Italy is known for her proficiency when it comes to her educational development. Italy has a long history of higher education, with some of the first European universities being founded in Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is recognized as the oldest university to operate still. From available records, Italy has played an important role in the reform of contemporary higher education. This reform is called the BOLOGNA PROCESS. They are also among the four countries that created the European Area of Higher Education.
Italy is a beautiful country and has something for everyone. Its size and shape mean that you can experience climates of all kinds, and enjoy activities that range from skiing in the Alpes to relaxing on the beaches of Sorrento. The country is home to stunning old cities and breathtaking natural views. It is known for its fantastic food and wine, as well as its passionate people. At the same time, it is among the 8 most industrialized countries in the world, hosting many of the world’s biggest companies and research facilities. Italy has a rich cultural tradition and history as well as many World Heritage Sites that you can visit during your stay. In this article, we will take foreign through the process of studying in Italy in real time
Eligibility
Like citizens from other Schengen regions, not everyone will require a visa to visit, study or live in Italy. This set of countries includes:
- EU (European Union) countries
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
- Iceland
Citizens from countries not listed above will require a visa to visit or study in Italy.
However, If you are a national from a country that is exempt from the Schengen visa and the course lasts less than three months, then you do not need an Italy student visa. But, if the course lasts for longer than three months, then you have to apply for an Italian student visa from your home country.
Requirements
International students who want to study in Italy will need to obtain a valid student visa. This is called a Visa Type D if your degree program lasts more than three months. If you are from an EU or EFTA (European Free Trade Association) you will not need a student visa but will be required to register for a residence permit once you have arrived in Italy. When you apply for an Italian student visa, you must have several documents to support your application. You must also fulfill several conditions, such as already being enrolled in an Italian educational institution. The list below provides an overview of these requirements:
The requirements for an Italy student visa are:
- The Italy Student Visa Application Form is downloaded online.
- Recent passport-size photographs in line with Italian visa picture requirements.
- 35mm x 45mm
- Light, preferably white, background
- Face must take up 70% – 80% of the picture
- Neutral facial expression
- Travel document that is valid for at least three more months after the expiry of your visa and with at least two blank visa pages.
- Photocopies of previous visas.
- Civil status documents, such as birth or marriage certificates.
- Proof of enrollment or pre-enrollment in an Italian university course.
- Police clearances from your home country.
- Proof of accommodation in Italy, such as apartment rental or student housing.
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Adequate health insurance for Italy which covers medical treatment and hospitalization.
- Certificates of prior education.
- Depending on the language the educational program is in: Proof of knowledge of English or Italian.
- Receipt of paid visa fee.
If the student is a minor, he or she must have a signed document consenting to the travel by both parents or legal guardians.
All documents that are not in Italian or English have to be translated by an authorized translator.
It is worth remarking that different Italian embassies may require more items so the applicant will have to obtain additional findings from the Italian embassies of their countries, the incomplete submission will be rejected and you have to apply at a later date. This will push back the processing time, which is sometimes quite lengthy as it is.
Cost Estimate & Requirements for Italian Student Visa
To obtain a student visa in Italy, international students must show proof that they have a minimum of €460.28 per month (as of 2024) during their stay in the country with a student visa. You can show proof of financial means by submitting bank statements, a sponsor letter, or evidence that another third party is financing you to study in Italy. Applicant will also be required to pay the processing fee of €50, the price may differ depending on your nationality, and this does not include other additional costs or service fees.
How to Apply
You must apply for an Italian student visa in your home country’s Italian embassy or consulate. If no Italian embassy/consulate operates in your country, you have to apply to whatever location that Italy has outsourced visa submissions to. This could be a Visa Application Center or the embassy/consulate of another Schengen country.
However, you first have to contact them to book an appointment. Afterward, you gather all the documents.
Make sure to bring the originals of all your documents as well as photocopies and that you have everything.
On the day you apply, you will also enter a visa interview.
Keep the visa processing time in mind when you apply for your visa. It takes around three weeks, sometimes more, for an application to be processed. So, you have to apply:
- At the latest: Two weeks before your planned trip
- At the earliest: Three months before your planned trip
If you have all the necessary documents, and the Italian embassy decides you meet the conditions, you will receive your Italian student visa.
Once you do, you may enter Italy where you have to apply for an Italian residence permit.
Residence Permit for Italy Student Visa
Within eight days of entering Italy with a student visa, the student must approach your local post office to submit a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) application. There, you will receive an application kit with the necessary forms. You also need to submit the following documents:
- A copy of your passport, specifically the bio-data page and your visa pages.
- A copy of your health insurance.
- A copy of your acceptance letter to your university.
Your local Italian post office will give you a receipt confirming your residence permit request. Then, you also have to apply at the local Italian Questura (the police headquarters). You have to submit a residence permit request for “Study – University”.
Can you work with an Italy Student Visa?
With a student visa for Italy, you are only allowed to work part-time. Meaning, for a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year.
In addition, once your studies are finished, you can apply to convert your residence permit from a student one to a work permit. You can only do this once the Italian immigration system for non-EU foreign workers, the “decreto flussi” is opened.
Validity
The Italian study visa is valid for a maximum of one year initially, with the possibility of renewal for the duration of your courses.
However, for you to qualify for a renewal the said student must pass all his or her yearly university exams.
Can I Bring My Family Members With Me to Italy On a Student Visa?
The Italian visa made provision for a successful international student to bring their family like spouse and children. To bring them with you, they must apply for an Italy family visa. However, they cannot begin applying for a family visa unless they apply first for an authorization known as “Nulla Osta”.
Once you apply for a “Nulla Osta” for your family members, the immigration office in your local area will process your request. If the authorization is granted, the immigration office will send it to you so you can forward it to your family member abroad. At the same time, the immigration office will also send it to your home country’s corresponding Italian embassy or consulate. Once a “Nulla Osta” is granted, your family members can begin applying for an Italy family visa.