Jan 2023

This Detailed guide is prepared to help students in securing admissions

in BS and MS in Italian Universities

This guide is for BS and MS students. For PhD, the procedure is different.
Follow PhD guide at:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dh4ZR_W4-5MFQ8a3mo0IS8dy5_z7yl
k2UmARKLSk-vA/edit?usp=sharing

Need to know before you apply for BS and MS in Italy

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PScholarshipsLeague/permalink/3336278196623443/
Link for the live session about Italy

· Italy has only one big program for international students to obtain funded BS and MS
positions through the Italian foreign ministry, but unfortunately, Pakistanis are not
eligible for that scholarship. Therefore, Pakistanis are only eligible for a university
scholarship. Very few universities have set up a program for international BS and MS
students. Calabria, Pescara, Padua, and Bologna are among those few. There are
others, but I don't know.

· The fee in Italy is usually under 1000 euros per year, but that can be reduced to 156
Euros per year by producing a document stating your family does not have enough
resources to fund your education. (There is a new law implemented in January 2023. I
don't fully understand it, but as per my understanding, now Pakistani students have to
pay 400 euros per year). I will explain this later.

· There are professional programs for which fee range from 2500-10000 Euros per year.
However, you should not consider them, as their fee can't be waived. MBA is one
such program. Instead, you can do MS in management, economics, finance or others.
 · Students with low-income families, including international ones, are eligible for
need-based scholarships. Generally, family income should be lower than the 8000
euros per year that most middle-class Pakistani families have. The scholarship can
make your fee around 150 Euros per year, or in most cases, it is returned to the
students. The need-based or regional scholarship is generally paid in 3 instalments,
and the 1st instalment is usually paid in January. So, make sure you have enough
funds to survive before getting funds.

· The scholarship ranges between 4000-7000 euros per year. This includes free food,
accommodation and living expenses. Every region calculates the cost of these
according to its own formula.

· The visa approval rate is very low for Italy. Maybe 30% or less. Plus, for the last two
years, getting an appointment to submit documents in Embassy has become a hassle.
Many students in Islamabad were not even given an appointment in 2021 and 2022.
The deadline to apply for a visa in Pakistan for BS and MS is on 30th November 2022.
It changes every year.

· I found Usman Kismani and Eurocraze's youtube channel particularly helpful in

answering all questions related to BS and MS in Italy. Just follow these two channels,
and all your queries will be answered. Of course there are others.

https://www.youtube.com/@usmanvlogs6794

https://www.youtube.com/@EuroCraze

The admissions Generally start in Dec and end in April. But every university has its own
deadline. I will explain later how to find your relevant program.

Documents required

· BS and MS degree with a minimum of 60% for BS and 2.5 for MS. The higher, the
better (if you are waiting for results and will get your final degree before August, you
are generally eligible).

· CV preferably in Europa format

https://europa.eu/europass/eportfolio/screen/profile-wizard?lang=en

· Minimum two recommendation letters (Some universities now want your referees to
upload them directly).
 · Motivation letter (very important)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxxZ-d6knbY This session by Dr Ammar Tufail

discuss the Ins and outs of a good motivational letter

· Passport (You can use driving license or CNIC if in English, but a passport is highly
recommended)

· English Certificate (Only 3 4 universities ask for IELTS for admission, but the
Embassy certainly ask for IELTS., So it's better to have an IELTS score before
applying. Usually, 5.5 overall is accepted)

· GRE is highly valued but not needed

Important Pro Tip:

· How to rename your documents. It is a very useful and good idea to name your
documents properly, so it helps the reader understand what these documents are.

