Universities in Italy: 2027 admissions guide

The short answer: how to apply to universities in Italy for 2027 entry

Applying to an Italian university for 2027 involves nine steps in the right order:

1. choose the level of study: a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, single-cycle degree or higher education in art and music;
2. identify specific programmes taught in Italian or English rather than compiling a list of famous university names;
3. check the academic criteria, admissions tests and language standard;
4. establish whether a Ukrainian school-leaving certificate meets the rule requiring at least 12 years of prior education;
5. determine exactly which supporting documents are needed: a translation, apostille, a statement from Italy’s CIMEA academic-recognition centre, a consular Declaration of Value or another form of evidence;
6. apply directly to the university and complete its selection process;
7. if a study visa is required, submit the official pre-enrolment through Universitaly;
8. once the university has confirmed the application, apply for the visa with the required financial, accommodation and other evidence;
9. after arrival, complete the mandatory local formalities and finalise enrolment.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the national procedures set 31 October 2027 as the final deadline for lodging a study-visa application for standard first- and second-cycle degrees and higher education in art, music and dance. It is not a university application deadline. Institutions and individual programmes can close applications much earlier, while tests, scholarships, accommodation and consular appointments follow separate timetables.

That date applies to Laurea, Laurea Magistrale, single-cycle degrees and first- and second-cycle AFAM programmes. Different timing rules apply to Master universitari, doctorates, Erasmus, individual courses and foundation programmes; in every case, a visa application cannot be lodged after teaching has begun.

GUGA Education does not begin by filling in a form. We first review the applicant’s profile: the length and content of previous education, grades and subjects, language level, budget, citizenship and legal status, readiness for tests and whether the timetable is achievable. We then build a balanced programme list, separate the university, Universitaly and consular requirements, and manage them through one admissions calendar. This cannot guarantee a decision by a university or public authority, but it substantially reduces the risk of supplying the wrong document, missing a separate stage or choosing a programme that does not fit the applicant’s background.

What “2027 entry” actually means

For most applicants, “2027 entry” means starting classes in autumn 2027, during the 2027/28 academic year. In practice, preparation begins in 2026.

Italy has no single date by which every applicant submits the same package. At least five calendars must be tracked:

• the opening and final application date for each programme;
• registration for and completion of the admissions test;
• submission of outstanding final documents after school or university graduation;
• applications for regional aid, university scholarships and accommodation;
• Universitaly, the consular appointment and the visa application.

A programme may have several rounds. Early rounds sometimes close before a Ukrainian applicant receives their school-leaving certificate, while places in halls of residence and regional support may be allocated on a different timetable. A date displayed on Universitaly therefore does not replace the programme’s own deadline.

Italy’s admissions system is particularly well suited to applicants who can compare programmes rather than countries, a full annual budget rather than tuition alone, and the academic and professional logic of a choice rather than the mere possibility of admission. Anyone looking for one central application, one deadline for every institution or guaranteed funding may find the system more complex than expected.

How Italian higher education is structured

The first university cycle is called a Laurea. It is normally a three-year degree worth 180 European credits and corresponds broadly to bachelor’s-level study.

The second cycle is the Laurea Magistrale, usually a two-year, 120-credit degree. Entry requires a suitable previous qualification and the academic preparation specified by the individual programme.

Italy also offers Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico, or integrated single-cycle degrees lasting five or six years. This format is used for certain regulated fields.

Doctoral degrees are known as Dottorato di Ricerca. They belong to the third cycle and use a separate competitive selection process. Applicants pursuing a research career should also read our guide to a fully funded PhD abroad.

Higher education in art, music and dance belongs to the Alta Formazione Artistica, Musicale e Coreutica system—advanced artistic, musical and dance education, abbreviated to AFAM. Academies and conservatoires set their own auditions, creative assessments, portfolio requirements and calendars. They should not be assessed as though they were conventional university degrees.

When researching a qualification, look beyond its name to its level, credit volume, academic rights and professional outcome. This matters especially in design, art, music and private education: a short course, a professional certificate and a recognised academic degree are not interchangeable.

Public or private university

A public university is not automatically free, and a private institution does not automatically offer a better programme. They are different financial and organisational models.

At many public universities, tuition is determined partly by the family’s financial position and other criteria. An international student may need documents showing income and assets held abroad, or an equivalent calculation related to ISEE. Without the required evidence, the institution may apply a fixed or maximum rate, depending on its rules.

Private universities set their own fees and financial-support arrangements. A higher price does not guarantee a stronger academic fit, just as a lower fee at a public institution does not mean that the course is right for the applicant.

Compare:

• core subjects and optional modules;
• teaching and research specialisms;
• the language used in every year of study;
• the structure of placements and the final dissertation or project;
• admissions criteria;
• the total fee after any reductions;
• the cost of living in the city;
• the professions and career paths to which the programme leads.

The strongest choice is not defined by the institution’s category. It is the option in which the curriculum, admissions conditions, budget and longer-term direction make sense together.

