Issuance of an Italian title for recognition of an academic certification obtained abroad

WHAT IS MEANT BY “EQUIPOLLENZA”

It is the procedure through which a qualification obtained abroad is assessed in order to verify its correspondence, in terms of level, duration and content, to an Italian qualification and, if recognised, leads to the issuance of an official decision certifying its equivalence, granting it the same legal value and effects within the national system.

Universities exercise this competence within their autonomy and in accordance with their respective regulations, without prejudice to bilateral agreements in this field (Lisbon Convention of 11 April 1997, ratified in Italy by Law no. 148/2002).

The full recognition of a foreign qualification is aimed at the awarding of an Italian university degree. This procedure was formerly identified with the term “equipollenza”, although this term is no longer used in Law 148/2002. It consists of an analytical recognition of a qualification obtained abroad, whose contents must correspond in a detailed and complete manner to the Italian qualification for which equivalence is requested.

WHO CARRIES OUT THIS ASSESSMENT?

Universities are competent for the recognition of study periods completed abroad and of foreign qualifications for the following purposes:

  • access to higher education;
  • continuation of university studies;
  • awarding of Italian university degrees.

PLEASE NOTE: this procedure does not apply to PhD qualifications.

For purposes other than those listed above (e.g. participation in public competitions or access to regulated professions), the application must be submitted to other State administrations.

PROCEDURE AT ROMA TRE

Procedure

Timing:
The evaluation procedure of a foreign academic career is carried out by the competent academic authorities within the 90-day period established by law.

Reference office:
International Students Office 

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

LAVINIA CIAMBRONE 25 June 2026