A foreign degree in Italy: academic recognition, public competitions and professional recognition are not the same
Three purposes, three authorities. How to tell which procedure you need before you apostille and translate.
October 12, 2026 · 2 min
“I need my qualification recognised in Italy” is a sentence that covers different procedures. CIMEA starts from a Lisbon Recognition Convention principle: recognition is purpose-specific. Before you translate and apostille, you need to know why you are asking.
Three routes (at least)
| Purpose | Usual name | Who decides | What you get (in brief) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study, or obtain the corresponding Italian degree | Academic recognition / (historically) equipollence | University / AFAM | Access, a shortened programme, or an Italian degree if that is the application |
| Apply for that public competition | Equivalence / non-academic recognition under art. 38 | Funzione Pubblica, with a MUR opinion on academic qualifications | An assessment for that notice, without an Italian degree |
| Practise a regulated profession | Recognition of the professional qualification | A different authority by sector (Health, MIMIT, Region, etc.) | The right to practise, with any compensatory measures |
CIMEA notes that the system is still coloured by the word equipollence, but Law 148/2002 no longer treats it as the exclusive route and repealed the earlier procedure. Equivalence (competition) and equipollence (Italian degree) are not synonyms.
When translations are needed
On all three routes the administration may ask for the degree, transcript, programmes, licence to practise, legalisation/Apostille and a translation into Italian. The set is not identical. A university may ask for the study plan; a competition for the diploma alone; a professional body for a certificate of good standing.
- Competition route: foreign qualification for a public competition
- Profession route: professional qualification recognition
- How it is translated: academic documents
Do you already have the study documents and have you been asked for an Italian translation? Quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does a declaration of value settle everything?
A declaration of value is an informative consular act, not a recognition. It does not replace the university, art. 38 or the professional authority.
Can I use the same translation for three procedures?
Sometimes yes, if the text is complete and recent. Each body may ask for different pieces (stamps, an Apostille on the transcript, and so on).
