PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY IN ITALIAN UNIVERSITIES FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING VISA - Di Achille De Tommaso
Ministry for Universities and
Research
GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INCLUSION AND
RIGTH TO STUDY
PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTSREQUIRING VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021
https://www.studiare-in-italia.it/studentistranieri/moduli/2020/Circolare_2020_2021_EN.pdf
https://www.studiare-in-italia.it/studentistranieri/moduli/2020/Circolare_2020_2021_EN.pdf
PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART I – GENERAL PREMISES
....................................................................................................................
4 1. General caveats......................................................................................................................................................
4 1.1 Jurisdiction for the issuance of a visa for study
purposes ....................................................................................
4 1.2 Jurisdiction for academic recognition of qualifications and for the
eligibility for enrolment ................................. 4 1.3 Jurisdiction
for the release and renewal of the residency permit ......................................................................... 4
2. Scope of application
...............................................................................................................................................
4 3. Procedures for citizens not requiring visas holding a foreign
qualification ............................................................. 5
4. Pre-enrolment requests and preliminary evaluation of candidates
........................................................................ 6 4.1
University pre-enrolment
...................................................................................................................................
6 4.2 Preliminary evaluation ......................................................................................................................................
6
PART II – ENROLMENT IN LAUREA
DEGREE AND LAUREA MAGISTRALE DEGREE COURSES............ 8 1. Premise
..................................................................................................................................................................
8 2. Pre-enrolment request for laurea degree or laurea magistrale a ciclo unico
(single-cycle) degree courses ............ 8 2.1 Documents to be presented to diplomatic-consular Missions
............................................................................. 9
2.2 Documents normally requested by higher education institutions ........................................................................ 9 3.
Pre-enrolment request for laurea magistrale degree courses (not single cycle)
................................................... 10 3.1 Documents to
be presented to diplomatic-consular Missions
........................................................................... 10
3.2 Documents normally requested by higher education institutions ......................................................................
10
PART III – PROFICIENCY IN THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE
............................................................................ 11
1. Test of proficiency in the Italian language ............................................................................................................
11 1.1 Exemption from the language proficiency test
.................................................................................................
11 1.2 Exemption from the language test and quotas .................................................................................................
11
PART IV – INCOMING VISA FOR STUDY PURPOSES, RESIDENCY PERMIT &
SUBSEQUENT
MEASURES ................................................................................................................................
12 1. Incoming visa for sitting entry tests
.....................................................................................................................
122.Requirements to receive a study visa
...................................................................................................................
12 3. Measures to take upon arrival in italy
..................................................................................................................
13 4. Renewal of residency permit
................................................................................................................................
14
PART V – COURSES WITH ADMISSION QUOTAS
.....................................................................................
15 1. Entry tests
............................................................................................................................................................
15 2. Places left available in the case of individual quotas
............................................................................................
15
PART VI - ENROLMENT
..............................................................................................................................
17 1. General information
.............................................................................................................................................
17 2. Qualifications held by holders of international protection
...................................................................................
17
PART VII – ENROLMENT IN OTHER STUDY COURSES
............................................................................ 19
1. General information
.............................................................................................................................................
19 2. Dottorato di ricerca and master universitari
courses............................................................................................
19 3. Single courses and internships
.............................................................................................................................
20 4. Italian language and culture courses
....................................................................................................................
20 5. Foundation courses
..............................................................................................................................................
20 6. Higher Technical Institutes
(ITS).........................................................................................................................................21
7. Other Higher Education Institutions accredited for the award of
qualifications.........................................................22
PART VIII – COURSES AT HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ART, MUSIC AND DANCE
INSTITUTIONS
(AFAM)
.......................................................................................................................................
24 1. General instructions
.............................................................................................................................................
24 2. Specific directions
................................................................................................................................................
24
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
INTRODUCTION WITH RESPECT TO THE 2020/2021 ACADEMIC YEAR
These procedures are subject to the current and future emergency provisions
of the Italian Government and of the European Union regarding the prevention
and containment of the COVID-19 virus epidemic.
In consideration of the provisions sent to higher education
institutions by the Minister for Universities and Research and relating to the
start of the academic year 2020/21, it is noted that in the face of the
persistence of the COVID-19 emergency situation, the physical mobility of
international students in Italy can be replaced if necessary, at least until
the end of 2020, with distance learning activities.
This does not mean that these international students,
if they require an entry visa for Italy, should not in any case promptly
arrange for a visa application for study purposes at the diplomatic-consular
missions of reference for their respective places of residence, in order to use
this visa as soon as conditions permit. The procedures for issuing these visas
must be concluded, unless otherwise indicated in the future, by 30 November
2020, in order to allow the effective enrolment of international students and
the subsequent payment of university fees.
In order to start the procedure to obtain the visa,
candidates of study courses at Italian universities need to submit their pre-
enrolment applications using the UNIVERSITALY portal, according to the
indications already communicated to all Italian universities; all higher
education institutions are therefore invited not to interrupt their
international student recruitment procedures and the related evaluation of the
suitability of the foreign qualifications they possess.
With regard to the evaluation of foreign school
qualifications suitable for access to first cycle courses in Italy (senior
secondary school diplomas), it is noted that, due to the COVID-19 emergency,
many foreign countries have adopted exceptional measures in order to guarantee
the completion of the school cycles and the award of the relative final
qualifications. The Italian higher education institutions are therefore invited
to apply the criteria established by the Lisbon Convention for the
aforementioned cases, that is the recognition of the same academic rights that
a given final school qualification officially confers in the foreign system of
reference, unless proven substantial differences exist, including reference to
the duration of the overall pre-university schooling required in Italy, which
is confirmed to be twelve years.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART I: GENERAL PREMISES
1. GENERAL CAVEATS
These annual
2020/2021 procedures, whose purpose is to guide the policies of Italian higher
education institutions regarding the admission of international students to
their courses, are drawn up on the basis of the results of the annual Services
Conference held by the Ministry for Universities and Research, together with
the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation and the Ministry of the Interior, held in Rome on 12th December 2019, and via teleconferencing on 5th May 2020.
1.1 Jurisdiction for the issue of visas for study purposes The decision on the issue of a visa for study purposes is the exclusive
jurisdiction of the diplomatic/consular Mission. Documentation produced by
higher education institutions referring to the single candidates for courses in
the process of requesting visas is to be considered a support for the
evaluation procedures of the diplomatic Missions and does not automatically
imply the issue of the visa.
1.2 Jurisdiction for academic recognition of qualifications and for the
eligibility for enrolment
The evaluation of foreign qualifications presented for
enrolment to Italian higher education courses of study is the exclusive
jurisdiction of higher education institutions, as established by Art. 2 of Law
148/2002. The documentation produced by Italian diplomatic Missions does not
affect the autonomous evaluation decisions of the individual higher education
institutions regarding foreign qualifications for admission to courses.1
1.3 Jurisdiction for the release and renewal of the residency permit The administrative procedure in place for the release and renewal of
residency permits is the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior and is
regulated by the Consolidated Law of the dispositions concerning immigration
regulations and norms on the treatment of foreigners (Legislative Decree n. 286
of 25 July, 1998), by the relative Rules of implementation (Republic
Presidential Decree n. 394 of 31 August, 1999) and Law n. 68 of 28 May, 2007,
relative to the regulations concerning short-term stays of foreigners for
visits, business, tourism and study.
