The Complete Guide to Pre-Enrollment for International Students in Italy
For non-EU students dreaming of studying in Italy—whether for medicine (IMAT), architecture, or other degree programs—the journey begins long before you set foot in a lecture hall. It begins with Pre-Enrollment.
Navigating Italian bureaucracy can be daunting. To ensure your application succeeds, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to the pre-enrollment process, covering everything from the Universitaly portal and required documents to managing technical errors and understanding deadlines.
1. What is Pre-Enrollment?
Pre-enrollment is the official first step for non-EU students living abroad. It serves as a formal declaration to the Italian authorities of your intent to study at a specific institution.
Why is it required? It is mandatory. Without completing pre-enrollment, you cannot apply for a study visa (Type D) at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
The process is handled entirely online through the Universitaly portal, a platform managed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.
2. When Does the Process Start?
The exact opening date for pre-enrollment varies slightly from year to year, but it typically begins in the Spring (often around March or April) for the upcoming academic year.
What about deadlines?
There is no single national deadline. Each university sets its own specific deadline for non-EU students to complete the pre-enrollment procedure on Universitaly.
At LOCOMOTIVE Group, we actively track these dates. We highly recommend checking the specific website of your chosen university or following our updates to ensure you do not miss the window.
3. The Universitaly Portal & Documents
To begin, you will need to create an account on the Universitaly website. Once registered, you will fill out your personal data and upload the required documentation.
Before you log in, have these PDF/JPEG ready:
- A valid passport (check expiry date).
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Academic transcripts and diplomas (translated into Italian or English).
- Proof of language proficiency (only if specifically requested).
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Don't guess. We show you exactly where to click and how to fill out the forms correctly to avoid rejection.
4. How the Validation Process Works
Once you submit your application on Universitaly, a multi-step chain of events begins. It is important to understand that this is not automatic; actual people are reviewing your files.
University Review
The university you selected reviews your uploaded documents to ensure they meet their specific admission criteria.
Forwarding
If validated, the university electronically forwards your application to the designated Italian Embassy or Consulate you selected.
Visa Application
Once the Embassy receives this validation summary, you can proceed with your formal visa application.
Important: Validation by the university merely confirms that your application meets academic requirements. It does not guarantee that the Embassy will grant your visa.
5. Common Confusion: Pre-Enrollment vs. Pre-Registration
It is vital not to confuse these two terms, as they mean different things:
Pre-Enrollment
Mandatory step on Universitaly for ALL non-EU students to get a visa.
Pre-Registration
Additional requirement some universities ask for (on their own sites) to assess eligibility.
Always check if your target university requires this extra "Pre-Registration" step to avoid delays.
6. Pre-Enrollment and the IMAT Exam
If you are applying to medical school, you might be wondering how this connects to the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test).
Is pre-enrollment required to register for the IMAT?
Should I apply early? Yes. If you need a visa to travel to Italy just to take the exam (if you are not taking it in your home country), it is highly recommended to complete your pre-enrollment early.
7. The "One University" Rule
Critical Rule
You cannot pre-enroll at multiple universities simultaneously. Non-EU students are restricted to choosing one university and one degree program during the pre-enrollment phase.
What if I change my mind?
If you have submitted your pre-enrollment but decide to switch universities:
- You must contact the university where you originally applied.
- Request that they cancel/reject your application.
- Once they process the cancellation, the "New Application" button on Universitaly will reactivate, allowing you to apply to a different institution.
8. Troubleshooting: Fixing Mistakes
If you entered incorrect personal information (like a misspelled name or wrong birthdate) on your Universitaly account, you cannot simply "edit" your profile settings yourself.
How to update your personal data:
- Log in to Universitaly and scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Click on "Supporto sito UNIVERSITALY".
- Select "Richiesta/Request".
- Submit a ticket specifying exactly what needs to be changed.