· https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarships.pk/permalink/5445780048765842/

· How to send messages to someone for help. Please read this before sending messages to
seniors for help

· https://www.facebook.com/groups/PScholarshipsLeague/permalink/3206384462946151/

How to find and apply for BS and MS degrees in Italy

Go to

https://www.universitaly.it/index.php/cercacorsi/universita

Translate the page into English from Italian. Use google chrome to automatically translate into
English, or click on the google button in the browser or back click and choose translate into
English even if this does not work, install the google translate plugin
Once you have translated the page into English, to find your relevant courses for BS select your
relevant field from drop down menu in first tab (First level or single cycle). For MS from the 2nd
tab Second level Masters

Once you have clicked search, you will get a list of universities offering these courses. The
courses in front there is UK flag are offered in English while Courses with a multi colour flag are
offered in the multi language (Usually Italian and English but sometimes Italian and German
etc). The courses with no flag are offered in Italian so ignore them.

You can click on courses to get more information, but I suggest now going to the university
website and directly applying in the course when announced. You can apply in your relevant
university. There is a video to help you apply in almost every university in Italy. This youtube
channel has videos for many universities. There are other channels also

University of Pisa : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ngteB8aXQ

University of Palermo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMfvu7d2RH4

Once the university has made a pre-selection for you, most universities do that based on your
documents, but some require an interview. You will be notified by email about pre-selection.
This is an admission letter. After that university will ask you to pre-enrol on the
https://www.universitaly.it/ website. Every year the date to pre-enrol is different but usually from
1st March. Following video have explained the complete process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYUS37lpCNI

FAQs About Italian BS and MS

1. How much is funding?

As explained above. Very limited funding for Pakistani students. The regional scholarship ranges
from 4000-7000 per year. The regional scholarships are paid in 2 instalments; therefore,
arranging your expenses before arriving is highly recommended.
2. How much are monthly expenses in Italy?

The most expensive item in Italy is accommodation. Accommodation is expensive in bigger

cities like Rome, Milan or Florence. A single room in a shared apartment at a reasonable location
will be around 350-600 euros per month. Accommodation in smaller cities like Palermo,
Messina or Caserta costs 150-350 euros per month. If you are tight on budget, you can live in
shared rooms (multiple people in one room). For example, you can find one in Rome for as low
as 130 euros per month.

Groceries in general in Europe are cheaper. If you prepare meals in home, the maximum will be
150 euros per month (eating meat daily). Eating out is very expensive. Other expenses may be 50
euros depending on your lifestyle.

Please note that cost of living is rising globally and Italy is facing an 8% inflation rate. This will
definitely lead to higher cost of living. We have to wait to know the exact cost until the dust
settles.

3. Can I send money home from the bursary I receive?

Yes, you can. Wise, Western Union and ACE are some of the most reliable apps for sending
money home.

4. When the admission session will start?

Every university announces its admission process on its timeline. Generally, the universities
announce admissions starting from December until April. Generally, the session for BS and MS
in Italy starts on 1st September. However, some universities do start the session in October.

6. How many intakes per year in Italy for BS and MS?

There is only one intake in Italy for Pakistani students. Some universities do have two intakes
but Embassy does not process visas for them so it's a waste of time to take admission in January
intake
7. How many universities are in Italy with English programs?

Almost every university now have some English program. Find English programs relevant to you
using above-explained process

8. Do I need to apply separately for the regional scholarship, or my application will be

considered automatically?

No you have to apply separately for that. Process varies. Again youtube has many videos about
it, Just search with the words "How to apply for the regional scholarship for XXX university".

9. What documents are needed to avail regional scholarship

Every region demands a different set of documents. But generally, it included your family
income certificate. The youtube videos can help you in this regard as they explain what
documents you need.

10. I have done a BS in the ABC field, but I want to MS in the XYZ field. Is it possible?

Yes, it is possible, but as explained above Embassy does not like it, so I would recommend not
doing that

11. I have X number of years gap. Can I apply? I am XX years old. Can I apply

Yes, you can apply. In Italy, the gap is no problem. In many cases, experience is valued. You
need to justify your new love for education.

12. I am waiting for the results. Can I apply?

Every university has criteria for when you should complete your degree. For the majority of
universities, it is 31st July. But some universities have an earlier deadline. The details are
available on the university page. In addition, you need to upload your hope certificate or
whichever document your university issues for this purpose.
13. I don't have any publications. Can I apply?