Italian or English: which language of instruction to choose

The language of a degree affects more than admission. It shapes the range of subjects available, integration, work placements and future employment.

An English-taught programme does not remove the need to learn Italian. The local language is often a practical advantage when finding accommodation, handling paperwork, accessing healthcare, securing an internship and looking for a first job.

An applicant with 18 to 24 months to prepare and a desire for a broader range of bachelor’s degrees may benefit from the Italian-language route. A prospective master’s student with established English may be better served by a specialised English-taught programme. The right answer depends not on fashion, but on time, academic goals and genuine language readiness.

Choose the programme before the university name

The search should begin with an academic goal. Labels such as “business”, “design” or “computer science” can conceal fundamentally different degrees.

For every option, check:

1. which compulsory subjects are taught in the first and second years;
2. how much mathematics, writing, laboratory work, studio practice or programming it contains;
3. whether a placement is compulsory and who helps students find one;
4. the teaching language of every required module;
5. which test or prior academic preparation is required;
6. whether a Ukrainian school certificate or degree is suitable;
7. where the campus is actually located;
8. which qualification the graduate receives and whether it leads to a regulated profession;
9. the cost of the full year, not tuition alone;
10. whether a realistic alternative route exists.

A sound shortlist is not five equally prestigious names. It combines ambitious, realistic and safer programmes that genuinely lead towards the applicant’s professional goal.

Italy can be a particularly strong option for engineering, architecture, design, art, music, economics, the humanities, natural and social sciences, and medicine. A country’s reputation in a field does not, however, make every programme in that field equally strong—or equally suitable for a particular student.

How to choose a city: Milan, Rome, Bologna, Turin, Padua or a smaller centre

The city can shape the experience and the budget just as strongly as the university.

Milan attracts students through technology, design, fashion, finance and international companies. Housing is often one of the largest expenses, however, and the search for a room should begin early.

Rome offers an extensive choice of programmes and an immense cultural setting, but distances between accommodation and campus require close attention. An address within the same city does not guarantee a convenient daily journey.

Bologna has a distinct student culture and a strong university rhythm. Demand for housing is high, so an offer of admission should never be mistaken for a guarantee of an affordable room.

Turin deserves consideration for engineering, technology, architecture, economics, art and the humanities. Its scale and cost structure differ from Milan’s.

Padua combines a large university with a more compact urban environment. It can be a compelling option across the natural sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences, but housing costs still need to be checked against current listings.

Trento, Pavia, Pisa, Florence, Venice, Trieste, Perugia, Parma, Ferrara and other centres can offer excellent programmes and a different balance of academic life, housing and pace. A smaller city is not automatically weaker or cheaper: the programme and the live housing market remain decisive.

Compare cities across five criteria: total cost, availability of rooms, the journey to the actual campus, placement opportunities and whether the environment is somewhere you can realistically live for several years.

Applying after 11 years of school: guidance for Ukrainian graduates

For some Ukrainian school-leavers, the central issue is not the grade average but the length of their previous education.

Italy’s general rule for entry to the first cycle requires an upper-secondary qualification awarded after at least 12 years of education. A Ukrainian certificate issued after an 11-year school curriculum may therefore be insufficient on its own for direct entry to year one.

That does not mean an automatic rejection. The official procedures recognise several ways to make up the missing year, but the university must assess and accept the applicant’s particular route.

A Ukrainian applicant should establish:

• how many years of education the qualification confirms;
• whether it gives access to university in the country where it was awarded;
• whether evidence of the Ukrainian NMT results or another proof of university access is required;
• whether the institution accepts a completed first year at university;
• whether a particular preparatory Foundation Course is suitable;
• whether an application can be submitted before the final school certificate is issued;
• when the original certificate and complete transcript must be provided.

Do not convert Ukrainian grades into an invented Italian average. The institution should receive the official marks, grading scale and documents in the format it requests.

The wider route from Ukrainian secondary school is explained in our guide to studying abroad after high school.

The 12-year education rule

The general requirement for first-cycle university entry is completed secondary education lasting at least 12 years. The qualification must also satisfy the academic conditions for access to higher education in the system where it was awarded.

Do not rely only on wording such as “complete general secondary education”; the institution will consider the actual length of the individual student’s route. Ukrainian applicants may hold qualifications issued under different education models, so the answer cannot be inferred from nationality or application year alone.

If the route lasted 11 years, the university assesses additional academic evidence. With ten years of education, two years normally need to be made up. The final decision belongs to the institution, not to an intermediary, translator or foundation provider.

An additional university year or Foundation Course normally makes an applicant eligible to be considered for first-year entry. It does not mean automatic transfer into a later year and does not guarantee that earlier modules will receive credit.

