Bachelor in Earth System and Global Changes at University of Bari Aldo Moro
Three-year English-taught geology bachelor (L-34, 180 ECTS) in Bari covering the solid Earth, climate, water, geohazards and geo-resources, with heavy fieldwork. Open access with a school diploma and a non-binding starting test.
Bachelor
3 years
Bari
English
University of Bari Aldo Moro
Earth System and Global Changes is a three-year, 180 ECTS bachelor's degree in geological sciences (class L-34) taught in English at the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Bari. Access is open: you need an upper secondary school diploma or recognised foreign equivalent and basic science knowledge, and a non-binding test checks your maths and Earth sciences. Fees follow family income, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
UniBa's Earth System and Global Changes bachelor has open access: you need an upper secondary school diploma or a recognised foreign equivalent, basic science knowledge at school level, a positive preliminary evaluation of a foreign diploma and a non-binding starting-level test. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
School-leaving requirement
The course has open access. [1][3] You can enrol with an upper secondary school diploma or a qualification obtained abroad that is recognised as suitable under current rules. To follow the course, you should be familiar with scientific language and have basic science knowledge at upper secondary school level. [1]
The 2026/27 regulation sets a sustainable intake of 60 students. [1] Applicants with a foreign qualification must first request a preliminary evaluation of it on the university's online application platform. [2]
What this means for your school results
As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a Class 12, Higher Secondary or Intermediate certificate, or full A levels, that gives access to university in your country and includes maths and science subjects.
- Check carefully: a Class 12 certificate in the Commerce or Arts stream. The rule does not name a stream, but it expects basic science knowledge, and the starting test covers maths and Earth sciences.
- Often short: a Class 10 certificate, O levels or AS levels on their own, as the rule asks for an upper secondary diploma that gives access to university.
The final decision on a foreign diploma comes from UniBa's preliminary evaluation, so we check your board, subjects and results first. [1][2]
English
The degree is taught in English, and the final thesis is written and discussed in English. [1] The 2026/27 course regulation and the university's international admissions page do not set an English certificate level or test scores, so we check which proof of English your file needs. [1][2]
Starting-level test
There is no selective entrance test. A multiple-choice test checks your starting level in two parts: basic mathematics and Earth sciences. Preparatory courses in maths and introductory Earth sciences run in the week before the test. [1]
- The test and its result do not block enrolment.
- If you skip the test or fail the maths part, Mathematics must be your first exam.
- If you skip the test or fail the Earth sciences part, Physical Geography must be your first geology exam.
- If you do not clear these extra requirements in year one, you cannot sit second-year exams, although you can still enrol and attend.
The course may repeat the test in November or December. [1]
2026/27 deadlines
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants who needed a visa had until 30 June 2026 to request the preliminary evaluation on the university's application platform. EU applicants and non-EU applicants not needing a visa had until 30 September 2026. [2]
Non-EU applicants living abroad then had to complete Universitaly pre-enrolment for open-access programmes by 30 September 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [2]
Documents and non-EU steps
Universitaly pre-enrolment comes after a positive preliminary evaluation, and the qualifications and documents uploaded for the evaluation must also be uploaded to Universitaly. Pre-enrolment does not secure a visa appointment, and acceptance by the university gives no right to a visa. [2]
To help students still completing visa and entry procedures, first-year, first-semester lectures (21 CFU, excluding laboratories and practical work) are streamed live on Microsoft Teams alongside classroom teaching, with real-time attendance. [1]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Bari Aldo Moro, Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences. Course regulations, Earth System and Global Changes (class L-34), 2026/27 cohort, approved by Rector's Decree no. 1984 of 16 June 2026. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bari Aldo Moro. Admission of international students, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Bari Aldo Moro, Earth System and Global Changes programme page (language, degree class and access type). Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Earth System and Global Changes is a three-year laurea in class L-34 (geological sciences), worth 180 ECTS and taught entirely in English by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the University of Bari Aldo Moro. It gives an interdisciplinary grounding in the solid Earth, the atmosphere and the hydrosphere, and in how they interact.
The course looks at the Mediterranean basin and beyond, with a focus on the sustainable use of water, energy and other geo-resources, geo-materials in a circular economy, and the risks that come from geological processes and climate change. It suits students who want hands-on training in geology with a clear link to climate and environmental problems.
