Application Form:

Italy is a fascinating country whether you come to study or simply visit, but as an international student you can do both. Italy is a popular destination for international students. It offers quality higher education with more affordable tuition fees than other Western European countries. The country has a rich history and tradition of higher education. This makes it an attractive option for students. International students can pursue studies in Italy to understand its value of diversity, as one of the founding members of the European Union.

International students willing to study in institution/ university have to submit the application, experience study abroad in Italian universities, which are among the most prestigious in the world and you will experience excellent teaching.Today, Italy is the home of many prestigious institutions of higher education. Many of Italy’s institutions perform well in the QS World University Rankings, appearing in the top 200 each year.

Prepare to Apply

Before applying to a university in Italy, first, you will need to check if your qualifications are considered eligible for higher education studies in the country.

• Check the tuition fees and living costs. Cities in Italy might be beautiful, but it can be fairly expensive depending on the limits of your budget.
• Contact the university you are interested in and ask for a prior assessment.
• The university will give you feedback regarding your eligibility; if you meet the admission requirements, then you have to submit a pre-application request to the Italian embassy or consulate in your area.
• The Italian embassy or consulate submit your application and documents to the Italian higher education institution you chose to apply to.
• The Italian embassy or consulate publishes a list of admitted candidates usually at the end of August.
• Proof of qualifying language tests.

You can apply for university scholarship in Italy, which is available at various stages commencing from high school seniors, graduate post graduate scholarships.

University Application deadlines for Italy

If you are interested to study in Italy, from Mid-April to mid-May, contact the Italian embassy/consulate to receive a Letter of Academic Eligibility and Suitability (Dichiarazione di Valoro in Loco (DV). You may note that deadlines for submission of applications may vary according to each institution, so always check with the university you are interested in and try to apply as early as possible.

University Application Tips

Admitted students are usually ranked based on their grade point average (GPA) from their previous studies i.e., secondary school/ bachelor’s degree. You check with the chosen universities and see the minimum grade point you need to obtain in order to qualify for the course you wish to study.

You may have to attend specific admission exams for certain specialized fields of study, such as Medicine, Architecture and Engineering. Make sure of such entrance examinations and prepare yourself.

Students from countries where admission to university is possible after 10 or 11 years of study must prove that they have passed all necessary examinations for two years or one year, in order to reach the total of twelve years of study.

Language requirements for Italian University Application

Italian universities offer study programmes taught both in Italian and English. However, most English study programmes are available for postgraduate level- Master’s degrees and PhD courses. Within some Italian universities, you may therefore, have the option to apply for degrees taught in the Italian language;however you take the assignments and exams in English.Language tests in Italian and English are accepted by universities in Italy.

Popular Italian Tests are as follows:

• CILS (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) – exam may be taken in Italy and at Italian Institutes of Culture worldwide
• CELI (Certificato di Conoscenzadella Lingua Italiana / Certificate of Knowledge of Italian Language)– you can take the exam at certified centres in partnership with the University of Perugia

English Tests:

If you apply for a degree taught in English, you will be required to provide proof of English language proficiency. Accepted English certificates are:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• C1 Advanced

Students who prove that English was the medium of instruction of their Bachelor`s degree, at least for three years, are exempted from providing any English language certification.

Required Documents

• Identity document
• Passport type photograph
• Academic transcript
• University application form
• Detailed study programmes/course description (must contain the number of hours of the courses or training activities that you have completed according to your academic curriculum)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letter of recommendation
• Letter of motivation
• Language proficiency (English or Italian)
• Portfolio (only for applicants to architecture, urban planning, or any design programme)
• Official score SAT or ACT

Letter of Motivation

Letter of Motivation is a letter to be prepared by international student in one or two pages. It explains why you are applying to a specific university / institution and for a specific course of study, and why you are especially qualified. Name the University of your choice as well as the course of study you are applying to, visibly and in bold print, at the very top of your letter of motivation.

Letter of Recommendation

Letter of Recommendation is drawn up by your former professors or university teachers. It evaluates you positively and recommends you for your course of study in Italy.

