How to get the Student Visa in Italy?

Requirements and procedures for studying in Italy as a foreigner

Studying in Italy is a dream for many international students, thanks to its rich cultural, historical and academic offering.

For non-citizens of the European Union, the first step to making this dream a reality is to get a student visa.

If you want to find out everything about the “Bel Paese”, take a look at our guide The best cities to live in Italy.

This article by Spacest.com will walk you through the requirements and procedures on how to get the student visa in Italy.

Types of Visa in Italy

In Italy there are various types of Visa, the main ones are:

• Airport transit visa (Visa A);
• Study Visa (D Visa): This is the visa required for courses duration exceeding 90 days. It is ideal for bachelor’s or master’s programs;
• Visa for training courses or internships (C Visa): for short-term courses, less than 90 days.

How to get the Student Visa in Italy: requirements for non-EU citizens

Before starting the application process, it is important to collect the following documents and meet the necessary requirements:

• Visa application form;
• Passport photo;
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended duration of the visa;
• Pre-enrolment for the course of study to be followed in Italy (on the portal Universitaly);
• Admission letter: you will have to present a letter of admission from an academic institution recognized in Italy;
• Proof of accommodation: documentation that proves your accommodation in Italy, which can be a declaration of hospitality (if you are staying with friends or relatives) or a rental contract: discover the best rental adverts for students in Italy;
• Proof of economic subsistence: demonstration of having sufficient financial resources to cover living costs in Italy, which amount to a minimum of €448.52 per month;
• Health Insurance: for the foreigner who is not entitled to assistance in Italy based on agreements between the countries.

Procedure on how to request and obtain a student visa in Italy

The procedure for apply for a student visa for Italy it is detailed and requires attention. Here are the main steps:

Step 1: Fill out the application

Fill out the application form for the national visa which you can download from the website Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or collect at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy.

Step 2: Gather the necessary documents

Make sure you have all required documents, including those specified above. It is essential that documents such as the letter of admission and proof of financial support are up-to-date and valid.

Step 3: Book an appointment

Book an appointment at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy to submit your application.

Appointments can be booked online through the system BookOnline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 4: Submit your application

Present yourself at the appointment with all the necessary documents. You will likely be interviewed about your study plans in Italy and your post-study intentions.

Step 5: Waiting for the response

After submitting your application, there will be a waiting period during which your visa will be processed. This time can vary, but is typically between 1 and 3 weeks.

Step 6: Visa collection

Once approved, you will need to return to the consulate or embassy to collect your visa.

How to get the Student Visa in Italy: requirements for EU citizens

If you come from one of these countries:

• European Union (EU);
• EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland);
• Andorra;
• Principality of Monaco;
• Republic of San Marino;
• Vatican City;

you can easily move and stay in Italy for up to a maximum of 3 months.

If you intend to attend a study course and will remain on Italian soil for more than 3 months, you will have to register in the registry as a temporary resident at the Registry Office of the city where you live and study and extend your residence visa.

How to get the Student Visa in Italy: Procedure for EU citizens

To extend your residence visa you will need:

• Copy of valid identity document or passport;
• Copy of the Tax Code: to receive the Italian tax code, you must submit an application to the Italian Consulate in your country of residence;
• University enrollment certificate, available on your personal university portal;
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the card that allows all citizens of EU countries to more easily benefit from the National Health System;
• Accommodation rental contract and owner’s identity card.

How to get the Student Visa in Italy: final considerations

• Residence permit: once in Italy, you will need to request a student residence permit within 8 days of your arrival;
• Language: depending on the institution and the course chosen, knowledge of the Italian language may be required. Some institutions require certification of language proficiency as part of the admissions process.

Studying in Italy is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the richest cultures in the world and benefit from an excellent education.

By following these steps and preparing yourself adequately for your visa application, you will be well positioned to begin your academic adventure in Italy. Good luck!