Italian University Admission Requirements for International Students

The qualification you need

To enter a bachelor's (laurea) or single-cycle degree in Italy, you generally need a secondary-school qualification that gives access to higher education in your own country and is comparable to the Italian level. For a master's (laurea magistrale), you need a relevant bachelor's-level degree.

Your qualification's level and authenticity are confirmed through recognition — a CIMEA statement or an embassy Declaration of Value. Recognition establishes comparability; it does not by itself admit you, since the university still assesses whether you meet its programme requirements.

The 12-year schooling rule and foundation routes

Italian university access traditionally assumes a minimum total of school years (commonly described as a 12-year schooling requirement) before higher education. If your school system provides fewer years, you may be asked to make up the gap — for example through completed university credits or a recognised foundation year — before you can enrol.

Because the exact rule and the accepted ways to satisfy it depend on your country's system and the university, confirm whether your schooling meets the requirement, and what alternatives exist, with your university's international office.

• Italian access typically assumes a minimum number of pre-university school years
• A shortfall may require additional university credits or a recognised foundation year
• Accepted routes vary by country and university — confirm individually

Language requirements

Italian-taught programmes usually require proof of Italian proficiency, often at a defined CEFR level, and some universities run their own Italian language test. English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency, commonly through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, or an accepted equivalent.

The required level and the accepted certificates differ by programme. Check exactly which test and which minimum level your course accepts, and whether any exemptions apply (for example for prior study in that language), before you book a test.

• Italian-taught courses: Italian proficiency, often at a set CEFR level
• English-taught courses: English proof (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL) — check accepted tests
• Required levels and exemptions vary by programme — verify per course

Academic suitability and entrance assessment

Beyond the qualification and language, universities assess academic suitability — that your prior study and grades fit the programme. Some courses have an entrance exam or admission test (for example the IMAT for English-taught medicine, or programme-specific tests), while others assess your file or set prerequisite subjects.

Programmes with limited places (numero programmato) admit by ranking, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a seat. Always read the specific course's admission notice (bando) for the current year, as it is the authoritative source for that programme.

Document checklist and verification

Prepare your documents early and confirm the exact list with your university, because requirements differ. Translations and legalisation (apostille or embassy legalisation) often take time.

This is general information, not immigration or admissions advice. Eligibility rules, the schooling requirement, and accepted certificates change between years and universities — verify everything on the official CIMEA, your Italian embassy/consulate (via studyinitaly.esteri.it), Universitaly, and university websites before relying on it.

• Prior qualification (diploma or degree) plus official transcripts
• Recognition document — CIMEA statement or Declaration of Value
• Language certificate at the level your course requires
• Translations and legalisation/apostille as required
• Any course-specific entrance-test result (e.g. IMAT)