Final steps after receiving your acceptance letter

After the application process including personal interview is over, perhaps you receive acceptance letter from the institution/ university, in which case you should:

• Apply for a visa if you need one provided you come from non-EU countries.
• Apply for a residence permit by registering with the local police (Questura) within eight working days of your arrival in Italy.
• Prepare a health insurance plan which covers at least 30,000 EUR. EU citizens holding a European Health Card (EHC) have access to the same range of medical services as the Italian citizens. Both EU (without an EHC) and non-EU citizens either pay for a health insurance policy from their home country before they depart for Italy or can purchase one as soon as possible after their arrival. They can also subscribe to the Italian National Health Service (ServizioSanitarioNazionale - S.S.N)
• Officially enroll in the university after arriving in Italy before they can start their classes.
• Apply for a residence permit by registering with the local police (Questura), within eight working days of your arrival in Italy.

Immigration policy in Italy

There are no overwhelmingly predominant nationalities among the immigrant population in Italy; therefore the country is   a diverse nationality and religions. Politics and economics push the government in opposite directions when it comes to formulating a coherent immigration policy. Politics argue to clamp down on immigrants, but economics encourages immigration.  Not only does the receiving country benefit economically from this self-selected, entrepreneurial group of people, but also the sending nation reaps benefits from the remittances sent home. Diverse nationalities include Romanians (11%), Albanians (10.6%), Moroccans (10.4%), Ukrainians (5.1%), Chinese (4.6%), Filipinos (3.4%), Polish (3.0%), Tunisians (2.8%), Americans (2.2%), and Senegalese (2.2%).

The first immigration policy in Italy was made in 1980. Immigration policy is closely related to four main aspects of policy: political, economic, social, and demographic. Placing these issues on a continuum, political issues fall in the realm of short-term decisions, whereas those that are economic in nature are more medium-term, followed by social and, finally, demographic policies that address long-term concerns.

The policy relating to immigration is laid down by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its network of accredited diplomatic and consular offices.

EU / EEA Nationals

All EU / EEA nationals are requiredto show an identification document to enter Italy. British passport holders are exempt from the criteria of passport validity and issuance date.Other documents such as an invitation letter by an Italian host (education institution), proof of financial means for a trip to Italy or a round-trip ticket, etc. may be required from you. For more information in this regard, contact the local consular services of Italy in your country of residence.

The Italian border officer may ask you a few questions related to your trip purpose, duration and place of stay in Italy, i.e.:Italian border police holds the final decision whether you shall be permitted to enter Italy or not. If the Italian border officer concludes that you are no risk for Italy, upon checking your documents, you will be permitted to enter Italy, and thus the Schengen territory. Make sure that the Italian border officer stamps your passport when you enter Italy. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Italy.

Non-EU/EEA Nationals

If you are a non-EU/EEA national wishing to visit Italy, San Marino or Vatican, you will need to present the following at the Italian port of entry, in order to be permitted to enter:

• A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond their planned date of Exit from Schengen, and issued within the last 10 years.
• A visa – if they are subject to Italian visa regime.

General conditions for the entry of foreigners in Italy

The entry into the Italian territory of foreigners coming from the external borders of the Schengen Area is permitted only to the foreigners who fulfill the following conditions:

• Present through a border crossing;
• passport or other equivalent travel document;
• documents that justify the purpose and conditions of the stay which includes adequate financial means, the expected duration of the stay and the costs for returning to the country of origin;Is provided, where required, with a valid entry or transit visa;
• Not reported for the purpose of refusing entry into the Schengen Information System (SIS) ;
• No dangerous to public order, national security or international relations of one of the Contracting Parties, by national provisions or by other Schengen States.

The foreigner already residing in a Schengen state and holder of a residence permit, is exempt from a visa for stays of not more than 3 months, if the entry into Italy does not take place for subordinate work, self-employment or study / traineeship - study / training.

If the foreigner is not in possession of any one of the documents they can be refused by the competent border authorities although they are in possession of regular entry visa.

Residence Permit

As an international student, you require a residence to stay, for which residence permit shall be obtained from the police headquarters of the area in which you stay in Italy.

