A complete guide to our application process - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from two categories of international students. The process differs depending on whether your home institution holds a bilateral agreement with Unicollege.
Partner University Exchange
Your home institution is among Unicollege's 80+ partner universities. The application is initiated by your university's Study Abroad or International Office, which nominates you directly to us. Tuition is waived under the bilateral agreement.
Direct / Independent Enrollment
Your home institution does not have a bilateral agreement with Unicollege, or you are applying as an individual. You contact our Inbound Office directly and submit your application independently. Tuition applies in addition to housing.
Not sure which category applies to you?
Contact your home university's Study Abroad or International Office and ask whether they have a bilateral agreement with Unicollege SSML. You can also write to studyabroad@unicollegessml.it with your home institution's name and we'll verify your eligibility right away.
Key Deadlines - A.Y. 2026-2027
| Milestone | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Partner university nomination deadline | June 5, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| Unicollege acceptance notification | Within 15 days of receiving the application form | |
| Student confirmation + 50% deposit | Within 15 days of receiving the acceptance notification | |
| Outstanding balance due | July 6, 2026 | November 6, 2026 |
| Online visa application (allow up to 90 days) | By June, 2026 | By October, 2026 |
| Arrival - Italy | Sept 3-4, 2026 | Jan 14-15, 2027 |
| First day of class | September 7, 2026 | January 18, 2027 |
Application Process - Exchange Students
Your Home University Nominates You
Contact your home institution's Study Abroad or International Office and express your interest in studying at Unicollege. Your institution nominates you to the Unicollege Inbound Office by the applicable deadline. Partners receive the updated Student Guidebook and Application Form each semester.
Introductory Call with Unicollege
Once nominated, the Unicollege Inbound Office will contact you directly to schedule a brief introductory call. This is an opportunity to clarify your academic needs, course preferences, and any questions about the program.
Submit Your Application Form
Complete and submit the Unicollege Application Form, including your course selections (5 primary + 5 backup courses). Include all required supporting documents listed below. The form is distributed directly by the Inbound Office to nominated students.
Receive Your Acceptance Notification
We will confirm your acceptance within 15 days of receiving your complete application. Acceptance is communicated via official email to both you and your home institution's coordinator.
Confirm Your Place - Non-Refundable Deposit
Within 15 days of receiving your acceptance notification, confirm your enrollment by submitting a non-refundable deposit of 50% of your total balance. Failure to confirm within this window may result in forfeiture of your place.
Pay the Outstanding Balance
The remaining 50% balance is due by July 6 (Fall 2026) or November 6 (Spring 2027). Payment instructions are provided in the acceptance documentation.
Apply for Your Study Visa
Non-EU students must apply for an Italian National Study Visa (Type D) at their nearest Italian consulate. Allow up to 90 days for processing. Begin this process immediately after confirming your enrollment. See Visas & Entry Requirements for full guidance.
Attend the Online Orientation & Arrive
Attend the mandatory online orientation session (Fall: September 2 / Spring: January 13) and arrive in Italy on your designated check-in day. See Student Life for arrival details and the pre-arrival checklist.
Required Documents
The following documents must be submitted together with your completed Application Form. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
- Completed Unicollege Application Form (provided by the Inbound Office upon nomination)
- Copy of valid passport (biographical page)
- Official transcript from your home institution (most recent academic year)
- Completed course selection form - 5 primary courses + 5 backup courses
- Full name and official institutional email of your academic reference (advisor / Study Abroad Coordinator) at your home institution
- Proof of health insurance (or declaration of intent to obtain coverage before you arrive)
Course Selection: Primary + Backup Courses
Students must select 5 primary courses and 5 backup courses at the time of application. Backup courses are activated in the event of scheduling conflicts, course cancellations, or capacity limitations. Final course assignments are confirmed by Unicollege at least two weeks before the semester begins.
Application Process - Free-Mover Students
Students applying independently (without a bilateral agreement) follow the same process, with the following differences:
- The application is initiated directly with the Unicollege Inbound Office - no nomination from a home institution is required.
- Tuition of €4,500 plus a non-refundable application fee of €100 applies, in addition to housing and the meal plan.
- All other steps (introductory call, application form, acceptance, deposit, visa, orientation) follow the same sequence as for exchange students.
Summer Sessions & Short-Term Programs
Students interested in summer or short-term programs at Unicollege may apply independently at any time of year. Summer and short-term courses are drawn from the Red Catalog and are priced at €300 per credit. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the desired start date. A minimum of 4 enrolled students is required to activate any course.
Faculty-Led Programs - How Partners Apply
Institutions wishing to bring a group of students to Unicollege under a faculty-led program should contact the Inbound Office directly to discuss program design, academic integration, campus availability, and logistical arrangements. Faculty-led programs are tailored to each partner institution's objectives and can be structured across one or more Unicollege campuses.
Contact the Inbound Office
For any questions about the application process, course availability, deadlines, or your specific situation, contact the Unicollege Inbound Office directly.
Francesca Serra
Incoming Students & Study Abroad Officer
Visas, housing, arrival logistics, inbound applications
General Study Abroad Inquiries
Division of International Education
General inquiries, partner nominations, program information
Ready to Begin?
Ask your Study Abroad Office to nominate you, or contact us directly if you are applying as a free-mover.
Email the Inbound Office View Costs & Fees Visa Requirements