Foundation Courses and other ways to make up a missing year

For an applicant with 11 years of secondary education, the official Italian procedures may accept the following evidence, subject to the university’s assessment:

• successful completion of every examination in the first year of university;
• an official non-university post-secondary qualification lasting at least one year in a related field;
• a completed Foundation Course that makes up the missing year;
• another preparatory programme that the particular institution considers sufficient for admission.

Where a qualification follows ten years of education, two years normally need to be made up—for example, through two successful years of higher education or an appropriately longer post-secondary route.

A Foundation Course can combine academic-language preparation, mathematics, science or humanities subjects and admissions-test preparation. The word “Foundation” in a course title does not, however, guarantee that every Italian university will accept the certificate.

Before paying, obtain clear answers to these questions:

• who delivers the programme;
• which certificate or record it awards;
• which universities or degrees accept it;
• whether it specifically makes up the missing year;
• whether completion provides only eligibility to apply or an assured place;
• whether the admissions test must still be taken;
• whether any credits can be transferred.

Do not choose a foundation year merely for its city or marketing promise. Its value lies in whether it opens the academic route the student actually needs.

Applying for a master’s degree in Italy with a Ukrainian qualification

Holding any bachelor’s degree is not enough for admission to a Laurea Magistrale. The programme assesses academic fit: subjects completed, credits in the required fields, grades, research methods, mathematics, laboratory preparation or professional competencies.

Applicants are commonly asked for:

• a bachelor’s degree certificate;
• a complete transcript showing grades and credits;
• descriptions of key modules where the programme requests them;
• language evidence;
• a CV;
• a motivation statement;
• references, a portfolio or an account of relevant experience where required;
• documents used to assess the foreign qualification.

If an applicant is changing field, a persuasive motivation statement may not be enough. The application needs to show which courses, projects or professional experience connect the previous preparation to the new degree.

Two master’s programmes with similar names may assess the same qualification differently. One may demand a specified number of credits in mathematics and statistics; another may allow experience to compensate for part of the academic background; a third may decide that the previous discipline is not sufficiently related.

Our wider guide explains how to apply for a master’s degree abroad.

Who assesses a foreign school certificate or degree

The higher-education institution makes the final decision on whether a foreign qualification is suitable for admission.

This principle matters. CIMEA, a consular post, a translator or an agency may prepare or issue supporting evidence, but none of them replaces the university’s academic decision.

One institution may ask for CIMEA Statements of Comparability and Verification. Another may require a Declaration of Value. A third may carry out the assessment itself. Even within the same university, instructions can differ between bachelor’s and master’s applicants.

The university also decides whether the level and content of earlier education are appropriate for the chosen programme. Authenticity and academic fit are separate questions. A genuine certificate does not prove that the applicant has completed the prerequisite subjects.

The first step should therefore be a requirements matrix for every programme—not ordering every document that might conceivably be useful. Record the document, its purpose, the issuing authority, the required format, the deadline and the method of submission.

CIMEA, the Declaration of Value, apostilles and translations

These terms are often treated as though they were interchangeable, although each serves a different purpose.

CIMEA is Italy’s information centre for academic mobility and equivalence. It can issue Statements of Comparability and Verification for a qualification. These statements can support a university’s assessment, but they do not oblige the institution to admit the applicant.

The Declaration of Value, or Dichiarazione di Valore, is an information document that the competent Italian diplomatic authority may issue in relation to a foreign qualification. It describes the document and the education system in which it was awarded; it is not automatic academic recognition.

An apostille certifies the authenticity of an official document for international use where the relevant procedure requires one.

An official translation renders the document into a language accepted by the institution or public authority. Rules on the translator, certification and format vary.

Do not order CIMEA statements, a Declaration of Value, an apostille and several sets of translations “just in case”. First establish what the university accepts, what Universitaly requires and what belongs in the visa application.

As at 21 August 2026, CIMEA explicitly states that a Statement of Comparability is not a binding decision for a university. Applicants should ask their chosen institution whether that service is required. Our guide to apostilles and qualification recognition for study abroad explains the distinctions in greater detail.

There is an additional rule for applicants who require a study visa. Under the 2026/27–2027/28 procedures, the completed qualification in the visa file must be accompanied by one of two alternatives: CIMEA Statements of Comparability and Verification, or a Declaration of Value. If the Declaration of Value does not confirm the document’s authenticity, separate evidence is required. The exact format should be checked again with the competent consular post.

Open admission, locally capped places and national selection

“Open admission” does not always mean that there is no test.

An open-access programme may use a diagnostic assessment. A low score does not necessarily prevent admission, but it can create additional learning obligations that must be completed during the first year.

A programme with a locally restricted number of places uses a competitive process governed by the university’s own rules. The institution determines the number of places, the score required and the timetable.

For certain nationally regulated fields, procedures are set or changed at national level. Carrying the previous year’s rules into a 2027 application is particularly risky in these subjects.

Read the full call for applications, not merely the access label. Check:

• the applicant category;
• the number of places;
• the language and format of the test;
• how the ranking is calculated;
• any minimum score;
• separate quotas;
• the enrolment rules;
• the consequences of missing a registration or payment deadline.

