Italian universities are among the best in the world, and you will not only receive an excellent education but also have the opportunity to enjoy the famous cuisine, admire the magnificent architecture, and see a range of spectacular places.
How to Apply for the Visa
Step 1: Apply to an Italian University and Get the Acceptance Letter
If you're still indecisive about where you want to study in Italy, you'll need to decide before you can begin the application process for a student visa. You'll receive a letter of acceptance from an Italian university, which you'll need for your visa application. Below mentioned are some of the best universities in Italy:
- Politecnico di Milano
- Politecnico di Torino
- University of Padova
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- University of Siena
- SDA Bocconi School of Management
Step 2: Find Out What Type of Visa You Need to Study in Italy
Depending on how long you intend to stay in Italy and what you intend to study, you must apply for one of the below-mentioned visa types:
- A short-stay visa is required if you are applying for a language or short course lasting less than 90 days (type C).
- Long-stay visa (type D) – if you are applying for a degree program that will last more than 90 days and will require at least 20 hours of coursework per week (or 80 hours per month).
Step 3: Conditions You Have to Meet to Apply for a Visa in Italy
- A valid passport with at least two blank visa pages is required.
- A copy of your flight itinerary is required.
- You must not have ever been convicted of a crime.
- You must not have previously been denied entry to Italy.
Step 4: When and Where You Apply for the Student Visa in Italy
- In your country, apply for a visa at the Italian embassy or consulate.
- Schedule a visa interview four to six weeks ahead of time.
- Apply for a student visa at least three months in advance of your planned arrival in Italy. Your application may take 1–3 weeks to process, and it may take longer in some cases.
Step 5: Language Requirements for Studying in Italy
There are no special language requirements for obtaining a student visa in Italy. Because this is one of the requirements for admission to an Italian university, consulates do not require applicants to show proof of language skills. However, visa authorities will be more impressed and grateful if you can converse in Italian at a basic level. For example, you could say "hello" and introduce yourself in Italian. You must pass one of the following English language tests to pursue an English-taught degree at an Italian university:
- Academic IELTS
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
Step 6: Documents for a Student Visa in Italy
- Application for a visa to enter the country
- Passport-size photo taken recently (s)
- Valid travel documents are required (the expiry date should be three months longer than that of the visa requested)
- Proof showing you have made arrangements for lodging in Italy (for the whole period of your studies)
- Demonstrate that you have adequate financial resources to support your education (at least 900 EUR per month).
- For the first year of studies, there is a fee of 150 EUR for health insurance.
- a copy of a prior education diploma
- Letter of acceptance from an Italian university
- The cost for applying for a visa has been received (50 EUR)
Step 7: Apply for a Work Permit in Italy
To work in Italy, international students must apply for a work permit at a local immigration office. You must, however, have a signed work contract and provide a copy to the immigration office before proceeding. You would not be able to cover your school fees with a part-time job. Getting a student job, on the other hand, is not difficult, especially if you know a little Italian. During the academic year, you can even find work as a library assistant or an office attendant at your university.
Step 8: Conditions to Apply for a Residence Permit
If you arrive from outside the EU, you must apply for a residency permit (permesso di soggiorno) at any post office within eight days.
The following are the main documents that must be submitted:
- a copy of your passport
- a copy of your healthcare policy
- Italy's national student visa
- A copy of the statement attesting to the studies you'll be doing in Italy.
- Four passport-size pictures taken recently