A Comprehensive Guide to Applying to Universities in Italy 🇮🇹

Studying in Italy offers international students the opportunity to experience world-class education in one of Europe's most culturally rich countries.

Based on the International ACAC webinar “Discovering the Secrets of Applying to Italy”

Studying in Italy offers international students the opportunity to experience world-class education in one of Europe’s most culturally rich countries. However, the Italian university application system can be complex and varies significantly from other standardized systems like UCAS or the Common App. This guide will help students and parents navigate the process successfully.

For much more information, please go to: https://www.universitaly.it/

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Types of Universities and Programs Available

1. Private Universities (Non-Design)

Private universities in Italy offer some of the most streamlined application processes and include prestigious institutions such as:

• Bocconi - Top business school (SAT benchmark: 1450+)

• LUISS - Business and international relations (SAT benchmark: 1200+)

• Cattolica - Business, politics, law (SAT benchmark: 1100+)

These universities offer courses in:

• Business and Economics

• International Relations

• Politics

• Law

• Management

Admission Requirements: SAT scores and sometimes motivational letters, or their own entrance exams.

2. Polytechnics (PoliTo and PoliMi)

Italy’s two premier technical universities:

• Politecnico di Torino (PoliTo) - SAT benchmark: 1300+ with 650+ in each section

• Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi) - SAT benchmark: 1240+ with 620+ in each section

Both institutions offer engineering programs and accept either SAT scores or their own entrance exams (TIL for PoliTo, TOL for PoliMi).

3. Public Universities

Public universities offer the widest range of programs and are generally more affordable, but have more complex admission requirements. Notable institutions include:

• University of Bologna (La Dotta, since 1088)

• University of Padua (since 1222, where Galileo taught)

• University of Venice (Ca’ Foscari)

• University of Trieste (”Vienna by the sea”)

• University of Trento

4. Medicine Programs

Italy offers three different medical education systems:

Private Universities in English:

• Humanitas (integrated clinical training from early years)

• Campus Bio-Medico (UCBM)

• Cattolica International

Public Universities in English:

• Various institutions offering medicine through IMAT exam

• Shifting toward more clinical training earlier in curriculum

Public Universities in Italian:

• Traditional method with clinical practice starting in 4th year

• Uses “filter semester” admission system

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Important Application Components

Minimum Academic Requirements

For the 2026/2027 academic year, students typically need:

IB Diploma Students:

• 24 points minimum with 12 points from Higher Level subjects

• Pass in TOK, CAS, and Extended Essay

• Diploma must be from institution recognized by IBO after 12 years of study

AP Students:

• High school diploma plus 3 AP exams scoring 3-5

• APs must be in subjects related to intended university course

• Exam reports must be issued by College Board

• Note: AP in Italian mandatory for foreign citizens (except for courses taught entirely in English)

Language Requirements

• English-taught programs: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge certificates, DP/AP courses may be used to fulfill this requirement)

• Italian-taught programs: Italian proficiency required

• Some programs require additional foreign language competency

Documentation Requirements

• Secondary school transcripts/certificates

• Diploma validation (dichiarazione di valore or CIMEA statement)

• For non-EU students: Universitaly pre-enrollment

• Visa applications for non-EU students

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Important Exams Students Need to Take

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

When to Use:

• Private business schools and universities

• Engineering at PoliTo and PoliMi

• Some public university business/economics programs

Timing: SAT should be ready by September of final year, ideally completed by summer before Grade 12.

Benchmark Scores:

• Bocconi: 1450+

• LUISS: 1200+

• Cattolica: 1100+

• PoliMi: 1240+ (620+ each section)

• PoliTo: 1300+ (650+ each section)

TOLC (Test OnLine CISIA) Exams

TOLC exams are standardized tests used by the CISIA consortium of Italian universities:

TOLC-E (Economics & Social Sciences):

• Logic

• Mathematics

• Reading Comprehension

• English (non-scoring)

TOLC-I (Engineering & Sciences):

• Logic

• Mathematics

• Verbal Comprehension

• Physics & Chemistry

• English (non-scoring)

TOLC-PSI (Psychology):

• Logic

• Mathematics

• Reading Comprehension

• Biology

• English (non-scoring)

CENT-S (New Unified Exam)

Major development for 2026: The CENT-S replaces previous English TOLC exams and covers:

• Engineering (formerly English TOLC-I)

• Economics & Management (formerly English TOLC-E)

• Pharmacy & Health Sciences (formerly English TOLC-F)

• Biology, Earth Sciences, Philosophy/Politics/Economics

CENT-S Content:

• Mathematics (15 questions, 30 minutes)

• Reasoning on Texts and Data (15 questions, 30 minutes)

• Biology (10 questions, 20 minutes)

• Chemistry (10 questions, 20 minutes)

• Physics (5 questions, 10 minutes)

Important Note: Some universities like Ca’ Foscari only consider the Mathematics and Reasoning sections, though students must complete the entire exam.

