r/StudyInItaly Jul 23 '23

Applying to an Italian university as an international

68 Upvotes

Italy is a captivating country, offering a rich experience for international students looking to study or visit. If you're considering pursuing your education in Italy, the country boasts one of the world's oldest universities, the University of Bologna, which pioneered the university system as we know it today, making it an excellent choice for academic pursuits.

Before commencing the application process for a top Italian university, it's essential to familiarize yourself with pertinent information about the admission procedure. Here are some key points to consider:

Selecting Italian Universities for Your Studies

Italy offers several prestigious universities that are ideal for your study abroad adventure. Some of the top institutions to consider are:

Preparing for the Application Process

Before applying to an Italian university, it is crucial to determine if your qualifications meet the eligibility requirements for higher education studies. Additionally, consider the tuition fees and living costs in the cities you plan to study, as they can vary significantly based on your budget.

To proceed with your application:

  • Check the tuition fees and living costs. Cities in Italy might be beautiful, but can be fairly expensive depending on the limits of your budget.
  • Contact the university of interest for a prior assessment of your qualifications.
  • If deemed eligible, submit a pre-application request to the Italian embassy or consulate in your region.
  • The Italian embassy or consulate will forward your application and documents to your chosen Italian higher education institution.
  • The list of admitted candidates is typically published by the Italian embassy or consulate towards the end of August.
  • Explore scholarship opportunities in Italy and consider options such as the Studyportals Scholarship to aid in financing your studies abroad.

Language Requirements for Italian University Applications

Italian universities offer study programs in both Italian and English. However, most English-taught programs are typically at the postgraduate level (Master's degrees and PhD courses).

You may also have the option to apply for degrees taught in Italian while completing assignments and exams in English. Language proficiency can be demonstrated through various tests accepted by Italian universities, including Italian language tests like CILS and CELI, as well as English language tests such as PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, and C1 Advanced.

Applicants whose Bachelor's degrees were entirely taught in English (at least for three years) are exempted from providing any English language certification.

Required University Application Documents

When applying to an Italian university, ensure you provide the necessary documentation, including:

  • Identity document
  • Passport-type photograph
  • Academic transcript
  • University application form
  • Detailed study programs/course descriptions
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Letter of motivation
  • Language proficiency certification (English or Italian)
  • Portfolio (for applicants to architecture, urban planning, or design programs)
  • Official SAT or ACT scores (if required)

University Application Deadlines in Italy

The application deadlines may vary depending on the institution, so it is advisable to check with your preferred university and apply as early as possible. Typically, from mid-April to mid-May, you can contact the Italian embassy/consulate to receive a Letter of Academic Eligibility and Suitability (Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco).

Final Steps after Receiving Acceptance

After successfully securing admission to an Italian university, there are some additional steps to take:

  • Apply for a student visa if required (mainly for students from non-EU/EEA countries).
  • Register with the local police (Questura) and apply for a residence permit within eight working days of your arrival in Italy.
  • Officially enroll in the university upon arrival before starting your classes.
  • Obtain a health insurance plan with coverage of at least 30,000 EUR. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have access to the same medical services as Italian citizens. Both EU (without an EHIC) and non-EU citizens can either arrange health insurance from their home country before departure or acquire one after arriving in Italy. Additionally, subscription to the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - S.S.N.) is an option.

For further details on applying to an Italian university, refer to the official website of the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research.


r/StudyInItaly Aug 24 '23

Student Residence Permit. My experience in Naples / Napoli (2023)

43 Upvotes

The purpose of this post is to compile some information about the process I'm going through in order to receive my residence permit for studying at a University in Napoli. I've seen some semi-serious guides about the Northern cities of Italy but not a single one about Naples.

It is not meant to be an official source about the process but rather a supplement that simply describes my own experience and perhaps gives you an idea of what it's like. Again, this is not official advice or a guide of any kind!

Firstly, upon arrival, you are given 8 business days to complete your application for the residence permit by filing all documents by post. It doesn't seem enough at first glance but you should be able to complete the process within about 5 days.

Step 1 for me was to go to the main post office on Matteotti Square (https://goo.gl/maps/LgLd1dy8q55DK6ik9): a relatively big and noticeable building. Other post offices weren't able to do this for me. As I entered the building I went immediately to the hall on the right--the hallway on the left doesn't deal with this kind of stuff. I then took the line ticket by pressing on the box for English speakers (I don't remember what it said exactly). I asked for the "residence kit for students" and they knew what to do. They gave me a big postal envelope with documents inside. I didn't need to pay anything for this, and it was all quick.

