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How to Apply to Universities in Italy

Q: Is the Italian consulate process really mandatory?

Yes — for non-EU students applying to Italian public universities, the consulate pre-enrollment is legally required. Without the consulate stamp on your Universitaly form, the university cannot process your application. EU students are exempt from this step.

Q: Which Italian cities are best for international students?

Milan is the fashion, design, and business hub with Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi. Bologna is Europe's oldest university city with a strong academic tradition. Rome has Sapienza (one of Europe's largest universities). Turin is excellent for engineering and design. All offer vibrant student life.

Navigating the Universitaly portal, consulate pre-enrollment, and Italian university admissions.

Back to Italy

Pre-enrollment Portal Universitaly

Language Options Italian & English

Key Deadline April 30 (non-EU)

Visa Required Non-EU: Yes

Italy's application process for non-EU students involves two mandatory steps before you can even apply to a university: pre-enrollment through the Universitaly portal and a visit to the Italian consulate. Start early — the April 30 deadline is firm and the consulate process takes weeks.

Create an account at universitaly.it from February 1. Enter your personal details, select your chosen universities and programs (up to 3 choices), and upload your academic documents.

Do not wait until April — start in February to allow time for consulate appointments.

Obtain a Dichiarazione di Valore

The Dichiarazione di Valore (DoV) is a document issued by the Italian consulate in your home country that certifies the validity and equivalency of your academic qualification. It is required for pre-enrollment and for the student visa.

Apply for the DoV at your local Italian consulate as soon as possible — it can take 4–8 weeks.

Complete consulate pre-enrollment

Bring a printed copy of your Universitaly pre-enrollment form, your DoV, original diplomas and transcripts, passport, and passport photos to the Italian consulate. They stamp and submit the pre-enrollment by April 30.

Take entrance exams if required

Medicine, architecture, engineering, and fine arts programs require entrance exams — IMAT (medicine), TOLC (engineering and sciences), faculty-specific tests. Register separately for these exams; some have deadlines in April–May.

IMAT (international medical test) registration and exam are in September — register by July.

Apply directly to the university

After completing consulate pre-enrollment, apply through the university's own admissions portal. Submit additional documents required by the specific program. EU students skip the consulate step and apply directly.

Receive admission and enrollment confirmation

Universities send admission letters in June–July. Once accepted, complete formal enrollment (immatricolazione) online or in person, paying the first installment of tuition fees.

Apply for a student visa

With your acceptance letter, apply for an Italian National Visa type D (Student) at the Italian consulate. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Required: acceptance/enrollment confirmation, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means (€5,000+), and health insurance.

Obtain a codice fiscale and register in Italy

On arrival, obtain a codice fiscale (Italian tax code) from the Agenzia delle Entrate — needed for enrollment, accommodation, and a SIM card. Apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the post office within 8 days of arrival.