Yes, you can.

14. I have a low CGPA. Can I apply?

Yes, you can. CGPA is not a very important factor in selection in Italian Universities.

15. Do I need to get an acceptance letter from a professor?

No, the acceptance letter is not required.

16. I have no work experience. Am I eligible?

There is no requirement for work experience in Italy.

17. Do I need IELTS/GRE?

The majority of the universities in Italy do not require IELTS or GRE, but having these will add
value to your application. The embassy usuly asks for IELTs so it is better to have IELTs before
applying. 5.5 Band for MS and 5.0 Bands for BS are acceptable

18. The deadline for the application was XXX date, but I missed the deadline. Will the
university still accept my application?

No, Italian universities are very strict about rules, and there is no flexibility in announced
deadlines unless announced by the university. Often, the university system is overloaded on the
last date, and students cannot upload documents. Therefore, please apply well in advance.

19. There is an application fee of XXX amount. Can it be waived?

No, Italian universities don't change rules for one student. You have to pay the fee.
20. How to pay the application fee?

You need to pay the fee using a debit/credit card. Often Pakistani banks require you to open
online banking sessions before online shopping. Follow bank instructions on doing that (App or
call centre). You can also use your friends or family member card if you don't have your own
card. Some universities require you to transfer the fee as well. Again, check with your bank on
how to do that.

21. My friend lives in Italy. Can he submit my application in person to the university?

Almost no university requires you to send physical documents. You just need to upload these
documents.

22. The application process needs me to upload DoV. What is DoV, and how to get it?

"Dichiarazione di Valore" or "Declaration of value" is a document certifying your qualification is

equivalent to an Italian qualification. For getting admission to PhD a minimum of 17 years of
education is required. DOV is not required from students with the last degree from the EU. The
DOV is issued by the Italian Embassy Abroad. For Pakistan, it is issued by the Embassy along
with the Visa. if they are asking at the application stage, then simply prepare a word file and
write down that you will provide it after securing admission and upload it.

23. Do all students require DOV? When do you need it?

In the majority of the cases, DOV is required at the time of enrollment (at the time of arrival in
Italy).

24. Is there any alternative document of DOV?

You can obtain a certificate of compatibility from CIEMA if your university accepts it. So check
with your university before applying for this document if they will accept this document. This is
also the best option for the students who will apply for Visa from Pakistan but completed their
masters abroad.
25. How to get DOV?

Get attested all your educational documents (from metric till MS) attested from MOFA and then
get them translated from an approved translator. The list of approved translators with phone
numbers is available on the Italian embassy website. Then submit these translated documents
along with your visa documents and original educational documents with your visa application.

A current list can be accessed here:

https://ambislamabad.esteri.it/ambasciata_islamabad/resource/doc/2021/01/translation_company
s_list_modiified.pdf

26. What documents do I need to attest and translate while applying to Italian universities?

You do not need to attest or translate any documents at the application stage if your degree is in
English. However, if any university requires you to translate documents in Italian, you can use
Google translate at this stage. You will be required to attest and translate documents during the
visa process after you secure admission.

27. The application wants me to upload the XYZ annex, self-certification, or XXZ form?
What is it, and where to get it?

The required forms are always given in the application package or on the university website.
Download them and fill them.

28. Do I need to print the documents and sign them, or I can sign them digitally?

The digital signatures are not accepted. In theory, you must print, sign and scan your documents
before uploading. But there are many ways you can paste your signature on the document that
looks like you followed the procedure.

29. My professor is refusing to give me recommendation letters. Can I apply without a

recommendation letter?
No, You must upload the recommendation letters. The majority of universities require two
recommendation letters, but some require three.

30. From whom should I get recommendation letters?

The ideal situation would be to get recommendation letters from the Dean, Head of Department
or full professors. But if you can not, then recommendation letters from Assistant professors or
lecturers will also work. If you are required to upload two letters, both must be academic, but if
you are required to upload three, one can be professional.

