How to Transfer to Another University in Italy (Complete Guide)
Transferring to another university in Italy can be confusing, especially for international students. The rules depend on your situation, and making the wrong choice can affect your studies or even your legal stay in Italy. This guide explains when you can transfer, how the process works, what documents you need, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
1. Transfer vs Cancellation – Understanding the Difference
Before doing anything, it is important to understand that “transfer” and “cancelling enrollment” are not the same.
Transfer (official procedure)
You remain enrolled as a student.
Your current university sends your academic record to the new university.
Your visa or residence permit remains valid.
This is the correct and safe method.
Cancellation and new enrollment
You withdraw from your current university and try to enroll in a new one from zero.
Your visa or residence permit may become invalid because it is tied to the original university.
You may be forced to leave Italy and apply again from your home country.
This is very risky for non-EU students.
2. Can You Transfer in the First Year?
There are two different situations: before arrival in Italy, and after arrival.
If you have not arrived in Italy yet
If you have not applied for a visa, you can simply apply to a different university. This is not considered a transfer since you are not yet enrolled.
If you already applied for a visa, you must request a new admission letter and restart the visa process.
If you are already in Italy and in your first year
Most universities do not allow official transfers during the first academic year.
If you cancel enrollment and try to start at a different university, your visa and residence permit become invalid, because your legal stay in Italy depends on remaining enrolled in the original university.
Even if another university accepts you, you may need to leave Italy and reapply from your home country.
Conclusion
Transferring during the first year is generally not allowed and highly risky. It is strongly recommended to complete the first year before transferring.
3. When Is Transfer Allowed?
Most universities allow official transfer after completing the first academic year.
Universities open a specific “transfer window,” often between June and September, although the exact dates differ from one institution to another.
4. Step-by-Step Transfer Process
Step 1: Check the transfer rules and deadlines of the new university
This information is usually found under “Trasferimenti in ingresso” or “Transfer in.”
Step 2: Request preliminary approval (Nulla Osta), if required
Some universities require permission before accepting a transfer student.
Step 3: Make sure you are in good academic and financial standing
Tuition fees must be paid.
No administrative issues should be pending.
Some universities may also require at least one exam passed.
Step 4: Submit a transfer-out request to your current university
You will pay an administrative fee (commonly between 50 and 150 euros).
Step 5: Credit recognition (CFU evaluation)
The new university checks the exams you have passed.
They review course syllabi and decide how many credits to recognize.
They determine whether you enter the first, second, or third year.
Step 6: Complete enrollment at the new university
Pay tuition and follow registration procedures.
5. Special Case: Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture and Other Limited-Enrollment Programs
You can transfer only if the new university has available seats.
Even with many valid credits, the university is not required to accept you.
You may need to retake the entrance test (such as IMAT or TOLC) or meet specific academic conditions.
6. Documents Usually Required
Transcript of Records with credits and grades
Course syllabi (for credit recognition)
Passport or identity document
Tax code (Codice Fiscale)
Proof of payment of fees
Residence permit (for non-EU students)
Nulla Osta, if requested
7. Visa and Residence Permit Considerations (Non-EU Students)
If you follow the official transfer process (without cancelling enrollment), your residence permit remains valid. However, you must notify the immigration office (Questura) and renew your permit using the new enrollment certificate.
If you cancel enrollment instead of transferring officially, your residence permit becomes invalid and you lose your legal right to stay in Italy.
8. Timeline
Transfers usually take between one and three months.
Credit recognition can take additional time.
It is important to start the process early to avoid missing deadlines.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cancelling enrollment instead of requesting an official transfer
Missing application deadlines
Assuming all credits will be recognized
Ignoring seat limits in restricted programs
Not checking how the transfer affects visa or residence permit status
Not requesting information in written form
