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 procedure may take a long time and that you will be asked to present several documents, so we suggest you start the process as soon as possible.
Although each country may have slightly different procedures, the documents generally required by the Embassy/Consulate are:
For First Level Academic Courses
Declaration of value in loco 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 substitute certificate;
– a certificate proving that you have passed any academic eligibility test required for university admission in your home country;
– a letter of eligibility for enrolment from RUFA (or similar);
– complete the online “pre-enrolment application” procedure available on the Universitaly website.
For Second Level Academic Courses
Declaration of value in loco or CIMEA Verification and Comparability certificate(s) depending on the qualification, accompanied by*:
– a qualification obtained at a University or a post-secondary qualification obtained at a non-university Higher Institute that allows further study at the next academic level;
– a certificate issued by the competent University listing the examinations passed and, for each subject, the detailed programmes leading to the qualification. Post-secondary studies (exams and credits) may be certified by a Diploma Supplement for three-year qualifications obtained in the EU or Turkey;
– where applicable, a letter of eligibility for enrolment from RUFA (or similar);
– complete the online “pre-enrolment application” procedure available on the Universitaly website.
For Admission to a Foundation Course
– Pre-enrolment procedures for the Foundation Course do not follow the deadlines for enrolment in bachelor’s or master’s degree programmes but depend on each institution and the start date of the courses. You can submit your application directly to RUFA by sending the required documentation for qualification evaluation via the specific form. After being accepted, you must apply for a study visa at the Italian Representation in your home country, with validity corresponding to the course duration;
– Declaration of value in loco or CIMEA Verification and Comparability certificate(s) depending on the qualification, accompanied by*: the original final secondary school qualification, or a legally valid substitute certificate;
– if you are a minor student, your parents must contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country to receive information about any additional procedures you may need to fulfil to obtain the visa;
– complete the online “pre-enrolment application” procedure available on the Universitaly website.
Click here for more information.
Please note that deadlines and required documents may change every year, so make sure to regularly check the website above and contact the Italian Embassy/Consulate in your country to ensure you have all the necessary information.
Further requirements that Embassies/Consulates may ask for to study in Italy include: knowledge of the Italian language (for programmes taught in Italian), adequate health insurance (meeting specific parameters), and proof of sufficient financial means to stay in Italy or return home.
Once you arrive in Italy, you will have 8 days to apply for a residence permit. To obtain it, you will need to present several documents, including a registered address with the Revenue Agency, etc. Further information is available in the “when you arrive” section.
Regarding the documents required by RUFA, as well as procedures and deadlines for admission to study programmes, you can find further information here.
EU
If you are an EU or EFTA student, or a student from San Marino or Vatican City, you will not need a visa to study in Italy. The procedures you may need to complete before arriving in Italy mainly concern the S1 form for your health insurance. However, we still suggest contacting the Italian Embassy in your country for further information.
With regard only to the verification of qualifications for admission to First Level or Second Level Academic Courses/First Level Academic Masters or Foundation Courses, you must take into account the specifications indicated for non-EU students.
Regarding the documents required by RUFA, as well as procedures and deadlines for admission to study programmes, you can find further information here.
*Any other document useful for verifying the qualification may be requested depending on the country where the qualification was obtained.