Even after passing a test, a separate university application may still be required. Conversely, a submitted application does not always mean that the applicant has automatically registered for the assessment.

TOLC, CISIA and university-specific admissions tests

TOLC refers to standardised tests organised by the CISIA consortium and used by many Italian universities. Different TOLC formats serve different academic fields.

The test name alone does not explain how the result is used. On one course it determines a competitive ranking; on another it checks readiness; elsewhere the university sets its own threshold or additional conditions.

Before registering, establish:

• the exact type of TOLC required;
• the language of the test;
• whether the university accepts a result taken through another institution;
• the date by which the result must be obtained;
• whether a retake is possible;
• how the score affects the ranking;
• whether a low score creates additional learning obligations;
• whether a separate university application is required after the test.

Registering for TOLC is not an application to a degree programme. It is a separate step.

An institution may instead use its own assessment: a written test, interview, creative task, portfolio, audition or several stages in combination. Preparation should follow the official 2027 structure, not an informal account from someone who applied in a previous year.

Medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and architecture: separate rules

The general guidance in this article cannot be treated as final for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, architecture or other regulated fields.

Admissions rules for medical degrees in Italy have changed, and Italian- and English-taught routes may use different formats. Applicants for 2027 must wait for the relevant official publications and check:

• their applicant category;
• the programme language;
• the examination or selection format;
• the number of places;
• how the ranking is produced;
• the Universitaly procedure;
• future professional recognition of the qualification.

Do not build a plan around an old article about IMAT or one previous applicant’s experience. Even where a test keeps the same name, its format, quotas, deadlines or ranking method may change.

For architecture, it is equally important to distinguish regulated degrees from related courses in design, urban planning or engineering. Similar titles do not confer identical professional rights.

Applicants comparing destinations and programmes can use our guide to studying medicine abroad in 2027.

Language requirements for Italian-taught programmes

Under the official procedures, a university assesses competence in Italian at a minimum of B2 for an Italian-taught programme, unless the applicant falls within an exemption category or submits an accepted certificate.

The individual institution specifies:

• accepted certificates;
• the submission deadline;
• the format of any internal assessment;
• possible exemptions;
• a higher level for a particular programme;
• any additional assessment of professional or academic vocabulary.

B2 means more than managing an everyday conversation. A student needs to read academic literature, follow lectures, write assignments, participate in seminars and sit oral examinations. Preparation should include the language of the future discipline.

An applicant starting from beginner level and aiming for 2027 must judge the available time and required intensity honestly. A certificate obtained at the last moment does not remove the risk of academic difficulty after enrolment.

Language requirements for English-taught programmes

There is no single English certificate or score for every programme in Italy. A university may accept IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, previous education in English or its own assessment, in the combinations it specifies.

Visa applicants face a further layer of scrutiny: evidence of the teaching language is entered in Universitaly. If the consular post assesses language readiness, the current procedures require a certificate or university equivalent at no lower than B2 across all four language skills. This does not create one national IELTS score; the individual programme may set its own or stricter standard.

Check:

• the exact test name;
• the minimum overall score;
• requirements for individual components;
• how long the result remains valid;
• the final submission date;
• exemption rules;
• whether the certificate is required at application stage;
• whether the consular post may ask for separate language evidence.

Admission without IELTS does not mean admission without verified English. The programme must have another accepted method of assessment.

Do not rely on a medium-of-instruction letter until the university has explicitly confirmed that it will accept the document for the chosen programme. Exemption wording often includes restrictions concerning the length, level or country of previous education.

Read more in our guide to studying abroad without IELTS.

Three separate processes: the university application, Universitaly and the visa

The most common structural mistake is to treat every action as part of one application.

1. The university application. The applicant registers in the institution’s system, uploads documents, takes a test, attends an interview or completes a portfolio assessment, and receives an academic decision.

2. Universitaly pre-enrolment. An applicant who requires a study visa completes the official pre-enrolment through the free government portal Universitaly. Under the current procedure, the applicant chooses one programme for this stage. The university reviews the submission and, if the conditions are met, validates it for the subsequent visa process.

3. The visa application. The Italian diplomatic authority separately assesses the study purpose, financial means, accommodation, insurance and other requirements.

University validation in Universitaly does not guarantee a visa, a consular appointment or acceptance of an incomplete visa file.

GUGA tracks all three processes in one system without confusing their roles. For each action, we record who makes the decision, the required document, the deadline, the dependency and an alternative step. This is especially valuable when the university has issued a positive decision but financial evidence, accommodation or visa documents are not yet ready.

The 2027/28 admissions route, step by step

1. Define the academic goal. Choose a level, discipline, desired professional outcome and acceptable language—not merely a country.

2. Assess previous education. For bachelor’s entry, establish the number of years completed and whether direct access is possible. For a master’s degree, compare the qualification and modules with the academic prerequisites.

