The University of Palermo (UniPa) — one of Italy’s oldest public universities, founded in 1806 — is currently accepting international student applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. With English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, low tuition fees for non-EU students, and a location in the historic, Mediterranean city of Palermo, Sicily, it’s a strong option for students looking to study in Europe without the high costs typical of Western European universities.
Applications for the current intake are still open, but the window is closing fast. Here’s everything you need to know before you apply.
Quick Overview
Institution type Public research university Location Palermo, Sicily, Italy Founded 1806 Languages of instruction English-taught and Italian-taught programmes available Master’s (English-taught) deadline 20 July 2026 Bachelor’s (English-taught) deadline 20 July 2026 Bachelor’s (Italian-taught, free access) deadline 9 August 2026 Visa completion deadline 30 November 2026 Programme start October 2026
Why Consider UniPa
- Genuinely low cost. Tuition for non-EU international students is means-tested and typically falls in a low range compared to other European destinations, based on your family income (ISEE-equivalent) documentation.
- English-taught options. A growing number of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are delivered fully in English, so Italian fluency isn’t required for every course.
- Large, established institution. With tens of thousands of enrolled students and a wide range of faculties — medicine, engineering, humanities, law, sciences, tourism, and more — UniPa offers real breadth of choice.
- Financial aid after enrolment. Once admitted, international students can apply separately for ERSU regional aid (income and merit-based), which can cover tuition waivers, free meals, and accommodation — but this is a separate step that opens after you’re enrolled, not part of the admission process itself.
Key Admission Deadlines (2026/2027)
- Master’s Degree Programmes (English-taught) — Second Call: Applications must be submitted by 20 July 2026
- Bachelor’s Degree Programmes (English-taught) — Second Call: Applications must be submitted by 20 July 2026
- Bachelor’s Degree (Italian-taught, free access): Pre-enrolment must be started by 9 August 2026
- Visa completion: All visa procedures must be finalized by 30 November 2026, regardless of programme
Deadlines vary slightly depending on the specific course, so always confirm the exact date for your chosen programme on the official call for applications before submitting.
Eligibility Requirements
For Bachelor’s Degree programmes:
- A school-leaving qualification obtained after at least 12 years of global schooling
- If your home country requires a university eligibility exam to access higher education there, you’ll need to demonstrate you’ve passed it
- For Italian-taught programmes, an Italian language certificate (minimum B2, CEFR) — if you don’t already hold one, you’ll need to sit UniPa’s own Italian language proficiency test
For Master’s Degree programmes:
- A Bachelor’s degree (or recognised equivalent) relevant to your intended Master’s programme
- For English-taught programmes, an official English language certification or a Medium of Instruction certificate from your previous institution
- Some programmes require a “personal knowledge interview” with the course coordinator after you receive a conditional admission letter — this assesses motivation, maturity, and preparation for the course
Required Documents
While exact requirements vary by programme, applicants generally need:
- Valid passport copy
- Academic transcripts and degree/diploma certificates
- For degrees earned outside Italy: a Declaration of Value (DoV) issued by the Italian consulate in your country, OR a Certificate of Comparability from CIMEA
- Official language certification (English or Italian B2+, depending on the programme)
- CV/resume (required for some Master’s programmes)
- Motivation letter (required for some Master’s programmes)
- Passport-style photograph
Always check the specific application manual for your chosen programme, since document requirements can differ between faculties.
Application Process
- Choose your programme from UniPa’s list of English-taught or Italian-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s courses.
- Register on the UniPa Student Portal and begin your enrolment application under “New Application” → “Calls and Enrolment Applications” → “Enrolment Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Application.”
- Submit required documents through the portal within your programme’s deadline.
- Wait for evaluation. If you applied for a Master’s programme, you’ll receive feedback on your application; some programmes require a personal knowledge interview with the course coordinator before final confirmation.
- Receive your admission letter, which the International Office will forward to the relevant embassy — visa applications cannot proceed without it.
- Apply for your student visa through Universitaly, using your admission letter and required documents (passport, language certificate, DoV or CIMEA certificate).
- Complete your visa procedures by 30 November 2026 at your home country’s Italian consulate. Note: preliminary acceptance by UniPa does not guarantee a visa — the final decision rests solely with the Italian consular authority.
- Finalize enrolment by submitting your original, translated, and legalized documents to the International Students Office once you arrive in Italy.
A Note on Tuition and Financial Support
Tuition for non-EU students at UniPa is calculated based on family income documentation and tends to be low relative to many other European universities — but exact amounts depend on your programme and income bracket, so confirm your specific fee with the International Students Office before enrolling.
Separately, after you’re admitted and enrolled, you can apply for ERSU (the regional right-to-study body) scholarship, which is need- and merit-based and can cover a tuition waiver, free meals, free housing, and a stipend. This is a distinct process from admission and typically opens for applications after enrolment — worth applying for once you’re in, but not something you can apply to yet.
Official Resources
- International Students homepage: https://www.unipa.it/target/international-students/en/
- Enrolment procedures for Extra-EU students: https://www.unipa.it/mobilita/en/new-students/new-students—enrolment/enrolment-procedures-for-extra-eu-foreign-students/
- Enrolment procedures for Intra-EU students: https://www.unipa.it/mobilita/en/new-students/new-students—enrolment/enrolment-procedures-for-intra-eu-foreign-students/
- International Master’s degree course offerings: https://www.unipa.it/mobilita/en/new-students/international-master-degrees/
- International Students FAQ: https://www.unipa.it/target/international-students/en/FAQ.html
Always check the specific call for applications for your chosen programme, since deadlines and requirements are set at the course level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to apply for the 2026/2027 academic year? Not yet — the second call for both English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes remains open until 20 July 2026. Italian-taught Bachelor’s (free access) pre-enrolment runs until 9 August 2026.
Do I need to speak Italian to study at UniPa? Not for English-taught programmes. For Italian-taught programmes, you’ll need at least a B2 level, either through a certificate or by passing UniPa’s own placement test.
Does getting admitted guarantee my student visa? No. UniPa’s admission letter is required to apply for a visa, but the final visa decision is made solely by the Italian consulate in your country.
When do classes start? The academic year begins in October 2026, and all visa procedures must be completed by 30 November 2026.
Can I get financial aid? Yes, through ERSU, but this is a separate application that opens after you’re enrolled — not part of the initial admission process.
Don’t Wait on This One
With the second call closing on 20 July 2026, you have a narrow window left to get your application in — and documents like the Declaration of Value, language certificates, and transcripts can take longer to arrange than expected. If you’re serious about this intake, start today rather than the week of the deadline.
Want expert guidance through the process? Our experienced student counsellors can help you choose the right programme, prepare your documents, and apply with confidence — reach out and let’s get your application in on time.
Follow @stepbystepscholarshipguide for more study-abroad admission guides, deadlines, and step-by-step application support.
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