Question 1

Do I need to pass a university entrance exam in my own country?

Accepted Answer

Only if your country has one. If access to university in your home country requires a national entrance exam (for example YKS in Turkey or Gaokao in China), you must have taken it and met the minimum requirement. If your country has no such exam, your secondary school diploma is enough.

Question 2

How many years of schooling do I need?

Accepted Answer

A total of 12 years of primary and secondary schooling, with the last two years completed in the same country's education system. If your school system has fewer than 12 years, you can complete the missing year with a foundation programme or university studies.

Question 3

What is the minimum IELTS score to apply to Italian universities?

Accepted Answer

English-taught programmes require at least a B2 level, which usually means IELTS 5.5–6.0. Some programmes ask for more (for example IELTS 6.0 for Psychology at Padova). TOEFL and other equivalent certificates are also accepted; the exact score depends on the university and programme.

Question 4

Which entrance exam do I need for my programme?

Accepted Answer

Medicine & Dentistry (English): IMAT. Architecture at Politecnico di Milano: ARCHED. Engineering, sciences and many economics programmes: CEnT-S. Bocconi: SAT, ACT or the Bocconi Online Test. Psychology: the university's own English test. Requirements are confirmed each year in the university's call for applications.

Question 5

How can I improve my chances for business and economics?

Accepted Answer

A strong score in the test the university accepts (CEnT-S, SAT, or ACT / Bocconi Online Test for Bocconi) is the most effective way. Applying early also matters, as places fill up quickly in most programmes.

Question 6

What is the Universitaly pre-enrolment and when do I do it?

Accepted Answer

Universitaly is the Italian Ministry of University's official portal. After a university admits you, you submit your pre-enrolment there; once the university approves it, you can apply for your student visa. For the 2027/2028 academic year, the visa application deadline is 31 October 2027.

Question 7

How much money do I need to show for a student visa?

Accepted Answer

According to the Ministry (MUR) circular, at least €10,179.85 per year for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 academic years. Funds must be lawful and traceable, preferably in your own name; parents or relatives up to the fourth degree can also sponsor you. You apply at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Question 8

What is the DSU scholarship and who can get it?

Accepted Answer

DSU is Italy's income-based regional scholarship. For 2026/2027 the family's ISEE must not exceed €28,339.88 (regions may set lower limits); for families living abroad it is calculated as ISEE Parificato. Students from outside the city receive at least €7,171.11 a year, and it can include a tuition waiver, housing and meals.

Question 9

Do I need good grades to get the DSU scholarship?

Accepted Answer

No academic merit is required in the first year. From the second year on, you must complete the minimum number of credits set by your region to keep the scholarship.

Question 10

Do I have to pay the DSU scholarship back?

Accepted Answer

No, it is a grant. However, if you do not complete the minimum credits set by your region by the stated deadline at the end of your first year, the scholarship can be revoked and you may be asked to return what you received.

Question 11

Can I work while studying in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With a student residence permit you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week (maximum 1,040 hours a year).

Question 12

Will my Italian degree be recognised?

Accepted Answer

Italian degrees are recognised throughout the European Union and the European Higher Education Area. Outside the EU, recognition depends on your home country's authority (for example YÖK in Turkey), and some fields such as medicine may require an additional exam.

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