Non-EU citizens

As international student from non-EU country, if reached Italy, you must apply for the residence permit within 8 working days after your arrival. You can apply at the post office of your city of residence in Italy. At the post office you will be provided with a kit containing the application form. In addition to the application, you must also submit the following documentation:

• Copy of your passport with visa and personal data page.
• A copy of your health insurance policy; health insurance policy bought abroad must be validated by the Italian Embassy in your country (if not already in English). You can also buy health insurance upon your arrival in Italy.
• University Letter of acceptance:
  • For Laurea (equivalent to Bachelor of Science) students: FORM A/Modello A filled in at the Embassy or self-certification of enrollment;
  • For LaureaMagistrale (equivalent to Master of Science) students: copy of the admission letter or FORM A/Modello A filled in at the Embassy or self-certification of enrollment.
  • For Non-EU Exchange students:Letter of acceptance to the exchange programme.

At the Post Office, you will receive a receipt that acknowledge your residence permit request. Once the registration procedure is completed, you must submit a request for a residence permit for “Study – University” at the police headquarters (Questura) in the city where they intend to stay. In order to verify if your residence permit is ready to be collected, you can check either the website of the Police or the Immigration portal.

In addition to the notice displayed by this system on the status of your application you get SMS about the day, time and place where you can collect your residence permit.

International students with a valid permit of stay are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year, but in order to obtain a residence permit renewal, they must pass the exams yearly.

EU citizens

If you are an EU citizen or come from EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, you must not apply for a residence permit. However, if you are going to stay in Italy for over a 3 months period, you should register with the Anagrafe (Register office) of your municipality of residence, by choosing one of the following registration options: 

• Students not intending to set their permanent residence in Italy: In this case, you will register as a temporary resident at the main Anagrafe office of your municipality. Registration must be renewed every year, following the same procedure. The following documents are required to complete your registration:
  • Copy of ID card;
  • Copy of “CodiceFiscale” (Tax Code Calculation);
  • University enrollment certificate (to be collected at the Registrar’s Office of your campus upon submission of 2 “marche da bollo”/duty stamps of 16 euro each);
  • Proof of health insurance (European health insurance card/ S1 form/private health insurance with 1 year validity/voluntary registration to the Italian national health system);
  • Proof of sufficient resources (minimum € 5825), provided through “Modello EURO 1” self-certification.
• Students intending to transfer their permanent residence to Italy: You have to first verify with your country of origin which are the implications of transferring your residence permanently to Italy. Register with the Anagrafe office sending an email, for which the following documents need to be attached:
  • Copy of ID card;
  • Copy of “CodiceFiscale” (Tax Code Calculation);
  • University enrollment certificate (to be collected at the Registrar’s office of your campus upon submission of 2 “marche da bollo”/duty stamps of 16 euro each);
  • Proof of health insurance (S1 form/private health insurance with 1 year validity/voluntary registration to the Italian national health system. The European health insurance card is not sufficient);
  • Proof of sufficient resources (minimum € 5.825 for students with no family members to support), provided through modello EURO 1 self-certification (fill out point “b” only if with family members to support);
  • Statement of residence, provided through Dichiarazione di residenza (Declaration of Residence) self-certification.
    • For filling in the first paragraph on page 4 it is necessary to contact the apartment owner.
    • Students who are renting a room/flat must fill their rental contract data at point 2, page 4.

Residence permit costs

• € 16,00 “marca da bollo” (a stamp that can be purchased at any tobacconist with a “T” sign out of the shop) to be put on the residence permit application;
• € 30 to be paid at the second step of the procedure, when handing in the Kit to the Post Office;
• € 30,46 to be paid at the Post Office to get the Electronic Residence Permit.

Residence permit renewal

In case of renewal of the residence permit, you will be asked to fill out the kit to apply for a residence permit (Module 1 only), which is available at the Post Office. The Kit must be handed in at the Post Office along with the following documents:

• A valid passport with visa + copy of the page with personal data and dates of validity and expiration of the document;
• A copy of your stay permit;
• Copy of the documentation certifying the availability of adequate financial resources: about € 5.825 (e.g. scholarship certification and print out of your bank account);
• Your transcript of records with proof of 1 exam successfully passed in case of the 1st renewal and 2 exams successfully passed for each following renewal. If you are asking for a renewal after having completed all your exams, you should include, in the notes of your certificate, which are the final degree presentation sessions you can take advantage of (usually, April, July, October, December);
• Your health insurance. You have to pay for a health insurance policy from their home country before you depart for Italy or you can purchase one as soon as possible after arrival. You can also subscribe to the Italian National Health Service (ServizioSanitarioNazionale - S.S.N)

VISA in Italy

The visa is a valid travel document of the applicant granted to the foreigner for entry into the territory of the Italian Republic or that of the other Contracting Parties for transit or for residence. This is issued in the light of needs connected with the good performance of international relations and with the protection of national security and public order.Nationals from the countries with ordinary passports can enter into Italy on fulfillment of visa obligations.