2. SCOPE OF APPLICATION
The following procedures apply exclusively to
international students that require an entry visa for Italy for long-term
stays.2 The procedures
do not apply:
a) to citizens from
European Union Member States, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and the Swiss
Confederation; from the Republic of San Marino and the Holy See, even if
holding a foreign qualification;
b) to foreigners already officially residing in Italy3 as expressly indicated in Art. 39, comma 5, of
Legislative
1 In line with the
principles of the Lisbon Convention, with its application in the Italian system
and with practices shared internationally by the centres belonging to the ENIC and NARIC networks, see the “Evaluation
methodology used in the procedures for the recognition of foreign
qualifications in Italy” published by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre (CIMEA):
http://www.cimea.it/it/servizi/procedure-
di-riconoscimento-dei-titoli/metodologica-valutativa.aspx
2 To enrol in
courses it is necessary to be at least 17 years’ old at the moment of the
release of the entry visa for purposes of study, as long as the education system of origin allows students to begin school
attendance at a precocious age and to receive the final secondary school
leaving qualification before reaching the age of 18.
3 In the case of dual citizenship, where one of which is
Italian or of another EU country, it is the Italian or other EU citizenship
which
takes precedence as regards this circular (Art. 19, para. 2 of Law n. 218
of 31 May, 1995).
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
Decree 286 of 25 July, 19984;
c) to students who
hold scholarships released by European Union education, training and
research programmes, to which are applied, by analogy, the instructions in
place for the “Erasmus Mundus” programme that also cover “Erasmus +”, as well
as eventual and further instructions referring to entry visas issued by the
Visa Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s
D.G.I.T.
Limited to the procedures and documentation necessary
for the evaluation of the qualifications, to students attending courses
organized jointly between two or more Italian and foreign institutions, for
whom reference should be made to the relevant conventions (Art. 3, comma 10 of
Ministerial Decree 270/2004 and Art. 3, comma 8 of Presidential Decree
212/2005), endorsed by higher education institutions for the creation of such
courses. Higher education institutions will provide lists of students that have
been selected within these joint programmes directly to the respective
diplomatic/consular Missions to support the visa request on the part of said
students.
The residency permit for study reasons, issued for the
attendance of single courses and/or preparatory courses (foundation course),
can be renewed, in light of the provision contained in the Presidential
Decree n. 394/1999 and subsequent amendments, the last part of paragraph 4 of
article 46, for access to the various training courses, provided they are
functional to these courses.
3. PROCEDURES FOR CITIZENS NOT REQUIRING VISAS HOLDING A
FOREIGN QUALIFICATION
Italian candidates with a foreign qualification, from
the European Union wherever resident and from outside the European Union duly
resident in Italy, as per Art. 39,
comma 5 of Legislative Decree n. 286 of 25.07.98, as modified by Art. 26 of Law
n. 189 of 30 July, 2002 “Modifications to the legislation on the subject of
immigration and political asylum” gain access without quota contingents to
university courses, if holding a qualification equivalent to the Italian one
required and recognised as eligible according to the independent evaluation
performed by the single higher education institution.
Candidates should present the enrolment request
directly to the chosen higher education institution, according to the modality,
terms and the requested documentation as established by each institution, and
they accede under the same conditions extended to Italian citizens. Academic
qualifications issued by foreign authorities must be accompanied by the
documents indicated by the universities in respect of the Lisbon Convention:
the student is obliged to produce the documentation that the institution deems
necessary with a view to evaluating the foreign qualification, with reference
to: eventual translations, legalisations, Diploma Supplements, exam
certificates, ENIC-NARIC centre statements, Dichiarazioni di valore or
other declarations that might serve to check the elements of the foreign
qualification.
Citizens belonging to countries of the European Union
should apply for registration at the registry office of the Municipality where
they intend to reside following the conditions, modality and terms fixed by
Legislative Decree n. 30 of 6 February 2007.
4. PRE-ENROLMENT REQUESTS AND PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF
CANDIDATES
The application
for access to Laurea and Laurea Magistrale degree courses for
international students applying for visas and residing abroad, must take place
through a prior university pre-enrollment procedure, which precedes the
subsequent enrolment phases.
4 “Access to
higher technical education courses or higher education courses and to
university specialisation schools, on equal terms with Italian students, is guaranteed to foreigners with EU residency
permits for long-term stay, with residency permits for subordinate work, for
self-employment, for family reasons, for asylum, for subsidiary protection, for
religious reasons, for the reasons referred to in articles 18, 18-bis, 20-bis,
22, paragraph 12 (c), and 42-bis, as well as holders of residency permits
issued pursuant to Article 32, paragraph 3, of Legislative Decree 28 January
2008, n. 25, or foreigners legally resident for at least one year in possession
of an upper secondary school qualification obtained in Italy, as well as to
foreigners, wherever resident, who are holders of final secondary school
diplomas of Italian schools abroad or of foreign or international schools,
operating in Italy or abroad, subject to bilateral agreements or special
regulations for the recognition of educational qualifications and who meet the
general conditions required for entry for study purposes”.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
4.1 University pre-enrolment
In order to start the
university pre-enrolment procedures, the universities will instruct candidates
to their study courses to access the UNIVERSITALY portal
(https://www.universitaly.it/index.php/registration/firststep) in order to fill
in the relative “pre-enrolment application” online. Within the
UNIVERSITALY portal there will be all the information for the completion of
pre-enrolment applications, aimed at facilitating the access of candidates to
university courses and related institutions. The subsequent pre-enrolment
phases will be completed at the relevant Diplomatic-consular missions for the
purpose of obtaining the relevant visa. The deadlines for the procedures
relating to pre-enrolment in the Laurea and Laurea Magistrale degree
courses, with the exception of those with admission quotas, are defined by each
university and published on their respective websites.
Registration for admission tests to Laurea
Magistrale degree courses in: Medicine and Surgery, Medicine and Surgery in
the English language where offered by universities, Dentistry and Dental
Prostheses, Veterinary Medicine, and for courses dedicated to the training of
an Architect, follows the procedures outlined in the portal
http://www.universitaly.it/. The registration for the test is carried out
online by the student and is not subject to the preliminary start of the
pre-enrolment procedures at the diplomatic-consular Missions, which must,
however, be initiated and formalised, as mandated, no later than the deadlines
established by the calendar relative to the procedures for enrolment in Laurea
and Laurea Magistrale courses on a national basis, whose exams will
be held in the month of September 2020, unless otherwise modified due to
dispositions linked to the COVID-19 emergency.
The procedures relating to pre-enrolment in Master universitari, Dottorati di
Ricerca, Scuole di specializzazione and foundation courses (corsi
propedeutici) do not follow
the deadlines for enrolment in Laurea and Laurea
Magistrale degree courses, but take place
according to the terms autonomously decided by the individual institutions, in
relation to the start of the courses themselves.
Once the pre-enrolment application has been completed, all candidates
must apply for a university study/enrolment visa at the Italian consular
diplomatic mission of the country of residence.
4.2 Preliminary evaluation
The university
institutions will be able to carry out their own preliminary assessment of the
individual applications by requesting from the student a copy of the academic
qualifications and any other document deemed useful for the purpose of this
preliminary assessment (certificates from official foreign authorities,
certificate issued by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre, etc.). The institution
will validate the pre-enrolment application by entering the relevant data on
the UNIVERSITALY portal. The university will indicate whether and for which
documents authenticity has been verified, as well as indicating whether or not
it is necessary for its own evaluation purposes for the relevant Declaration of
Value (Dichiarazione di Valore) to be released by the
diplomatic-consular mission. The university will also have the ability to
produce and attach to the pre-enrolment application a Letter of eligibility
for enrollment, drawn up according to Model D5 attached to these provisions,
of use for diplomatic-consular missions in the process of completing the
university pre- enrolment procedure.
The preliminary acceptance by the university does not
confer any right to obtain a visa: this last indication must be clearly
reported by the universities in communications with candidates who have
obtained a letter of eligibility for enrolment and reported in any
communication relating to these procedures.
