Admission Requirements for Italian Universities

General Requirements

1. Educational Qualification

For bachelor’s programs — a high school diploma + 1 year of university (or Foundation Year).
For master’s programs — a bachelor’s degree.
For PhD programs — a master’s degree.

2. Language Proficiency

For programs in Italian — Italian language certificate at B1/B2/C1 level.
For programs in English — English certificate such as IELTS (from 5.5) or TOEFL (80–100), depending on the university.

3. Visa and Residence Documents

Student visa type D.
Police registration (permesso di soggiorno).

Requirements for Bachelor’s Programs

A recognized secondary school diploma (nostrification in Italy may be required).
Sometimes — entrance exams such as TOLC or SAT.
Motivation letter (not always required but highly recommended).
Resume.
Recommendation letters (rarely required).

Requirements for Master’s Programs

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Academic transcript of records.
Resume/CV and motivation letter.
Language certificate (minimum level B2).
Some programs may require a portfolio (for design, architecture, etc.).
Sometimes — an interview or additional testing.

For PhD Programs

Master’s degree.
Research-oriented CV and project proposal.
Recommendation letters from professors.
Language certificates (Italian or English, depending on the program).
Participation in a competitive selection process (including an interview).

Foundation Year and Preparatory Programs

For those who do not meet the full educational requirement (12 years of schooling) or have insufficient language proficiency, many universities offer a Foundation Year — a preparatory course that includes language training and subject-specific studies.

How to Prepare Your Documents

Have your diplomas and transcripts officially translated into Italian or English.
Undergo diploma recognition (nostrification) if required (via the Italian consulate or CIMEA).
Take language tests in advance to obtain the necessary certificate.
Prepare a motivation letter and CV following academic templates.

Conclusion

Admission requirements in Italy vary depending on the level of study and the program, but with proper preparation they are completely achievable. It’s important to start collecting documents and preparing for exams early — at least 6–12 months before the application deadline.