3. Build a shortlist. Include ambitious, realistic and safer programmes. Do not make every option depend on one test or one city.

4. Create the calendar. Record university rounds, the language test, TOLC or another assessment, final documents, scholarships, accommodation, Universitaly and the visa.

5. Prepare documents for each recipient. One set will not necessarily satisfy the university, CIMEA, the consular post and the regional aid authority.

6. Submit university applications. Check payment status, file uploads and completion of every compulsory field. Keep the confirmations.

7. Complete selection. Take the test, interview or creative assessment. If the offer is conditional, track every outstanding document.

8. Build the financial model. Calculate tuition, accommodation, a housing deposit, food, documents, travel, insurance and a contingency before any scholarship has actually arrived.

9. Complete Universitaly and the visa stage. Do not wait for the national cut-off. Begin as soon as the necessary decision and documents are available.

10. Prepare for arrival. Arrange accommodation and check insurance, registration, the tax code and the residence-permit procedure.

Every stage needs a control point: what has been confirmed, what is missing, who decides and what will happen if the primary scenario fails.

Application timeline for 2027 entry

This is a planning guide, not the official calendar for every programme. A course with an early competition, creative selection or capped places may require preparation to begin even sooner.

A final-year school student should mark which actions can be taken before the certificate is issued and which require the final document. A master’s applicant should record when the degree certificate, transcript and final results will become available.

Our guide to autumn, spring and summer university intakes in 2027 explains how deadlines change with the intended start season.

Application deadlines: follow the programme, not 31 October

As at 21 August 2026, the national procedures already cover the 2027/28 academic year. For standard first- and second-cycle programmes and AFAM, the final deadline for lodging a study-visa application is 31 October 2027.

It should not be used as the date on which to begin an application because:

• a university may close applications months earlier;
• places on a competitive programme may fill sooner;
• test registration has its own deadline;
• qualification checks take time;
• financial-aid and regional applications often close during the summer;
• neither accommodation nor a consular appointment is guaranteed;
• a university may set an earlier deadline for completing Universitaly.

The decisive date for an applicant is the deadline of the particular programme, not the general end point of the visa process.

For every programme, the calendar should contain at least four dates: the final application deadline, the test, submission of outstanding documents and confirmation of the place. Scholarship, accommodation, Universitaly and visa deadlines sit alongside them.

Documents for admission to Italian universities

The exact file depends on the programme, but it commonly includes:

• a passport;
• a school-leaving certificate or degree certificate;
• a transcript showing subjects and grades;
• a current enrolment letter if the final qualification has not yet been issued;
• an official translation;
• an apostille or another form of authentication where required;
• CIMEA statements or a Declaration of Value where specified;
• evidence that the qualification provides access to university in its country of issue;
• the Ukrainian NMT result where the particular procedure asks for it;
• a language certificate;
• a TOLC or other test result;
• a CV;
• a motivation letter;
• references;
• a portfolio;
• module descriptions for a master’s application;
• proof that the application fee has been paid.

Do not upload an improvised translation where the institution specifies a particular format. Check surnames, dates, transliteration and institution names well before the deadline.

Costs incurred before enrolment may include the university application, an admissions test, a language examination, translations, an apostille, CIMEA services, document delivery, a portfolio, the visa fee, insurance and a housing deposit. Applying to many programmes without a strategy can make pre-admission costs rise quickly.

Use our study-abroad document checklist for a complete initial review.

How to apply before the school certificate or degree is issued

A final-year school or university student may be allowed to apply before receiving the final qualification, if the programme’s rules permit it.

The institution may accept:

• a current transcript;
• a letter confirming the expected completion date;
• a subject list;
• predicted results;
• evidence of current student status.

Any positive decision is then likely to be conditional. It should specify the final document, minimum result and submission deadline.

Check separately:

1. what is sufficient for the university application;
2. what is required for final enrolment;
3. what Universitaly requires;
4. what the consular post will request;
5. whether an apostille, translation or CIMEA statement can be supplied after the academic decision.

A conditional offer does not remove the final verification. If the applicant fails to provide the required leaving certificate or achieve the stated result, the university may be unable to complete enrolment.

How much does university cost in Italy?

There is no single tuition price across Italian universities.

At a public institution, the amount may depend on:

• the family’s financial circumstances;
• citizenship and country of residence;
• evidence of overseas income and assets;
• the number of study credits;
• the year of study;
• the programme;
• eligibility for an exemption or regional support.

Official pages for 2026/27 illustrate how different the models can be. Politecnico di Milano publishes an income-related scale ranging from a compulsory minimum payment to approximately €3,943 for a standard annual study load. The University of Padua describes a range from roughly zero to €3,000 for the relevant categories. The University of Bologna also varies tuition by income and applies separate rules to income earned abroad.

These are 2026/27 examples, not a price promise for 2027/28. Private institutions and some English-taught degrees can cost substantially more. Certain public universities apply separate fixed fees to students living outside Italy or to those who do not submit income evidence.