5 In this document
(Form D), the university will record the candidate's personal data and
information about the foreign qualification evaluated as suitable for subsequent enrolment, as well as any other
pertinent elements for obtaining the visa, such as proficiency in the Italian
language, participation in structured mobility programs and conditional
acceptance of the application in cases of non- procurement of the final
qualification. The university must always indicate if the procedures of
verification of the authenticity of the foreign qualification have been
performed, thereby clearly providing such indication to the diplomatic-consular
missions. It is the responsibility of the academic institution to inform the
candidate clearly that this pre-enrolment procedure does not guarantee any
right to obtain a visa for study purposes and that it does not imply any right
to the subsequent enrolment, which will only be finalised once all the
consigned academic qualifications have been evaluated and the relative
administrative steps have been finalised. For the procedure for assessing the
eligibility for enrolment carried out by the individual institutions, the
student can check directly with the university which type of documentation must
be produced and in what form.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART II: ENROLMENT IN LAUREA
DEGREE AND LAUREA MAGISTRALE DEGREE COURSES
1. PREMISE
The Laurea degree courses (1st cycle) normally last three years, while the Laurea
Magistrale degree courses (2nd cycle) are divided into:
a) Laurea Magistrale degree course of two years, subsequent to the Laurea
degree course; b) Single-cycle Laurea Magistrale degree, lasting
five or six years (i.e. Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Veterinary
Medicine, single-cycle Architecture, Law and Art Restoration).
Documents drafted in a foreign language for
consignment to diplomatic-consular Missions must be accompanied by an official
translation into Italian. The Mission will return the original academic
qualifications furnished with the consular legalisation, except for those cases
in which the Country where the qualifications were issued already applies the
Apostille. The said documents will not be sent by the Missions to the
Universities, but should be consigned directly by the student to the academic
authorities during the period of completion of the enrolment procedures,
following the methods and timelines adopted by the institution. For the
procedures of qualification evaluation performed by the institutions, the
student can verify directly with the university applied to which kind of
translation must be produced (sworn, certified etc.) and for which foreign
languages said translation is, or is not, exempted. In cases in which a foreign
student already enrolled at an Italian University has abandoned his/her studies
and requests a new enrolment at the same or a different University, he/she
cannot use the specific student residency permit which was granted for the
first enrolment. The decision to interrupt studies results in a shortcoming
of the requisites stipulated for the stay in the national territory and,
consequently, in the withdrawal of the authorising permit.6
The higher education institutions publish the list of
places reserved for each course (defined as "quota" - ref. article 39
of Legislative Decree 25 July 1998, no. 286) to visa applicant students,
thereby allowing interested parties to submit an application for pre-enrolment.
The list should also show whether or not students must provide a translation of
the documentation to be attached to the application. The list of places
reserved for foreign students is published on the website:
http://www.studiare-in-italia.it/studentistranieri/ .
2. PRE-ENROLMENT REQUEST FOR LAUREA DEGREE OR LAUREA
MAGISTRALE A CICLO UNICO (SINGLE-
CYCLE) DEGREE COURSES
Students interested in Laurea or Laurea Magistrale (single-cycle)
courses should:
a) access the UNIVERSITALY portal and fill in the related “pre-enrollment
application” which must be submitted to the
Italian Mission of the place of residence7 once validated by the university of reference; b) if
they possess one of the academic qualifications in Attachment 1 of these
dispositions, choose only one of the study courses indicated in the database to
be found inside the pre-enrolment request of the UNIVERSITALY portal. For those
study courses where a unique national access test is necessary (Medicine and
Surgery, Dentistry and Dental Prostheses, Veterinary Medicine and specific
courses to become an Architect), the pre-enrollment request is to be considered
automatically presented to all the other Universities indicated at the time of
enrollment for the test as alternatives to the first choice; c) if they possess
a qualification contained in Attachment 2 of these dispositions, they
can choose a course irrespectively
of the number of reserved places.
The request is accepted by the diplomatic-consular Mission conditionally
if the student is attending the last year of
6 Legislative Decree n. 286 of 25 July, 1998, Art. 5,
commas 3, 4 and 5: “Consolidated Law of decisions concerning the regulation
of
immigration and norms on the treatment of foreigners”, and later
modifications.
7 Candidates may
present their request to an Italian Mission located in a third Country. The
Head of said Mission may decide the acceptance or the refusal of the request, based on an evaluation of the
single circumstances and also taking into account the public interest.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
secondary education and is either yet to sit the final
exam, or the special academic competence exams where provided for, or in cases
where the university has indicated in the candidate’s pre-enrolment request
that admission to the course is subordinate to further controls.
2.1 Documents to be presented to diplomatic-consular Missions
a) original copy of final secondary education qualification, obtained after
at least 12 scholastic study years, or a fully
legal substitute certificate;8 b) certificate declaring the pass grade of an eventual
special academic competence exam eventually required for
entry to University in the Country of origin; c) two
photographs (of which one must be authenticated by the Italian Mission having
jurisdiction for that territory); d) a summary of the pre-enrolment request as
validated by the university.
2.2 Documents normally requested by higher education institutions9 a) original copy (or certified
copy) of final secondary education leaving qualification, obtained after at
least 12 scholastic study years10, or a fully legal substitute certificate; the final qualification may be
accompanied and at the discretion of each individual higher education institution
by a declaration/statement released by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre (CIMEA),
by a declaration of official foreign institutions or by a Declaration of value
(Dichiarazione di Valore)11; b) certificate declaring the pass grade of a special academic competence
exam eventually required for entry to University
in the Country of origin; c) the translation of the
documents listed in points a) and b); d) any other documentation required by
the university, also with reference to verifying the authenticity of the
foreign
qualification.12
3. PRE-ENROLMENT REQUEST FOR LAUREA MAGISTRALE DEGREE
COURSES (NOT SINGLE CYCLE)
Students interested in Laurea Magistrale degree courses (not
single-cycle), must present to the Italian Mission in the Country of origin a
summary of the request for pre-enrolment generated within the UNIVERSITALY
portal.13
3.1 Documents to be presented to diplomatic-consular Missions a) academic qualification gained from a University or post-secondary
qualification gained in a non-university Higher
Institute which allows them to proceed on-site to
further studies at academic institutions at the next level; b) certificate
released by the competent University declaring the exams passed, as well as,
for each subject, detailed
8 If the qualification of secondary education has been obtained
at the end of a period of less than 12 scholastic study years, please
refer
to what is indicated in Annex 1. 9 The documentation referring to the foreign
qualification and requested by the university is meant to verify the main
elements of the foreign
qualification and to check its comparability with an equivalent Italian
qualification, therefore each single university can request this type of
documentation independently, in the most appropriate form, in order to assess
the correctness of the foreign qualification for access to the chosen course. 10 Cf. note 6. 11 The documentation provided by Italian diplomatic missions does not affect the
evaluation decisions of the single higher education institutions as regards the foreign qualifications for enrolment to
courses. In this regard, it should be remembered that the request for a Dichiarazione
di valore “does not exclude the right and duty of the Administration to
perform its own autonomous evaluation even in cases where the relevant
diplomatic mission has not provided the required reply or has provided it with
insufficient or generic contents” (cf. Council of State sentence n. 4613 of
4/9/07). 12 Higher education
institutions are invited to put in place useful tools for the verification of
qualifications that can facilitate the entry of candidates with a foreign qualification, in line with the provisions of the
recent “Recommendation of the Council of the European Union on the promotion of
automatic mutual recognition of higher education qualifications and secondary
education and training qualifications and the results of study periods abroad”,
including the use of new tools and new technologies made available
internationally, including blockchain technology and the statements of
verification of qualifications by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre (CIMEA). 13 Requests are also “conditionally” accepted by the
diplomatic-consular Missions, from those who, while having finished their study
course, are not yet in actual possession of the
relative qualification or in cases where the admission is subordinate to other
requirements.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
programmes for the completion of said qualifications. The student can check
at the time of publication the number of places which each University reserves
for each single degree course, and if and for which foreign languages the
translation for said certificate has been exempted. Post-secondary studies
(exams and credits) already gained can be certified by the Diploma Supplement,
where in place; c) two photographs (of which one must be authenticated by the
competent Italian Mission for that territory); d) the summary of the
pre-enrolment request as validated by the University.
