Enrolling in a second cycle degree programme - foreign qualification

General information

You can be admitted to a second cycle degree programme if you hold a suitable foreign university or post-secondary qualification which allows study continuation in the subsequent cycle at a university in one’s country of reference.

The suitability of the qualification for entry to second cycle degree programmes at the University of Bologna is checked by the competent Degree Programme Boards, which apply the same criteria (curricular requirements and assessment of personal competencies and skills) established for candidates holding Italian academic qualifications.

Documents to be submitted upon matriculation

At matriculation, you need to submit:

• your original university or post-secondary qualification, translated and with confirmation of authenticity (check the page "Translation, authenticity and value of foreign qualifications" for methods available and exemptions)
• an original certificate listing all exams passed, translated (check the page "Translation, authenticity and value of foreign qualifications" for methods available and exemptions)
• any document concerning the value of the qualification (check the page "Translation, authenticity and value of foreign qualifications"  for documents accepted and exemptions).
• the documents required if you wish to apply for a shortened programme.

Take action well in advance to collect the necessary documents for enrolment. If you studied in a country outside the European Union, contact the Italian Embassy in your country and the relevant offices in time to prepare the documents.

The Student Administration Office will check the consistency of the qualifications submitted with those used for admission to your degree programme.

If you are a non-EU citizen residing abroad, also remember to pre-enrol and apply for a visa for study purposes.

Any questions?

You can contact the International Desk for any questions concerning the suitability of your qualifications.

How qualifications earned abroad are evaluated by degree programme boards

The assessment of a qualification takes place in two phases:

Admission – substantial assessment

Curricular requirements

For degrees earned in Italy, curricular requirements are often expressed with reference to degree classes and subject groups which have alphanumerical codes associated with the degrees and disciplines studied, based on Italian legislation. Qualifications obtained from non-Italian universities do not include these indicators. In such cases, the verification of curricular requirements:

• is conducted on a case-by-case basis by the admission boards
• is based on the evaluation of the exams passed and course syllabi, if necessary
• is made on degrees and certificates copies.

It is crucial to note that while a qualification may meet the curricular requirements, it may not be suitable for enrolment: the formal evaluation of the qualification will be carried out at matriculation.

Personal competency and skills

The assessment of personal competency and skills is based on the specific procedures of each Degree Programme. For some Degree Programmes this verification may also include the assessment of the qualification.

This evaluation is carried out by the admission boards, assessing the educational content of the qualification (for example the exams passed, the workload, the grades obtained, the educational objectives, etc.) through a review of degrees and certificates copies.

It is crucial to note that while a qualification may enable you to pass the assessment of personal competency and skills, it may not be suitable for enrolment: the formal evaluation of the qualification will be carried out at matriculation.

Matriculation – formal assessment

A formal evaluation is carried out by the Campus International Student Administration office after online matriculation is completed and the original documents have been provided.

The evaluation concerns degree title, nature, duration and level, issuing institution, previous education, academic rights and actual completion and awarding of the qualification(s).

If you have obtained your qualification from a foreign higher education institution operating in Italy, the accreditation of the institution will also be verified, pursuant to the Ministerial Decree of 26 April 2004, no. 214.

If you wish for a more in-depth examination of your degree following the initial evaluation, please contact the International Desk and request a re-evaluation of your degree explaining the reasons for your request.