Do not compare an advertised minimum. Compare the category that actually applies to you: citizenship, country of residence, programme, income documents, their deadlines and the consequences of not providing ISEE parificato.

For a wider country comparison, see our guide to affordable places to study abroad.

ISEE parificato: why income earned abroad must be documented

ISEE is an indicator of a household’s financial circumstances. In Italy it is used to determine tuition and access to certain forms of social support.

Where family income and assets are outside Italy, the university or regional authority may require an equivalent calculation, commonly called ISEE parificato or ISEEU parificato.

It may require documents covering:

• the composition of the family;
• each household member’s income;
• property;
• bank funds and other assets;
• the absence of a particular income or asset;
• the relevant tax year;
• official conversion of figures into the required currency.

Documents may need translation and authentication. The relevant income year, certificate format and body authorised to make the calculation must be checked for the particular call.

Without a valid ISEE parificato, a student may lose more than a reduction: a different and sometimes maximum fee can apply. Late submission is not always possible.

The financial file should be prepared alongside the university application, not after the visa is issued. For some families, obtaining correctly prepared certificates of income, assets or their absence takes longer than the translation itself.

Regional DSU scholarships and university financial aid

DSU comes from the Italian concept diritto allo studio universitario, the right to university study. It is not one national scholarship and is not administered by one organisation.

Depending on the region, support may include:

• a cash award;
• reduced or waived tuition;
• meals;
• a place in a hall of residence;
• a combination of several benefits.

The authorities have different names. ER.GO, for example, operates in Emilia-Romagna; other regions use different bodies, calendars and platforms.

Assessment commonly covers:

• family financial indicators;
• assets;
• the applicant’s status;
• academic progress after study begins;
• compliance with deadlines and document formats;
• separate criteria for a student living away from the family home.

Eligibility for support and actually receiving a room are different outcomes. Even an applicant who meets the conditions may not receive accommodation because the number of rooms is limited.

For 2026/27, ER.GO set different early deadlines by benefit and applicant category, including 6 August 2026 for certain accommodation categories and 24 August 2026 for first-year scholarship and accommodation applications. These are not 2027 deadlines; they demonstrate that aid competitions can close well before the autumn start of teaching. Applicants for 2027/28 must read the new call and the timetable for their own category.

Universities may also offer their own awards based on academic results or aimed at particular countries, programmes or levels. Do not assume that these can be combined with DSU: compatibility rules need to be read separately.

Our guide to scholarships and grants for study abroad explains the wider funding landscape.

The MAECI scholarship: who it is designed for

Scholarships from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation are often presented as universal funding. That is misleading.

As at 21 August 2026, the 2027/28 call had not been published. The principal categories in the 2026/27 call were:

• master’s degrees;
• AFAM programmes;
• doctoral study;
• research projects;
• courses in Italian language and culture.

It was not a general scholarship for every international applicant to a standard bachelor’s degree. The deadline for that call was 26 March 2026.

Funding for 2027/28 should be planned only after the new official call appears. Check whether the applicant’s citizenship is eligible, the level and age criteria, language conditions, duration, the payments covered and compatibility with other forms of support.

Do not build the entire admissions plan on an assumption that the new call will reproduce the previous one. Even if the scheme continues, eligible countries, categories, amounts and dates may change.

A realistic first-year budget

The first year often costs more than later years because of the housing deposit, documents, travel and the period before any aid payment is received.

The budget should include:

• the university payment;
• applications and tests;
• translations and authentication;
• CIMEA or another document;
• the visa and insurance;
• travel;
• the accommodation deposit;
• the first month’s rent;
• temporary accommodation;
• food;
• transport;
• study materials;
• the residence-permit application;
• a contingency for unexpected costs.

Official university pages provide reference points rather than guarantees. As at August 2026:

These amounts are not a forecast of rents for autumn 2027. Prices depend on the district, room type, season, utilities and contract length.

GUGA builds four budget scenarios: without financial aid, with the expected income-related tuition, with regional support, and with a contingency if a payment or accommodation is delayed. That prevents a move from depending on funds that have not yet arrived.

The visa, accommodation and financial evidence

An applicant who needs a long-stay study visa submits a separate file to the competent Italian diplomatic authority.

It commonly considers:

• proof of admission or pre-enrolment;
• Universitaly validation;
• a valid passport;
• sufficient financial means;
• accommodation;
• medical insurance;
• the ability to return or another lawful onward route;
• any additional documents specified by the particular authority.

For 2026/27, the official materials used €10,179.85 as the reference amount for financial means for the academic year. This figure has not been confirmed as the 2027/28 requirement and must be checked again before applying.

Financial evidence is not merely a number in an account. The consular post assesses the accepted form of the funds, their source, availability and the sponsor’s documents where one is involved. Moving money into an account briefly without clear evidence of its origin is unwise.

