Study in Italy — Application Requirements (Bachelor & Master)
This post explains the eligibility, documents, and process requirements to apply for Italian universities at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level. Use it as a checklist when preparing your application.
At a Glance
| Requirement Area | Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) | Master’s (Graduate) |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Completed secondary education (e.g., SSC/GCSE + HSC/A-Level or equivalent). Some programs require specific subjects (Math/Science). | Completed Bachelor’s degree (4 years) in a related field from a recognized institution. |
| Minimum Grades | Meeting university/program cut-offs; competitive schools may demand higher marks. | Minimum CGPA/grade set by the department; strong GPA recommended for selective programs. |
| Language | English-track: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or school’s test; Italian-track: Italian proficiency (CELI/CILS or university assessment). | Same as Bachelor’s; some programs accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter in lieu of IELTS where stated. |
| Entrance Tests | Many public universities require TOLC (e.g., TOLC-E, TOLC-I, TOLC-F) or program-specific tests. | May require portfolio (Design/Architecture), GMAT/GRE for a few programs, or department assessments/interview. |
| Credential Evaluation | Program may ask for diploma verification; some request CIMEA Statement of Comparability. | More likely to require CIMEA/official evaluation, particularly for non-EU credentials. |
| Work Experience | Not usually required. | Sometimes preferred/required for specialized or professional Master’s. |
| Application Components | Passport, academic transcripts, language proof, TOLC/entrance score, motivation letter (sometimes), recommendation (optional). | Passport, degree & transcripts, CV, SOP/motivation letter, 1–2 recommendations, portfolio (if applicable), language proof. |
| Pre-Enrolment | Many universities require Universitaly pre-enrolment after receiving an offer/pre-admission. | |
| Visa Basics | Offer letter, accommodation proof, financial proof/solvency, health insurance, travel plan, passport, and supporting documents per Embassy/VFS checklist. | |
Academic Eligibility
Bachelor’s
- Completion of secondary education equivalent to 12 years of schooling.
- Required subjects for certain tracks (e.g., Mathematics for Engineering/Business analytics tracks).
- Meet minimum grades (set by the university/program).
Master’s
- Recognized Bachelor’s degree in a relevant or closely related field.
- Minimum overall GPA/grade as specified by the department.
- Course prerequisites may be checked by a committee; bridging modules may be assigned where needed.
Language Requirements
- English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE (score thresholds vary by university). Some accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter for exemption—verify on the program page.
- Italian-taught programs: B1–B2 Italian typically required (CELI/CILS or university test).
Entrance Exams & Special Assessments
- Bachelor’s: TOLC exams (e.g., TOLC-E for Economics/Management, TOLC-I for Engineering, TOLC-F for Pharmacy/Health). Some programs hold their own entrance tests or admission quotas.
- Master’s: Portfolio for Design/Architecture/Arts; interviews for selective programs; GRE/GMAT rarely but sometimes requested for Management/Quant tracks.
Credential Evaluation
Universities may require verification/equivalence of foreign credentials. Many accept or prefer a CIMEA Statement of Comparability. Check your target program’s page to confirm whether CIMEA is mandatory or optional.
Document Checklist
For All Applicants
- Valid passport (at least 18 months before expiry)
- Recent passport photo (white background, JPG)
- Updated CV (Europass or similar)
- Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose
- English/Italian language certificate or MOI (if accepted)
- Recommendation letters (1–2; professors/employers as applicable)
Additional for Bachelor’s
- Secondary school certificates and full transcripts (SSC/GCSE, HSC/A-levels or equivalent)
- TOLC/entrance test registration and score (if required)
Additional for Master’s
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts (all semesters/years)
- Course descriptions/syllabi (if requested for prerequisite checks)
- Portfolio (Design/Architecture/Art programs)
- Professional experience proof (if program requires it)
Financial & Supporting Proofs (often needed at later stages)
- Bank solvency/maintenance balance and recent bank statements
- Accommodation contract/certificate (often needed for visa)
- Health & travel insurance (usually 1 year for visa)
- Tuition fee plan or receipt (if deposit/first installment is due)
- Scholarship/DSU documents (if applying)
Application Timeline (Typical)
- Research & shortlist (Weeks 1–2): Identify 3–6 programs; note requirements, fees, and deadlines.
- Documents & tests (Weeks 2–6): Prepare SOP/CV/LoRs, book language/TOLC if needed, start CIMEA if required.
- Submit applications (Weeks 4–8): Create portal accounts, upload documents, pay fees, and submit.
- Decisions & pre-enrolment (Weeks 8–16+): Receive offers, complete Universitaly pre-enrolment (where applicable).
- Visa preparation (4–8 weeks before travel): Compile visa file, book appointment, arrange accommodation and insurance.
After You Receive an Offer
- Download the official offer/pre-admission letter.
- Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment if your university instructs you to do so.
- Request Accommodation certificate/contract if required for visa.
- Follow your program’s instructions for fee payment and final enrolment steps.
Student Visa (Summary)
Always check your local Embassy/VFS for the latest checklist. Typically required:
- Visa application form, photos, and valid passport
- Offer/pre-enrolment letter and proof of tuition plan/payment (if due)
- Accommodation proof (contract/certificate)
- Financial proof (bank solvency and statements meeting the required amount)
- Travel & health insurance coverage for the required period
- Flight reservation (often a refundable/dummy booking) and study plan
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Tailor your SOP to each program; show fit with curriculum and career goals.
- Use consistent names and dates across all documents (match your passport).
- Combine multi-page documents into one PDF per item; keep file size under portal limits.
- Keep a spreadsheet with deadlines, portal logins, fees paid, and current status.
- Apply early—popular programs and accommodations fill up fast.
FAQs
Can I apply without IELTS? Some English-taught programs accept a Medium of Instruction letter or internal test. Check the program page.
Is CIMEA mandatory? It depends on the university and credential type. Some accept alternatives or do their own evaluation.
How many universities should I apply to? Most students apply to 3–6 programs to balance acceptance chances and fees.
Work With Us
Need expert help with documents, portals, CIMEA, TOLC, accommodation, or visa? Contact us for paid support. We’ll manage your file end-to-end and keep you on schedule.