The University of Bologna published its second-intake ranking lists for the English-language Master in Legal Studies on 18 June. Alongside admission results, the international office issued practical visa instructions that illustrate how Italian universities are adapting to the country’s new fully digital visa system. Admitted candidates must file a pre-enrolment application on the Universitaly portal before booking a ‘Study – University Enrolment’ visa appointment. Applicants who find the new system daunting can turn to VisaHQ for end-to-end assistance. Through its Italy service hub (https://www.visahq.com/italy/), the agency reviews Universitaly submissions, books consular appointments, and supplies compliant proof-of-funds and health-insurance templates, significantly reducing the risk of rejection. The guidance stresses two pain-points that have tripped up students this month: (1) proof of funds now needs to meet the 2026 minimum of €7 000.97, and (2) private health insurance is mandatory until the student registers with the Italian National Health Service after arrival. Because consulates will only validate digital pre-enrolment once tuition fees are paid, the university has shortened the payment window to 10 days to ensure applicants can still secure August visa slots. Those changing their study plans must file an online “reallocation” request – failure to do so invalidates the existing pre-enrolment and forces the applicant to restart the visa process. Employers sponsoring interns or graduate trainees should align assignment start dates with these tighter timelines and provide detailed financial-support letters that reference the €7 001 threshold.
