Italian legislation has introduced new names for first- and second-cycle qualifications in the AFAM higher education system. Here’s what this means for current and former IED students.
Laurea and Laurea Magistrale: New Official Names for IED Academic Qualifications
Date
05 November 2026
With the entry into force of Decree-Law No. 144 of August 7, 2026 (subsequently converted into Law No. 174 of October 5, 2026), the first- and second-cycle academic qualifications awarded by institutions in Italy’s Higher Education in Art, Music and Dance (AFAM) system were officially renamed Laurea and Laurea Magistrale, respectively.
The change applies to IED’s three-year and two-year programs that award AFAM academic qualifications. Specifically, the qualification formerly called Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello (First-Level Academic Diploma) is now called Laurea, while Diploma Accademico di Secondo Livello (Second-Level Academic Diploma) is now called Laurea Magistrale.
Why is this an important change?
The change is in the name, but it can make a real difference in how a course of study is understood by others. For those completing one of the programs concerned, being able to say they have earned a Laurea or Laurea Magistrale means using more immediate, familiar names for their qualifications. For prospective students and their families, it also makes it easier to understand which qualification a program leads to.
The term “Diploma Accademico” already referred to a legally recognized higher education qualification, but it could require further explanation for anyone unfamiliar with the AFAM system. The new names help avoid misunderstandings when qualifications are presented to employers or educational institutions, in Italy and abroad, without changing the rules governing qualification recognition or admission to further study.
What stays the same?
The change concerns the names of the qualifications: Laurea and Laurea Magistrale retain the same legal status as the former First- and Second-Level Academic Diplomas. The duration, curricula, academic credits, and admission requirements of the programs concerned remain unchanged. IED remains an institution within the AFAM system, which, together with universities, makes up Italy’s higher education system.
FAQ
When did the new names take effect?
The change was introduced by Decree-Law No. 144 of August 7, 2026, which entered into force on August 8, 2026, and was subsequently converted into Law No. 174 of October 5, 2026.
Do all IED three-year and two-year programs award Laurea and Laurea Magistrale qualifications?
No. The new names apply only to programs awarding first- or second-cycle AFAM academic qualifications. They do not apply to programs that award private IED qualifications, even if they last two or three years. The qualification awarded by each program is specified in its official course information.
Are IED Laurea and Laurea Magistrale legally recognized qualifications?
Yes. IED Laurea and Laurea Magistrale qualifications have the same legal status as the former First- and Second-Level Academic Diplomas. The change in name does not affect the legal status of the qualifications.
Why do some documents still include codes beginning with DAPL or DASL?
Although the official qualification names are now Laurea and Laurea Magistrale, some official documents may still include codes previously used within the AFAM system, consisting of DAPL or DASL followed by a number (e.g., DAPL06). These are technical references used to classify programs within the AFAM system. Their continued use does not affect the official name or legal status of the qualification awarded.
Does an IED Laurea have the same standing as a university degree?
AFAM Laurea and Laurea Magistrale qualifications are placed at the same levels of higher education as the corresponding university degrees. However, the AFAM and university sectors have distinct academic regulations. For specific purposes, such as public-sector competitive examinations or admission to certain programs of study, the applicable legal provisions and eligibility requirements continue to apply.
How are these qualifications described internationally? Can IED still use BA and MA?
Yes. In international communications, IED has long used Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) to describe its first- and second-cycle AFAM programs, respectively. That practice remains valid. The official Italian qualifications awarded are now called Laurea and Laurea Magistrale; BA and MA help communicate their level and academic focus internationally. They do not represent separate or additional qualifications.
What EQF and ISCED levels do these qualifications correspond to?
Their levels remain unchanged. Laurea is a first-cycle qualification at Level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and Level 6 of UNESCO’s International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011). Laurea Magistrale is a second-cycle qualification at EQF Level 7 and ISCED 2011 Level 7. The former First- and Second-Level Academic Diplomas were already classified at these respective levels.
I’m currently studying at IED. What changes for me?
If you are currently enrolled in a program leading to a first- or second-cycle AFAM academic qualification, you will earn a Laurea or Laurea Magistrale, respectively, when you graduate. Your course of study remains unchanged: its duration, subjects, academic credits, and the requirements for earning your qualification all stay the same.
I’ve already earned a First- or Second-Level Academic Diploma from IED. What changes for me?
The qualification you have already earned retains its legal status. IED is assessing any technical updates that may be needed to reflect the new names in the documents certifying qualifications already awarded. Information about how these documents will be issued will be made available once those checks are complete.
Can I continue my studies at a university with an IED Laurea?
Yes. An AFAM Laurea allows you to apply for second-cycle programs, including at universities in Italy or abroad, subject to each institution’s entry requirements and admission procedures. This opportunity already existed for holders of the former First-Level Academic Diploma and is not changed by the new name.
Do first-level Academic Master’s programs and private IED master’s programs now award a Laurea Magistrale?
No. The new names apply only to first- and second-cycle AFAM academic qualifications. First-level Academic Master’s programs and private IED master’s programs retain their existing names.
Does this change also apply to IED campuses outside Italy?
No. The legislation applies to qualifications awarded within the Italian AFAM system. It does not change the names of IED qualifications awarded under other countries’ education systems, which remain subject to the rules in force in those countries.
Legal references
- Decree-Law No. 144 of August 7, 2026, Article 6(2) (converted, with amendments, into Law No. 174 of October 5, 2026).
- Law No. 508 of December 21, 1999, Article 2, paragraphs 5 and 5-bis, as currently in force.
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