Bachelor’s in Italy
A bachelor’s in Italy is usually a three-year program, available in both Italian and English across a wide range of subjects. The main intake is in the autumn, and applications generally open several months in advance. To study in Italy, students must hold a recognized 12-year school qualification and provide documents such as academic transcripts, proof of identity, a statement of purpose, and language proficiency. Some courses require entrance exams, particularly in areas like medicine, engineering, or economics, which are used for eligibility and selection. For international applicants, demonstrating sufficient financial resources is an important part of the visa process. Depending on the program, additional requirements like portfolios or language certificates may also apply.
Italy Bachelor Admission Process
Overview- Italy offers three-year bachelor’s degrees (Laurea Triennale) at public and private universities, with a growing number of English-taught programs.
- Main intake: September/October. Application windows typically run from November to March for public universities; private universities may have extended or multiple intakes.
- Applicants require a recognized 12-year school certificate (Class 12/High School Diploma) with a minimum 50–60% aggregate.
- Applications are submitted through university portals or Universitaly. Required documents include transcripts, passport, Statement of Purpose, language proof, and, if asked, portfolio or letters of recommendation.
Proof of Funds for Visa
- Must show €10,000–€12,000 per year for living expenses, demonstrated via savings, education loan, or parental sponsorship.
- If parents are sponsors: submit the last 3 years of parents’ Income Tax Returns (ITR), 3–6 months bank statements with required balance, Affidavit of support, and proof of relationship (birth certificate).
- Bank balance must be maintained at least 30 days before visa appointment.
Entrance Exams (IMAT, TOLC)
IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test)- Mandatory for English-taught medicine and surgery programs at Italian public universities.
- Covers logic, general knowledge, biology, chemistry, physics & mathematics.
- Conducted once annually (usually September) worldwide in test centers and is required at universities like the University of Pavia, Sapienza University of Rome, and others.
- Results determine eligibility and ranking for admission.
- Required for many engineering, science, economics, and technical programs.
- TOLC is held online in Italy and select centers abroad; different TOLC types exist (TOLC-I for engineering, TOLC-E for economics, etc.).
- The test assesses quantitative skills, logic, reading comprehension, and in some cases, English proficiency.
- Performance is often needed both for eligibility and as a ranking criterion.
English-Taught Bachelor Programs and Universities
| University Name | Example English-Taught Bachelor Programs |
| University of Bologna | Economics & Management, International Studies, Business and Economics |
| University of Padua | Psychological Science, Biology of Human & Environmental Health, Earth and Climate |
| 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 & AI, Global Humanities, Medicine (IMAT) |
| University of Milan | International Politics, Biotechnology |
| Bocconi University | International Economics & Management, Economics & Finance |
| University of Pisa | Management for Business & Economics, Artificial Intelligence |
| University of Torino | Business & Management, Global Law and Transnational Legal Studies |
| 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 Pointers
- For Italian-taught programs, a TELC or other Italian language proficiency certificate at B2 level may be required. International students must often pass an Italian proficiency test unless enrolling in fully English-taught degrees.
- Non-EU students should pre-enroll on Universitaly, secure an admission offer, and apply for a D-type study visa as early as possible.
- For creative programs (design, architecture), a portfolio and/or additional entrance test may be stipulated during selection