3.2 Documents normally requested by higher education institutions 14 a) academic qualification
gained from a higher education institution which allows access in the issuing
Country to further studies at academic institutions at the next level; the
final qualification may be accompanied at the discretion of each individual higher
education institution by a statement released by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre
(CIMEA), by a declaration of official foreign institutions or by a Dichiarazione
di valore15. b) certificate released by the competent University declaring the exam
transcripts, as well as, for each subject, detailed programmes for the
completion of said qualifications; the study programme can be certified by the
Diploma Supplement, where in place; c) eventual translations of the documents
listed in points a) and b); d) other eventual documents requested by the
university, including those relevant for the verification of the
authenticity
of the foreign qualification.16.
14 Cf. note 9. 15 Cf. note 11. 16 Cf. note 12.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART III: PROFICIENCY IN THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE
1. TEST OF PROFICIENCY IN THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE
Higher education institutions are obliged to test
the linguistic ability of students for access to courses. Each institution
must organise a test of proficiency in the Italian language, obligatory for all Laurea degree and Laurea
Magistrale a ciclo unico (single-cycle) degree courses, except for those
cases which are exempted as indicated in the paragraph below. This test is to
be held preferably off-campus and before the visa application, thereby allowing
for the certification of this proficiency during the request for a study visa,
for an acceleration of such procedures and to lessen the pressure on the
candidate.
The outcome of the evaluation of linguistic knowledge must
be certified in the pre-enrollment application and in the eventual letter of
eligibility for registration, in order to exempt the diplomatic-consular
Missions from the aforementioned verification.
Even in the case of courses held in other languages, this
language element must be indicated in the pre-enrolment request and in the
eventual letter of eligibility for registration, considering that for such
courses a knowledge test of Italian is not required: in all these cases,
students must deliver satisfactory certification of an adequate knowledge of
the foreign language in which the course is held. Nobody may be admitted to further competitive or aptitude tests - if any -
who has not passed the language test. As regards the Laurea Magistrale (non
single-cycle) degree courses, independent decisions by the universities may
include passing the test of proficiency in the Italian language.
1.1. Exemption from the language proficiency test The following students are exempted from the Italian language test, but
subject to the limit of the specific number of places reserved for visa
applicants and residents abroad:
a) those students who have obtained certificates of
proficiency in the Italian language with a grade not inferior to B2 level of
the Council of Europe, awarded as determined by the CLIQ (Italian Quality
Language Certification) quality system, which unites in one association the
current certification bodies (University for Foreigners of Perugia, University
for Foreigners of Siena, Rome Tre University and the Dante Alighieri Society)
and University for Foreigners "Dante Alighieri" of Reggio Calabria,
as well as in convention with Italian Institutes of Culture abroad or other
institutions. These certifications may be gained in the country of origin, in
the approved exam centres found all over the world;
b) the students described in the following paragraph are also exempted from
the preliminary Italian language test and are
enrolled independently of the fixed quota of places.
1.2. Exemption from the language test and quotas For enrolment to Laurea and Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico (single-cycle)
degree courses, exemption is granted to, irrespectively of the number of
reserved places:
c) those students who hold the final 4- or 5-year senior secondary school
diploma awarded by Italian State or State-
recognised schools abroad; d) those students holding
one of the final leaving qualifications from a secondary School as listed in
Attachment 2; e) the holders of certificates pertaining to the Lower Secondary
School final qualification obtained in Argentina, which certify the attendance
of a study course which includes the teaching, for at least 5 years, of the
Italian language, according to Law no. 210 of 7.6.1999 (Gazzetta Ufficiale no.
152 of 1.7.1999); f) those students who have earned the Diploma in Italian
Language and Culture at the Universities for Foreigners of
Perugia and Siena; g) Those students who have earned
the certification in Italian language proficiency, with a grade of C1 or C2 of
the Council of Europe, awarded as determined by the CLIQ (Italian Quality
Language Certification) quality system, which unites in one association the
current certification bodies (Universities for Foreigners of Perugia and Siena,
Roma Tre University and the Dante Alighieri Society), as well as those issued
by the University for Foreigners “Dante Alighieri” of Reggio Calabria, also in
convention with Italian Institutes of Culture abroad or other accredited
institutions. h) For enrolment in Laurea Magistrale degree courses
(should the University autonomously require the test) exemption
is granted to those students holding the qualifications outlined in the
previous letters d) and e).
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART IV: INCOMING VISA FOR
STUDY PURPOSES, RESIDENCY PERMIT AND SUBSEQUENT MEASURES
1. INCOMING VISA FOR SITTING ENTRY TESTS
For students who
are regularly pre-enrolled (see Part I, 4.1) and for whom the application by
the institution of higher education received within the UNIVERSITALY portal has
been validated, the diplomatic-consular missions will issue, having completed
their checks, a “D” type STUDY visa for “University Enrolment”
Students regularly pre-enrolled and who have received
“provisional” confirmation from the University (because not yet physically in
possession of the relevant local qualification or because waiting to
participate in the entrance or language exam), the diplomatic-consular missions
will issue a “D” type STUDY visa for “University Enrolment” in order to allow
them to take the entrance exams to the University/AFAM and to proceed, in case
of passing the selection, with the subsequent enrolment without having to
return to the country of origin. If the admission tests or language exams take
place before the final school diploma is obtained or in a time that does not
allow the regular pre-enrollment to be completed, students must request a
short-term entry visa (Schengen Uniform Visa for stays of less than 90 days)17 of duration commensurate with the actual needs of the
student, having ascertained the existence of the conditions and requirements
for this type of visa.
The competent diplomatic-consular Mission will issue
the national entry visa for STUDY “University Enrolment”, with multiple
entries, valid 365 days only following the student's admission to participate
in the chosen course, once he/she has returned to the country of origin. The
issue of a STUDY visa for “university enrolment” can only be granted for
enrolment in a Laurea and Laurea Magistrale degree course and
in no case is the issue such a visa foreseen in favour of foreigners enrolled
in academic years subsequent to that of enrolment.
2. REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE A STUDY VISA
To obtain an entry visa for STUDY purposes for University Enrolment (type D “national”) and, subsequently, of a residency permit, the foreign
student must demonstrate being in possession of the following requisites:
a) Economic means for subsistence during the planned stay. These means are
quantified as € 459.83 per month for each month of duration of the
academic year18, equal to € 5.977,79 per year. The availability in Italy of such
means of support must be proven through personal or parental economic
guarantees, or provided by Italian Institutions or Authorities of proven
liquidity, including Universities, local Government, foreign Institutions or
Authorities deemed reliable by the Italian diplomatic Mission; they cannot be
demonstrated through the exhibition of a bank guarantee, or of a guarantee
insurance policy, and neither with cash or guarantees supplied by third parties19. b) The availability of the necessary sum for
repatriation, which can also be demonstrated by showing a return ticket. c)
Suitable lodgings in the national territory. d) Adequate insurance cover for
medical expenses and hospital stays (Art. 39 paragraph 3 Consolidated Law n.
