Studying in Italy 2026/2027: news for international students
If you are planning to study in Italy, it is important to know the new rules governing entry, visa and matriculation in the upcoming academic years.
In fact, the Ministry of University and Research has published new procedures valid for the academic years 2026/2027 and 2027/2028, introducing some updates that directly affect international students.
Let’s take a look together at the most important changes and what concretely changes for those wishing to start a university course in Italy.
Universitaly remains the official access point
For all international students who require a visa, the university pre-enrollment process continues to take place exclusively through the official Universitaly portal.
The platform is the mandatory channel to apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Master’s, Foundation Course and other higher education courses.
It is important to remember that validation of the application by the university does not automatically guarantee the issuance of a visa. The final decision remains the sole responsibility of the Italian diplomatic-consular missions.
New visa application deadlines
The new procedures(MUR Circular 2026/2027) introduce clear deadlines for visa applications for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs:
- November 30, 2026 for the academic year 2026/2027;
- October 31, 2027 for the academic year 2027/2028.
For other courses such as undergraduate master’s degrees, doctoral programs, Erasmus programs, Foundation Course and single courses, there are no specific deadlines, as long as the application is submitted before the start of teaching activities.
An important tip: Many universities set internal deadlines earlier than national deadlines. For this reason, it is always a good idea to carefully consult the calendar published on the website of your chosen university.
Changes to application management
One of the main changes concerns the validation process of pre-registration applications.
Starting from the academic year 2026/2027, universities will have to validate a number of applications proportionate to the available places for international students, with a limited possibility of increase (maximum 20 percent). The goal is to make the admission process more efficient and reduce the number of applications that do not then translate into actual matriculations.
What does this mean for students? This news makes it even more important to apply as early as possible and by providing complete documentation.
Language requirements confirmed
A minimum level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is always required (subject to waivers and exceptions) for degree courses delivered in Italian.
Verification of language skills continues to be the responsibility of individual universities. The new procedures encourage universities to conduct language testing prior to visa application and remotely if possible, thus simplifying the path for international students. In addition, again the university is responsible for certifying and uploading the outcome of the language proficiency test in the student’s pre-enrollment application.
Updated economic requirements for study visa
Among the most significant updates is anincrease in the minimum amount that students must prove to obtain a student visa.
In fact, the economic requirement increases from 6,947.33 euros to 10,179.85 euros annually, an increase of more than 46 percent.
Authorities will assess not only the availability of the money, but also its provenance and traceability.
Scholarships can help meet this requirement, but only if already awarded to the student.
Other requirements: housing and health coverage
In order to obtain a visa, it is also necessary to demonstrate that you have:
- A suitable accommodation in Italy;
- valid insurance coverage for medical treatment and hospitalization.
Mere eligibility for a university residence hall is not enough: one must be able to concretely document the availability of housing.
Regardinghealth insurance, policies must be valid in Italy and without limitation for urgent hospitalization.
Last step: final matriculation
One aspect that is often underestimated concerns the final step of matriculation.
Obtaining a visa and arriving in Italy is not automatically the same as being enrolled in university. Once in the country, non-EU students must apply for a residence permit for study purposes within 8 days of arrival and then complete all matriculation procedures required by the university.
Universities are required to report cases of non-enrollment to the relevant authorities, a situation that may also result in the revocation of the visa.
A path to plan ahead
With the new procedures, Italy confirms its willingness to welcome and attract international talent, while making the processes of admission and entry into the country more structured and transparent.
If your dream is to study in Italy, we recommend that you start your preparation well in advance, carefully check the requirements of your chosen course and gather all the necessary documentation before the procedures open. Also, keep an eye on the news section of our blog for any updates on visa application rules.
Welcome Association Italy is a union dedicated to supporting foreign students by providing useful information and association services during the arrival and stay in Italy. Read our guide to arriving in Italy and discover our services for international students such as the Welcome Package Extra EU over 90 days.