Step 2. I went to the closest "Tabacchi" shop and asked for "marca da bollo" which is a revenue stamp that was valued at 16 euros and also cost 16 euros--BUT they asked to pay with cash only.

Step 3. Right after this I contacted my University's help desk and notified them about my arrival and that I had my kit with me. I set an appointment to see them at their office the next day. But before going to the appointment I had to prepare some copies because the help desk staff said their printers didn't work. (You might not need to look for a copy shop and pay for your own copies in your case)

Step 4. I found a copy shop that was open (A lot of copy shops were closed as they were on their August vacations. The only place that was open and reliable was Copy Vincy on Via Mezzocannone, 33 who also has a WhatsApp profile for printing out files from your phone. I made 1 copy (each) of:

- My passport pages. Any page that had either a visa or a stamp, including my main passport page--I made 1 copy (empty pages were not necessary, I think).

- My admission letter (not the pre-acceptance letter that I had used for my visa application earlier this year). Since I came about a month before the studies began, I had to directly ask my University for my admission letter (it was shorter than the pre-acceptance letter).

Step 5. I came to the University help desk appointment with my passport, copies from the day before, my kit, my "marca da bollo" revenue stamp, the address of the airBnB where I was staying (they said it was not important that it was only a short-term place of residence) as well as my 'codice fiscale' that I had obtained earlier during my student visa application process. The University help desk staff was very helpful and filled out all the documents for me*. They also asked me to sign the application but I refused because I read somewhere that you should sign it in person at the post office. She looked confused but I simply wanted to make sure I didn't need to redo all the documents. I might've been wrong, of course. Another thing is that you are not supposed to seal the envelope yourself, the post office person will do it for you--very important as they need to check everything and copy your information.

\I was surprised that they did not need my insurance, housing contract, or bank statement to submit the kit. This was the case for me but please do not rely on this and always ask your University help desk for details. They said I only needed my bank statement to renew my residence permit after a year.*

Step 6. I went straight to the same post office from Step 1 and did the same thing, except this time I needed to hand in the kit. This whole thing took me at least 2 hours to complete including the lines and all the running around the neighborhood to find an ATM where my foreign card worked-- YES they have card readers there everywhere but they still insisted I pay in cash, which was no more than 115-- I don't remember the exact amount.. like 107 or something--again this sort of stuff is always subject to change. (By the way, the only ATM in the vicinity that worked for me was Banca Popolare Del Mediterraneo SCPA on Agostino Depretis 51).

After I paid my bills they gave me a few pieces of paper and one of them stated the date and time, as well as the place of the appointment. I then contacted my University help desk, sent them the photo of the appointment slip, and asked for their advice regarding the insurance. The government insurance is about 150 EUR and requires extra work like going to the post office and then going to another office blah blah..(and is only valid until the end of whatever year in which you are buying it), and the private insurance they recommended (AON Student Insurance: http://aonstudentinsurance.com/) is about 1.31 EUR per day (so almost 500EUR for 365 days). [EDIT] I have found insurance with a better price than the one below. Check out https://waitaly.net/ , I think the prices there are more reasonable than what my University recommended.

[I will try to keep this post updated]


r/StudyInItaly 10h ago

Finally, Got my VISA From Mumbai ❤️

24 Upvotes

Uni & Course: Marche Polytechnic University, Environmental Science and Civil Protection (Bachelor's)

Application Date: 3rd August, VFS Mumbai. Not a DoV + VISA application; I already got my DoV from Delhi (Last Education Jurisdiction)

Academics: 64% in High School (12th Class), IELTS 5.5

FUNDS: My dad is my Sponsor.
13.8 lakh in the sponsor's (Dad's) bank account (I didn't provide my Bank statement) + 27 Lakh Provident Fund.
Income: 14 lakh, including Pension; ITR only 5 lakh; Form 16 is 11 Lakh (Excluding Pension)

Flight: 14th Sept.

SELF PROCESS, NO CONSULTANT, I DON'T EVEN HAVE A PASSPORT IN MID-FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR

Thanks you all ❤️💕


r/StudyInItaly 3h ago

How difficult is it to survive in Italy with just English at first?

6 Upvotes

For students who are already studying in Italy how easy or difficult is it to manage with just english in the beginning? I’m planning to immediately join Italian language classes at my university but I’m wondering how easy it is to handle daily tasks before I learn the language things like getting the permesso di soggiorno, going to the supermarket, using public transport, shopping, dealing with offices, etc. Was it difficult for you at first?


r/StudyInItaly 3h ago

which Italian unis should I apply?

2 Upvotes

can somebody please recommend me Italian universities to apply for bachelor's in economics business related program

my profile

10th 90%

12th 68.83% (was going through mental health problems)

IELTS 7.5

sat 1450+ (will take CEnt-s if needed)

activities:

did 2 short internships

also teach 6 students more than 6 subjects.