Accommodation has its own requirements. University admission does not guarantee a place in a hall of residence. Check:

• whether a university residence is available;
• who is eligible to apply;
• whether the application is linked to regional aid;
• when the competition closes;
• whether a deposit is required;
• whether utilities are included;
• the distance to the actual campus;
• the minimum contract term;
• whether the evidence is suitable for the visa and local registration.

Do not transfer a deposit on the strength of photographs and messages alone. Verify the landlord’s identity, the address, the contract and their right to let the property. Our guide to student accommodation abroad offers further practical checks.

Ukrainian citizens can have different legal statuses and places of lawful residence. Temporary protection, residence in another country or an existing permit does not mean that the same visa-application procedure applies to everyone. The competent consular post and required process depend on the applicant’s actual circumstances.

As at 21 August 2026, the Italian Embassy in Kyiv states that it does not issue visas. Ukrainian citizens and residents may approach Italian diplomatic and consular posts in other states that they can lawfully enter and in which they can lawfully remain. Before booking, they must check the post’s current status, territorial competence and their right to apply in the chosen country.

Our general guide covers preparation for a student visa to study abroad.

After arrival: the permesso di soggiorno and first formalities

A student holding a long-stay visa must begin the application for a study residence permit—the permesso di soggiorno per studio—within eight working days of entering Italy, where this procedure applies to them.

Other tasks may include:

• completing final university enrolment;
• obtaining a tax code, or codice fiscale;
• registering an address;
• arranging medical insurance or joining the relevant system;
• opening a bank account;
• activating student services;
• obtaining a public-transport pass;
• supplying documents to the regional aid authority;
• checking the tenancy agreement.

Applicants should also establish which originals the university will inspect after arrival. Never send the only original by post without an explicit request and a reliable return procedure.

Keep digital and paper copies of the passport, visa, Universitaly record, admission letter, insurance, accommodation evidence, receipts and submitted applications. The first weeks are easier when every document is organised and accessible.

Can international students work while studying?

According to the European Commission’s official immigration portal, an Italian residence permit for study generally allows a student to work up to 20 hours per week and no more than 1,040 hours within 52 weeks.

This does not guarantee employment or mean that earnings will cover the full budget. A student needs to consider:

• their level of Italian;
• the academic workload;
• the city;
• the type of work;
• tax and contractual rules;
• restrictions attached to the permit;
• competition;
• the time needed to find a position.

The financial plan for the visa and first year must not depend on future part-time earnings.

Part-time work should not undermine study. In professions that depend on local clients, documentation or regulated practice, Italian can be decisive. Read more about working while studying abroad.

Common application mistakes

Choosing a country instead of a programme. Italy may be appealing, but that does not make every Italian university a suitable academic choice.

Seeing 31 October and delaying the application. It is the end point of the relevant visa procedure, not the university deadline.

Failing to check whether previous education lasted 11 or 12 years. The problem may emerge only after money has been spent on the application, translations and a test.

Assuming the Ukrainian NMT is always—or never—required. The exact procedure for the particular qualification determines whether it is needed.

Submitting Universitaly before completing the university route. Pre-enrolment does not replace an academic decision.

Ordering every document at once. CIMEA statements, the Declaration of Value, an apostille and a translation are not interchangeable and are not invariably required together.

Registering for TOLC but not applying to the university. The test and the programme application can be separate actions.

Assuming an English-taught degree is enough for life outside class. Without Italian, finding accommodation, handling everyday administration and accessing the wider labour market are more difficult.

Budgeting only after the scholarship. Aid may require a separate application, may not include accommodation and may arrive later.

Writing one motivation letter for every programme. A persuasive statement explains the fit with the particular academic course, not merely an affection for Italy. Our guide explains how to write a motivation letter for a university abroad.

Not checking the application status. Uploaded files do not prove that an application is complete and paid.

Having no alternative scenario. One test, one city and one programme leave the entire plan dependent on a single decision.

Before submitting each application, write down the degree, language, test, document, decision-maker, deadline, tuition, budget, visa procedure and alternative option. Any answer based on an assumption or someone else’s experience needs to be verified.

How GUGA Education supports applications to Italy

GUGA turns a complicated application into a clear route: at every stage, the applicant understands what to do, who makes the decision and which date cannot be missed.

We help applicants to:

• define an academic and career goal;
• assess whether a Ukrainian school certificate or degree is suitable;
• compare English- and Italian-taught routes;
• build a balanced programme list;
• interpret university requirements and admissions tests;
• create a calendar covering applications, Universitaly, funding and the visa;
• plan translations, apostilles and CIMEA evidence;
• edit motivation materials without formulaic promises;
• prepare for an interview, test or portfolio assessment;
• calculate the cost of study, accommodation and relocation;
• review each application before submission;
• develop a viable alternative route.

For every programme, we create a separate record covering academic fit, language, the test, documents, qualification recognition, the university deadline, Universitaly, financial aid, budget and visa stage. That prevents a requirement from one institution being applied incorrectly to another.