286/1998 and Ministry of the Interior Directive 01.03.2000), which the student
must demonstrate being in possession of, at the time of the residency permit
request. The following modalities are accepted:
17 Countries whose citizens need a short-stay visa:
http://www.esteri.it/mae/it/ministero/servizi/stranieri/ingressosoggiornoinitalia/visto_ingresso/paesi_soggetti_visto.html
Countries whose citizens do not need a short-stay visa:
http://www.esteri.it/mae/it/ministero/servizi/stranieri/ingressosoggiornoinitalia/visto_ingresso/paesi_esenti_visto.html
Requirements to obtain a short-stay visa: http://esteri.it/visti/home.asp 18 The amount referred to is quoted in Circular n. 3,
having as its object “Renewal of pensions, social security emoluments and emoluments in parallel with pensions for the year 2020”, issued by Istituto
Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale (Italian State pension authority), on 9th December, 2019, where the amount of the “minimum state
pension” is communicated. 19 The mere application for an Italian government scholarship does not act as
a document of economic cover. Students who, having requested but not yet obtained an Italian government scholarship, intend to
present a request for enrolment even following the current norms must produce a
document proving economic cover just like the other candidates.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
- consular declaration which demonstrates the right for health care cover
due to an Agreement between Italy and
the Country of origin; - foreign insurance policy,
accompanied by a consular declaration on its validity in Italy, on its term and
on the forms of assistance covered, which should not include limitations or
exceptions to the tariffs established for urgent hospital admittance for the
length of the cover; - insurance policy with Authorities or national companies
accompanied by a declaration from the insuring entity that specifies the
absence of limitations or exceptions to the tariffs established for urgent hospital
admittance for the length of the cover.
Participants of the entry tests, including the Italian language exam, which
are held after the delivery of the final secondary qualification or
the successful procedure of pre-enrolment, are to come to the chosen University
bearing a passport with the specific entry visa for STUDY purposes (University
Enrolment) or with the eventual residency permit, or receipt produced by the
Post Office testifying the deposition of the permit request which occurred.
They will receive from the chosen University the modality to present the
pre-enrolment request, authenticated by a signature, a photograph and the study
documents, accompanied by the relevant consular papers, collected from the
Italian diplomatic consular Mission.
3. MEASURES TO TAKE UPON ARRIVAL IN ITALY
Within eight working days of arrival in Italy on a
type D “national” visa for STUDY (University Enrolment), the candidates must
forward a request for a residency permit for STUDY to the police headquarters responsible for the city where they intend to
establish their residence. The request may be presented to Post Offices, or by
taking advantage of the eventual counter established at the University, using
the appropriate kit available at the said Offices. At the moment of
presentation of the request for a residency permit, the foreigner will be
identified and must effect the payment of the relative costs.
At the time of presentation of the dossier at the post
office window, the student will receive an invitation of summons which
specifies the date when he must appear at the specific offices of the police
headquarters, together with photographs, to undergo the photographic and
fingerprinting procedures. In cases where the dossier must be integrated with
further documentation, the student will be informed via text message or
registered mail.20 The Post Office produces a receipt of the delivery of a request for a
residency permit which is equivalent to the receipt of the presentation of the
dossier produced by the Police Headquarters and which, moreover, functions as a
testimonial to the authorized presence in Italy.21
Students who arrive on a short-term visa (Uniform
Schengen Visa – USV) perform the previous procedures for residency according to
the terms of Law n. 68 of 28/5/2007 following the indications of the Interior
Ministry circular of 26.07.2007, called Procedures for presentation of
“Declaration of Presence” by foreigners for short-term stays (Modalità
di presentazione della Dichiarazione di Presenza resa dagli stranieri per
soggiorni di breve durata). Candidates, pending the verification of all the
fixed requirements, are in all cases admitted to the tests, but
“conditionally”.22
20 In the preparation of a request for a residency permit
the student may take advantage of the free and professional assistance of the
aid
offices and Municipalities that have implemented such services.
21 The Post Office
employee also releases a letter containing all the information relative to the
interview fixed at the relevant Police Headquarters: the date, the time and the place to report for the
prosecution of the subsequent activities relative to the request are all
indicated. Information on the procedure may be obtained from: www.poliziadistato.it;
www.portaleimmigrazione.it and 800 number 803160.
22 If the time of
release of the residency permit is prolonged because of obligations related to
the submission to photo-fingerprinting procedures, the subsequent enrolment at the University is also carried out
conditionally, until a copy of the residence permit is presented, or at the
request of the University concerned, until the eventual communication from the
competent Police Headquarters, concerning the adoption of a provision rejecting
the application (in the case in which there are reasons for blocking the
request that were not evident when issuing the entry visa).
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
4. RENEWAL OF
RESIDENCY PERMIT
Students, upon enrolment in a university course, must
request from the Chief of Police (Questore) of the Province in which
they are located the renewal of the residency permit for the entire year, at
least sixty days before it expires. When renewal is necessary, a foreign
student who entered Italy on a type “D” national visa for STUDY university
enrolment purposes must demonstrate the possession of the same financial
resources required for entry, not inferior to €459,83 per month, equal
to €5.977,79 annually, the certificate of University registration and
all the conditions already required for the issue of the residency
permit.
Residency permits for STUDY purposes (University) are renewed “...for those students who in the first year of the course
have passed a progress review and in the following years at least two reviews”,
as determined by the University in terms of credits. Furthermore, “for serious
health reasons or force majeur, with the relevant documentation, the residency
permit may be renewed even for the student who has only passed a single
progress review, subject to the total number of renewals. These may not in any
case be issued for more than three years beyond the duration of the study
course”.23
The renewability of residency permits for study
purposes is also contemplated for the continuation of studies with the
registration for a degree course different from that which the foreign student
entered Italy to study, provided the academic authorities give their approval
for such change.24
23 Art. 46, comma 4 of Presidential Decree n. 394 of 31
August, 1999.
24 According to Art.
1, comma 1, lett. B) of Legislative Decree n. 154 of 10 August, 2007. In this
regard, clarifying that the opportunity to transfer to a study course different from that for which the visa was
issued is allowed only for university courses, with the exclusion therefore of
transfers to private courses, the relative applied rules have been outlined in
Interior Ministry circular n. 400/C/2008/899/P/12.214.27BI dated 21 February,
2008.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART V: COURSES WITH ADMISSION QUOTAS
1. ENTRY TESTS
It is mandatory to sit an entry test to accede to national fixed
quota university courses:
• Laurea degree and Laurea
Magistrale degree courses directly structured for the qualification of
Architect;
• Laurea Magistrale degree course in Medicine and Surgery and Laurea Magistrale degree
course in Odontoiatrics and Dental Prostheses;
• Laurea Magistrale degree course in Veterinary Medicine;
• Laurea degree and Laurea
Magistrale degree courses in Healthcare Professions;
• Laurea Magistrale degree course in Primary Education Sciences. The dates relating to the
admission tests to the study courses indicated above can be found on the
institutional website of the Ministry for Universities and Research. The
modalities and contents of the admission tests, and of the registrations, are
found and take place exclusively through the UNIVERSITALY portal.
Admission exams are equally mandatory for
courses identified by the Universities, following the norms in place, the dates
of sitting of which are fixed by the calls issued and posted in the registers
of the individual Universities.25 Following upon the admission tests for fixed quota courses or for other
eventual tests autonomously organised by the individual Universities, each
University defines and publishes a merit ranking according to the rules
established for the respective call relative to the quota reserved for the year
in question. In order to define to which contingent a single candidate
refers for entry to a course with a limited number, the criterion of his
citizenship will be used and not that of the country where the qualification
was obtained, even if the latter was obtained from an Italian educational
institution operating abroad. The only exception to this indication refers to
those candidates who already have a residence permit for study at a secondary
school and at the same time obtain a final diploma of upper secondary school in
Italy, who will be included in the category “Italian, EU and equivalent
candidates”.
