Thinking of studying abroad and want to apply to study in Italy? You should know that Italian universities are among the most prestigious in the world, and you will not only experience excellent teaching, but also enjoy famous cuisine, magnificent architecture, and many impressive attractions.
To add to this, an Italy student visa is one of the easiest student visas to obtain. The processing time is low and the fees to process the student visa in Italy are also very affordable.
If you have decided to study abroad, get organized, and wonder what steps you should take, then this article is for you.
In this article, the types of student visas you need have been explained. In addition, you will also find the requirements and a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a student visa in Italy. Keep reading.
Why choose a student visa in Italy?
If you are an international student, the reasons why you should obtain a student visa in Italy are:
- Unlike other schools, the cost of education in Italy is quite affordable; so of course, the price of getting a student visa in Italy is also affordable.
- When you have a student visa in Italy, you can easily change schools or even change academic programs.
- An Italy student visa gives you the freedom to work while you study.
- With a student visa in Italy, you would have access to various benefits such as grants, scholarships, and loans.
- Having a student visa in Italy is also a way to fully explore the discounts and many benefits international students enjoy in Italy.
Types of Student Visa in Italy
In Italy, depending on the duration of the study program, there are two types of student visas:
- Type C Visa: A short-stay visa or travel visa that is valid for one or more entries and a period of only 90 days.
- Type D Visa: A visa that is valid for more than 90 days.
Procedures for applying for Italian student visas are subject to change, so it is always a good idea to check with the Italian Embassy for the most up-to-date information.
If you enter Italy with a type D visa, you must also report your arrival at the Questura station within 8 days of arrival. A residence permit card will be sent to you to prove your legal resident status in the country.
Please start the process well in advance of your expected date of entry to Italy, regardless of the type of visa you need, as the processing time can be long.
How student visas work in Italy
If you fall into one of the following categories, you will need a short-stay visa to enter Italy and any other Schengen member country:
- You are a citizen of a third-world country that has not reached a visa-free agreement with the Schengen states.
- You are a citizen of a third-world country that has signed a visa-free agreement with Schengen states, but you have previously been denied entry to Italy or any other Schengen country.
The Italian authorities want you to prove that you have the financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Italy. Depending on the length of your stay, you will be asked to show proof of the following amounts.
- Up to 5 days: The total cost is €269.60 per person and €212.81 for groups of two or more.
- 6-10 days: The daily rate is €44.93 per person and €26.33 for groups of two or more.
- 11-20 days: The total cost is €51.64 per person and €25.82 for two or more people, plus a daily cost of €36.67 per person and €22.21 for two or more people.
- More than 20 days: The total amount is €206.58 per person and €118.79 for two or more people, plus a daily amount of €27.89 per person and €17.04 for two or more people.
Requirements or eligibility criteria for student visas in Italy
There are necessary requirements for a student visa in Italy. The documents you would need are-
- Form to apply for an entry visa
- One recent passport size photo(s)
- Authentic travel documentation (expiry date must be three months longer than that of the requested visa)
- Evidence that you have arranged accommodation in Italy (for the entire period of your studies)
- Prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support your studies (at least 900 EUR per month).
- For the first year of studies, a health insurance policy of EUR 150.
- A copy of a previous education diploma.
- Acceptance letter from an Italian university
- Payment of the visa application fee (50 EUR)
Related Article: UK Student Visa Requirements 2022 [DETAILED]
For residents outside the EU
If you are arriving from outside the EU, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at any post office within 8 days of arrival. The following are the main documents that must be submitted:
- Photocopy of passport
- A copy of your health plan
- Italy National Student Visa
- A copy of the statement attesting to the studies to be carried out in Italy.
- Four recent passport-size photographs.
- Citizens of the European Union
- Simply request a declaration of presence (dichiarazione di presenza) at the police headquarters (Questura) within 8 days of your arrival in Italy.
- Now that you know how to get a student visa in Italy, you can apply for your desired bachelor’s or master’s degree. After being accepted by an Italian university and completing the visa application process in his home country, he can start packing his belongings and making travel plans.
How long is the Italy student visa valid?
90-day period. The visa is the Italian government’s approval for you to stay in Italy for the duration of your study abroad program. The Italy student visa is known as a National D Visa, and it is a long-term visa, which means that you intend to stay in Italy for more than 90 days.
