Thinking of studying in one of Europe’s most dynamic and stylish cities? 🌍✨ Welcome to the University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano), fondly known as La Statale.
Set in the heart of Italy’s cultural, financial, and innovation capital, the University of Milan isn’t just another institution—it’s a hub of global excellence in Medicine, Law, Science, and the Humanities. Here, you’ll find yourself learning in historic courtyards surrounded by centuries of academic tradition, while living in a city that defines modern creativity, fashion, and innovation.
For ambitious students from the Middle East—whether you’re from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, or beyond—UniMi offers a unique opportunity: world-class education at an affordable cost. You’ll gain international exposure, immerse yourself in a multicultural environment, and earn a globally respected degree that opens doors across Europe and beyond.
However, getting there requires careful preparation. The Italian university admission process is structured and detail-oriented, quite different from what many Middle Eastern students may be familiar with. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through every stage of the journey, from application to arrival, so you can focus on what really matters: building your future in Milan.
To know more read our comprehensive guide on applying to universities in Italy
Why Choose the University of Milan?
Before diving into paperwork, let’s answer the 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 popular among international students.
- Affordable Tuition: Public universities in Italy are much more affordable than US or UK universities. Tuition fees at UniMi are income-based, meaning many international 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 Middle Eastern students seeking cost-effective education abroad.
- Location Advantage: Milan = fashion, business, finance, innovation hub + rich cultural lifestyle.
- Multicultural Student Life: Over 60,000 students, including a growing community from the Middle East.
For Middle Eastern students, Milan offers not just a degree but a life-changing experience where regional ambition meets European education.
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, e.g., Switzerland, Norway, Iceland) → 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 Middle Eastern applicants fall here) → Must pre-enrol via Universitaly + secure a student visa.
👉 Important note: Universitaly pre-enrolment does not guarantee final admission. It’s just the first step. 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 (mandatory but not eliminatory).
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 UniMi. The next round of applications opens February – July 2026 for the 2026/27 intake. Use this time to prepare required documents like DoV/CIMEA, translations, and language certificates.
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
- Frontier schools or Argentine-Italian certificates
Test Dates for 2025/26:
- 27 June
- 23 July
- 19 September
- 10 October
📌 Note: Students who fail will need to wait for the next cycle in 2026.
Step 4: Submit Documents Online
- High school diploma + legalized translation
- DoV or CIMEA Statement of Comparability & Verification
- Academic suitability certificate (if required)
- 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 Middle Eastern 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: Non-EU students requiring a visa must meet the 30 April 2025 deadline for the 2025/26 intake. The next cycle opens February – July 2026 for admission in 2026/27. Start preparing documents, translations, and language certificates early.
Steps
Choose Programme (check if taught in English or Italian).
Universitaly Pre-Enrolment (same as Bachelor’s).
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
- Universitaly → Central portal for pre-enrolment + visa applications.
- DoV (Dichiarazione di Valore) → Validates your Middle Eastern degree via Italian embassy.
- CIMEA Statements → Digital comparability + verification of your diploma.
- ARDI Database → Automatic recognition for certain qualifications.
- Codice Fiscale → Italian tax code (essential for enrolment, scholarships, banking).
Conversion of Grades
Italy uses 100/100 scale (school) and 110/110 (university).
Numerical grades from your home country must be converted:
Where:
- V = your grade
- Vmin/Vmax = min & max of your home system
- Imin/Imax = 60/100 or 66/110 → 100/100 or 110/110
Qualitative grades (A, B, C) are converted case by case.
Residence Permit & Visa
After Universitaly approval:
- Apply for D-Type Student Visa at the Italian Embassy in your country.
- Upon 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 (translated documents)
👉 For Middle Eastern students, these scholarships make Milan a cost-effective study destination with high global recognition.
Life in Milan as a Middle Eastern Student
- Cost of Living: €800–1,200/month (lower with DSU scholarships)
- Accommodation: UniMi dorms, private flats, or student co-living
- Part-time Jobs: Allowed up to 20 hours/week on student permit
- Cultural Scene: Milan = fashion, art, design fairs, music, food
- Student Communities: Middle Eastern student associations help newcomers settle, connect, and thrive
Pro-Tips for Success
- Start early: Begin by December/January for September intake
- Prepare language tests: IELTS/TOEFL (English) or Italiano L2
- DoV/CIMEA delays: Embassy processing can take months—apply ASAP
- Keep copies of all translations/legalizations
- Check programme quotas: Medicine, Law, and popular courses are highly competitive
Career Opportunities and Alumni Network
The University of Milan boasts one of Italy’s most respected alumni and professional networks:
- Strong collaborations with leading global companies, research institutes, and organizations across Europe.
- Alumni hold leadership roles in academia, healthcare, law, public administration, and multinational firms.
- Dedicated career services offer internships, job fairs, and personalized career guidance for international students.
💡 For Middle Eastern students, this means more than just earning a degree—it’s a gateway to global exposure and regional impact. Through Inforens’ exclusive mentorship and networking initiatives, you can connect directly with University of Milan alumni and professionals active across Europe and the Middle East, helping you shape a career that bridges both worlds.
Conclusion
The University of Milan isn’t just a place to study—it’s a gateway to Europe for ambitious Middle Eastern students. With proper preparation—Universitaly pre-enrolment, language tests, DoV/CIMEA, and visa documents—you’ll be ready to enjoy world-class academics and life in one of Europe’s most exciting cities.
Start early, stay organized, and embrace the journey. Your experience at La Statale could be the adventure that shapes both your career and your life.
In bocca al lupo! (Good luck!) 🇮🇹
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