Bachelor’s in Italy

A Bachelor’s degree in Italy (Laurea Triennale) is typically a three-year undergraduate program offered in both Italian and English across a wide range of disciplines. The primary intake is in September/October, with applications generally opening several months in advance.

To study in Italy, international students must have a recognized 12-year school qualification (Class XII/High School Diploma). Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, a valid passport, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), proof of language proficiency, and any additional documents requested by the university.

Some programs, particularly in Medicine, Engineering, Economics, Architecture, and other competitive fields, require entrance examinations as part of the admission process. International students must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources to obtain a student visa. Depending on the course and university, additional requirements such as a portfolio or letters of recommendation may be required.

Italy Bachelor's Admission Process

Italian universities offer three-year Bachelor’s degrees (Laurea Triennale) through both public and private institutions, with an increasing number of English-taught programs available.
Main Intake: September/October.
Application Period: Generally from November to March for public universities, while private universities may offer extended deadlines or multiple intakes.
Applicants must possess a recognized 12-year school qualification (Class XII/High School Diploma) with a minimum 50–60% aggregate, depending on the university and program.
Applications are submitted through the university’s online portal or the Universitaly platform.
Common application documents include:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent, if applicable)
- Letters of Recommendation (if required)
- Portfolio (for design, architecture, or related programs)

Proof of Funds for Student Visa

International students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their stay in Italy.

Proof of approximately €10,000–€12,000 per year is generally required to cover living expenses.
Funds may be demonstrated through:
- Personal savings
- Education loan
- Parental sponsorship

If parents are sponsoring the student, the following documents are typically required:

Parents’ Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the last three years
3–6 months of recent bank statements showing the required balance
Affidavit of Financial Support
Proof of relationship (such as the student’s birth certificate)

It is advisable to maintain the required bank balance for at least 30 days before the visa appointment.

Entrance Examinations

IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test)

The IMAT is mandatory for admission to English-taught Medicine and Surgery programs at Italian public universities.

The examination assesses:

Logical reasoning
General knowledge
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Conducted once each year (typically in September) at authorized test centres worldwide.
Required for admission to universities such as the University of Pavia, Sapienza University of Rome, and several other Italian public medical schools.
Admission is based on the candidate’s IMAT score and national ranking.

TOLC (Test OnLine CISIA)

The TOLC is required by many Italian universities for admission to Engineering, Science, Economics, and other technical programmes.

Different versions of the test are available, including:

TOLC-I – Engineering
TOLC-E – Economics
Other subject-specific TOLC examinations depending on the programme.

The test evaluates:

Mathematics and quantitative reasoning
Logical reasoning
Reading comprehension
English proficiency (for some programmes)

TOLC examinations are conducted online in Italy and at selected international test centres. Many universities use the TOLC score for both admission eligibility and merit-based ranking.

English-Taught Bachelor's Programs and Universities

University Name	Examples of English-Taught Bachelor’s Programs
University of Bologna	Economics & Management, International Studies, Business & Economics
University of Padua	Psychological Science, Biology of Human and Environmental Health, Earth and Climate Dynamics
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice	Digital Management, Philosophy, Computer Science, International Studies
Politecnico di Milano	Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Design
Sapienza University of Rome	Applied Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence, Global Humanities, Medicine and Surgery (IMAT)
University of Milan	International Politics, Biotechnology
Bocconi University	International Economics & Management, Economics, Management and Finance
University of Pisa	Management for Business and Economics, Artificial Intelligence
University of Turin	Business & Management, Global Law and Transnational Legal Studies
The American University of Rome	Film Studies, Business Administration, International Relations
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore	Food Production Management, Economics and Management
Humanitas University	Medicine and Surgery (IMAT)

Additional Information

For Italian-taught programs, international students are generally required to demonstrate Italian language proficiency at the B2 level, such as through a TELC B2 or an equivalent certification. Some universities may also conduct their own Italian language assessment.
Non-EU students should complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment process, obtain an admission offer from their chosen university, and apply for a National (D-Type) Study Visa as early as possible to avoid processing delays.
For Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, and other creative programs, universities may require a portfolio, an aptitude test, or an entrance examination as part of the admission process.
Admission requirements, language criteria, and entrance examinations may vary by university and program. Applicants should always refer to the official university website for the latest information.