In Italy, there is something for everyone—from the charm of old towns and coastal cities to centers of technology, design, and the latest trends. Throughout history, Italy has been home to pioneers and innovators, from Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci to fashion houses such as Gucci and Prada.
Beyond its more glamorous centers of excellence in the arts, Italy has also made its mark in education. The country is home to the University of Bologna, one of the world’s oldest universities in continuous operation and the oldest university in the Western world. The University of Bologna, conventionally founded in 1088, has stood the test of time. Bologna also gave its name to the Bologna Process, the European higher education reform launched by ministers in 1999, while the University of Bologna helped shape European university traditions through initiatives such as the Magna Charta Universitatum. Today, Italy’s higher education system includes state, non-state, distance-learning, and specialized university institutions, and several Italian universities appear in major international rankings.
As the country with the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italian education is best experienced beyond the walls of the classroom. Instead of just reading about the Roman Empire, explore the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and immerse yourself in a time long ago. Instead of discussing religious history only in theory, visit cathedrals and museums that bring another level of depth to the subject. In everyday life, enjoy walking Italy’s cobbled streets, indulging in authentic Italian food and wine, and spending time with its warm-hearted people.
More than knowledge, studying in Italy can be an unforgettable experience rich in history and culture. There is much to learn from this multifaceted country. Discover the wonders of Italy for yourself! Read on to learn how you can apply and study for an undergraduate degree in Italy.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
General requirements for international students applying for an undergraduate degree in Italy usually include previous qualifications, academic records, and proof that the applicant meets the entry requirements of the chosen program. Depending on the university and program, additional requirements may include a curriculum vitae, official transcripts, standardized test results such as the SAT or ACT, an admission test or interview, language proficiency tests, letters of recommendation, and letters of motivation. Students should always check the specific admission notice for their chosen institution and degree program.
International students from outside the EU/EFTA generally need a student visa to enter Italy for a full-degree program. Common visa requirements include a completed visa application form, passport, a validated Universitaly pre-enrollment application or admission/enrollment documentation, proof of accommodation in Italy, proof of travel or financial means for repatriation, health insurance, and proof of sufficient financial means. Some Italian diplomatic missions list the financial means requirement for full university programs as at least €10,179.85 per year, although students must always follow the instructions of the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence. Additional documents may be required depending on nationality, program, and consular jurisdiction.
Lastly, non-EU students who stay in Italy for more than 90 days must apply for a permit of stay within eight working days of arrival. The published fee structure includes a residence permit contribution of €40 for stays between three and 12 months or €50 for stays between 12 and 24 months, plus administrative costs such as the €30 postal kit, €16 tax stamp, and €30.46 issuance cost. Students must also have health insurance.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Most undergraduate programs in Italy are taught in Italian, although the number of English-taught options has grown. For Italian-taught degree programs, universities generally test Italian language ability or require an accepted Italian language certificate. Many universities require at least B2-level Italian for admission to Italian-taught courses, especially for non-EU students applying for a visa. Even for English-taught courses, learning some Italian is highly recommended for daily life and integration.
International students who do not use Italian as their primary language may be asked to submit Italian language proficiency exam scores as part of the application or enrollment process. Commonly accepted Italian language certificates include CILS and CELI, along with other certificates recognized through the CLIQ quality system or by the specific university. CILS exams are offered through the University for Foreigners of Siena and authorized centers, including some Italian Cultural Institutes abroad. CELI exams are issued by the University for Foreigners of Perugia and are offered through authorized exam centers. Since accepted certificates and exemptions vary, students should check the requirements of their chosen university and program.
Some universities use their own or CISIA-supported tests to assess Italian proficiency. The University of Bologna, for example, uses the CISIA ITA-L2@HOME test for this purpose. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the test consists of 72 questions to be completed in 120 minutes. It is divided into listening, reading, and language-structure sections, and the minimum score is 48.
Fortunately, more schools have introduced English-taught programs. Some programs are taught in both English and Italian, while others teach in Italian but may allow students to submit some work or take some exams in English according to the program rules. For English-taught programs, English proficiency is usually assessed through standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge English qualifications such as C1 Advanced. At the University of Bologna, B2 English may be demonstrated with IELTS 5.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 72–94, depending on the certificate table and program requirements. At the Sapienza University of Rome, the general requirement for English-taught programs is B2, with accepted tests including IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge certificates, and PTE; applicants must check program-specific score requirements. At the University of Padua, B2 English for English-taught degree programs corresponds to TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.0, or PTE Academic 65. English-language waivers and medium-of-instruction rules differ by university and may change by academic year, so applicants should confirm the current rules directly with the institution.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Step 1. Applying to the University
When applying for a bachelor’s degree in Italy, international students should first choose a program and check the specific admission notice on the university’s website. Higher education institutions are responsible for evaluating applications and foreign qualifications. Non-EU students who need a study visa must also complete the online Universitaly pre-enrollment application after coordinating with the chosen institution. The pre-enrollment application and the institution’s validation are used for the visa process, but they do not replace admission to the degree program.
At the Sapienza University of Rome, restricted-access programs may require admission tests, and some programs, such as Medicine, have specific procedures listed in the official calls. Other schools, including the University of Bologna and the University of Padua, also require students to meet program-specific admission and language requirements. At Bologna, for example, many programs use CISIA tests such as TOLC or the newer CEnT-S as admission tests, while English-language proficiency is handled according to the program’s language requirements and accepted certificates.
Step 2. Release of Admission Results
Students should check the university’s admission notice to confirm how and when results will be communicated. In most cases, admission rankings or results are published by the institution through the university application system, official call pages, or direct communication. For students who need a visa, the university’s validation of the Universitaly pre-enrollment application is also part of the later visa process.
Step 3. Apply for a Student Visa
With the official admission or pre-enrollment validation in hand, non-EU students can apply for a student visa through the competent Italian Embassy or Consulate. For full-degree courses lasting more than 90 days, students generally apply for a Type D national visa. Some Italian diplomatic missions state that applications must be submitted no more than six months before travel and at least 15 days before the travel date, and that processing can take up to 90 days. Because requirements and appointment availability vary by country, students should begin early and follow the instructions of the consulate responsible for their place of residence.
Step 4. Finalize Enrollment and Settle in Italy
After arriving in Italy, students must finalize enrollment according to the procedures set by their chosen university. Non-EU students entering on a Type D national study visa must apply for a permit of stay within eight working days of arrival. The request may be submitted through authorized post offices and is then handled by the local Police Headquarters (Questura). Many university student services offices can assist international students with the necessary documents for this step. Once enrollment and immigration formalities are complete, you are ready to begin your undergraduate degree in Italy.
Every international student goes through a similar process when applying for an undergraduate program abroad, and Italy is no exception. The process may feel long and difficult, but admitted students are one step closer to fulfilling their academic goals. Prepare for your future early: the key to a successful admission is careful planning and strong academic records.
We hope this article on how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Italy was helpful. Feel free to check out the Italy Page and the Available Courses in Europe for International Students!