31. University has provided its own format for proposals, CV and motivation letters. But
can I still use my own format?

No, when provided, always use the given format. There is a reason it is given.

32. Can I apply for a master leading to PhD Position in Italy? Or For a PhD directly after a
bachelors degree?

No. In Italy, you need to have a masters degree (MS) to be eligible to apply for a PhD position.

33. are there any dual degree programs available in Italy?

Some universities do offer dual degree programs in some specific departments. Unfortunately, it
is not available in all universities and also not every year. But students can easily opt for mobility
and Erasmus schemes.

34. I have my own scholarship from another donor or want to study self-finance. What is
the process for me, and what is the fee?

The process for applying will remain the same, but you will select the option of other funding
available during the application. The competition for self-funded positions is very low, so there
are higher chances of selection. The fee in Italy ranges from 0 to 1200 euros per year for PhD
students.
35. I already have a PhD from XXX country. Can I apply for 2nd PhD?

Yes, you can apply for 2nd PhD. But your second PhD won't be funded by the Italian university.
i.e. you will need to study on self-financed or your own scholarship.

36. In how many universities I can apply to in one year?

You can apply to as many universities as you want. You have to apply individually to each
university

37. I want to apply to three departments in the same university. Can I do that?

Every university has its own rule on this matter. Some universities allow you to apply in 2 or
even three departments with one fee. Some require you to pay for every department. Some don't
allow you to apply in more than one department. Read the call, and It should have all the details
about it.

38. Can I apply with one proposal in all universities? Can I apply with the same proposal in
multiple departments of the same university?

Yes, you can use the same proposal in all applications. Different members examine the
application in every department, so there is no problem.

39. Once I am selected by the university, what are the next steps?

You must apply for DoV and Visa in the Italian Embassy in Islamabad (Punjab, KPK, AZK and
FATA residents) or the consulate of Italy in Karachi (Sindh and Baluchistan residents). The list
of documents varies every year, but you can check the embassy website for the updated list. The
process keeps on changing every year, so you must check with Embassy or consulte to
understand the current process.

40. Do I need to show a large bank statement for Visa Application?

Yes, you need a propoer bank statement. The minimum amount should be 8000 Euros
maintained for 6 months with propoer proof of income and tax returns. Following videos explain
bank statement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0_7kUhZDh4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnYfucGpmIU

41. How long does it take to get Visa after submitting documents?

Usually, it takes 4-8 weeks to issue a Visa after receiving the documents. Most time taken is
needed to prepare DoV. If you do not require DoV. Most likely, you will get the Visa within four
weeks.

42. What are my Visa chances if I obtain a university scholarship

70% visa success rate univeristy scholarship. 30% for non schoalsrship holders

43. Duration of BS and MS?

BS 3 years (Can be extended for up to 6 years)

MS 2 Years (Can be extended for up to 5 years)

44. Can I bring my family with me to Italy?

Italy requires a yearly income of 7000 euros if you want to invite your dependent. But,
unfortunately, your scholarship does not count toward it. Therefore Its impossible for you to
invite your family and kids during your studies.

45. Will education be free for my Kids in Italy?

The Italian government provides education to its all residents. But this education is in the Italian
language. Kids have to learn Italian before they can join public schools. The English medium
private schools are very expensive.
46. Is their additional support for family and kids?

Unfortunately, there is no additional support for the family members in Italy. Therefore, the
amount you receive is final and includes everything (Except research expenses).

47. Can I work part-time in Italy during my studies?

Legally you are allowed to work 20 hours per week in Italy. But unlike the UK or Scandinavian
countries, this rule is not enforced strictly in Italy.

48. Is it easy to find a part-time job in Italy? What type of Jobs are available in Italy?

It is not very easy to find jobs in Italy without language proficiency. There are also some jobs
available inside universities as well, but the competition for them is very high. For example,
most Pakistani students work as delivery riders on electric bicycles outside the university. The
students usually make 500 plus euros per month from these delivery jobs.

49. Do I need to be in the lab/university every day?

It will depend on your area of research and supervisor. Students work from home or, in some
cases, are required to provide attendance.