GUGA does not replace the university, CIMEA or a consular authority. We help the applicant submit a persuasive, accurate and timely application while understanding who is responsible for every decision.

Frequently asked questions about studying in Italy

Can a Ukrainian student apply to Italy after 11 years of school?

Yes, but a certificate awarded after an 11-year curriculum may not satisfy the general 12-year education rule. A university may accept a successfully completed first year of higher education, a suitable post-secondary qualification or a Foundation Course. The exact route must be confirmed before applying.

Is the Ukrainian NMT required for admission to Italy?

The NMT is not an Italian national admissions test. However, if it is compulsory or normally necessary for a particular qualification and graduation year to prove eligibility for entry at the corresponding level in Ukraine, the current Italian procedures require that academic eligibility to be demonstrated. TOLC or a university test is a separate requirement and does not automatically replace the NMT; the university confirms the precise evidence needed.

Are 12 years of prior education compulsory?

The general rule for direct access to the first university cycle requires at least 12 years. Where the route is shorter, the official procedures allow compensatory academic pathways, subject to the university’s assessment.

Does Italy offer bachelor’s degrees taught in English?

Yes, although the choice varies by subject and institution. English-taught options are generally more numerous at master’s level. Check the teaching language of every compulsory module, not merely the headline on a marketing page.

Is Italian required for an English-taught programme?

English may be sufficient for academic admission if the programme says so. Italian nevertheless makes daily life, administration, placements and finding work significantly easier.

Must I apply both to the university and through Universitaly?

Usually yes if a study visa is required. The university application and Universitaly pre-enrolment are separate processes. Universitaly does not replace admissions selection.

What is the deadline for applying to Italy in 2027?

There is no single university deadline. For 2027/28, the final date for lodging a study-visa application for standard first- and second-cycle degrees and AFAM is 31 October 2027, but universities, tests, scholarships and accommodation have separate earlier deadlines. Different rules apply to Master universitari, doctorates, Erasmus, individual courses and foundation programmes.

Do I need CIMEA, a Declaration of Value and an apostille at the same time?

Not necessarily. For academic assessment, the university determines the documents. For a visa, the current procedure provides alternatives: CIMEA statements or a Declaration of Value with adequate confirmation of authenticity. An apostille and translation are separate requirements that must be checked with the recipient.

How much is tuition at an Italian public university?

There is no single price. Public-university tuition may depend on income, assets, programme and applicant status. Official 2026/27 examples range from compulsory minimum payments to several thousand euros, but 2027/28 rates need a separate check.

Is it possible to study in Italy for free?

Tuition can sometimes be reduced substantially or covered by financial support, but this is not an automatic entitlement for every international student. Even with zero tuition, accommodation, food, documents, insurance, transport and relocation still cost money.

Which scholarships are available to international students?

Options include regional DSU programmes, university scholarships and separate government competitions. Conditions, deadlines and the support included vary. MAECI is not a universal scholarship for every bachelor’s applicant.

What is required for the visa and after arrival?

A visa application normally requires admission and Universitaly evidence, financial means, accommodation, insurance and any other documents specified by the relevant consular post. After entry, a student holding the appropriate long-stay visa must begin the residence-permit procedure within eight working days and complete the university formalities.

Conclusion: successful admission begins with the right sequence

Italian universities offer far more than an attractive student lifestyle. Applicants can find excellent programmes in different languages, tuition that takes account of family income, regional support and academic settings ranging from major cities to compact university towns.

Those opportunities work only when the stages remain distinct. Begin with programme content and academic fit. Then address the 12-year rule, admissions test, language and documents. The university decision, Universitaly, financial plan, visa, accommodation and arrival follow.

There is no universal “best university in Italy” and no document package that suits everyone. A strong application is designed around a particular education history, language profile, budget and professional goal.

GUGA helps applicants follow that route without confusion, from the first profile assessment to a checked application and a realistic relocation plan. The starting point is a study-abroad admissions consultation, where we identify which Italian universities and which 2027 admissions plan genuinely match the applicant’s education, language, budget and professional ambition.

Official sources and fact-check date

Facts were checked on 21 August 2026. University rules, figures, visa requirements and calendars can change.

• Universitaly: procedures for international students in 2026/27 and 2027/28
• Official procedures for admission, pre-enrolment and visas
• Annex 1: foreign qualifications and the 12-year rule
• CIMEA: Statements of Comparability and Verification
• European Commission: studying and working as a student in Italy
• Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: scholarships for international citizens
• Official MAECI call for 2026/27
• Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: financial means for entry
• Embassy of Italy in Kyiv: current information on visa applications
• ER.GO: regional student-support call for 2026/27
• Politecnico di Milano: tuition fees for 2026/27
• University of Bologna: tuition, deadlines and exemptions
• University of Padua: tuition fees
• CISIA: what is TOLC?
• University of Bologna: examples of living costs
• University of Padua: examples of living costs
• Politecnico di Milano: practical information about costs after arrival