Master in Urban and Regional Planning at Polytechnic University of Turin

Detailed entry requirements

Urban and Regional Planning asks for a bachelor's degree or recognised foreign qualification, earned after at least 15 years of education, with at least 30 credits in geography, earth sciences, maths, computing or surveying and 60 in planning and related subjects, a suitable academic record, a course syllabus, a portfolio or summary, and English at B2, with IELTS 5.5 as the listed minimum. There is no entrance test. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]

Degree and the 30 plus 60 credit rule

You need a three-year bachelor's degree or university diploma, or a foreign academic qualification recognised as suitable, from an accredited university and earned after at least 15 years of total education, counting primary school, secondary school and university. Italian degrees in class L-21 (planning) meet the curricular requirements automatically. [1][3]

Every other degree must include: [1]

• At least 30 credits in applied botany and ecology, geology, physical geography and applied geology, geography and economic geography, computer engineering, geometry, mathematical analysis, probability and statistics, surveying and geomatics, and architectural drawing (sectors BIO/03, BIO/07, GEO/02, GEO/04, GEO/05, M-GGR/01, M-GGR/02, ING-INF/05, MAT/03, MAT/05, MAT/06, ICAR/06 and ICAR/17).
• At least 60 credits in urban planning and urban design, architectural and landscape design, history of architecture, appraisal, hydraulics, environmental engineering, roads and transport, technical and building physics, administrative and EU law, economics and applied economics, statistics, environmental sociology, modern and contemporary history, geography, agricultural economics, watershed engineering, mathematical physics, and applied geology or georesources (sectors AGR/01, AGR/08, GEO/05, GEO/09, ICAR/02 to ICAR/05, ICAR/14, ICAR/15, ICAR/18, ICAR/20, ICAR/21, ICAR/22, ING-IND/10, ING-IND/11, IUS/10, IUS/14, M-GGR/01, M-GGR/02, M-STO/02, M-STO/04, SECS-P/01, SECS-P/06, SECS-S/02, SPS/10 and MAT/07).

Credits in a sector that appears in both lists count first towards the 30, and any remainder counts towards the 60. The 2026/27 course table recommends a background in urban and regional planning, urban, civil, environmental, building or architectural engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, political sciences or law, or geographic information systems. [1][2]

What this means for your transcript

Italian credits (CFU) and the credits on a foreign transcript are not the same unit, and Politecnico looks at your subjects, not just your total. As a guide, based on the rule above:

• Usually a fit: a B.Plan, which tends to spread planning, GIS and surveying, maths and statistics, economics and sociology across both groups, and a B.Tech or B.E. in Civil Engineering, with maths and surveying for the 30 and hydraulics, environmental and transport engineering for the 60.
• Check carefully: a B.Arch, which covers design, history and landscape for the 60 but needs enough drawing, surveying, maths or geography for the 30, and a BA or B.Sc. in Geography, Economics or Environmental Science, or a law degree, which can fill one group well but fall short on the other.
• Often short: a BCA, B.Com, BBA, or a B.Tech in Computer Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, which may cover maths and computing for the 30 but rarely reaches 60 credits in planning and related subjects.

If you lack 10 credits or fewer, the programme lead can admit you; larger gaps need final approval from the Collegio coordinator. Missing credits must be made up before enrolment, through single courses for gaps of up to 60 credits or, beyond that, by enrolling in a bachelor's programme. [1]

English and programme language

You need certified English at CEFR level B2 or higher, and the 2026/27 course table lists IELTS 5.5 as the minimum for the English-taught track, Planning for the Global Urban Agenda, which needs no Italian. The Italian-taught track also needs Italian at B2. [1][2]

Politecnico accepts the certificates on its own chart, and TOEFL or TOEIC results must be sent with code C285. You do not need an English certificate if your degree followed an English-taught course of study in a listed country, which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore, or was awarded by the US, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or another country on the university's list. You then upload an official statement that the medium of instruction was English. [3]

The embassy can still ask for a language certificate for the visa, so we check this for your file. [3]

Portfolio or summary, and syllabus

The 2026/27 course table lists both a course syllabus and a portfolio or summary as required for this programme. [2] The syllabus is an official document from your university describing the content of each course you took. [3]

Politecnico's guidance for this programme lets you choose one of two formats: [4]

• Portfolio: samples of your academic work, and work experience if relevant, in English, on up to 10 horizontal boards in a single PDF. It should show your skills in planning at the urban or territorial scale, such as environment, landscape, urban development, heritage, mobility, GIS mapping or policymaking. Each piece needs graphic documentation, a short text on its object, method and focus, how it was done (academic or professional, individual or team) and the author's name.
• Summary: 500 to 800 words, with 3 to 5 figures, explaining how your previous studies and any work experience built your knowledge and skills in planning.

Quality matters more than quantity, and files are assessed on screen, so they should be readable without zooming or scrolling. [4]

Evaluation and no entrance test

There is no entrance test, and the course table lists no interview for this programme. The Recruitment and Admissions Unit checks your requirements and documents, then professors appointed by the Collegio coordinator assess your academic performance and how well your previous university studies fit the programme, on the Apply@PoliTO platform. [1][2][3]

The result is eligible, a conditional offer (eligible, but you still need to finish your bachelor's) or not eligible. An offer is valid only for the academic year you applied for, and deferrals are not possible. If the committee finds you not suitable on curricular or academic grounds, you cannot be admitted to any Politecnico master's that year. The regulations allow enrolment in either semester, but the second-semester window is only for EU applicants and non-EU applicants already living in Italy. [1][3]

2026/27 deadlines

For 2026/27, applicants with a non-Italian qualification had two calls on Apply@PoliTO, after a 15-day extension: [3]

• First call: 19 December 2025 to 13 February 2026, 2:00 p.m. Italian time. Results on 15 April 2026, and Universitaly pre-enrolment for the study visa by 30 June 2026.
• Second call: 18 March to 20 April 2026, 2:00 p.m. Italian time. Results on 22 June 2026, and Universitaly pre-enrolment by 15 July 2026.