What you will study
The first year lays the scientific base, the second moves into core geology and climate, and the third applies it to hazards, engineering and resources. Course units in the 2026/27 plan include: [1]
- Year 1: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physical Geography with computing and data analysis, Mineralogy and Crystallography, Sedimentary Geology
- Year 2: Water on Earth and impacts of climate change on water resources, Climate change and Palaeoclimate, Paleontology and its applications
- Igneous-Metamorphic Petrology and Geodynamics, Volcanology, Structural Geology and Tectonics, Solid Earth Geophysics
- Geological survey and field mapping
- Year 3: Applied Geomorphology and Geomatics, Environmental Geophysics, Geoengineering for Earth systems, Petrography in the laboratory, Mineralogy applied to anthropogenic processes
- 4 ECTS electives such as Karst processes and hazards, Marine Geology and Geomorphology, Planetary Mineralogy, and Georesources and sustainability
How the programme is taught
Teaching mixes lectures, classroom exercises, indoor laboratories and outdoor field activity. Attendance at lectures is recommended rather than compulsory, but attending the laboratory and field parts of a course is required to sit its exam.
Field activities run in the first and third years, and a compulsory geological campaign of several days ends with a written report, a geological map and cross-sections. The department contributes to the costs of field work within its annual funding. [1]
To help international students who are still waiting for a visa or residence permit, first-year, first-semester lectures (21 CFU, excluding laboratories and practical work) are streamed live on Microsoft Teams at the same time as classroom teaching, with real-time attendance. The degree ends with the discussion of a written thesis in English. [1]
Career paths
The main outlet named by the course is work as a technical expert on geological, hydrogeological and climate-related hazards, water and soil pollution, and the sustainable use of geo-resources. Other contexts listed include:
- Junior geologist or technical assistant in geology and geophysics, including geological mapping projects
- Environmental impact assessment and reduction
- Subsoil exploration, geophysical surveys and certification of geological materials
- Hydrogeological research and alternative energy sources
- Geo-tourism and promotion of the geological heritage
Graduates can also continue to a master's degree.
Fees and scholarships
UniBa sets fees through its 2026/27 contribution regulation. If your family's income and assets are only abroad, you pay a fixed yearly amount based on your country group; if your family has income or assets in Italy, the ISEE or ISEE parificato applies, with no contribution up to an ISEE of €26,000. ADISU Puglia scholarship eligibility gives a full exemption, so this degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Your first step is a preliminary evaluation of your school diploma on apply.uniba.it. For 2026/27, the deadline for non-EU students needing a visa was 30 June 2026. [2]
With a positive outcome, you complete Universitaly pre-enrolment (by 30 September 2026 for open-access courses in 2026/27) and apply for a type D study visa. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [2]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your school results against UniBa's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your preliminary evaluation request and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your ADISU Puglia scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What school qualification do I need for Earth System and Global Changes at UniBa?
An upper secondary school diploma, or a qualification obtained abroad that is recognised as suitable, plus basic science knowledge at school level. Access is open, and a foreign diploma first goes through a preliminary evaluation on the university's application platform. [1][2]
Is there an entrance test?
No selective test. A non-binding multiple-choice test in basic maths and Earth sciences checks your starting level. If you skip it or fail a part, Mathematics or Physical Geography becomes your first exam in that area. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
Teaching and the final thesis are in English. The 2026/27 course regulation and the international admissions page do not set a certificate level or test scores, so we check which proof of English your file needs. [1][2]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, non-EU applicants needing a visa had until 30 June 2026 to request the preliminary evaluation, and Universitaly pre-enrolment for open-access courses closed on 30 September 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [2]
I studied Class 12 in the Commerce or Arts stream. Can I apply?
Possibly. The entry rule does not name a school stream, but it expects basic science knowledge at school level. The starting test covers maths and Earth sciences, and a weak result makes Mathematics or Physical Geography your first exam. We check your subjects first. [1]
What if my visa arrives late?
First-year, first-semester lectures (21 CFU, excluding laboratories and practical work) are streamed live on Microsoft Teams alongside classroom teaching, with real-time attendance, so students still completing visa procedures can start on time. [1]
How much fieldwork is there?
A lot. Field activities run in years one and three, field mapping is taught in year two, and a compulsory geological campaign of several days ends with a written report, a geological map and cross-sections. [1]
What jobs can graduates do?
The course names work as a technical expert on geological, hydrogeological and climate-related hazards, water and soil pollution and geo-resources, plus geological mapping, environmental impact assessment and geo-tourism. Graduates can also continue to a master's degree. [1]
Can someone handle my whole application to Earth System and Global Changes at UniBa?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your school results against UniBa's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the ADISU Puglia scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Earth System and Global Changes?
A Class 12 or Higher Secondary certificate that gives access to university can meet the open-access rule if UniBa recognises it as suitable, and you need basic science knowledge at school level. Teaching is in English. The steps are the preliminary evaluation of your diploma on the university's application platform, then Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][2] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Earth System and Global Changes are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: preliminary evaluation of the school diploma on the university's application platform and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Earth System and Global Changes are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: preliminary evaluation of the school diploma on the university's application platform and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Earth System and Global Changes are the same whatever your nationality, and your school results are assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: preliminary evaluation of the school diploma on the university's application platform and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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