Application strategy
Apply through the Apply@polito portal (apply.polito.it), where international applicants register for the admission test and select programs. Engineering admission uses the TIL-I (Test In Laib — Engineering variant): a computer-based test of ~42 questions over 90 minutes covering mathematics, reading comprehension and logical reasoning, physics, and basic technical knowledge, with capacity-capped programs admitting by ranking. Parallel tests exist for Design (TIL-D), Planning (TIL-P), and Architecture (TIL-A, set by national MUR decree). A qualifying SAT score can place applicants in the ranking list. Non-EU students requiring a visa must also complete pre-enrolment on the national Universitaly portal (a MUR requirement, not PoliTo-specific) to obtain a letter of eligibility before applying for a student visa; EU/EFTA citizens need no visa. English-taught programs require certified English (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS); Italian-taught programs require Italian B2. Two engineering bachelor's are fully English (Civil and Environmental; Electronic and Communications), and about 11 master's are fully English. Non-EU students can claim the ISEE-based no-tax area (EUR 0 tuition below EUR 30,000 ISEE) if they document family income, and the EDISU Piemonte scholarship offers tuition waivers plus living grants up to roughly EUR 7,900/year for off-site students.
Who fits
- Engineering students targeting careers in European automotive (Stellantis/Ferrari), aerospace (Leonardo/Avio Aero/Thales Alenia Space), or advanced manufacturing
- Architecture students seeking a globally ranked (QS #18) program at low European public tuition
- International students wanting an affordable, EU-work-rights technical degree with a growing English-taught engineering offer
- Cost-conscious students who prefer Turin's lower living costs and livability over Milan or Rome while staying in Northern Italy's industrial corridor
- Students drawn to applied, industry-linked specializations such as automotive, mechatronics, data science, cybersecurity, or aerospace engineering
Who should think twice
- Students who need a globally top-ranked overall brand — Politecnico di Milano or Northern European technical universities rank substantially higher
- Those unwilling to learn any Italian, since many programs and most daily life require functional Italian proficiency
- Students seeking a fully English-taught engineering bachelor's beyond the two programs (Civil and Environmental, Electronic and Communications) that offer it
- Those prioritizing direct US/UK Big Tech recruitment pipelines or top global salary premiums after graduation
- Students wanting small-cohort, high-contact teaching, given large first-year lectures and high student-to-faculty ratios
Visa and application system in Italy
- Student visa / post-study work: Type-D student visa for non-EU; 12-month post-study job-search permit (permesso per attesa occupazione); study time counts toward residency
- Application system: Universitaly portal + pre-enrolment via Italian consulate; public universities use national/course exams (e.g. TOLC), some English-taught