Looking to boost your career while exploring Europe? Milan could be your launchpad. The University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano), affectionately called La Statale, is one of Europe’s premier public research institutions, known for Medicine, Law, Science, and Humanities.
For US students, studying here means earning a world-class degree at a fraction of the cost of US private universities, gaining European exposure, and building a truly international network. Imagine learning from top professors, collaborating with students from across the globe, and living in a city that is both a cultural and business hub.
This guide will walk you through every detail: admissions, deadlines, language requirements, documentation, visas, and life in Milan—so you can focus on what really matters: thriving academically and culturally.
To know more read our comprehensive guide on applying to universities in Italy
Why Choose the University of Milan?
Before diving into paperwork and procedures, let’s answer the biggest question: Why UniMi?
- Global Reputation: Ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide, UniMi is internationally recognized.
- Diverse Programmes: Offers over 140 degree programmes, including English-taught Master’s degrees (very popular among international students).
- Affordable Tuition: Public universities in Italy are far more affordable compared to the US. Tuition fees at UniMi are income-based, meaning many students pay as little as €1,000 – €3,500 per year.
- Scholarships & Aid: Regional scholarships (DSU) and UniMi grants cover tuition + living costs—helpful for US students who want to avoid taking on large loans.
- Location Advantage: Milan = fashion, business, finance, innovation hub + an amazing lifestyle.
- Multicultural Student Life: Over 60,000 students, including a growing community of US students.
For US students, Milan offers not just a degree but a life-changing journey where American ambition meets European culture.
International Enrolment: Who Needs What?
Italian university admission is regulated by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR). The rules differ for:
- EU students (and equivalent) → Apply directly, no visa required.
- Non-EU students residing in Italy → Apply directly to the university, no quota system.
- Non-EU students residing abroad (most US applicants fall here) → Must pre-enrol via Universitaly + secure a student visa.
👉 Important note: Universitaly pre-enrolment ≠ final admission. It’s just the first gate. You’ll still need to pass admission tests, language checks, and upload official documents later.
Applying for a Bachelor’s or Single-Cycle Master’s Degree
If you’re aiming for Undergraduate (Laurea) or Single-Cycle (Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico, like Medicine or Law), here’s your roadmap:
Step 1: Check the Admission Test
- Some programmes (e.g., Medicine, Law, Science) require entrance exams such as TOLC (CISIA tests).
- Other programmes require a skills assessment (not elimination, but mandatory).
Step 2: Pre-Enrolment via Universitaly
- Deadline: 31 July 2025
- Choose only one university + one course.
- Upload documents (high school diploma, transcripts, translations, DoV/CIMEA, passport).
📌 Note: If you miss the 31 July 2025 pre-enrolment deadline, you cannot apply for the 2025/26 academic year at the University of Milan. The next round of applications will open between February – July 2026 for the 2026/27 intake. Use the extra time to prepare required documents (DoV/CIMEA, translations, language certificates) well in advance.
Step 3: Italian Language Proficiency (if taught in Italian)
Non-EU applicants must pass Italiano L2 Test unless exempt.
Exemptions include:
- Holding a B2 Italian certificate (CLIQ system)
- Diploma from Italian schools abroad
- Specific frontier schools / Argentine-Italian certificates
Test Dates for 2025/26:
- 27 June
- 23 July
- 19 September
- 10 October
❌ Failing = no enrolment possible that year.
📌 Note: You’ll need to wait for the next cycle’s test dates, which will again be announced around spring 2026.
Step 4: Submit Documents Online
- High school diploma + legalized translation
- DoV or CIMEA Statement of Comparability & Verification
- Academic suitability certificate (if required by your US state system)
- Passport, residence permit (later), Italian tax code (codice fiscale)
Step 5: Enrolment Confirmation
- If admitted → pay fees, apply for residence permit, and officially enrol.
Applying for a Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale)
For US graduates applying to 2-year Master’s programmes, the process is slightly different.