2. PLACES LEFT AVAILABLE IN THE CASE OF INDIVIDUAL
QUOTAS
Students who do not classify in the ranking for
admission with respect to the number of places reserved for them may, within
the deadlines fixed in the timetables and after the publication of the places
still available, present a single request for:
a) admission to another university course in the same institution; b)
redeployment, for the same university course, or another, to an alternative
institution;
The requests outlined in b) must be presented by the
candidates to the Rector of the chosen University, as well as to the Rector of
the University where the admission exam was sat. Those candidates who do not pass
the tests or who do not gain admission either to another university course or a
redeployment to another institution, must leave Italy within and no later
than the expiration of the visa or of the study residency permit, unless
they have another residency document which allows them to legally stay beyond
that date.
25 According to the decision taken by the Council of
State, Plenary Session n. 1/2015, passing an admission test for degree
and
master’s degree courses in the healthcare area established by Art. 4, comma
1, of Law n. 264 of 2 August, 1999, is not mandatory for students who arrive
from foreign universities and request a transfer to years subsequent to the
first year of the aforementioned courses. The transfer clearance is in any case
subordinate to the respect of the unavoidable limit of the number of available
places fixed by the chosen university for each year at the time of annual
planning, and to the verification of the educational path completed by the
student: to this end, the Universities analytically specify in their calls both
the criteria for the recognition of the acquired credits at the foreign
University and for the evaluation of the comparability, and the number of
available places for a transfer into each year subsequent to the first. Each
University may equally determine, as allowed for within its own autonomy, the
possibility of organising further evaluative admission tests for students who
request a transfer into years subsequent to the first, with a view to verifying
the knowledge, competences and ability, in accordance with the principles of
the Lisbon Convention.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
For national study courses with limited quotas, each
University arranges for the admission of candidates from non-EU countries
residing abroad on the basis of a specific merit ranking, within the limit of
the quota reserved for them. Any places not used within the aforementioned
ranking are made available, for the same study courses, as part of the places
intended for students from EU and non-EU countries residing in Italy as
referred to in article 26 of law 189 of 2002, in time for the scrolling of the
relative rankings and without prejudice, where possible, to any compensation
between universities within the same quota reserved for students from non-EU
countries not resident in Italy.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART VI: ENROLMENT
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Information relative to enrolment must be sourced at
each university. Should the foreign student not be in possession of the
required residency permit also during the phase of enrolment, or in general not
in possession of all the established requisites, the registration for the
requested Laurea degree or Laurea Magistrale degree course is
conditionally accepted until the month of June of the year following that of
the presentation of the request. In such circumstances, upon a request from
the University in question, within and no later than said month of June, the
Police Headquarters (Questura) will send a communication testifying to
the actual issue of the residency permit, unless there is the eventual decision
to reject the request.
The higher education institutions in order to proceed with the enrolment of students, in addition to
assessing the suitability of the qualification for the purpose of access to the
chosen course, are responsible for verifying the authenticity of the
academic documents presented, using the methods they consider most adequate
to carry out such checks, such as requesting apostilled and legalised
documents, contacting the foreign institution directly, using online
verification tools, using the services offered by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre
(CIMEA), etc. Institutions of higher education are also invited to
introduce useful tools in order to facilitate the entry of candidates with
foreign qualifications, in line with the provisions of the recent
“Recommendation of the Council of the European Union on the promotion of
automatic mutual recognition of higher education and higher secondary education
and training and the results of study periods abroad”, including the use of new
technologies, including blockchain technology, made available
internationally by the ENIC-NARIC centres.
The foreign qualification evaluation necessary for
enrolment in Italian higher education study courses lies within the exclusive
jurisdiction of higher education institutions, as established by Art. 2 of Law
148/2002. The documentation provided by Italian diplomatic missions does not
affect the evaluation decisions of the single higher education institutions as
regards foreign qualifications for enrolment in courses. In this regard, it
should be remembered that the request for a Dichiarazione di valore “...does
not exclude the right and duty of the Administration to perform its own
autonomous evaluation even in cases where the relevant diplomatic mission has
not provided the documentation requested or has provided generic or
insufficient material”. 26 During the foreign qualification evaluation procedures necessary for
enrolment, the documentation needed from the students is determined by the
single higher education institutions.
2. QUALIFICATIONS HELD BY RECIPIENTS OF INTERNATIONAL
PROTECTION
On the basis of the Lisbon Recognition Convention27 - ratified in Italy by Law n.148 of 11 July 2002 - and
considering Article 26 of Legislative Decree 251/2007, as amended pursuant to
Legislative Decree No. 18 of 21 February 2014 (introduction of paragraph 3 bis)28, higher education institutions are invited, taking
into account their autonomy and in line with the possibility given by the
current legislation to carry out controls “... of the cycles and periods of
study carried out abroad and of foreign qualifications, for access purposes to
higher education, the continuation of university studies and
26 Cf. State Council sentence n. 4613 of 04/09/07.
27 Article VII of the
Convention on the recognition of academic qualifications relating to superior
education in the European Union: “...Every Party, in the scope of its own education system and in
conformity with its personal constitutional, judicial and legislative
regulations, shall adopt all possible and reasonable measures to elaborate
procedures aimed at evaluating fairly and effectively whether refugees, exiles
and those persons in conditions similar to those of refugees fulfil the
requisites for admittance to higher education, to programmes complementary to
higher education or to work activities, even in those cases where the academic
qualifications issued by one of the Parties cannot be proven by the relative
documents.”
28"3-bis: For
the recognition of professional qualifications, diplomas, certificates and
other titles obtained abroad by holders of refugee or subsidiary protection status, the relevant administrations shall
identify appropriate assessment, validation and accreditation systems that
allow the recognition of qualifications pursuant to Article 49 of Presidential
Decree n. 394 of 31 August 1999, even in the absence of certification by the
State in which the qualification was obtained, where the interested party
proves that he cannot acquire said certification."
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
the achievement of Italian university degrees” (Article 2 of Law 148/2002), to put in place all the necessary efforts
in order to prepare internal procedures and mechanisms for evaluating the
qualifications of refugees and holders of subsidiary protection, even in
cases where all or part of the relevant documents proving the qualifications
are not present.
The higher education institutions, with a view to the
recognition of such qualifications and for the implementation of the eventual
evaluation procedures, can benefit from the experience and the certifications
produced by the Italian ENIC- NARIC centre (CIMEA) and from established best
practices at an international level.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART VII: ENROLMENT IN OTHER STUDY COURSE
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Candidates in
possession of a foreign academic qualification equivalent in level, type,
content and academic rights (access to further courses), to the Italian
academic qualification required for access to the chosen course, may request
enrolment in courses for scuole di
specializzazione, dottorato di ricerca,
perfezionamento, master universitari di primo e secondo livello, single courses (corsi singoli), courses in Italian language and
culture at the Universities for Foreigners of Perugia, Siena and “Dante
Alighieri” Reggio Calabria and foundation courses (corsi propedeutici).
Registration remains subject to the assessment of the
suitability of the degree by the academic bodies for the sole purpose of enrolment, as well as the passing of the respective
entrance exams, where applicable. In particular, as regards foundation courses,
only students who possess a final foreign secondary school qualification necessary
for enrolling in a university level course in the country of origin, which is
not sufficient, however, for enrolment in a university course in Italy, will be
considered suitable, in accordance with the provisions of Annex 1 of these
Procedures and in consideration of the assessment carried out by the individual
institutions of higher education with reference to the characteristics of the
course of study chosen by the candidate.
The candidates must present the enrolment request
directly to the chosen University, according to the terms and conditions
established by each University. Study
qualifications awarded by foreign authorities must be accompanied by documents
indicated by the universities in line with the Lisbon Recognition Convention:
the student is obliged to produce the documentation requested by the University
with a view to evaluating the foreign qualification, with reference to:
eventual translations, legalisations, Diploma Supplements, exam certificates,
the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre (CIMEA) statements, Dichiarazioni di
valore, or other declarations useful for the verification of the elements
of the foreign qualification. The candidates must satisfy the requirements of
the professional qualification, where requested.