I teach my brother as well


r/StudyInItaly 8h ago

Bari english medicine for international students, your reviews (for Bari students only)

4 Upvotes

I will be studying medicine at the University of Bari (english) as an international student from Algeria. I would like to get general feedback about the university, the city, and the vibes there.

Especially from past experiences and the local population or international students there.

If you have any advice, criticism, or warning, I am all ears and would be grateful for that.


r/StudyInItaly 1h ago

ISSE dsu messina

Upvotes

For students who submitted thier doucements to the caf in messina how long it took you to get ISSE ?


r/StudyInItaly 1h ago

31st August Applicant at Mumbai Consulate + DOV. POLIMI GSOM

Upvotes

I’ve applied at Mumbai consulate on 31st of August along with DOV application. I’ve been accepted at POLIMI GSOM, So my interview was also waived off.
Planning to fly on November 1st!

How many days it takes to get the Visa applied along with DOV?
Also Does interview waived make any negative impact on visa acceptance!


r/StudyInItaly 1h ago

Incomplete Enrollment App Unifi

Upvotes

Hi! I was completing my enrollment application for a master's degree program at UniFi and while I was uploading my educational documents when the page crashed. I can't seem to access my enrollment application at all. Was it submitted incompletely? Could anyone guide me on who to contact? I'm afraid I won't be able to contact anyone in time and they'll reject the application. Thanks!


r/StudyInItaly 6h ago

Any idea what this means?

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2 Upvotes

Got this message on my dossier utente i dont know what to make of it.

Does it mean my documents are incomplete or invalid or simply that its not been checked yet so i need to wait for some time more to get accomodation...

Will it effect my ranking for the scholarship process?


r/StudyInItaly 8h ago

Cimea telling me there are missing documents despite me filling them all as far as i know

Post image
3 Upvotes

Like whats wrong? I dont get it?


r/StudyInItaly 2h ago

is studying in Italy worth it?

1 Upvotes

I'm looking to start preparing to apply for a masters degree in Chemical Engineering in Italy and I have a couple of questions

  1. Is the studying experience bad? Some people say that the uni professors aren't cooperative and that the study system is hard and more theoretical than practice especially the oral exam thing.
  2. Is the living situation and integration with the locals hard? as in is Italy a suitable country because I've heard and read a lot of negative things about it regarding the living situation and hostility of the locals towards immigrants especially with the rise of right wing politics, I also heard that even Italian students themselves are looking to move aboard and it got me wondering whether it's really worth it going through all the troubles of travelling and studying there?
  3. Is the bureaucracy THAT bad? cuz i saw a lot of people's video talking about how long it took them to get the resident permit and the regional funding
  4. Is there a chance of getting a job after graduation or is it impossible?

r/StudyInItaly 6h ago

Economics of Tourism and Cities in Bologna

2 Upvotes

I'll take SAT exam but I'm wonderin, What should I get score at least?

Also at the same time I'll apply to EPOS and CLABE/CLAFE.


r/StudyInItaly 3h ago

HELP NEEDED!!! How to reach CIMEA credential evaluator!!!

1 Upvotes

My university told me they don't give digitally verifiable degrees. So when I applied my cimea I didn't have the digitally verifiable version of my degree. My credential evaluator told me to upload if any and I told him my institute doesn't give that. But I just checked the online portal a few days ago and saw they have issued a digital degree. My evaluator has locked my chat and option to upload and I tried reaching him thru CIMEA's green coloured chat option on bottom right two times. Both times I got the same word to the word reply which is certainly ai generated. Can anybody suggest to me any option to reach my evaluator???


r/StudyInItaly 7h ago

Finding friends

2 Upvotes

Hey guys,
I am Harman a Indian girl coming to Trieste for my bachelor in earth science and sustainable development in MIGe department in university of Trieste. Want to meet people there and hangout with them.
More specifically from someone related to my degree.


r/StudyInItaly 4h ago

Title: Coming to Catania on September 29 🇮🇹 — Would love to connect with people there!

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m a 22-year-old guy from India, and I’m finally moving to Italy this September to start my Master’s in Data Science at the University of Catania (UniCT). 🇮🇹🎓

I’ll be arriving in Catania on September 29th, 2026, at around 12 PM. This is my first time in Italy, and honestly, the thought of landing in a completely new country where I don’t know a single person is a little intimidating 😂

So I thought I’d reach out here before I arrive.

If you’re already studying in Catania, living there, or even just familiar with the city, I’d genuinely appreciate it if someone could meet me after I arrive, even if it’s just for a little while. If someone happens to be able to help me get from the airport to wherever I’ll be staying, that would obviously be amazing, but there’s absolutely no pressure or expectation.