50. Can I visit Pakistan during the MS? Will my tickets be reimbursed?

Yes, you can visit Pakistan or any other country (depending on your workload and style). You
have to bear all those expenses yourself.

51. Is it safe to live in Italy for a single female student or family?

Italy is one of the safest place in the World. The crime rate is very low. But scams with tourists
and pickpocketing is very common. So it is always good to act smart. The level of racism is also
very low.
52. Can I find Halal Food in Italy?

Halal food is no issue in bigger cities. However, Halal products are increasingly available in
smaller cities, thanks to many Arab immigrants.

53. What are the job opportunities after completing BS or MS in Italy?

The language is a significant barrier in Italy for finding a job. If you become proficient in Italian,
you can also find industry jobs in Italy.

54. Will I be given time to search job after completing my degree?

One year job search visa is granted to students after graduation. You can search for jobs within
Italy or inside the EU on this Visa.

55. What is the immigration policy of Italy?

If you maintain a residence in Italy for five years (continuously), you are eligible to request a PR.
If you maintain residence in Italy for ten years, you are eligible for requesting an Italian passport.
There are other conditions for this as well. Make sure to consult an immigration lawyer if this is
your goal.

56. What is Codice Fiscale/Tax code/Fiscal code and how to get this number.

Codice fiscale or fiscal code sometimes also called tax code serves as the national number in
Itlay. Just like the NIC number in Pakistan, it is needed at almost all your documents throughout
you stay in Italy. It is generated by using your personal information. You can generate a
temporary Fiscal Code using the following link. An official document will be issued after your
arrival in Italy (The number will be the same as the one you generate now).

https://www.generatorecodicefiscale.it/

57. What are the different names of degrees in Italy.

Generally in EU degrees are reported as following

1st cycle: Bachelors

2nd Cycle: Masters

3rd Cycle: PhD

Single Cycle: Combined bachelor's and master's degree courses. This is usually referred to as
MBBS degree as the degree is completed in 5 years. The Italian names for the degrees are

Laurea or Laurea Triennale (Bachelors Degree- In Italy, it is 3 years degree)

Laurea Magistrale (Masters's degree-2 years)

Dottorato (PhD usually 3 years but some programs are 4 years).

58. What is the judgment filed in my previous degree and what to put in the answer?

The judgment here means your results of the concerned degree. You have to answer by inputting
your CGPA

59. What is the difference between graduated and graduating?

Graduated means you have already finished your MS and mention your degree completion date.
Graduating means you have not yet finished your MS and will be completed in the next few
months, You have to insert a tentative date for your graduation. It cannot be the latter than the
start date of the program. Make sure to check the rules about applying on a hope certificate in the
call.

60. What is "document proving mobility abroad" or "document proving study or research
periods abroad"?

If you have any exchange program abroad other than from where you did your master or
bachelor degree, then you should upload the certificate you got from that university/country. For
example, if you went for one semester into another country to do research then you should
provide that certificate. Otherwise leave it empty.
61. What is the standard length of Bachelor and master degree mentioned in application
forms?

As it is quite clear in the question too and we know that the standard length of bachelor degree in
pakistan is 4 years while for Mphil/MS, it is 2 years.

62. How can I pay the application fee for Italian universities?

After filling the form, the university will ask you to pay the application fee (if there is any fee).
On the portal, there will be an option of pay with pogopay, open that portal, sign in with your
email address (not with SPID ID), give your debit/credit/mastercard and pay the fee. Activate
international transactions by calling your bank helpline.

If there is an error even after activating the international transaction, then try to use some other
card or use any other laptop and try to pay.

63. What is the highest possible mark, Minimum pass mark, weightage Average Mark
in online Application form?

If your university has a CGPA system and it's based on 4 then obviously it will be 4 and if it's
percentage then it will be 100%. Minimum passing marks depends on your university. It can
be 2 or 2.5 whatever is written on your transcript. weightage Average Mark will be your
obtained marks/gpa

64. How can I create a SPID ID?

SPID id is for those who already have italian identity card which residents in pakistan(people
who are living in pakistan) can not get now so there is no way you can get SPID ID now. So
don't use the SPID option at application stages.
65. What is a request for recognition/request for equivalence in the admission portal?

