Students wishing to study in Italy for more than three months must apply for an Italian study visa. Whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality, but anyone coming to Italy for study purposes for more than three months will need to apply for an Italian residence permit. The Italian study visa is known as a national visa or D visa. It is a long-stay visa that allows you to enter Italy.

You can apply for a study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate. Italy has always been a favorite destination for international students. There are many Italian scholarships for international students available (I have mentioned a few of them below). It is essential to apply as early as possible. You can apply for an Italian study visa with a pre-registration letter. More details about the Italy study visa process and the list of required documents are given below.

Who does not need a study visa in Italy?

Only citizens of the following countries are exempt from obtaining an Italian student visa to enter Italy:

• European Union countries
• Switzerland
• Norway
• Liechtenstein
• Iceland

However, citizens of the above countries will apply for an Italian residence permit three months after their arrival in Italy. You can only apply for an Italian residence permit in Italy.

Who needs an Italian student visa?

Citizens of all other countries not listed above will first apply for a student visa at the embassy/consulate/visa and visa service. They will then apply for a residence permit in Italy.

Why long stay (D visa required)?

In general, if you are coming to Italy for higher education such as an undergraduate or graduate program, and if the program is longer than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa.

Italy Student Visa Requirements

When applying for an Italian student visa, you must have the following documents to present at the embassy:

Italy student visa application form.

You must have a valid offer of enrolment/admission from an Italian university.

• Passport size photos.
• Proof of enrolment or pre-enrolment in an Italian university course.
• Certificates of good conduct from your country of origin.
• Proof of residence in Italy
• adequate health insurance
• All previous educational documents
• Proof of some financial data.
• Visa application fee

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. Different countries or Italian embassies may have different requirements.

How to apply for an Italy student visa?

You must fill out a visa application form, book an appointment from the VFS global website, or check with the Italian embassy or consulate for the visa process.

Bring all original documents on the day of your appointment.

Pay the visa fee and submit the documents, along with your passport.

Visa cost

The application fee for an Italian student visa is around 50 euros. The price may vary depending on your nationality.

How to apply for an Italian residence permit in Italy?

You must apply for a residence permit within eight working days of your arrival. Take your passport and travel documents with you.

Residence permit cost

40 euros for stays from 3 to 12 months

50 euros for stays from 12 to 24 months

100 euros for long-term residence permits

Working in Italy while studying

You are allowed to work 20 hours per week, up to a maximum of 1,040 working hours within 52 weeks.