2. DOTTORATO AND MASTER UNIVERSITARIO COURSES
For enrolment in Master universitari and Dottorati
di ricerca courses the dispositions necessary for enrolment in Laurea and
Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico (single-cycle) degree courses are not
applied, considering that the entry procedures for the
aforementioned courses do not follow a timetable drawn up according to general
instructions.
Candidates in possession of a foreign academic
qualification equivalent in terms of level, type, content and academic rights
(access to further courses) to the equivalent Italian academic qualification
necessary to access the chosen course may request enrolment. The candidates present a request to attend a Dottorato di ricerca or
Master universitario course together with a copy of the academic qualification
directly to the University following the procedures and inside the terms
specified in the announcements of the relative institutions. This procedure
must also be applied in the case of Masters organised by Universities in
collaboration with public or private institutions. Upon enrolling at the
University, the candidates present the academic qualification, attached to the
documentation required for enrolment.
Following confirmation of acceptance by the
University, candidates request the Mission to issue an entry visa for study
purposes, with validity related to the duration of the course. Both in cases
where admission tests are contemplated, but such tests do not require a
physical presence in Italy, and in cases where the student must be physically
present for the admission test, the diplomatic-consular Missions are
responsible for issuing a STUDY visa, in line with the start and duration of
the course or, in the second case, with the timing of the entrance tests. In
the event of a favourable outcome of the admission test, the candidate can
proceed with the subsequent enrolment in the course, without needing to return
to the country of origin.
The Institutions of Higher Education who receive an admission request for such courses communicate the
acceptance of the student and the results of the admission test, where
relevant, to the Missions with jurisdiction. For these courses, as well, the
evaluation of entry qualifications is the exclusive responsibility of the
academic Governance. In the pre-enrolment application procedure and in the
eventual letter of admission it will be clearly indicated whether or not in the
opinion of the University it is necessary to request a Dichiarazione di
Valore for foreign qualifications. If necessary, this will be considered as
a requirement for obtaining the visa itself.
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PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
3. SINGLE COURSES AND INTERNSHIPS
Students or foreign citizens applying for a visa, who intend to attend one or more single courses (corsi singoli) or
internships (stage) in Italy, can register, within the deadlines set by
each single University, by presenting the documentation requested by the single
Italian University. The Universities communicate the names of the visa
applicants for these types of courses to the Italian Diplomatic Missions,
indicating the positive academic evaluation of the candidate.29 In the application for pre-enrolment and in an
eventual letter of eligibility for enrolment in single courses or, in general,
in communications made by the University to the diplomatic-consular Missions,
it will be clearly indicated whether, in the University's judgment, it is
necessary or not to request a Dichiarazione di valore of the certificate
attesting the exams passed (transcript). If this requirement is
necessary, the Dichiarazione di valore will be considered as a necessary
requirement for obtaining the visa itself. In the event that the Dichiarazione
di valore is not requested, the Universities will be able to use further
documentation to support their assessments such as certificates issued by the
Italian ENIC-NARIC centre (CIMEA) or certificates from official foreign bodies.
The foreign candidate cannot obtain the renewal of an entry visa in
order to further his/her studies by attending another single course, distinct
from the one that allowed the student to enter Italy: the renewability of an
entry visa for study purposes is allowed for the furtherance of studies through
enrolment in a Laurea course30 which is pertinent or consequent to the finished
single course. Such pertinence must be certified by the University in
question.
4. ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COURSES
Non-European Community foreign citizens residing
abroad who are regularly enrolled in courses of Italian
language and culture organised by the Universities for Foreigners in Perugia,
in Siena and in Reggio Calabria - “Dante
Alighieri” are eligible for the issue of study visas with
validity in line with the length of the courses in question. For the release of
the entry visas relative to the aforementioned courses, the general
dispositions of the Schengen legislation and the national law regarding
immigration are applied, in particular as concerns the evaluation of migratory
risk.
5. FOUNDATION COURSES (CORSI PROPEDEUTICI)
Based on the principles established by Art. 6, comma 1 of Ministerial
Decree 270/2004 for the university sector and by Art. 7, comma 2 of
Presidential Decree 212/2005 for the AFAM sector, higher education institutions
can organise foundation educational activities for access to 1st cycle courses, proposing foundation courses (corsi
propedeutici), even for less than one year, to integrate- the requisites
for admission requested for enrolment in Italian higher education courses, in
line with the contents of Annex 1. At the end of such courses an appropriate
Certificate can be released related to the Foundation Course followed. As
regards enrolment to said courses, the same procedures are applied as for
enrolment in Master universitari. The higher education institutions
shall communicate to the respective diplomatic-consular Missions all
information regarding the length and the nature of the course in
question.
6. HIGHER TECHNICAL INSTITUTES (ITS)
For enrolment in Post-Diploma Technical Specialisation
courses organised by Higher Technical Institutes (ITS) by visa applicants, the same procedures as for enrolment in Laurea courses
apply, except for the scheduling of university pre- enrolment procedures and
participation in the quota. Candidates present the application for
participation in a Post Diploma Technical Specialisation course directly to
Higher Technical Institutes following the procedures and within the established
deadlines of the relative institutions. The electronic procedure of
“pre-enrolment application” available on the UNIVERSITALY website for the
evaluation of candidates for higher education courses, implemented by
these
29 For the release of short entry visas relative to the
aforementioned courses, the general dispositions of the Schengen legislation
and the national law regarding immigration are applied, in particular as
concerns the evaluation of migratory risk.
30 In accordance with 2004 EC Directive 114, adopted by
Art. 39 of 1998 Legislative Decree n. 268.
( 19 )
PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
provisions only for universities, will be extended to the Higher Technical
Institutes (ITS) starting from the provisions referring to the academic year
2021-2022.
At the time of enrolment, candidates present their qualifications, duly
accompanied by the following documents31: a) original (or
certified copy) of final secondary school diploma awarded after at least 12
years of schooling, or a replacement certificate valid for all legal purposes;
the final qualification can be accompanied, alternatively and at the discretion
of the institution, by a certification issued by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre
(CIMEA), by certificates of official foreign bodies or by a Dichiarazione di
valore; b) certificate certifying that the academic eligibility test
required for access to similar institutions in the country of origin has been
passed, considering this necessity only in cases where the foreign system
provides for an entry test for institutions comparable to ITSs; c) eventual Italian
translations of the documents indicated in points a) and b); d) eventual
supplementary documentation requested by the Institution, including pertinent
documentation to verify the
authenticity of the foreign qualification.
Following confirmation of acceptance by the Institution, candidates request
the Mission to issue an entry visa for study purposes, with validity related to
the duration of the course. The diplomatic-consular Missions issue the
relative visa, taking into account the frequently short time-frames before the
start of these courses. The Institutes that receive the request for
admission to these courses communicate the student's acceptance to the relevant
Missions. For these courses, as well, the evaluation of qualifications for
admission is the exclusive competence of the Institutes. In the Letter of
eligibility for enrolment or, in general, in the communications made by the
Institute to the diplomatic-consular Mission, it will be clearly indicated
whether, in the opinion of the Institute, it is necessary or not to request a Dichiarazione
di Valore. If this requirement is necessary, the Dichiarazione di Valore
will be considered as a necessary requirement for obtaining the visa
itself. In the event that the Dichiarazione di Valore is not requested,
the Institutes will be able to use further documentation to support their
assessments such as certificates issued by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre
(CIMEA) or certificates from official foreign bodies. The Higher Technical
Institutes will communicate to the respective diplomatic-consular Missions all
information relating to the duration and nature of the course in question. Both
in cases where admission tests are contemplated, but such tests do not require
a physical presence in Italy, and in cases where the student must be physically
present for the admission test, the diplomatic-consular Missions are
responsible for issuing a STUDY visa, in line with the start and duration of
the course or, in the second case, with the timing of the entrance tests. In
the event of a favourable outcome of the above tests, the candidate can proceed
with the subsequent enrolment in the course, without needing to return to the
country of origin. In the event of a favourable outcome of the admission tests,
once back in their country, the Representation will issue the candidate with a
new entry visa for STUDY, in line with the start and duration of the
course.
