For information related to the recognition of foreign academic qualifications in Italy, we invite you to consult the following useful resources.
For a general overview of the processes for recognizing foreign academic qualifications, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Click here to access the site.
For a detailed guide on the various forms of recognition of foreign academic qualifications currently in force in Italy, refer to the CIMEA website. In order to validate school credentials, you can request a Statement of Comparabiliy from Cimea –Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence. Please verify if the “Statement of Comparbility – Attestato di Comparabilita’” issued by the CIMEA will meet the requirements of the educational institution (or employer) you will be applying to.
If you wish to know about the procedure for enrollment in Italian universities, visit the Universitaly website where you will find all the necessary information for registration.
If you determine you need a Declaration of Value of degrees issued by schools or universities located in this consular jurisdiction (Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana) please provide the following documentation:
1. Application form for Declaration of Value
2. Copy of your passport
3. Notarized Diploma and Transcript – The Principal of the School or the Registrar of the University must provide a signed declaration on letterhead to confirm the authenticity of your diploma and transcripts. Both diploma and transcripts must be attached to the letter. Please bear in mind that:
- All documents must be original or certified copies
- The signature of the School Official/Registrar must be notarized by a Notary Public
SPECIFIC CASES:
- INTERMEDIATE Studies (I to XI grade) If the report card does not specify that the student was admitted to the following grade, the verification letter will have to specify admission to the following grade.
- EXCHANGE STUDENTS – Must include a Letter of the organization of the exchange Program as well.
- HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA – AP records or transcripts of the college. Please note that a United States High School Diploma is NOT enough to enroll in an Italian University therefore you should also include the official AP records or transcripts of college you attended. The Advancement Placement (AP) courses should be also mentioned in the cover letter signed by the Principal of the School.
- For INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) QUALIFICATIONS please check university’s requirements before making a legalization request. If you determine you need a Dov, please contact Consolato Generale d’Italia a Ginevra at scuola.ginevra@esteri.it.
- COLLEGE INTERMEDIATE Studies – If you completed at least one year of undergraduate studies, Verification letter must specify good standing, type of degree, length of the program, credit hours required, and credit hours/years completed.
- MASTER’S degree and PhD – Verification letter must specify the degree admission requirements, length of the program, credit hours required, title of the thesis if available.
- For the recognition of the PROFESSIONAL TITLE please contact the education office at houston.education@esteri.it.
5. Apostille – The notarized documents must have the Apostille issued by the Secretary of State of the State in which the school is located. Please do NOT detach the apostille from the original documents, as this will invalidate them.
6. Translations of the following documents (There is no need to translate the Apostille or the Notary papers):
- Letter signed by the Principal/Registrar of the School/University
- Diploma
- Transcripts (including back).
7. Enrollment letter – If applying to an Italian School/University, please include a copy of the enrollment letter or other document supporting your enrollment
8. Fees – The Declaration of Value is issued free of charge if you are completing enrollment at an Italian higher education institution that has already accepted you. Proof of admission is required.
For job purposes, Declarations of Value are issued upon payment of a fee. You can find the pertaining fees on the Consular Fee Table, under art. 66N (primary document) and art. 72A (certification of translation, per sheet- it can be printed front/back). Thus, a Declaration of Value that lists one diploma and one set of transcripts of 4 pages will pay art.66N+ 2 x art. 72A. The fee must be paid in the form of money order or cashier’s check made payable to the Consulate of Italy in Houston. Personal checks or cash are NOT accepted.
9) A pre-paid and self-addressed envelope is required for us to return your documents (on the pre-paid envelope, the sender and recipient MUST BE the same person, the consulate’s name and address cannot appear on the envelope).
The documentation will need to be sent by mail to: Consulate General of Italy in Houston – Student office
1330 Post Oak Blvd Suite 1950, Houston Tx 770056
For further information regarding the issuance of a Declaration of Value, please write to houston.education@esteri.it
N.B. Incomplete applications or ineligible documents will result in the application being returned
Information and forms:
• Application form Dichiarazione di Valore