AFAM Diplomas Become Bachelor’s Degrees: What Changes for International Students
Important news for those who choose to study in Italy in the fields of art, music, design, and dance: under the new provisions approved by the Council of Ministers, first- and second-level academic diplomas from AFAM institutions will now be designated as bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively.
The change affects the Higher Education System for the Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM) and represents a further step toward integrating this sector into the Italian higher education system. For international students, this development is particularly interesting because it addresses one of the most sensitive aspects of academic mobility: the clarity and recognition of academic credentials.
What are AFAM institutions?
The AFAM system comprises over 150 institutions of higher education in Italy. These include, among others, the Academies of Fine Arts, the Conservatories of Music, the Higher Institutes for the Artistic Industries (ISIA), the National Academy of Dance, and the National Academy of Dramatic Arts, as well as other private institutions authorized to award legally recognized degrees.
AFAM programs, like university programs, are divided into first- and second-level programs. Until now, however, the final degrees had different names: first-level academic diploma and second-level academic diploma.
The measure, approved on August 4, 2026, stipulates that the degrees to be used from now on will be bachelor’s and master’s degrees. According to the Ministry of Universities and Research, this measure resolves a regulatory discrepancy that, over time, had created difficulties in the recognition of degrees abroad, in Erasmus+ mobility procedures, and in various administrative processes.
AFAM Diplomas Become Bachelor’s Degrees: Why Is This Important for International Students?
For an international student, choosing a course of study in another country often means dealing with different educational systems, degree titles, and administrative procedures.
In this context, the new designation can make it easier to understand the level of the degree earned in Italy, which is especially important for those who wish to use their degree in other countries as well.
In fact, the MUR explicitly states that the goal of the measure is to reduce the difficulties encountered in the past in recognition of degrees abroad and in international mobility.
Studying in Italy: What Will Actually Change?
For international students considering an AFAM program, this development helps, above all, to clarify the place of these programs within the Italian higher education system.
In fact, AFAM diplomas have been equivalent to university degrees since 2012 (Law 228/2012).
So what will change starting in August 2026? Primarily, the formal names of the degrees will be changed to match those used in the Italian university system.
For those coming from abroad, this can be particularly useful when they need to present their academic background to universities, institutions, or other entities that need to assess its level.
However, the new designation of AFAM degrees does not eliminate the standard procedures for course admission and the evaluation of academic credentials. The official procedures for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 academic years stipulate that the evaluation of foreign credentials for admission purposes is the responsibility of individual institutions of higher education.
CFA and CFU: What’s the Difference?
Even though the degrees are considered equivalent, there remains a substantial difference between Italian academies and universities: the distinction between CFA and CFU. AFAM institutions use Academic Training Credits (CFA), while universities use University Training Credits (CFU).
The difference, however, even in this case, lies only in the name, since the value of the credits and the two systems are similar.
Another Step Toward the Internationalization of Italian Higher Education
The reform comes at a time when internationalization is one of the central elements of Italian higher education.
For those who choose to earn a degree in Italy, the university experience is not just about the quality of the educational programs. It also depends on the ability to easily understand the educational system, follow the proper procedures, and make use of the degree earned upon completion of the program.
The new naming convention for AFAM diplomas should therefore be viewed as part of a broader effort: to make the Italian system more understandable, competitive, and easily recognizable, even to those observing it from abroad.
More Resources for College Students
The same measure approved by the government also addresses the right to education. The decree allocates 60 million euros for tutoring, counseling, and support services for college students.
According to the MUR, the funds will be distributed through the upcoming ministerial decree allocating the Ordinary Financing Fund (FFO) and will be used by universities to strengthen student services in preparation for the 2026–2027 academic year.
For international students, counseling and support services are certainly an important part of the academic experience: arriving in a new country means not only choosing a program but also learning to navigate a new academic and administrative system.
If you are considering studying art, music, design, or other AFAM disciplines in Italy, this reform is another factor to consider when looking at our country as an international destination for education.
