Italy Student Visa – Eligibility, Requirements and Application

Are you bearing in mind studying abroad in Italy and want to apply for an Italy student visa? Do you wish to learn in a country with some of the most prestigious schools in Europe? Are you a Non-EU/EEA or Swiss national and would like to study in a more challenging environment? If your answer to any of the above is affirmative, we’ve got something special for you.

Italy has some of the leading universities in Europe and the world. You will not only enjoy exceptional teaching but also have the chance to derive pleasure from illustrious dishes and terrific buildings and get to see unique sights.  

Suppose you are persistent about studying abroad in Italy; congratulations to you. We will provide the necessary information on how you can apply for an Italy student visa. You will also learn about your eligibility, requirements for the application, and more.

What is an Italy Student Visa?

Suppose you wish to study in Italy and come from an EU/EEA or Switzerland. In that case, you can apply for studies in Italy without a student visa. If otherwise, you must apply for a student visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. 

As a European Union or European Economic Area student, you can enter Italy with only your passport or EU ID card. You can also remain in the country without a visa for the duration of your study. However, once you arrive in Italy, you must register at their local police station (Questura station) if your study program exceeds three months. When you register, you will obtain your residence permit, valid for up to five years.

If you are a Non-EU student, you will need to get an Italy student visa before entering the country. Following that, the information below will be beneficial to your traveling to Italy.

Who needs a Student Visa to study in Italy?

Everyone who wishes to study in Italy for more than 90 days needs a visa. However, only nationals of the following countries are exempt from Italy study visa:

1. European Union (EU) countries
2. Norway
3. Liechtenstein
4. Iceland
5. Switzerland 

Yet, they need a visa if their studies exceed three months. If you already live in Italy and have a Schengen visa, you must apply for a long-stay visa in your home country. 

Italy Student Visas for Non-EU Students

Student visas in Italy are of two types. Each of them depends on the length of your study program. They are:

• Visa Type C: This short-stay visa is valid for 90 days or less. It is applicable for single or multiple entries. Visa Type C is designed for short training, language programs, conferences, or related issues.
• Visa Type D: You can apply for this visa if you are to spend more than three months in Italy. It is mainly for degree courses with at least 20 hours of classes per week or 80 hours per month. 

Regardless of the visa you need, you must start the application process as soon as possible because it requires a long process. You can check here for a list of Italian embassies or consulates and contact the closest one to you. You can book an appointment with them once you receive your letter of admission from your Italian school. Bear in mind that some embassies or consulates are usually fully booked. So, it would be best if you were prompt with it. Again, applying for an Italy student visa may vary with time. Always call the embassy and request the current requirements before starting. However, you can count on what we have for you here. 

What happens when you arrive in Italy with your Italy Study Visa?

If you are coming to Italy through a Type D visa, you must report to your local police station within eight days of your entrance. When you have registered your presence, you will receive your residence permit to prove that your stay in Italy is legal. Hence, your Type D visa is essential for your entrance into Italy. After that, you should apply for a work permit to live and work in the country.

What are the Relevant Documents for an Italy Student Visa?

You may tender some or all of the following documents as component of your application for a student visa in Italy:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport with up to two blank pages and valid for up to three months
• Current photos
• A letter of acceptance from your school in Italy
• Proof of sufficient financial means (at least € 467,65 per month for the academic year, a total of € 6.079,45 per year)
• Proof of language proficiency in Italian or English (your program may determine this)
• Flight ticket
• Evidence of no criminal record
• Proof of accommodation in Italy in the form of hostel, hotel, family house, etc
• Health insurance
• Proof of application fee payment 
• Photocopies of previous visas
• Civil status documents, such as birth or marriage certificates

Additional Information to the List

If the student is a minor, both parents or legal guardians must consent to his signature. 

A legal translator must translate any document that is not in English or Italian.

The list of documents above is not comprehensive. Therefore, you must check with the Italian embassy in your home country to know if there is any other document. If your application is incomplete, your submission may receive a rejection. It may affect the processing time. Hence, you must be careful with them.

How can you apply for an Italy Student Visa?

You must apply for this student visa in your home country. Suppose there is no Italian embassy or consulate in your country. In that case, you must locate the closest country and tender your application. Besides, a visa application center closest to you can handle it for you. 

You will need to book an appointment with the embassy to know the date for your application. After that, you should gather your supporting documents. Submit them together with your visa application. They will also request your visa payment to enable you to submit your documents and apply. Equally important, you must go with both the original and photocopies of your documents. On that same day, you will grant an interview to the officials to know your eligibility. 

Keep the visa application date in mind, and make sure to apply at least two to three months before your planned trip to Italy. You will receive your visa if your documents are complete and you satisfy the officials.

Once you get to Italy, you can apply for your resident permit.

Can you work during your studies in Italy?

You have the right to combine your studies with a few hours of work as an international student. However, you can only work for 20 hours per week during study periods and more hours during holidays. However, you will need a work permit to make it possible. The process may be a bit knotty, and processing time differs according to region. However, the standard time is two months. More importantly, your desire to work should not precede your willingness to study. Hence, do not rush to get a job once you arrive in Italy. Focus on getting used to your environment. With time, everything will fall into place.

More importantly, when you are through your studies, you can apply to convert your student residence permit to a work permit. 

How long can the Italy Student Visa last?

The maximum period for an Italy student visa is one year. However, you can renew it for the duration of your program. One more thing, the renewal is tied to your yearly exams. Therefore, you must pass all your exams to be able to renew your student visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a student visa for Italy?

Generally, you are to apply for a visa at the Italian embassy in your home country. If possible, schedule the interview about four and six weeks ahead. Then, you can apply for the Italy student visa at least three months before your proposed travel to Italy. It may take one to three weeks or more to process your visa application.

How much money do I need for an Italy student visa?

Applying for a student visa in Italy involves a non-refundable fee of €50 ($57).

Is it hard to get an Italy student visa?

A student visa in Italy is a hard requirement if you are a Non-EU/EEA/Schengen national. Nevertheless, you can have it if you meet the requirements.

How much money do I need to study in Italy?

 The average undergraduate program at public institutions is around €900 ($1,000) and €4,000 ($4,800) per year. Yearly fees at private universities range from €6,000 – €20,000 ($7,200 – $24,100).

Conclusion

Conclusively, an Italy student visa is what you need to study in Italy. All you need is to meet the requirements and apply for the visa with your documents and application fee. Ensure to follow instructions correctly, and you will soon find your dream country studying your dream program.