How to Apply in Italian University with Low Percentage

The QS World University Rankings has included around 42 universities in Italy in its list, which are renowned globally. Apart from this, various other reasons attract Indian students to study in Italy. So, let’s look at some reasons why you should study there.

• High quality of education

• You will get the chance to learn in multicultural surroundings

• There are study-abroad courses for every major, from communications and art to science

• Italy is home to an impressive and amazing 42 universities which are renowned in the world

• Opportunity to explore and experience Italian culture up close

• Beautiful landscapes and inexpensive travel 

• State-of-the-art facilities 

• Part-time job opportunities

• Easy visa process

• A range of English-taught and Italian-taught program options are available

• Home to some of the world’s oldest universities, like the University of Bologna and Bocconi University.

Before moving ahead, let’s explore the top 10 low CGPA accepting universities in Italy with relatively higher acceptance rates. 

NOTE: The acceptance rates of the university can differ depending on the program and the number of applicants, so you must check acceptance rates and admission criteria for some programs and courses on their website or contact our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC).  

Before you apply in Italian university with low percentage, you must look for a field of study that often has a broader range of acceptance criteria and allows you to pursue your interests even with a lower percentage. 

• Humanities

• Art and Design

• Business Administration 

• Fashion Designing 

• Tourism

• Hospitality Management

• Social Science

• Architecture

Need expert guidance in choosing the best course for you? Get free counselling from experts to study in Italy. 

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Indian students need to understand the general admission criteria and requirements to apply in Italian university with low percentage. So, below, you can check the eligibility criteria and documents required to apply to Italian universities as an Indian student. 

Admission Criteria for Indian Students:

To be eligible for admission to bachelor’s or single-cycle master’s degree programs in Italy, Indian students must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of 12 years of education at the school level.

• Qualification for the entrance test, if applicable, for the chosen course.

• Proof of attendance for the past two years of study.

• For master’s degree applicants, submission of bachelor’s degree or matriculation details.

• Some universities may require an entrance exam for a few courses like English TOLC-I, and TIL.

Required Documents:

The documentation required for admission to low CGPA accepted universities in Italy includes the following:

• Secondary education details and official documents.

• Value declaration of the degree or secondary school education pursued.

• Proof of eligibility criteria and test scores of entrance exam.

• Valid ID proof, such as a passport.

• Official transcripts.

• Personal preparation or a resume/CV.

• Proof of language proficiency in English or Italian.

• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP).

• Two letters of recommendation (LORs).

• All documents must be apostilled or legalised to authenticate their validity.

Note: Some low CGPA accepting universities in Italy may require entrance exams or interviews for specific courses, especially for competitive programs.

Language Exam Scores:

Studying at Italian universities requires Indian students to prove their English language skills. To assess the English language proficiency of an indian student, Italian universities accept scores from tests like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or others, with minimum score requirements at the B2 level. 

Otherwise, if you are applying for any Italian course, you must apply for the Italian language's CILS or CELI proficiency exam. Just like English courses, you must prove B2-level competence in the Italian language. CILS is taken in Italy and Italian Institutes of Culture worldwide, while CELI is administered in certified centres with the University of Perugia.

Standardised Test Scores:

While not mandatory for all students, standardised test scores might be required for studying at Italian university. Various top-notch universities for certain courses. More particularly, students who are applying for full scholarships should consider appearing for the standardised admission test. An SAT score of 950 in both sections or an ACT combined score above 32 may be required for undergraduate admissions. GRE or GMAT scores may or may not be necessary for postgraduate admissions, with no specified minimum score.

Application Timelines:

Italian universities mainly offer two intakes, each with varying application deadlines:

Note: Deadlines may vary by university and course; you should verify specific deadlines with their desired institutions.

However, it's good to check all the general and specific requirements for your desired university to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet their criteria 

While applying to Italian universities, you should also consider financial constraints and scholarship opportunities. When financial planning and budgeting, you should consider tuition fees and living expenses.

You can also save your money by applying for suitable scholarships. Over 100 scholarships are available in Italy for foreign students studying at various low CGPA accepting universities in Italy.

Now, let’s take a look at how you apply. Initially, a pre-application is submitted to the Italian Embassy, where you specify your desired course and Apply in Italian University with Low Percentage. 

Upon receiving the statement of validity from the Italian Embassy, the application is forwarded to the respective university. Either the Embassy completes the application on your behalf, or you can make an online application independently. 

The steps to apply to an Italian university for your desired course are below. 

