Dreaming of a world-class education in Architecture, Design, or Engineering in the heart of Europe? The Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi), Italy’s most prestigious technical university, is a fantastic destination for ambitious Asian students.
Located in Milan, Italy’s fashion and industrial hub, PoliMi has shaped some of the world’s most innovative engineers, designers, and architects. With its rich history, modern research infrastructure, and an increasingly international student body, it offers Asian students a vibrant blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion.
Whether you come from India’s booming tech sector, China’s manufacturing powerhouses, Japan’s engineering traditions, or Southeast Asia’s design-driven economies, Politecnico di Milano provides the platform to elevate your skills and launch your career onto the global stage.
This guide will walk you through everything: from understanding the admissions journey, building a strong application, academic requirements, top courses, visa and documentation, to life in Milan and career opportunities. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for making your dream of studying at PoliMi a reality.
To know more read our comprehensive guide on applying to universities in Italy.
Understanding the Application Journey
The application process for Asian students at Politecnico di Milano can seem overwhelming at first. But if broken into steps, it becomes manageable and straightforward.
Key Stages of Application:
Research Your Program
PoliMi is globally renowned for Architecture, Engineering, and Design, but within those categories are dozens of specializations. Take time to explore the exact program that matches your career goals.
Prepare Documents in Advance
Asian students often need to translate and authenticate academic records, which can take months. Start early.
Online Application
All applications are made via the PoliMi online portal. Deadlines usually fall twice a year—one intake for fall (September/October) and one for spring (February/March).
Evaluation by Admissions Board
The university evaluates your academic background, grades, and supporting documents. Some programs may request additional tests or interviews.
Pre-Enrolment & Visa (Universitaly)
Non-European students must complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly and apply for an Italian student visa.
Arrival & Career Activation
After admission and visa approval, you officially activate your student career upon arrival in Milan.
Key Components of a Strong University Application
To stand out as an Asian applicant, your application must show both academic excellence and personal ambition. Here are the key pillars:
- Strong Academic Records – Consistency in math, sciences, and relevant subjects.
- Portfolio (for Design/Architecture) – Showcase creativity, originality, and technical skill.
- Motivation Letter / SOP – Clearly explain your goals, why PoliMi, and how your education will benefit your country/region.
- Letters of Recommendation – At least 2–3 strong recommendations from professors or employers.
- Language Proficiency – Most international programmes at PoliMi require you to submit a recognized English proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, etc.). Even for programmes taught in English, PoliMi may also require proof of Italian language ability, particularly for graduation or exams
- Extracurriculars – Leadership in student clubs, international competitions, or community initiatives.
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Application Requirements for Asian Students
General Requirements:
- High School Diploma (for Bachelor’s) or Undergraduate Degree (for Master’s) – Equivalent to Italian standards.
- Academic Transcripts – Official, translated, and certified copies.
- Proof of Language Proficiency – English (TOEFL/IELTS) or Italian certifications.
- Motivation Letter – Clear, structured, and tailored to your program.
- Portfolio (if required) – Essential for Design and Architecture students.
- Letters of Recommendation – From academic/professional referees.
- Pre-Enrolment on University in Italy – Mandatory for visa purposes.
Apply@PoliMi: Step-by-Step Breakdown
The application process for Asian students at PoliMi can be broken down into clear, manageable steps:
Step 1: Research Your Program & Prepare Documents
- Explore the PoliMi programs in Architecture, Design, or Engineering that match your career goals.
- Translate and authenticate your academic records, prepare your CV, motivation letter, portfolio (if applicable), and recommendation letters.
Step 2: Apply via PoliMi Online Portal
- Submit your application online through the official PoliMi portal.
- Make sure all required documents are attached and properly formatted.
- Check deadlines carefully: Fall intake (September/October) and Spring intake (February/March).
Step 3: Evaluation by Admissions Board
- PoliMi evaluates your academic records, documents, and portfolio (if required).
- Some programs may request additional tests or interviews.
👉For many Bachelor’s or single-cycle programmes, you’ll need to pass an entrance exam, often via CISIA or other designated testing bodies. The test typically includes mathematics, logic, geometry, and spatial reasoning. For programmes taught in Italian, you’ll need to show Italian proficiency (e.g., B2 level) or take the university’s language test
Step 4: Pre-Enrolment & Visa via Universitaly (Non-EU Students)
- Complete pre-enrolment on Universitaly for visa purposes.
- Gather and submit all necessary documents to the Italian embassy or consulate in your country.
Step 5: Arrival in Milan & Course Activation
- After visa approval, arrive in Milan and complete your student registration, including student ID issuance, residence permit, and course activation.
- Orientation sessions and campus tours will help you settle in and start your academic journey.