As far as proficiency in the Italian language is concerned, the same
dispositions as for the university sector apply.
7. OTHER HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS ACCREDITED FOR THE RELEASE OF
QUALIFICATIONS
For enrolment in
the official courses of the Italian higher education system by candidates
applying for visas organised by the Higher Schools for Language Mediators,
(SSML), by the Institutes in Psychotherapy Specialisation and by the Institutions
authorised to issue Higher Artistic, Musical and Dance Education qualifications
according to art. 11 of Presidential Decree 08/07/2005, n. 212, the same
procedures for enrolment apply to courses of the same level and nature of the
University sector and AFAM. Candidates submit the application for participation
in a course directly to the reference institution within the deadlines of the relevant
offices.
31The final
secondary school qualification obtained abroad and awarded after no less than
12 years of schooling may also be of a different nature than that required for entry to university institutions, bearing in
mind that in many foreign systems there are final qualifications of upper
secondary school with a vocational orientation which, while not allowing access
to academic studies, allow access to technical courses comparable to those
offered by ITSs.
( 20 )
PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY, RESIDENCY
AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING VISAS FOR
HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021
The electronic procedure of “pre-enrolment
application” available on the UNIVERSITALY website for the evaluation of
candidates for higher education courses, implemented by these provisions only
for universities, will be extended to the Institutions dealt with in this
section starting from the provisions referring to the academic year
2021-2022.
At the time of enrolment, candidates present their qualifications, duly
accompanied by the following documents:
- for courses relating to first cycle:
a) original (or certified copy) of final secondary school diploma awarded
after at least 12 years of schooling, or a replacement certificate valid for
all legal purposes; the final qualification can be accompanied, alternatively
and at the discretion of the institution, by a certification issued by the
Italian ENIC-NARIC centre (CIMEA), by certificates of official foreign bodies
or by a Dichiarazione di valore32; b) certificate certifying that the academic
eligibility test required for access to similar institutions in the country
of
origin, where foreseen, has been passed; - for
courses relating to second and third cycles:
c) qualification awarded by a Higher Education Institution which gives
academic rights for the continuation of study at the next level in the country
of reference at the relevant academic institutions, the final qualification can
be accompanied, alternatively and at the discretion of the institution, by a
certification issued by the Italian ENIC- NARIC centre (CIMEA), by certificates
of official foreign bodies or by a Dichiarazione di valore; d) certificate
issued by the competent foreign institution certifying the exams passed (transcript),
as well as for each discipline, the programmes for the achievement of the
aforementioned qualifications; the study programme can be certified by the
Diploma Supplement, if adopted; - for all types of courses:
e) eventual translations into Italian of the documents indicated in points
a), b), c) e d); f) eventual supplementary documentation requested by the
Institution, including pertinent documentation to verify
the authenticity of the foreign qualification.33 Following confirmation of acceptance by the Institution,
candidates request the Mission to issue an entry visa for study
purposes, with validity related to the duration of the course. The
diplomatic-consular Missions issue the relative visa, taking into
account the frequently short time-frames before the start of these courses. The
above-mentioned Institutes that receive the request for admission to these
courses communicate the student's acceptance to the relevant diplomatic
Missions. For these courses, as well, the evaluation of qualifications for
admission is the exclusive competence of the Institutes, according to the
national and international procedures in force in the sector. In the Letter of
eligibility for enrolment or, in general, in the communications made by the
Institute to the diplomatic- consular Mission, it will be clearly indicated
whether, in the opinion of the Institute, it is necessary or not to request a Dichiarazione
di Valore. If this requirement is considered necessary, the Dichiarazione
di Valore will be considered as a necessary requirement for obtaining the
visa itself. In the event that the Dichiarazione di Valore is not
requested, the Institutes will be able to use further documentation to support
their assessments such as certificates issued by the Italian ENIC-NARIC centre
(CIMEA) or certificates from official foreign bodies.
Higher Schools for Language Mediators, (SSML), the
Institutes in Psychotherapy Specialisation and the Institutions authorised to
issue Higher Artistic, Musical and Dance Training qualifications according to
art. 11 of Presidential Decree 08/07/2005, n. 212, will communicate to the
respective diplomatic-consular Missions all information relating to the
duration and nature of the course in question.
Both in cases where admission tests are contemplated,
but such tests do not require a physical presence in Italy, and in cases where
the student must be physically present for the admission test, the
diplomatic-consular Missions are responsible for issuing a STUDY visa, in line
with the start and duration of the course or, in the second case, with the
timing of the entrance tests. In the event of a favourable outcome of the above
tests, the candidate can proceed with the subsequent enrolment in the course, without
needing to return to the country of origin.
As far as proficiency in the Italian language is concerned, the same
dispositions as for the university sector apply.
32 Cf. note 11.
33 Cf. note 11.
( 21 )
PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY,
RESIDENCY AND ENROLMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING
VISAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES IN ITALY, FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
2020-2021
PART VIII: COURSES AT
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER ARTISTIC, MUSICAL AND DANCE EDUCATION (AFAM)
1. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
To enter Diploma accademico di primo livello courses
and Diploma accademico di secondo livello courses, offered
by the AFAM Institutions34 one should refer to the provisions which discipline access to Laurea and
Laurea Magistrale courses at university Institutions.
The electronic procedure of “pre-enrolment
application” available on the UNIVERSITALY website for the evaluation of
candidates for higher education courses, implemented by these provisions only
for universities, will be extended to the AFAM Institutions starting from the
provisions referring to the academic year 2021-2022.
2. SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS
The pre-enrolment to be performed for courses
organised by the institutions belonging to the AFAM system must be carried out
directly at the diplomatic-consular Missions. For institutions wishing to use
it, there is the transitory possibility of pre- enrolment with a special
regime, carrying out a preliminary assessment and producing the relevant Letter
of eligibility for enrolment according to Model D.
The list of courses and of the corresponding quota of
reserved places, for each AFAM Institution, for non-European Union citizens
residing abroad, an integral part of the provisions, can be consulted on the
website at http://afam.miur.it/studentistranieri/, and this list will also be
published by the AFAM Institutions.
Any communication regarding the AFAM sector, whether
on the part of the academic institutions or on the part of the Missions, should
be addressed to the Ministry for Universities and Research (MUR) – Office for
the Internationalisation of Higher Education - Via Michele Carcani, 61 – 00153
ROMA. In particular, the lists of foreign candidates admitted to courses must
be forwarded, as well as the lists of the candidates actually enrolled.
The AFAM sector institutions for whatever
communication regarding non-European Union citizens residing abroad must
contact the relevant Italian Diplomatic-consular Missions directly, the
addresses for which are available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Co-operation website (http://www.esteri.it/mae/it/ministero/laretediplomatica/).
* * *
34 That is to say: the Academies
of Fine Arts, The National Dance Academy, the National Dramatic Arts Academy,
the Legally Recognised Academies of Fine Arts, the Music Conservatories, the
State-Recognised Music Institutes and the Higher Institutes for Artistic
Industries, which in Italy are the institutions authorised to issue
qualifications of Higher artistic, musical and dance education, as
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