• Visit the official university website and log in to the online application portal.

• Register using an email address and manually switch the language from Italian to English on the services page.

• Under the Italian tax ID section, choose international student registration.

• Carefully fill in personal details, correctly enter the captcha, and proceed to the next step.

• If the desired course requires an entrance exam, provide the necessary details and submit; otherwise, skip this section.

• Select the desired program and degree level.

• Register for the course based on your previous course completion date.

• Add relevant qualifications, verify personal details, and submit.

• Upload academic and personal documents without forgetting to save them.

• Complete the submission of the application.

Note: The application fee may or may not be applicable for you to apply in Italian University with low percentage. 

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• Even if your percentage is low, submit certificates to showcase your skills and talents.

• The statement of purpose is a document of extreme importance. Sometimes, students need to pay more attention to it. Convince the admission committee admission despite the low percentage in the SOP. Ensure you provide ample information - emphasise experience in the case of a master's and extracurriculars in the case of a bachelor's.

• Be clear on why you wish to do the course. Include why the university should consider you. Mention what you will bring to the program if selected.

• Prepare an excellent resume and cover letter (if asked)

• Make sure to submit meticulously crafted letters of recommendation highlighting your strengths and characteristics.

• Submit a well-designed professional portfolio (depending on the course). It is the best way to showcase your work experience and skills to the admission committee. It will make you stand out among all the other applicants.

• Make sure you prepare well enough for the IELTS exam. 

To conclude, pursuing education in Italy offers a myriad of opportunities despite academic challenges. With renowned low CGPA accepted universities in Italy, diverse programs, and numerous scholarships, you can navigate the application process effectively. By highlighting strengths, providing a compelling personal statement, and submitting relevant documents, you can increase your chances of admission, even with a lower percentage. 

Embracing the rich cultural experience and affordable travel, studying in Italy becomes an enticing prospect for those with a passion for learning and a determination to succeed. If you wish to fulfil your dream of studying in Italy, contact our expert counsellors at any Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) branch. You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert education counsellors will guide you with admission to Italy. For more information or any queries, contact application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Question: Can I apply to universities in Italy with a low CGPA?

Answer: Yes, many universities in Italy consider various factors beyond just CGPA. Some institutions have more flexible admission criteria, considering other aspects such as standardised test scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and relevant work experience. 

Question: How can I strengthen my application to Italian universities with a low CGPA?

Answer: To enhance your application, prepare a compelling personal statement highlighting your skills, achievements, and reasons for pursuing the chosen program. Additionally, collect LORs and showcase relevant work experience or extracurricular activities. Some universities may also consider standardised test scores, so performing well on exams like GRE or GMAT can bolster your application. 

Question: Will a low percentage affect my chances of admission to a preferred course in Italy?

Answer: While a low percentage may pose a challenge, it doesn't necessarily rule out admission. Focus on other aspects of your application, such as a compelling personal statement, LOR, and relevant experiences. Additionally, explore universities or courses with higher acceptance rates and consider alternative pathways to enhance your academic profile before applying.

Question: Are international students' tuition fees at public universities in Italy high?

Answer: No, public universities in Italy generally have lower tuition fees than private institutions. Moreover, international students from low-income families may be eligible for tuition fee waivers or scholarships, making education in Italy more affordable.

Question: Can non-Italian speakers enrol in programs at public universities in Italy?

Answer: Yes, many public universities offer programs in English, especially at the postgraduate level. Additionally, some universities provide language courses to help international students adapt to Italian, making it accessible for non-Italian speakers to pursue their studies.

Question: Does Italy need IELTS?

Answer: Yes, in order to enrol in an English-taught course at Italian universities, Indian students have to prove their language abilities through one of the English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. However, among all the tests, IELTS is the most accepted test in Italy. 

Question: How much gap is accepted for study in Italy?

Answer: In Italy, the acceptance of a study gap varies according to the Italian institution and program to which you are applying. In general, institutions may allow a 1-2 year gap for a bachelor's degree with valid explanations.

Question: Is 5.5 IELTS accepted in Italy?

Answer: Not all, but a few universities in Italy might accept the IELTS band score of 5.5. 

Question: What if your IELTS score is low?

A low band score in IELTS doesn't mean that the university will surely reject the student’s application, as the admission committee considers other factors as well. However, if an application gets rejected due to a low band score in IELTS, students always have a chance to appear for the test again. 

Question: Can Indian students apply to Italian universities with 50% marks? 

Various Italian universities accept 50% marks in the previous academic qualification.