Top Courses of Study at Politecnico di Milano
PoliMi is ranked among the top 10 in the world for Architecture and Design and highly placed for Engineering. Popular courses for Asian students include:
- Architecture & Urban Planning
- Design & Industrial Product Development
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Biomedical, Environmental)
- Computer Science & Data Engineering
- Management Engineering
- Sustainable Energy & Smart Infrastructure
Equivalent Grade Requirements (Asia-Specific)
Each Asian education system has different grading scales. Here’s how they compare to Italian standards:
India
- ≥ 75% in 12th grade (for UG) or First Division (for PG)
- Engineering & Architecture programs prefer high Math/Science scores
China
- Top 20–25% in Gaokao or Bachelor GPA ≥ 3.2/4
- Transcripts must be notarized
Japan
- GPA of 4.0/5 preferred
- Strong background in Science and Mathematics
South Korea
- CSAT top 20% or GPA ≥ 3.3/4
- Proof of English, French, or Italian language proficiency required
Singapore
- A-Levels: strong passes in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry
- IB Diploma also accepted
Indonesia
- National Exam: minimum GPA of 8/10
- Additional requirements for Engineering applicants
Malaysia
- STPM ≥ B in relevant subjects
- Foundation degrees also considered
Official Documents Required (as per PoliMi) 📝
These are mandatory documents you must have (or submit) when applying for a Laurea (Bachelor’s) with a foreign qualification
Secondary School Diploma / Final Certificate
- Official copy of your final secondary school qualification
- If not yet completed, a letter of enrollment in the final year is accepted
Report Cards / Transcripts
- Last 2–3 years of secondary or high school education
- Must be officially stamped or signed by the competent authority
Proof of Schooling Years
Evidence that your education meets the required number of schooling years (usually 12 or 13 years total)
Italian Language Proficiency Certificate
Required for Italian-taught Bachelor’s courses (typically B2 level)
Academic Suitability / Entrance Test Results
Any tests or assessments required by the specific program to evaluate preparedness
Document Legalization / Translation
All foreign documents must be legalized (Apostille or equivalent) and officially translated into Italian or English
Motivation Letter
Explain your academic interests, goals, and reasons for choosing PoliMi
Identity Document / Residence Permit
Required for EEA or non-EEA residents in Italy (if applicable)
Declaration of Value / CIMEA Comparability
PoliMi may request these to validate and assess the equivalence of foreign qualifications
These are mandatory documents you must have (or submit) when applying for a Laurea Magistrale (Master’s) with a foreign qualification:
University Qualification
- Official copy of your degree
- If not yet available, a provisional certificate or proof of enrollment in the final year is accepted
Academic Transcripts
Official transcript showing courses, grades, and credits (if applicable)
Cumulative GPA Statement
Official document stating your GPA (or equivalent), grading scale, and minimum passing grade
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
1–2 pages summarizing academic background, internships, and projects
Portfolio (for Architecture / Design / Urban Planning)
- Must showcase your projects
- Upload via PoliMi’s online portal
Language Proficiency
- English and/or Italian language certificates required
- Examples: TOEFL, IELTS (English) | CILS, CELI (Italian)
Motivation Letter
Explain why you are applying, your academic and career goals, and why you chose PoliMi
Detailed Study Programme / Course Descriptions
For each course listed in your transcript, provide a brief description (including hours, syllabus, etc.)
Identity Document / Residence Permit
Required for EEA or non-EEA residents in Italy (if applicable)
Declaration of Value / CIMEA Comparability
PoliMi may request these to validate and compare foreign degrees
These are mandatory documents you must have (or submit) when applying for a PHD with a foreign qualification
University Qualification (Master’s Degree)
Mandatory: you must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
Academic Transcripts
Mandatory for both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees
Cumulative GPA Statement
Required to assess academic excellence and research readiness
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Must highlight research experience, publications, and professional background
Portfolio (for Architecture / Design PhDs)
Often required to showcase academic or professional projects
Language Proficiency
Mandatory: most PhD programs are conducted in English
Motivation Letter
Usually integrated into the Research Proposal
Detailed Study Programme / Course Descriptions
For Bachelor’s and Master’s studies; helps evaluate scientific and academic preparation
Identity Document
Mandatory for all applicants
Declaration of Value / CIMEA Comparability
Required for final enrollment to validate foreign qualifications
Research Proposal
- Single most important document for PhD admission
- Must outline your research question, objectives, methodology, and relevance
These are mandatory documents you must have (or submit) when applying for Short Courses with a foreign qualification:
University Qualification
Sometimes required if the course has specific prerequisites (e.g., BSc in Engineering)
Academic Transcripts
Rarely required; only needed if prerequisites must be verified
Cumulative GPA Statement
Often required to assess academic or professional background
Portfolio
Required for Design or Architecture-focused short courses
Language Proficiency
May be required, but usually less strict than degree programs
Motivation Letter
Sometimes required to demonstrate interest and commitment to the course
Detailed Study Programme / Course Descriptions
Not required for short course applications
Identity Document
Mandatory for all applicants
Career Opportunities and Alumni Network
Politecnico di Milano has one of the strongest alumni and career networks in Europe:
- Strong connections with Ferrari, Fiat, Pirelli, Enel, Eni, Google, Microsoft, and global firms.
- Alumni work in top positions worldwide, especially in engineering and design.
- Career services offer internships, career fairs, and industry partnerships.
For Asian students, this means not just a degree, but a gateway to multinational careers in Europe, Asia, or beyond.
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Conclusion
The admission process for Politecnico di Milano is competitive and requires meticulous preparation from gathering documents and securing translations to completing the Universitaly visa steps. Start your journey at least a year in advance.
The reward? An incredible academic adventure in a city that blends history, fashion, industry, and innovation. Whether your dream is to design the next skyscraper, engineer sustainable energy solutions, or create world-class products, PoliMi equips you with the skills and global recognition to make it happen.
In bocca al lupo! (Good luck!) 🍀
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