Upcoming Intakes in Italy 2027-28: Deadlines, Pre Universitaly Enrolment & Others

Planning to study in Italy? The Fall intake begins in September and the Spring intake in February. This guide covers both intake timelines for 2026-27, Universitaly pre-enrolment deadlines for Indian students, IMAT 2026 dates, the documents you need and how to choose between the two intakes.

There are two intakes in Italy for admission. Those applying to Italian universities can choose between Fall and Spring intakes. The Fall/Winter intake (September/October) and the Spring intake (February/March). 

The first one is considered the main intake, when the top-most scholarships in Italy, along with courses, are provided. The Spring intake is much smaller but also a very good way for students who could not apply for the fall intake for any reason. 

Taking into account that there are well-known Italian public universities with free or minimal-cost education programs, together with DSU regional scholarships, it is obvious that this country has a lot to offer for students from India. Knowing these intakes, their application deadlines, required documents, and visa process is essential to apply in 2026 for 2027 Italian intake.

What are the Admission Intakes in Italy? : Explained for Indian Students

Planning to study in Italy soon? Italy has two university intakes. The Fall intake starts in September–October, with applications generally open from January to June. The Spring intake starts in February–March, with applications open from September to December. Non-EU students must also complete Universitaly pre-enrolment before applying for a Type D study visa; deadlines range from 30 June to 30 September depending on the university. More details are as follows:

Upcoming Intakes in Italy 2027-28

If you are reading this in the second half of 2026, the Fall 2026 intake has already closed for applications, and classes are underway. Here is what is still open to you - either private or public universities in Italy: 

• Spring 2027 intake (February - March 2027 start): Applications are open at most universities between September and December 2026. This is the nearest intake you can still apply for.
• Fall 2027 intake (September–October 2027 start): Shortlisting and exam preparation should begin from November 2026, with applications generally opening between January and June 2027.
• IMAT 2026 (English-taught Medicine): Registration runs from 26 August to 9 September 2026, with the exam on 29 September 2026. This is a separate track with its own calendar, covered further down.

If you are targeting a public university and need a study visa, work backwards from the Universitaly pre-enrolment deadline rather than the university's own application deadline. The two are not the same, and the Universitaly one is usually earlier.

What is Fall Intake in Italy?

The Fall intake, commonly referred to as the September intake in Italy, is the most popular. Since the Fall intake in Italy is the primary intake, the maximum number of applicants apply in this intake, and a high number of applicants get enrolled. A large part of admissions is dominated by this intake, which accounts for more than 70% due to the wide range of courses and universities available for admission. 

Advantages of Applying in Fall Intake in Italy 2027-28

Why international students consider applying to the Fall intake in Italy is because:

• A majority of Italian universities offer admission during the Fall intake, including the best 10 universities in Italy.
• All popular courses, including design courses and MBA, are offered during the Fall intake. 
• Most scholarships in Italy are available to international students applying for the Fall intake. 
• Since most of the courses are open for admission, a large pool of applicants gets admitted in Italy’s Fall intake. 
• Finally, around 80% of admissions are offered to students in the Fall intake in Italy, making it one of the most popular intakes. 

Indian students who seek admission in the Fall intake will benefit. The reason is that they can graduate from school or college and apply in September without wasting an academic year. Plus, all major courses and universities offer admission in this intake. 

Italy's Fall Intake Timeline 2027-28

International applicants who wish to apply in the Fall intake in Italy can check out the timeline for this upcoming intake in Italy, set to begin in September:

Applicants must note that admission deadlines vary by course and the university of application in Italy. Based on the Fall intake’s timeline, applicants must plan their application materials and prepare for the standardised and English language proficiency exams.

Top 5 Italian Universities Offering Admission in Fall Intake

Here are the top five Italian universities which offer admission to students in the Fall intake:

1. University of Bologna
2. Politecnico di Milano
3. Sapienza University of Rome
4. University of Milan
5. University of Pisa

What is Spring Intake in Italy?

The January intake in Italy or commonly known as the Spring intake in Italy is the secondary intake. If not a significant chunk, but some part of the admissions is taken care of by the Spring intake in Italy. Though universities and course options are limited, there are still reasons why international students look at applying in this intake. 

Advantages of Applying to Spring Intake in Italy 2027-28

There are multiple advantages of applying in the Spring intake in Italy and they are as follows:

• Class sizes are smaller, and enrollments are faster in the Spring intake of Italy.
• MBA in Italy is also available in the Spring intake, along with a few other courses at popular Italian universities.
• Competition for admission is lower because fewer applicants are applying. 
• The processing time for a student visa in Italy is also faster for the Spring intake. You can read about CIMEA Italy. It is helpful for Indian students.
• Finally, Spring intake in Italy constitutes 20-30% of the annual enrollment in the country, offering fewer choices but better admission.

Indian students who have missed the deadlines for the Fall intake in Italy can consider applying in the Spring session. Applicants can benefit from applying in the Spring intake in Italy only if they plan well in advance, without wasting any time. 

Italy's Spring Intake Timeline 2027-28

For those planning to apply for admissions in the Spring intake in Italy can check out the following timeline:

Although not many courses are offered during the Spring intake, except for the popular MBA program in Italy, applicants must plan their applications and submit them accordingly. 

Top 5 Italian Universities Offering Admission in Spring Intake

Here is a list of the top five universities that offer admission in the Spring intake in Italy:

1. University of Padova
2. Politecnico di Torino
3. University of Florence
4. University of Siena
5. University of Macerata

Fall Intake vs Spring Intake in Italy

To understand the comparison between Fall intake and Spring intake in Italy, here is a detailed analysis: 

This comparison will help students choose when they should apply - Fall or Spring season in Italy. 

Does Italy Offer Free Education in Both Intakes?

Yes, there is an option for free education in Italy, available in both intakes. Public universities typically offer free education in Italy. Based on the choice of universities and courses, applicants can avail themselves of free education. Though the Fall intake in Italy reserves a significant part of the scholarships, the Spring intake may also have exceptions. So international applicants applying to the University of Bologna or other public universities can avail full scholarships irrespective of the intake. 

Documents Required for Admission in Italy’s Intakes

Here is a list of documents that applicants would require to apply to study in Italy: 

• Academic transcripts
• High school diploma/Bachelor's degree
• Passport copy
• CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English, CILS/CELI for Italian)
• Portfolio (for design/architecture)

Choosing the appropriate intake for an Italian university to study is a pivotal decision. While the Fall intake offers a broader range of courses and scholarship opportunities, the Spring intake provides a valuable alternative for those who need more preparation time or missed the earlier deadlines. Regardless of the choice, proper planning and timely application are key to securing a spot in Italian universities. Sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling and seek expert help by requesting a callback from our counsellors.