Study in Italy 2026

Non-EU Student Roadmap

A complete step-by-step guide from document preparation to your arrival + first legal steps in Italy.

1. Document Preparation

Timeline: Nov - Dec

Prepare your Degree/Hope Certificate, Transcripts, Passport, and Europass CV. Make sure your education background matches the program requirements (each university sets the final rules).

2. University Application

Timeline: Dec - Apr

Apply via the university's official portal. Most public universities may charge an application fee (commonly €10–€50, varies by university/program). Focus on meeting requirements (GPA, prerequisites, English proof, documents) to avoid rejection.

3. Admission Result + Acceptance

Timeline: Feb - May

After you get the decision, follow the university instructions: accept the offer, upload any missing docs, and note the enrollment steps. Some universities also require an initial tuition payment to secure your place.

4. Universitaly Pre-Enrollment

Mandatory for Non-EU (Visa Applicants)

Once admitted, you must complete pre-enrollment on universitaly.it. The university validates it, and it connects your admission to the Italian Embassy/Consulate for the visa process. Deadlines change every year, so always follow the official Universitaly instructions.

5. Degree Verification: DOV / CIMEA + Legalization

Timeline: Apr - Jun

Universities may ask for DOV (Declaration of Value) or CIMEA (Statement of Comparability/Verification). Separately, for visa and scholarship purposes, you may still need translations + MOFA attestation + Embassy legalization (depends on region/consulate/university).

6. DSU Scholarship + Housing Planning

Timeline: Jun - Sept

Regional DSU scholarships open in summer (varies by region). Start preparing your family income + property documents early, because translations and legalizations can take time. Also plan your housing: hostel (limited) vs private rent.

7. Visa & Departure

Timeline: Jul - Sept

Book your visa appointment and prepare: financial proof, accommodation plan, health insurance, Universitaly printout, and university docs. Once the visa is issued, book your flight and plan arrival before the enrollment deadlines.

8. After Arrival: Enrollment + Permesso di Soggiorno

Do this immediately

After arriving in Italy, complete university enrollment steps (often includes tuition payment) and apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 working days using the Poste Italiane kit (then you get a Questura appointment). Keep copies of everything.

Downloadable Resources

Free Student Toolkit

Essential templates and checklists to simplify your application.

Europass CV

The official CV format required by many Italian universities.

Create Now
Visa Checklist

Complete list of documents required by the Embassy.

Download PDF
Motivation Letter

A sample structure to write a strong SOP/LoM.

Download Sample
Universitaly Guide

Step-by-step screenshots on how to fill the pre-enrollment.

View Guide
Timeline & Docs

Process FAQs

Both are used to evaluate your foreign qualification. The DOV (Declaration of Value) is issued by the Italian Embassy/Consulate in your country (timelines depend on appointments). CIMEA is a digital service via DiploMe for Statements (Comparability/Verification). Processing is commonly around 60 working days (and comparability may offer an urgent option). Always check which option your university accepts.

After receiving admission, you submit a pre-enrollment request on Universitaly.it. The university validates it, and it becomes part of your visa documentation. Deadlines vary by academic year, so follow the official Universitaly instructions + your university’s updates.

CIMEA may satisfy the university’s degree evaluation requirement, but it does not automatically replace visa-related document requirements. For Pakistan, the Embassy/Consulate may still request translations + MOFA attestation + legalization depending on your case and the documents you submit. Always follow your local Italian Embassy/Consulate checklist.

Start early. Most consulates look for a stable financial history (commonly the last 6 months), not a sudden deposit. The minimum required amount is based on official rules (often roughly in the €8,000–€10,000+ range for one year, and it can change yearly and by consulate). We recommend preparing your finances at least 4–6 months before your visa interview.

If you enter Italy with a study visa, you generally apply for the residence permit within 8 working days of arrival. You usually collect a kit at Poste Italiane, submit documents, then receive a Questura appointment. Your university international office often helps with guidance.

During the admission phase you can apply to multiple universities, but for the final visa route you usually proceed with one finalized pre-enrollment path linked to your chosen university. Always follow the current Universitaly rules and your university’s instructions.

Most public universities mainly start in September/October. If you miss it, you may need to wait for the next academic year. A few programs may have a spring intake, but it’s not common. Always confirm on your program’s official page.

DSU (regional right-to-study) calls usually open in summer and close between July–September, depending on the region. Because your Pakistani documents require translation + legalization, start preparing the DSU file early (May/June is ideal).

Yes — every academic year has its own official timeline, and universities/embassies publish deadlines. Always check the current year’s Universitaly instructions and your local Italian Embassy/Consulate announcements.