The Master’s Application System in Italy

A master’s (laurea magistrale) application in Italy works differently in some respects from a bachelor’s application and offers rich programme and scholarship options. In this post we explain the master’s application system in Italy step by step.

The logic of a master’s application

A master’s application in Italy rests on your bachelor’s degree being assessed as relevant and sufficient. Universities look at whether your bachelor’s curriculum aligns with the target master’s programme (enough credits and relevant courses). So programme-bachelor compatibility is at the centre of the application at master’s level. Also, the abundance of English-taught programmes and the rich scholarship options make this level especially appealing for international students. The process involves degree recognition, the application to the university and, where needed, the Universitaly pre-enrolment. Understanding the system begins with the right programme choice.

The bachelor’s degree and compatibility

The basis of a master’s application is your bachelor’s degree and transcript. The university examines whether your bachelor’s education fits the target programme (enough courses and credits in the relevant field). Some programmes want certain prerequisite courses. So before applying it is important to check whether your bachelor’s curriculum matches the programme’s expectations. The diploma is apostilled and sworn-translated, and recognition (CIMEA/DoV) is needed. For diploma-transcript translation, see our diploma-transcript translation page. Compatibility is the decisive factor for acceptance.

Degree recognition

The recognition document showing what your bachelor’s degree corresponds to in the Italian system (a CIMEA report or a DoV) is an important part of a master’s application. Which is needed varies by university. Recognition confirms both the authenticity and the academic level of your degree. As the process takes time, you must start early. For recognition, see our DoV guide. Some universities prefer CIMEA because it is digital; confirm the institution’s requirement before applying. The right recognition document completes your academic side.

The application documents

A master’s application wants the diploma, transcript, recognition document, a language certificate, a motivation letter, a CV and sometimes reference letters. Depending on the programme, a portfolio or an entry assessment may be added. The motivation letter is especially important, as it is where you explain why you chose this programme and university. Preparing the documents in full and correctly strengthens your application. For the translation of your application documents, see our university application translation page. A strong file makes the difference between similar candidates.

The language condition

Italian-taught master’s programmes usually want B2-level Italian, English-taught ones IELTS/TOEFL. As the number of English-taught programmes is very high at master’s level, access is easy for students who do not speak Italian. Watch the validity period of your language certificate and the exam types the programme accepts. Meeting the language condition before applying is critical. The language certificate proves you are proficient in the language of instruction. Taking the exam early gives you the chance to resit if needed. Language preparation is an important part of the application calendar.

Scholarship options

The master’s is Italy’s richest level for scholarships: MAECI, income-based DSU grants, university merit scholarships, Invest Your Talent and Erasmus Mundus joint master’s. Considering these channels in parallel can provide full or near-full funding. As the scholarship applications have their own calendars, you must plan them together with the university application. To see which scholarships suit you, see our fully funded study page. A scholarship strategy is an inseparable part of master’s planning.

The application calendar

The master’s application calendar varies by programme; some programmes close early (winter-spring) while others stay open through the summer. In quota-limited programmes, applying early is an advantage. As degree recognition and document processes take weeks, planning back from the application deadline is essential. Include the scholarship calendars in this plan too. Starting early and with a plan raises both your acceptance and scholarship chances. For the whole of the processes, see our guide library. Timing is the key to a successful application.

After acceptance

After an acceptance, for international students the Universitaly pre-enrolment, the student visa and, on arrival in Italy, the residence permit and final enrolment come into play. If you have won a scholarship, you can use it as proof of funds in your visa application. As these steps have their own calendar, you must start as soon as the acceptance arrives. Preparing your documents in advance for the visa and enrolment processes saves time. For your document translations you can take a free quote. These final steps complete your transition to your master’s journey.

Frequently asked questions