You should select that yes, I need it. As Pakistani degrees are not officially equivalent to
Italian degrees so you will get equivalence from the Italian Embassy only after securing
admission.

66. It is mandatory to pay the admission fee by ur own card or u can do it from your
parents cards as well?

It's not mandatory. You can pay from anyone's card.

67. Is there any age limit?

Mostly, No. there is no age limit. Some universities may ask for a certain age but they will
tell you about the age limit in their admission call.

68. I have a BSc of 2 years and an MSc of 2 years and then Mphil 2 years. What should
i upload in 1st cycle and 2nd cycle degree.

Combine Msc and BSc degree together and upload it in 1st cycle degree. Mphil degree will
be uploaded in 2nd cycle degree. MSc degree's marks will be in 1st cycle degree.

69. What does 15,00 euro mean in the application fee form?

It means 15 euros not 1500 euros as in italy and most of the EU comma , is treated as .
decimal .
70. What should I upload in translation documents in Italian or in english?

If your documents are already in english, then just upload these documents and there is no
need for translation.

71. How to provide a recommendation/reference letter?

First, read the admission call as they provide you with all the information about the process.
If there is a section to upload the reference letter then simply upload it in that section.. If the
university portal is asking for referee details then simply give the details about your referee
and they will receive the email with instructions about reference letter uploading. If your
professor can upload the document on a given link then good other you can ask your
professor to simply forward that email to you and you can upload it by yourself on that
portal.

72. What is the "Diploma nation" or "Diploma country" while filling out the
application form?

You have to write the name of the country from where you got your degree.

73. International students/qualifications are exempted from paying application fees. What
does it mean?

It means that you are not an italian citizen or have an italian degree so you will be considered having
foreign qualification or foreign student and exempted from paying application fee.
74. Will the university send me admission confirmation through email ?

Sometimes they don't send emails and you have to track it by yourself as they upload it on the
admission website. Some universities will send you an email and upload the list at their website too.
So most of the time, you have to keep track by yourself.

75. What does it mean by "Municipality" in application form?

Write down the name of the university city. For example, for UET Lahore, the municipality name
will be Lahore.

76. What should I write in the Embassy or consulate city name?

Write down the name of the Embassy/consulate city name. For example, for Pakistan, the Embassy is
located in Islamabad and the consulate is located in Karachi.

77. I have only one name. What should I write in first name and last name?

If you have only first name and no surname for example, Akhtar then

Write down your first name in both sections like Akhtar akhtar.

78. What is civic number in residential details?

Its house number.

79. What is ISA in Bologna University and why are they asking for a proposal?

ISA is an institute that select phd students from unibo and offers them free residence. The
seats are limited so the competition is tough but if u get through u get free residence for your
PhD tenure. The main theme of this exercise is to make phd students from different
disciplines work together on a combined project and enhance their team work and
interdisciplinary skills.
You would provide 2 motivation letter 2 and a proposal.

1. attach motivational letter and proposal... related to ur phd program( normal u make for ur
applications)

2. motivational letter for ISA ( stating your ability to work in a team and with people who are
not exactly from ur discipline, leadership skills and how u respect people from other cultures
and have no issue in doing a joint project) and project for ISA ( a small project that is based
on any SDG goals... and can be done by people from different disciplines i.e Arts and science
students...

an example of this year project is " impact on education due to covid in different countries"

it is not compulsory to apply for this position but if u get selected u would have free
accommodation for ur phd tenure.

There is no separate application form for applying for this seat... The application form u
would fill for ur phd program would have a clause regarding if u want to apply for free
accommodation by ISA. If you want to apply, check that box and attach the motivation letter
and proposal ( specifically prepared for ISA) with your application.

instead of valid residence permit international students will attach passports