How to Apply to Universities in Italy (2027): Step by Step

Italy offers low-cost, income-linked tuition at its public universities and hundreds of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes. Non-EU applicants apply through the university of their choice and the Universitaly pre-enrolment portal before applying for a study visa, and every public university sets its own annual limit on non-EU visa places.

Verified 7 Sep 2026 Sources

Bachelor's (Laurea) applicants

Choose a university and programme, and check whether it is taught in Italian or English and whether it has restricted entry.
Apply directly to the university through its own online system, in the application window it publishes for that intake.
If a study visa is needed, complete pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal; this can run alongside or after the university application, depending on the university.
Once the university validates the pre-enrolment, apply for the study visa at the competent Italian consulate.
Enrol with the university once the visa is granted, travel to Italy, and apply for the permesso di soggiorno within eight days of arrival.

Master's (Laurea Magistrale) applicants

Choose a programme and confirm the bachelor's degree and subject background it requires.
Apply directly to the university, often through a dedicated foreign-qualification application track, before the round closes.
Complete Universitaly pre-enrolment once accepted, if a study visa is needed.
Apply for the study visa at the competent Italian consulate after the university validates the pre-enrolment.
Enrol, travel to Italy, and register for the permesso di soggiorno within eight days of arrival.