Deadlines
- Visa applicants: Apply by 30 April 2025
- Calls for Master’s degrees open between February – July each year
📌 Note: If you are a non-EU student requiring a visa, the deadline for Master’s applications was 30 April 2025. After this date, you cannot apply for the 2025/26 intake. The next cycle will open between February – July 2026 for admission in the 2026/27 academic year. Plan ahead by preparing your documents, translations, and English/Italian language certificates early.
Steps
Choose Programme (check if taught in English or Italian).
Universitaly Pre-Enrolment (same process as above).
Upload Documents:
- Bachelor’s degree + transcripts
- High school diploma (for validation)
- DoV or CIMEA Statements
- Passport, Italian fiscal code, proof of application fee payment
Language Requirements:
- Italian-taught → Italian test (unless exempt)
- English-taught → IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent
Final Enrolment → Submit originals, pay fees, apply for residence permit.
Key Platforms & Documents You’ll Encounter
Here’s a simplified breakdown (many US students find this part confusing):
- Universitaly → Central portal for pre-enrolment + visa application link.
- DoV (Dichiarazione di Valore) → Issued by Italian embassy; validates your US degree.
- CIMEA Statements → Comparability + Verification; digital version of DoV.
- ARDI Database → For automatic recognition of certain qualifications.
- Codice Fiscale → Italian tax code (essential for enrolment, scholarships, banking).
Conversion of Grades
Italy uses a 100/100 scale (school) and 110/110 (university).
If your grades are numerical, you’ll need to convert them.
Where:
- V = your grade
- Vmin/Vmax = min & max of your home system
- Imin/Imax = 60/100 or 66/110 → 100/100 or 110/110
If qualitative (A, B, C), case-by-case conversion applies.
Residence Permit & Visa Process
After Universitaly approval:
- Apply for D-Type Student Visa at the Italian Embassy in the US.
- After arrival → apply for Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days.
Required:
- Passport + Visa
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of funds (~€6,000/year minimum)
- Health insurance
Scholarships & Funding
UniMi offers:
- DSU Regional Scholarships → cover tuition + accommodation + meals.
- Excellence Scholarships → €6,000–10,000/year.
- Fee Reductions → Based on ISEE or family income (documents must be translated).
👉 For US students, these scholarships help reduce the cost dramatically, making Milan an attractive alternative to expensive US private universities.
Life in Milan as a US Student
- Cost of Living: €800–1,200/month (cheaper with DSU scholarships).
- Accommodation: UniMi dorms, private flats, or student co-living.
- Part-time Jobs: Allowed up to 20 hours/week on a student permit.
- Cultural Scene: Milan = fashion, art, design fairs, music, food.
- Student Communities: American student associations and exchange groups help new arrivals settle in.
Pro-Tips for Success
- Start early: Begin by December/January for September intake.
- Prepare language tests: IELTS/TOEFL (for English) or Italiano L2.
- DoV/CIMEA delays: Embassy processes can take months—apply ASAP.
- Keep copies of all translations/legalizations.
- Check programme quotas: For Medicine, Law, and popular courses, competition is fierce.
Career Opportunities and Alumni Network (USA Students)
The University of Milan offers one of Italy’s most robust alumni and professional networks, providing American students with direct pathways to international opportunities:
- Industry Connections: Strong collaborations with leading global companies, research institutes, and organizations across Europe and the USA.
- Alumni Impact: Graduates hold leadership roles in academia, healthcare, law, public administration, and multinational corporations.
- Career Support: Dedicated career services provide personalized guidance, internships, job fairs, and mentorship programs for international students.
💡 For USA students: Studying at the University of Milan is more than earning a degree—it’s a chance to build a career with global reach. Through Inforens’ mentorship and networking initiatives, you can connect directly with alumni and professionals active across Europe and the USA, giving you the tools to shape a career that spans continents.
Conclusion
The University of Milan is where ambition meets experience. For US students, it’s a chance to study in a city full of history, innovation, and culture, while earning a degree recognized worldwide.
From navigating pre-enrolment and Italian language tests to securing visas and residence permits, the process is detailed—but completely achievable with preparation. Once you clear these steps, you’ll be free to explore Milan, connect with international peers, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Start your preparation today, and let Milan become the city where your academic dreams and life experiences converge.
In bocca al lupo! (Good luck!) 🇮🇹