Frequently asked questions

Short answers to the questions students ask most. Each answer links to the full guide.

About Corso Italy

Is Corso Italy free? Is it an agency?

Yes, it is free, and no, it is not an agency. Corso Italy is a volunteer project. We do not apply to universities for you, we do not charge fees, and we are not linked to any university or government office.

Is the information official?

We take our facts mainly from official sources (the Ministry of University and Research, embassies and universities), and each guide shows its sources and the date we last checked it. Rules change often, so always confirm with your university or embassy before you act.

Applying

Do I need to speak Italian?

Not if your programme is taught in English: you usually need English at B2 level instead. For programmes taught in Italian you need Italian at B2 level. See Language requirements.

Which English certificate do universities accept?

Most ask for B2 level. IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English and PTE Academic are the most common. Only some universities accept the Duolingo English Test. See Language requirements.

How do I apply?

You choose a programme, apply to the university (often on its own portal), then complete your pre-enrolment on Universitaly. After the university validates it, you apply for the visa. See How to apply.

Is my school diploma enough?

For a bachelor’s degree you need a secondary school diploma obtained after at least 12 years of schooling, with a CIMEA statement or a Dichiarazione di valore and, if your country has a university entrance exam, proof that you passed it. See How to apply.

Visa and money

When is the visa deadline?

For 2026/2027, apply for the study visa by 30 November 2026; for 2027/2028, by 31 October 2027. Your university may set an earlier date. See Study visa.

How much money do I need to show for the visa?

For 2026/2027, €10,179.85 per year, from legal and traceable sources. This is money you must show, not a fee you pay. See How much it costs.

How much are university fees?

There is no single price. Public universities set fees by family income. For students whose family income is abroad, some universities use a special ISEE and others charge a fixed amount that depends on the country. See How much it costs.

Can I get a scholarship?

Yes. The main ones are the regional DSU scholarships (based on family income) and the Italian government (MAECI) scholarships. Calls close early. See Scholarships and funding.

Living in Italy

What do I do when I arrive?

Within 8 working days, apply for your residence permit at the post office. Then finish your enrolment and sort out your codice fiscale, health cover and phone. See Your first weeks.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, for the visa and for the residence permit. After you arrive you can keep private insurance or register with the national health service (SSN), which several universities list at €700 per calendar year. See Health insurance.

Can I work while I study?

Yes, up to 20 hours a week and 1,040 hours a year with a study permit. See Residence permit.

How do I find a room and avoid scams?

Start with your region’s DSU agency and your university’s housing office. Never pay before you have seen the room and the contract. See Finding accommodation.

Can I stay in Italy after I graduate?

If you graduate in Italy, you can ask for a permit to look for work or start a business. It lasts 9 to 12 months, and you need enough income and health insurance. See Residence permit.

EngPro

What is EngPro and how do I join?

EngPro is our free English initiative: students learn with free resources and volunteer teachers. Students and teachers sign up with a short form on the EngPro page.

Still have a question?

Write to us through the Contact page.