Medicine-Specific Exams

IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test):

• For public universities offering medicine in English

• Taken in September after high school graduation

• Content: Reading comprehension, logical reasoning, biology, chemistry, math/physics

Private Medical School Exams:

• HUMAT (Humanitas): Aptitude-focused, online proctored

• UCBM: Scientific knowledge emphasis, in-person in Rome

• UniCatt International: Scientific knowledge plus bioethics

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Step-by-Step Application Methods

For Private Universities

Step 1: Research and Preparation

• Identify target universities and programs

• Check SAT requirements and deadlines

• Prepare for SAT (aim for completion by summer before Grade 12)

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit applications through university-specific portals

• Include SAT scores, transcripts, and motivational letters

• Key Deadlines:

  • Bocconi Early Round: September of final year

  • LUISS & Cattolica: February-March

Step 3: Follow-up and Enrollment

• Await admission decisions

• Accept offers and pay deposits

• Complete visa applications if non-EU

For Public Universities

Step 1: Find the “Bando” (Call for Applications)

• Critical: Each course may have different requirements

• Use Universitaly portal to search degree programs

• Download and carefully read the complete “bando d’ammissione”

• Warning: These documents can be published as late as June of Grade 12

Step 2: Verify Complete Requirements

• Check university website for additional requirements not in bando

• Look for pre-application deadlines (e.g., University of Turin requires pre-application by April 30th for foreign diploma holders)

• Contact international office for clarification

Step 3: Determine Admission Type Understanding the two main mechanisms:

Ammissione Programmata (Numerus Clausus):

• Limited places available

• Entrance exam determines admission

• Ranking system places students competitively

Accesso Libero (Open Access):

• Everyone admitted who meets minimum requirements

• Exam determines if additional modules (OFAs) required

• May still have entrance requirements

Step 4: Prepare for Required Exams

• TOLC/CENT-S Preparation: 3-4 months recommended

• Can take TOLC once per month (different types in same month allowed)

• Available January-August of Grade 12

• Can be taken at home (online proctored) or at university

• Recommendation: Take at university when possible due to increasing restrictions on home testing

Step 5: Exam Registration and Testing

• Register through CISIA portal

• Choose test dates strategically (multiple attempts recommended)

• EU vs Non-EU: Different deadlines and quotas apply

• Non-EU students have fewer available places (contingente riservato)

Step 6: Application Submission

• Submit through university-specific systems

• Include all required documentation

• Meet all deadlines (different for EU and non-EU students)

For Medicine Programs

Private Medicine Schools:

1. Research specific requirements for each institution

2. Prepare for institution-specific entrance exams

3. Take exams (typically February-March of graduating year)

4. Apply early due to limited places

Public Medicine (English - IMAT):

1. Prepare for IMAT exam (biology, chemistry, physics, math emphasis)

2. Take IMAT in September after graduation

3. Create backup plan (filter semester, private schools, or international options)

4. Apply through national system

Public Medicine (Italian - Filter Semester):

1. Select any university for initial enrollment

2. Choose backup non-medical course

3. Attend compulsory 3-month program (September-November)

4. Take ranking exams in November/December

5. Based on performance, either continue in medicine or transfer to backup course

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Special Considerations and Tips

Timeline Management

• Grade 11: Make educated assumptions based on previous year’s requirements; begin exam preparation

• Grade 12: Continuously monitor for new calls for applications; be prepared for rule changes

Documentation for International Students

• All international diplomas require validation through CIMEA or Italian consulates

• Non-EU students must complete Universitaly pre-enrollment by July 15th

• Visa applications required for non-EU students

• Residence permits must be obtained within 8 days of arrival

Cost Considerations

• Public universities: €0-5,000 annually based on family income (ISEE calculation)

• Private universities: Significantly higher, varies by institution

• Additional costs: Accommodation, living expenses, travel

Important Warnings

• Rules change frequently - what applies one year may not apply the next

• No standardization - every course may have different requirements

• Late publication - official requirements may not be available until very late in Grade 12

• Regional variations - local interpretations of national rules can vary

Support Resources

• Contact university international offices directly

• Use Universitaly portal for degree program searches

• Consult with education counselors familiar with Italian system

• Join student forums and communities for current students’ experiences

Success Strategies

• Start early - begin research in Grade 11

• Maintain flexibility - have backup plans ready

• Stay organized - track multiple deadlines and requirements

• Communicate proactively - follow up with universities regularly

• Consider multiple pathways - don’t rely on single admission route

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The Italian university system offers exceptional educational opportunities, but success requires careful planning, attention to detail, and flexibility to adapt to changing requirements. Students who invest time in understanding the system and preparing thoroughly will find themselves well-positioned to gain admission to some of Europe’s most prestigious institutions.