NON-EU STUDENTS
As a non-EU student wishing to study in Italy, you will need to apply for a visa at the Italian Consulate/Embassy in your country. Please note that the process may take a long time, and you will be required to present several documents, so we suggest that you apply as early as possible.
Although each country may have slightly different procedures, the documents generally required by the Embassy/Consulate are:
For Undergraduate Academic Courses:
– original final secondary school qualification, obtained after at least 12 years of schooling, or an equivalent certificate with full legal value;
– certificate attesting that you have passed any academic eligibility exam required to access university in your country of origin;
– two photographs (one of which must be authenticated by the Italian Representation competent for your area);
– if applicable, a letter of eligibility for enrolment from RUFA (or similar);
– complete the online “pre-enrolment application” available on the Universitaly website.
For Postgraduate Academic Courses:
– degree obtained from a university or post-secondary qualification obtained at a non-university higher education institution that allows continuation of studies at the next level;
– certificate issued by the relevant university showing exams passed, and for each subject, detailed syllabi for obtaining the aforementioned qualifications. Post-secondary studies (exams and credits) already completed may be certified by the Diploma Supplement, where adopted;
– two photographs (one of which must be authenticated by the Italian Representation competent for your area);
– if applicable, a letter of eligibility for enrolment from RUFA (or similar);
– complete the online “pre-enrolment application” available on the Universitaly website.
To be admitted to a Foundation Course:
– procedures for pre-enrolment in the Foundation Course do not follow the deadlines set for bachelor’s and master’s degree enrolments but depend on each institution and the start of the courses. You can submit your application directly to RUFA by sending the required documentation for qualification assessment via the appropriate form. Once accepted, you must request a study visa from the Italian Representation in your country of origin, valid for the duration of the course;
– if you are underage, your parents must contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin to obtain information on any additional procedures you must comply with to obtain a visa.
– complete the online “pre-enrolment application” available on the Universitaly website.
Click here for more information.
Download here the procedures for the 2021/2022 academic year.
Click here for more information on specific procedures for your country.
Read here many answers to questions commonly asked by international students to the competent authorities.
Please note that deadlines and required documents may change every year, so make sure to check the website above and contact the Italian Embassy/Consulate in your country to ensure you have all the necessary information. Additional requirements Embassies/Consulates may request for studying in Italy include: knowledge of the Italian language (for programmes taught in Italian), adequate health insurance (meeting specific parameters), proof of sufficient financial resources for staying in Italy or for repatriation.
Once you arrive in Italy, you will have 8 days to apply for a residence permit. To obtain it, you will be asked to provide several documents, including proof of registered residence at the Revenue Agency, etc. Further information is available in the “when you arrive” section.
Regarding the documents required by RUFA, the procedures and deadlines for admission to study programmes, you can find further information here.
EU
If you are an EU, EFTA, San Marino or Vatican City student, you will not need a visa to study in Italy. The procedures you may need to follow before arriving in Italy mainly concern the S1 form for your health insurance. However, we still suggest that you contact the Italian Embassy in your country for further information.
Regarding the documents required by RUFA, the procedures and deadlines for admission to study programmes, you can find further information here.