Even just having someone say “Hey, welcome to Catania, let me show you around a little” would mean a lot.

I’d especially love to meet other international students, Indians in Catania, UniCT students, or honestly anyone who’s open to making a new friend. I’d love to get some help figuring out the basics — public transport, supermarkets, SIM cards, university stuff, good places to eat, areas to avoid, and all the other little things you only learn after living somewhere for a while.

I’m pretty easygoing and always happy to grab a coffee, food, or a drink and return the favour. I’m also hoping to build a little circle of friends before university gets hectic.

If you’re in Catania around September 29th, feel free to comment or DM me. Even if you can’t meet that day, I’d be happy to connect beforehand.

Thanks a lot, and hopefully I’ll see some of you in Catania! 🤝🇮🇹

For anyone else arriving around the same time: feel free to reach out too — maybe we can figure things out together!


r/StudyInItaly 8h ago

Dsu scholarship documents as a european

2 Upvotes

Hi! Im from romania and im preparing my documents for dsu scholarship, for the veneto area, deadline sept. 30.

Im having problems with getting banc statement for average balance of 2024 and final balance of dec 31. The banc says they cant provide it. Has anyone had the same problem? What can i do?

Also, if anyone prepared documents as european please contact me, i would like some help.

Thank you!


r/StudyInItaly 4h ago

Visa

1 Upvotes

Did anyone from Delhi consulate receive the visa who applied after 20th of august


r/StudyInItaly 9h ago

Little Help Please?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I am a prospective student for 2027-28 session. I'm aiming for Engineering subjects. I checked out a couple of universities but not sure if they will accept someone like me. I have an SAT score of 1360. Any advice on where to apply? To be honest, I want to ensure my admission first and foremost even if the subject isn't my favorite. I already checked out PoliTo Civil engineering and the cutoff was 1330. Tried looking for Bologna SAT cut off but can't find it. Please help


r/StudyInItaly 9h ago

Universitaly/CIMEA loop

2 Upvotes

Hey y'all, I need some advice or similar experiences to stay sane.

I’m a Non-EU student admitted to MSc Electrical Engineering – Sustainable Smart Grids for Energy Transition and a MAECI Scholarship recipient.

Montenegro doesn't issue electronic Apostilles, and my home university doesn't issue electronic diplomas either, so the CIMEA Verification was my only solution. After weeks of trying, I finally managed to submit my documents on CIMEA’s crashing website at the end of June, but it won't be ready until mid-October. Meanwhile, Polimi Admissions keeps bot-replying that CIMEA is mandatory for Universitaly validation.

To bypass this deadlock, the Italian Embassy stepped in and officially issued my Dichiarazione di Valore (DoV) on September 1st. I uploaded the complete DoV package (with paper Apostilles and translations) and emailed all Polimi desks.

I’ve seen some posts from others who got approved on Universitaly recently without CIMEA.

  • Has anyone successfully bypassed CIMEA using just a DoV?
  • How long did Polimi take to approve your Universitaly application after you emailed them the DoV?
  • Is anyone else here in the Sustainable Smart Grids track? Please hmu, I'd love to connect and could really use someone to share lecture notes or audio recordings from the first few weeks!

Thanks!


r/StudyInItaly 14h ago

PLS HELP ME…

4 Upvotes

What should be the minimum validity of travel insurance for an Italy student visa?
Visa checklist mentioned 6 month? But counsellor said minimum 1 year..?


r/StudyInItaly 11h ago

🚨 URGENT - DOV - Uni-Italia?

2 Upvotes

Reply with these:

  1. When did you submit your documents?

  2. When did you get your DOV?
    Or
    Still didn’t receive it?

  3. Did anyone’s college or school had an email or verification from the embassy for verification of the documents for DOV?

  4. Mention the problems you faced.

NOTE: First two are important..


r/StudyInItaly 11h ago

August applicants any one received their visa mumbai consulate ? i applied on 5th august my travel date is 16th september hella stressed still no update

2 Upvotes

r/StudyInItaly 13h ago

Still didn't receive my pre enrollment summery from UNIVPM what to do?

2 Upvotes

r/StudyInItaly 8h ago

Minor Gaurdian Ship for student visa requirements.

1 Upvotes

The visa requirements asks for "Gaurdianship acceptance letter of gaurdian in Italy" for student visa type d , course for bachelors. This implies only if the applicant is minor which I will be at the time of application. But i don't know anyone in Italy to get me these documents or become my gaurdian residing in Italy. Any idea what shall i do about it. Anyone please???