the amount of scholarship depends on the ISEE financial indicator).
For some scholarships, university enrollment is not required.
To apply for the regional DSU scholarship (based on family financial situation), you must be enrolled in the university. Application deadlines and required documents vary by region, so it’s necessary to check the information on website of the regional DSU where you plan to apply. This scholarship fully covers the full cost of tuition, accommodation and meals, as well as may provide a grant of up to €7,000 per year (the amount of scholarship depends on the ISEE financial indicator).
Pre-enrollment
June – July
Pre-enrollment is the preliminary submission of documents for admission to Italian university. It is carried out through the Universitaly platform and the universities’ official websites.
Pre-enrollment is the preliminary submission of documents for admission to Italian university. It is carried out through the Universitaly platform and the universities’ official websites.
Dormitory Application
July – September
After receiving the university acceptance letter, you can apply for student housing through the university or regional organization websites and receive a booking confirmation.
After receiving the university acceptance letter, you can apply for student housing through the university or regional organization websites and receive a booking confirmation.
Applying for a D Visa (for non-EU citizens)
July – August
After receiving the university acceptance letter, it’s necessary to submit your documents for the student visa at the Italian consulate.
After receiving the university acceptance letter, it’s necessary to submit your documents for the student visa at the Italian consulate.
Pre-enrollment confirmation from Universitaly
University admission letter for the Foundation Year
Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
Medical insurance covering €30,000 (valid in EU countries)
Evidence of financial solvency:
Completed type D visa application form
University admission letter for the Foundation Year
Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
Medical insurance covering €30,000 (valid in EU countries)
Evidence of financial solvency:
- Bank statement (~€6,300 for one year of study)
- You can provide a sponsorship letter from parents or other persons.
- Rental agreement, dormitory booking or invitation letter for housing
Completed type D visa application form
University Enrollment
September
All required documents must be uploaded online through the university’s platform, the registration process must be completed and the first tuition installment must be paid.
All required documents must be uploaded online through the university’s platform, the registration process must be completed and the first tuition installment must be paid.
Residence Permit Application (for non-EU citizens)
Within 8 days of arrival in Italy
After arriving in Italy, you must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at the nearest post office (Poste Italiane).
The Permesso di Soggiorno is renewed annually by providing proof of ongoing studies (transcript of grades, university documents) at the local police office (Questura).
After arriving in Italy, you must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at the nearest post office (Poste Italiane).
The Permesso di Soggiorno is renewed annually by providing proof of ongoing studies (transcript of grades, university documents) at the local police office (Questura).
Ranking by University
*QS World University Rankings is the annual international ranking of the world’s top universities, published by the British company Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
Ranking by Subject
