The procedures for the initial accreditation of a new university are ordinarily activated when, within the framework of the Guidelines for the Three-Year Planning of the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) (Article 1-ter of Legislative Decree No. 7 of January 31, 2005), the establishment of new universities is envisaged. The general regulatory framework governing the initial accreditation procedures for new universities is outlined in Legislative Decree No. 19/2012.

ANVUR evaluates the transparency, economic sustainability, scientific qualifications, infrastructure, quality of services, organizational processes, teaching, research, and the quality assurance system of the new institution. This evaluation follows specific procedures and concludes with a report that expresses either a positive or negative opinion.