A third call in November 2026 is only for EU applicants and non-EU applicants already living in Italy. First-semester enrolment ran from 31 July to 5 October 2026. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [3]

Documents and non-EU steps

You submit one application per call on Apply@PoliTO, choosing up to two master's programmes in order of preference. Applications cannot be changed after submission, and an incomplete application is rejected for the whole academic year. [3]

• Passport, CV, and your bachelor's certificate or an official document stating your expected graduation date.
• An official transcript listing all completed exams, with the grading and credit system.
• Your course syllabus and a portfolio or summary, both required for this programme. [2]
• An English certificate, or the medium of instruction statement if you are exempt.
• A declaration of value or CIMEA statement of comparability if available. It is compulsory for enrolment, and a Diploma Supplement can replace it then.
• One optional extra document, such as a recommendation or motivation letter, or proof of relevant training, internships or work.

Documents must be on letterhead, stamped and signed, and documents not in Italian, English, French or Spanish need an official English or Italian translation. Non-EU applicants living abroad must pre-enrol on Universitaly to get a type D study visa. Politecnico validates the pre-enrolment only once you are eligible and have uploaded proof of your bachelor's degree. [3]

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.

1. Politecnico di Torino, Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning. Academic regulations, Master's degree programme in Urban and Regional Planning (Pianificazione Urbanistica e Territoriale, LM-48 R), academic year 2026/27, issued by Rector's Decree no. 525 of 28 May 2026. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
2. Politecnico di Torino. Course-specific requirements for Master's degree programmes, applicants with a non-Italian qualification, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
3. Politecnico di Torino, Admissions and Enrolment. Applicants with a non-Italian qualification, Master's degree programmes, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
4. Politecnico di Torino. Portfolio and summary requirements for the Master's degree programme in Urban and Regional Planning, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
5. Politecnico di Torino, Teaching Portal. Urban and Regional Planning study plan, Planning for the Global Urban Agenda track, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
6. Politecnico di Torino. Tuition fees page: tuition fee regulations, ISEE Parificato and EDISU Piemonte scholarships, academic year 2026/27. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
7. Politecnico di Torino. Urban and Regional Planning programme page, academic year 2026/27 (degree class, languages, campus, admission type and AESOP Certificate of Quality). Reviewed 8 October 2026.

What bachelor's degree do I need for Urban and Regional Planning at PoliTo?

A bachelor's or recognised foreign degree earned after at least 15 years of education, with at least 30 credits in geography, earth sciences, maths, computing, surveying or drawing and 60 in planning, design, engineering, law, economics or related subjects. Italian L-21 planning degrees qualify directly. [1]

Do I need a portfolio?

You need either a portfolio or a summary, plus your course syllabus. The portfolio is up to 10 horizontal boards in one PDF in English; the summary is 500 to 800 words with 3 to 5 figures on how your studies built your planning skills. [2][4]

Is there an entrance exam?

No. The course table lists no test or interview for this programme. Professors appointed by the Collegio assess your academic performance and how well your previous studies fit the programme, using your transcript, syllabus and portfolio or summary. [1][2][3]

What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?

English at B2 or higher, with IELTS 5.5 listed as the minimum for the English track, which needs no Italian. If your degree was taught in English at a university in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or another listed country, an official medium of instruction statement can replace the certificate. [1][2][3]

When is the deadline for non-EU students?

For 2026/27, non-EU applicants living abroad had two calls: 19 December 2025 to 13 February 2026, and 18 March to 20 April 2026. The November 2026 call is only for EU applicants and non-EU applicants living in Italy. The 2027/28 calendar is not yet published. [3]

Can I apply before I graduate?

Yes. You upload an official document with your expected graduation date or an updated transcript, and you can receive a conditional offer. Politecnico validates Universitaly pre-enrolment for the visa only after you upload proof of your bachelor's degree. [3]

I have a B.Arch or a B.Tech in Civil Engineering. Can I apply?

Both are on the recommended list, but your transcript must reach both credit groups. Architecture degrees need enough drawing, surveying, maths or geography for the 30, and civil engineering degrees enough planning, transport, hydraulics or design for the 60. Missing credits are made up before enrolment, so we check your courses first. [1][2]

What jobs do graduates do?

Graduates work as territorial and urban planners in public administration, freelance practice, private companies and third-sector or research bodies. After the Italian State Examination they can register as a territorial planner in Section A of the professional register for architects and planners. [1]

Can someone handle my whole application to Urban and Regional Planning at PoliTo?

Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against PoliTo's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the EDISU Piemonte 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 Urban and Regional Planning?

A recognised Indian B.Plan, B.Arch or B.Tech in Civil Engineering sits within the recommended backgrounds, provided your transcript has at least 30 credits in geography, maths, computing, surveying or drawing and 60 in planning, design, engineering, law or economics. You also need a portfolio or summary, your syllabus and English at B2. The steps are Apply@PoliTO, the eligibility letter and 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 Urban and Regional Planning are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: Apply@PoliTO application, confirmation of eligibility letter 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 Urban and Regional Planning are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: Apply@PoliTO application, confirmation of eligibility letter 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 Urban and Regional Planning are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: Apply@PoliTO application, confirmation of eligibility letter 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.