How to apply for an Italy student visa

If you aren’t from the EU or EEA, then it’s likely you’ll need a long-term D visa before you can study in Italy. This type of visa is for people who will be in the country for longer than three months and will cost around €60.

You should apply for a student visa around three months before you plan to arrive in Italy.

Both EU and other students staying in the country for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit when they arrive in Italy.

Find your perfect programs in Italy

Steps to get a study visa for Italy

1. Accept an offer from a university: Pay any necessary fees to secure your place at the Italian university you have chosen.
2. Contact or visit your nearest consulate or embassy: Find out the exact visa process for your home country, including the documents you need to complete, and schedule an interview for your Italian visa application.
3. Attend a visa interview: Submit the documents asked for and pay the fee for this application.
4. Wait for the results: You will receive a visa outcome in writing.
5. Apply for a residence permit: Within eight days of arriving in Italy, you need to apply for your residence permit at your nearest Questura — a type of police station. EU students must also complete this step within 20 days of entering the country.
6. Receive a permit: Your permit may take a couple of months to be created, so within this time you may be issued with a temporary document.

Italy student visa requirements

• Recent color passport style photograph
• Valid passport (the expiry date should be three months longer than that of the visa requested)
• Confirmation of a place at an Italian university
• Educational history and documents to support this
• Confirmation of accommodation in Italy
• Proof of finances to support yourself in Italy
• Health insurance

Italian student visa processing time

The processing of your visa application should usually take between one and three weeks, however, you should aim to schedule your visa interview around six weeks in advance.

That means you should start the process two or three months before your departure date. If you leave it too much later any delays in the process could mean you don't get your visa in time.

Working as a student in Italy

You can usually work up to 20 hours a week with a student residence permit in Italy. However, your employer will need to organize a work permit for you, which may take up to two months to process.

What to do if your visa application is rejected

Receiving a rejection letter can be distressing, but it doesn't have to mean the end of your plans to study in Italy.

The reason for the rejection should be included in the letter. If it's something that's easily fixed, like an incomplete form, you should submit a new application ensuring that everything is included.

Common reasons for a rejected Italian student visa application include:

• Lack of proof of funds to support yourself
• Incomplete application form
• Missing or false documents
• Intention to return home after graduation is not clear
• Invalid travel insurance

If you do not agree that your application should have been rejected, you can make an appeal. You will need to submit this in writing, explaining clearly why you think you're application was incorrectly refused and providing any supporting evidence you have.