Fees and cost of the student visa in Italy
When thinking about getting a student visa in Italy, of course you should know that there are some costs associated with it. For an adult, expect to spend at least $96. However, it is free for children under 6 years old. It is also free for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports traveling for officials.
How to apply for a student visa in Italy?
Step 1: Accept a college offer
Pay the necessary fees to secure your place at the Italian university of your choice.
Step 2: Call or go to your nearest Consulate or Embassy
Determine the exact visa process for your home country, including required documents, and schedule an interview for your Italian visa application.
Step 3: Meet all the prerequisites
The following are the requirements to obtain a student 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 a criminal record.
- You must not have been previously denied entry to Italy.
Step 4 – Go to a visa interview
Submit the requested documents and pay the application fee.
Step 5 – Sit back and wait for the results
You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your visa application.
Step 6: Obtain a Residence Permit
You must apply for your residence permit at the nearest Questura (a type of police station) within eight days of your arrival in Italy. This step must also be completed within 20 days of entering the country for EU students.
Step 7: Apply for an Italian student visa
Because your permit can take several months to create, you may be issued a temporary document during this time.
Italy Student Visa Processing Time
Your visa application processing time should be between one and three weeks, but you should try to schedule your visa interview at least six weeks in advance.
That means you should start the process at least two to three months before your departure date. If you wait too long, any delay in the process may result in you not receiving your visa on time.
Can I get a student visa in Italy without IELTS?
There are no specific language requirements to obtain a study visa in Italy. Since this is one of the mandatory requirements for admission to an Italian university, the consulates do not believe that applicants must also submit evidence of language proficiency.
However, the visa officers will be more impressed and appreciative if you speak at least conversational Italian. You can say “hello” and introduce yourself in Italian, for example.
You must pass one of the following English language tests to obtain an English teaching degree at an Italian university:
- TOEFL
- iBT
- PTE Academic
- IELTS Academy
Before scheduling a test date, determine the university that accepts which test(s).
Work while you study in Italy
If you are a citizen of the European Union, it allows you to work in Italy without a work permit. However, your work schedule must not exceed 20 hours per week during the semester. If you want to work full time, you can only do so during the semester breaks.
Foreign students from outside the EU must apply for a work permit in Italy at a local immigration office. However, you must first present a signed employment contract and a copy to the immigration office. You may not be able to pay your tuition with a part-time job.
Getting a student job is not that difficult, especially if you speak a little Italian. You can even find work at your university as a library assistant or office assistant for the academic year.
The best places to look for job openings are regional job portals, newspapers, and the International Headquarters Help Desk.
Frequent questions
How long does it take to process a student visa?
Processing time with USCIS can range from 6 to 8 months, plus shipping time, or longer depending on USCIS processing time. You are not allowed to leave the United States while your application is pending. Applicants in B-2 status will not be able to enroll in classes until they have changed to student status or another status that allows them to do so.
Is it easy to get an Italian student visa?
Obtaining a student visa in Italy is simple and fast, and those moving there on such a visa must also register with the police department of the city where they live within 8 days of arrival.
What documents are required to obtain a student visa in Italy?
Enrollment in a university course or pre-registration in a university course; Evidence that you have a place to stay in Italy; Proof of financial aid (minimum €467.65 per month for the academic year, for €6,079.45 per year)
How will I know if my Italy visa has been approved?
If your visa application for Italy is approved, you will be given a passport sticker.
Is an interview required for an Italy visa?
Many people applying for Schengen visas from Italy must attend an interview in person. Do not be alarmed if you receive an invitation to an interview at the Italian embassy as part of your visa requirements for Italy.
What is an Italian visa type D?
This visa allows you to travel in and out of Italy and the other Schengen countries during the first 90 days of your visit; after that, you will do it only with a stay permit.
Conclusion
The presentation of the required documentation does not guarantee the issuance of the visa. Even if you have a visa, the border authorities have the authority to check the documents required for visa issuance again when you enter Italy and the Schengen Area.
Obtaining a student visa in Italy is simple and fast, and those who move here on such a visa must also register with the police department of the city where they live within 8 days of arrival.
