Italy has 12 universities on the StudiePoint database with low or no-tuition postgraduate programs — and several of them actively recruit African students. Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna, University of Turin, and Sapienza University are internationally ranked, English-taught for many programs, and significantly cheaper than UK or US equivalents.
But the Italian admissions system has two mandatory steps most students miss: the Universitaly pre-registration portal and the Dichiarazione di valore — a document you get from the Italian Embassy in your country before you can even enrol. Start this process early.
Universitaly (universitaly.it) is the Italian government's official portal for international student pre-registration. For most non-EU students — including all African nationalities — pre-registration on Universitaly is **mandatory** before you can apply to an Italian university. **What you do on Universitaly:** 1. Create an account at universitaly.it 2. Fill in your personal and academic details 3. Select up to 3 universities and programs to apply to 4. Upload your documents 5. Submit and wait for the Italian embassy in your country to verify your academic credentials The Universitaly process is separate from, and prior to, the university's own application. Think of it as national pre-screening. After your Universitaly file is processed, the Italian embassy in your country issues a reference number, and you then complete the application directly with each university. Deadlines: Pre-registration windows are typically **December to April** for the following academic year starting in September/October.
The Dichiarazione di Valore (Declaration of Value) is a document issued by the **Italian Embassy in your country** that certifies the authenticity and academic equivalence of your degree. It is required for enrolment at Italian universities — you cannot enrol without it. **How to get it:** 1. Contact the Italian Embassy in your country's consular section 2. Submit your original degree certificate and transcripts 3. The embassy evaluates and certifies their Italian academic equivalent 4. They issue the Dichiarazione di Valore (a letter on embassy letterhead) **Processing time:** 4–12 weeks depending on the embassy. In Nigeria (Lagos or Abuja), Ghana (Accra), Kenya (Nairobi), and Ethiopia (Addis Ababa), start this process as soon as you decide to apply to Italy. Do not wait until you have an offer — it often takes longer than expected. **Cost:** €30–€100 depending on the embassy. Bring original documents — they typically do not accept photocopies.
Italy offers programs in both Italian and English at the postgraduate level. **English-taught programs (many Master's programs at Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna, Bocconi, etc.):** - IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, or TOEFL iBT 78–90 - Some programs have no English test requirement if your undergraduate was taught in English — check each program's admissions page **Italian-taught programs:** - CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) — Level B2 or C1 - CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) — Level B2 - Italian government scholarship holders (through the MAECI/Scholarship program) may take an Italian language course upon arrival For most African students targeting the StudiePoint database of Italian universities, English-taught programs are the most accessible route.
No — Italian public universities have some of the lowest tuition in Western Europe. Non-EU students pay approximately €1,000–€3,500/year depending on the university and program. With the DSU income-based grant, many international students pay €0 tuition. Living costs are €700–€1,100/month depending on the city (Rome and Milan are more expensive; Bologna, Turin, Naples are more affordable).
Universitaly (universitaly.it) is the Italian government's mandatory pre-registration portal for non-EU international students. You must register there and select your intended universities before applying. The portal handles initial document screening and connects your file to the Italian Embassy for credential verification. Skipping it means you cannot enrol even if a university admits you.
Not for English-taught programs. Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna, Bocconi, and several others offer Master's programs entirely in English, especially in engineering, computer science, economics, and international relations. For Italian-taught programs, you need at least CILS B2. Check the language of instruction on the specific program page.
Yes. Students with a valid student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays without needing a separate work permit. Italian minimum wage varies by sector (set through collective agreements rather than a single minimum). Hourly rates range €7–€10 for part-time student work.
The Dichiarazione di Valore is a certificate from the Italian Embassy that verifies your academic credentials are genuine and equivalent to Italian qualifications. It is bureaucratically intensive because it requires the embassy to evaluate your specific university's standing, your exact degree type, and issue an official statement. Processing takes 4–12 weeks. The reason it takes long is that each document is evaluated individually — there is no automated system. Start it before you have an offer if you are serious about Italy.
Last updated: July 2026. Find scholarships on StudiePoint AI →