Internationl Students

Studying art and design in Italy

Studying art and design in Italy is a unique opportunity, a dream that thousands of international students choose to pursue every year.

Thanks to its outstanding academic programmes, multidisciplinary approach and international outlook, RUFA is the ideal destination for anyone wishing to turn their creative passion into a professional career.

Before arriving in Italy

NON-EU STUDENT

If you are a non-EU student and wish to study in Italy, you will need to apply for a study visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Processing times may vary, so we recommend starting the procedure as early as possible and preparing the required documentation in advance.
The documents generally required include:

A Declaration of Value issued locally or CIMEA Verification and Comparability certificate(s), depending on the qualification, accompanied by*:

the original final secondary-school qualification, obtained after at least 12 years of schooling, or a legally valid replacement certificate;
a certificate confirming that you have passed any academic eligibility examination required for university admission in your country of origin;
a letter confirming eligibility for enrolment at RUFA or an equivalent document;
complete the online pre-enrolment application procedure available on the Universitaly website.

A Declaration of Value issued locally or CIMEA Verification and Comparability certificate(s), depending on the qualification, accompanied by*:

a qualification awarded by a university or a post-secondary qualification awarded by a non-university higher education institution that grants access to the next level of academic study;
a certificate issued by the relevant university listing the examinations passed, together with detailed syllabuses for each subject completed in order to obtain the qualification. Post-secondary studies, examinations and credits may be documented through the Diploma Supplement for first-cycle qualifications obtained in the EU or Türkiye;
where applicable, a letter confirming eligibility for enrolment at RUFA or an equivalent document;
complete the online pre-enrolment application procedure available on the Universitaly website.

For the Foundation Course, the pre-enrolment application may be submitted directly to RUFA. Once accepted, you will need to apply for a study visa and provide either a Declaration of Value or a CIMEA certificate.

Foundation Course pre-enrolment procedures do not follow the deadlines established for first- and second-cycle degree enrolment, but depend on the individual institution and the programme start date. You may submit your application directly to RUFA by sending the documents required for qualification assessment through the dedicated form. Once accepted, you will need to apply to the Italian diplomatic mission in your country of origin for a study visa valid for the duration of the course;
a Declaration of Value issued locally or CIMEA Verification and Comparability certificate(s), depending on the qualification, accompanied by*: the original final secondary-school qualification or a legally valid replacement certificate;
if you are a minor, your parents will need to contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin for information about any additional procedures required to obtain the visa.
complete the online pre-enrolment application procedure available on the Universitaly website.

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Please remember that procedures and required documents may change from year to year. Always check the latest information on the Universitaly website and contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country.

In addition to academic documentation, you may also be required to provide:

a certificate of Italian language proficiency for programmes taught in Italian;
health insurance valid in Italy;
proof of sufficient financial resources for your stay or repatriation.

Once you arrive in Italy, you will have 8 days to apply for a residence permit. You will be asked to provide a residential address and other administrative documents.

For details about the documents required by RUFA, admission procedures and application deadlines, you can find further information here.

EU STUDENT

If you are a student from the European Union, EFTA, San Marino or Vatican City, you do not need a study visa to attend RUFA.

The only preliminary requirements concern healthcare coverage through the S1 form or private insurance.

For the verification of qualifications required for First- or Second-Level Academic Programmes, the same guidance provided for non-EU students applies.

RUFA may request additional documentation depending on the country in which your qualification was awarded. We recommend always checking the latest information on procedures and admissions.

For details about the documents required by RUFA, admission procedures and application deadlines, you can find further information here.

When you arrive in Italy

Welcome to RUFA

Studying the creative arts in Italy means immersing yourself in a dynamic and inspiring environment. Rome, a city renowned for its artistic heritage, is also a laboratory for contemporary trends, while Milan, the capital of design, offers international inspiration and opportunities.

RUFA has seven locations in Rome and one in Milan, all designed to support students’ creative and professional development.

Before classes begin, make sure you complete the administrative procedures required to live and study in Italy with peace of mind.

Download the “International Student Information” brochure for a complete guide to documents, permits and RUFA opportunities available to students from around the world.

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE