For the initial accreditation of a new diploma programme (also referred to as expansion), ANVUR relies on an Evaluation Expert Commission (CEV-AFAM). The Commission analyses the documentation submitted by the institution via a dedicated platform.
Following the assessments conducted by the CEV-AFAM, the Governing Board of the Agency issues its opinion on the initial accreditation of the programmes, which is then forwarded to the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR). Based on ANVUR’s opinion, MUR issues the formal accreditation/non-accreditation decision and transmits it to the Institution.
The procedure includes the following main phases:
- Submission of the Application
The AFAM Institution submits the application for initial accreditation of the new study programme to the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) through an online platform. MUR forwards the application to the National Council for Higher Education in the Arts and Music (CNAM) and to ANVUR for the relevant evaluations. CNAM is responsible for issuing an opinion on the curriculum of the study programme, while ANVUR is responsible for evaluating all other aspects..
- Appointment of the Evaluation Expert Commission (CEV)
The ANVUR Governing Board (CD) appoints one or more CEVs to evaluate new study programmes within the same disciplinary field.
- Preliminary Evaluation
The CEV conducts the evaluation of the assigned programmes by analysing the documentation submitted by the Institution, following the evaluation protocol adopted by the Agency.
- Counterarguments
In the case of a negative preliminary evaluation, the Institution may submit any counterarguments, which are then reviewed by the CEV.
- Final evaluation
Taking into account any counterarguments, the CEV drafts and approves the Final Report, which is transmitted to the ANVUR Governing Board.
- Opinion of the Governing Board
The Governing Board makes its decision based on the CEV’s Final Report and all available documentation for each programme, including any counterarguments submitted by the Institution. The Board issues a positive or negative opinion on the accreditation, providing the corresponding justification. The opinion is sent to the AFAM Institution and to MUR, along with the CEV Report. Both MUR and the Institution may request a review of the decision, providing appropriate justification.
- Publication of the evaluation
ANVUR publishes the Governing Board’s opinion, including the CEV’s Final Report.
- MUR’s decision
Based on ANVUR’s opinion, MUR adopts the formal accreditation/non-accreditation decision and transmits it to the Institution.
Initial accreditation of Study Programmes and Master’s (professionally specialised courses) – Academic Year 2025/26
Evaluation Protocol – First-level Programmes
Evaluation Protocol – Second-level Programmes
Evaluation Protocol – Master’s (professionally specialised courses)
Guidelines for First-level Programmes (Private AFAM Institutions)
Guidelines for Second-level Programmes (both State and Private AFAM Institutions)
Guidelines for Master’s (professionally specialised courses - both State and Private AFAM Institutions)
Initial Accreditation of Study Programmes offered by Private AFAM Institutions not yet authorized
The accreditation of new First-level Programmes for Private AFAM Institutions not yet authorized takes place simultaneously with the authorization process of the Institution itself. This opportunity is reserved for Institutions with established experience or with at least five years of activity.
Initial accreditation of Study Programmes at new decentralized branches of AFAM Institutions
For the decentralized branches of Private AFAM Institutions, the same Guidelines for the initial accreditation of new AFAM Institutions apply. For the decentalized branches of State AFAM Institutions, the procedure is established by a specific Ministerial Decree.
Complaints and appeals
AFAM Institutions wishing to request a review of the evaluation received may submit an application to the Guarantee Committee.