Visit UniversItaly: the portal of the Ministry of Universities, created to guide students through their university studies. Check specifically the section for International Students:

Status as an “International Student” allows the online completion of:

• pre-enrolment application for higher education courses in Italy by non-EU students who require a visa
• validation of pre-enrolment application by the higher education institutions, which is then forwarded to the relevant Embassy or Consulate as indicated by the student
• Receipt by the embassy of pre-enrolment applications which have been validated by the university/institution and completed with admission information on the study programme and any other information necessary for the issue of a travel for study visa.

Follow this procedure:

Log into “Area Personale – Login”.

Keep this facsimile to hand to assist you.

Enter your details onto the form. Once you have registered, you can access all areas, choose your study programme and attach copies of your qualifications.