Steps to study in Italy

Italy is known for some of the oldest universities in the world. The country offers numerous options for international students and has state universities, private universities, and technical universities. The institutes follow a five-year education system with 3 years for a bachelor's degree and 2 years for a master’s degree.

 Here are some steps in the application process for studying in Italy:

1. Choose the right course

The universities in Italy offer four categories of courses:

• University diploma
• Bachelor of Arts/ Science
• Research doctorate
• Diploma of Specialization

You need to choose the right category of courses and the subject you want to study here.

2. Choose the university you wish to study in

There are numerous reputed universities in Italy offering a diverse range of courses. You must choose a university that is suitable for you. Consider the cost of studying at various universities before making your choice. For this, you may want to look at our list of affordable universities in Italy.

3. Do your prep work before making applications

Check if your qualifications are deemed suitable for Italian universities.

Check the tuition fees and the cost of living. Cities in Italy can be relatively costly based on your budget.

Contact the institution you are interested in and request a prior assessment.

The university will provide you with feedback on your eligibility; if you meet the criteria for admission, then you will have to send a pre-application request to the Italian embassy or consulate in your city.

Your application and documents will be submitted by the Italian embassy or consulate to the Italian higher education institution you chose to apply for.

A list of selected candidates is published by the Italian embassy or consulate.

4. Check if you meet the GPA requirements

The admitted students are usually ranked from their previous studies based on their grade point average (GPA). Check with the universities you have chosen and see the minimum grade point you need to get to qualify for the degree you wish to study.

For certain specialized fields of study, you may need to attend specific admission exams, such as:

• Medicine
• Architecture
• Engineering

Students from countries where university entry is possible after 10 or 11 years of study must show that they have completed all the requisite exams for two years or one year to achieve a total of twelve years of study.

5. Check if you meet the language requirements

Italian universities offer both Italian and English-language study programs. Most English study programs are however available for postgraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. courses. You may have the option to apply for degrees taught in the Italian language within some Italian universities but take the assignments and exams in English.

Though international students can enroll for courses taught in English, it is beneficial if they learn the Italian language. This will help them communicate with the local community and get familiar with the local culture.

6. Collect the required documents

• Valid passport valid for at least three months after the expected end date of your study program
• Completed visa application form
• Proof of having the required financial resources to cover your living expenses during your course of study
• Medical insurance policy
• Certificate of acceptance from the educational institution in Italy
• Details of tuition fee payments
• copy of your itinerary to and from the country
• Proof of having no criminal record
• Proof of language proficiency in Italian or English based on the medium of instruction of your course

7. Apply before the deadline

Between mid-April to mid-May, you will have to contact the Italian embassy/consulate in your country to receive a Letter of Academic Eligibility and Suitability (Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco (DV)).

The application deadline may vary according to the university, so check the deadline of the university you are interested in and apply within that date.

8. Final actions

• Apply for a visa
• Within eight working days of your arrival in Italy, apply for a residence permit by registering with the local Italian police
• Prepare a health insurance plan which covers a minimum of 30000 Euros.
• After you arrive in Italy, you must officially enroll in the university before you start your classes.