Italy University Admission Requirements for International Students (2027/28)

To enter an Italian university as a non-EU student you need, for a bachelor's, a secondary school diploma obtained after at least 12 years of schooling that gives access to university in your country, and for a master's, an official first-cycle degree (EQF level 6). For English-taught programs you also need at least B2 English. Each university then adds its own GPA, test and document rules.

The national rules come from the MUR circular for 2026/27–2027/28 and its Annex 1 on valid foreign qualifications. The university alone decides whether your qualification is acceptable. Below we explain the national floor and show real requirements from official university pages.

Bachelor's degree requirements

For a Laurea (bachelor's) or single-cycle degree, your final school diploma must be obtained after at least 12 years of schooling and must give access to a similar university course in the country that issued it. If your country requires an academic aptitude test for university entry, you need that certificate too.

What if I have fewer than 12 years of schooling?

Annex 1 of the MUR circular allows universities to ask for one or two years of completed university study, a post-secondary diploma, or a foundation course. Foundation courses require at least B1 in the course language. Ask the university which option it accepts before you apply.

Entrance tests for bachelor's programs

CISIA runs the TOLC tests and the English-language CEnT-S, which can be taken at a university or from home. English-taught Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine at public universities use the IMAT.

Master's degree requirements

For a Laurea Magistrale you need an official first-cycle degree at EQF level 6 that gives access to the next level in your country, plus a transcript with detailed programmes for each subject (a Diploma Supplement can replace the programmes). Most English-taught master's programs also check curricular requirements: a minimum number of credits in specific subjects.

Is there a minimum GPA for a master's in Italy?

There is no national minimum. Some universities publish country-specific minimums. Politecnico di Milano lists these examples for its 2027/28 master's admissions:

Politecnico di Torino uses country minimums only for its PhD (2026/27: Pakistan 3.3/4, Iran 14.5/20, India 65/100; countries not listed, including Afghanistan, are assessed by the committee). Sapienza's 2026/27 master's programs commonly asked for about 75/100 in the bachelor's, with a range of 70–90/100 by program. Padua, Milan, Pisa and Trento evaluate each file without a university-wide minimum.

Tests and extra documents for master's

• GMAT/GRE: Bocconi asks for GMAT (minimum 500, Focus 485), GRE or its own online test for 2027/28 MSc programs. Politecnico di Torino lists the GRE as optional.
• Interviews: common at Bologna, Trento and many smaller programs.
• Motivation letter and CV in English: standard at Padua and most others.
• Course descriptions (syllabi): needed to check curricular requirements, for example at Pisa and Politecnico di Torino.

PhD requirements

A PhD needs a second-cycle degree (EQF level 7). Selection is usually by qualifications, a research project and an interview. Calls are published per cycle; for example, the University of Bologna's 42nd-cycle first round (2026/27) closed on 30 March 2026 with a €10 fee, and Politecnico di Torino's 2nd session is open from 15 October to 16 November 2026 for a March 2027 start.

English language requirements

The consulate accepts only internationally recognised certificates of at least CEFR B2, or equivalent university certificates covering all four skills. Universities may set higher scores. Examples from official pages:

Some universities do not accept Duolingo or a medium-of-instruction letter – the University of Perugia, for example, says neither is accepted. More detail: English-taught programs in Italy.

Documents you will be asked for

• Passport.
• School diploma and transcript (bachelor's) or degree certificate and transcript with course programmes (master's).
• CIMEA statements of comparability and verification, or a Declaration of Value – often at enrolment or for the visa.
• Translations where required, and apostille or legalisation of originals.
• English certificate, CV, motivation letter, and sometimes reference letters or a portfolio.

See our documents, translation and legalisation guide for how to get each one.

Applicants from Afghanistan and conflict areas

If you studied in Afghanistan, check early on CIMEA-Diplome whether verification of your certificates is available, since CIMEA says verification may be limited to some countries.

Can you apply before you graduate?

Yes, in most cases. Universities usually let final-year students apply with a certificate of attendance or a provisional transcript, then set a date by which the degree must be obtained. Examples from official calls:

• University of Bologna, Global Cultures master's (2026/27): degree to be obtained by 31 December of the intake year.
• University of Trento, Computer Science master's (2026/27): degree to be completed by 30 June 2026.
• Bocconi, MSc programs (2027/28): bachelor's degree by October 2027 and English certificate by 30 June 2027.
• University of Pisa, PhD (2026/27): master's degree obtained by 31 October of the year before the start, as stated in the call.

On the Universitaly side, the MUR circular allows validation with reservation only if you have not yet obtained your diploma or must sit a test in Italy. In that case you may receive a shorter type D visa valid at least 100 days, until 31 January, and renew your permit in Italy after enrolling.

Writing a motivation letter that fits Italian admissions

Many English-taught programs score your motivation letter and CV alongside grades. Admission committees want to see that your previous studies connect logically to the program. Consulates look at the same thing: the circular lists the coherence of your chosen course with your previous studies as part of the visa assessment.

• Explain why this specific program and university, naming courses or labs from its official page.
• Link your bachelor's subjects, projects or work to the program's curricular requirements.
• Describe a realistic plan for after graduation, in Italy or at home.
• Keep it to the length the call specifies, in clear English, and never copy templates word for word.

How to check if you are eligible

1. 1

   Count your years of schooling

   If you have fewer than 12, look for programs that accept university credits or a foundation year.

2. 2

   Read the call for non-EU applicants

   Look for minimum GPA, required subjects, tests and English scores for your exact program and year.

3. 3

   Compare your transcript

   For master's programs, match your courses to the curricular requirements.

4. 4

   Plan tests early

   Book SAT, TOLC, CEnT-S, GMAT or IELTS so results arrive before the first call closes.

5. 5

   Track the calls

   Track deadlines for free on FindUniPath and then follow our application guide.

Remember: meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. Programs with limited places rank applicants, and non-EU places reserved for residents abroad can be few.

Requirements change every year, so always confirm on the university's page for your intake. All Italy guides are on the Italy hub.