How to Apply to an Italian University: A Step-by-Step Guide

Last updated: October 2026. Rules and deadlines change, so confirm every date with the university before you apply.

Italy offers a growing number of English-taught programs, mostly at Master's level, and the process for non-EU students living abroad follows a clear order. This guide walks you through it.

Before you start

• Choose an English-taught program if you can. For Italian-taught programs, non-EU students living abroad must also pass an Italian language test (CISIA).
• Check whether the program is open-access or restricted. Restricted-access programs require a selective admission test.
• Check the English requirement for your program. Each degree course sets its own, and many accept proof that your previous degree was taught in English.
• Remember the quota. Each program has a fixed number of places for non-EU students living abroad.

The 9 steps

1. Choose your program. Read its admission notice carefully.
2. Prepare your documents. Diploma or Bachelor's degree, transcripts, CV and motivation letter if asked, and proof of English. Many universities also ask for legalised or apostilled documents with a Declaration of Value from the Italian diplomatic mission.
3. Apply to the university. Use its own application platform. Many start with a preliminary evaluation of your qualification.
4. Take the required tests. The Italian language test for Italian-taught programs, and the admission test for restricted-access programs.
5. Receive your admission letter. It can be a conditional offer. Keep it for Universitaly and your visa.
6. Pre-enrol on Universitaly. Required for non-EU students living abroad, after admission. The university must validate your pre-enrolment before you can apply for the visa. Some universities ask for this earlier, so follow their instructions.
7. Apply for the student visa (type D). Apply once your pre-enrolment is validated and your file is complete, at the Italian Embassy in Baghdad, or at the Consulate in Erbil if you live in Kurdistan. Book an appointment first.
8. Apply for scholarships. Regional and university scholarships have their own applications and deadlines, separate from admission.
9. Enrol on arrival. Complete enrolment and apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).

> > We help students choose programs, prepare their CV and motivation letter, and handle legalisation. > > Book a consultation · See our Full Master Application service

No service can guarantee admission. Universities and consulates make the final decisions.