Classification of visa

The visa issued in Italy is classified into the following based on the duration of stay:

1. Schengen Uniform Visas (VSU) / Short-stay Visas:

This visa is valid for the territories of all the Contracting Parties of Schengen, for upto 90 days, either for transit or for short-stay.This visa may be Airport transit (type A) and short-term or travel stays (type C), with one or more entries. Transit (type B) visa is not in force.

Schengen Legislation allows prominent personalities, who visit Italy on a regular basis,to stay upto 90 days for every 6 months with type C visas, in which case, they can apply for (C1), two (C2), three (C3) or five years (C5) visas.

The nationals of the countries do not require this visa for tourism, missions, business and invitations in sport events.Citizen of certain countries are exempt from ATV visa on fulfillment of the conditions.

2. Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV):

This visa is valid only for Schengen State, to foreigners who neither have access nor sole transit to the territory of the other Schengen States. It is admitted on humanitarian reasons, national interest or a part of international obligations. This visa can be issued by diplomatic or consular representation for particular reasons of urgency / emergency, although the conditions of Uniform Visa are not met.

3. Long-stay or "National" (VN) Visas:

Under this, type D visa is valid for stays ofmore than 90 days, with one or more entries, in the territory of the Schengen State whose representation has issued the visa.D Visa holders can move freely in Schengen countries other than the one who issued the visa, for a period not exceeding 90 days per 6 months provided the visa is valid.

The 21 types of entry visa

With effect from 11.05.2011, the Ministry empowered the concerned department to issue visas of 21 types, so as to enable the foreigners to go for adoption, business, medical treatment, diplomat, sports competition, invitation, self-employment, subordinate work, mission, family reasons, religious reasons, re-entry, elective residence, research, study, airport transit, transit, transport, tourism, working holiday, volunteering.

Student VISA

As a foreign national, if you want to study in Italy for a period longer than three months, you may have to apply for an Italy Student Visa and Italian Residence Permit.

An Italy student visa is an Italian long-stay visa, also known as a national or D-visa. It is the Italy visa you must apply for if you want to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days. This visa helps you to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days. It is entrance visa by which you can enter Italy which facilitates for your study, including your stay.

All foreign nationals require student visa, except the students from EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. However such nationals require residence permit after three months. In case, you are a national from a country exempted from Schengen visa, and the course of your study in Italy is less than 3 months, you do not require Italy student visa. Non-EU nationals cannot apply for an Italian residence permit without an Italian long-stay visa.

Italian Student Visa Requirements

You need to fulfill the following requirements to get an Italy student visa. All documents that are not in Italian or English have to be translated by an authorized translator.The requirements include:

• TheItaly Student Visa Application Form
• Recent passport-size photographs in line with Italian visa picture requirements.
  • 35mm x 45mm
  • Light, preferably white, background
  • Face must take up 70% – 80% of the picture
  • Neutral facial expression
• Travel document valid for at least three more months after the expiry of your visa and with at least two blank visa pages.
• Photocopies of previous visas
• Civil status documents, such as birth or marriage certificates
• Proof of enrollment or pre-enrollment in an Italian university course
• Police clearances from your home country.
• Proof of accommodation in Italy, such as apartment rental or student housing
• Proof of sufficient financial means (900 EUR/month).
• Adequate health insurance for the first year of studies which covers medical treatment and hospitalization (150 EUR / month)
• Certificates of prior education
• Proof of knowledge of English or Italian
• Acceptance letter from an Italian University
• Receipt of paid visa fee (50 EUR)
• If the student is a minor, he or she must have a signed document consenting to the travel by both parents and legal guardians.

The above documents may be varied depending upon the countries. You need to fill the application carefully and submit it within the desirable time. An incomplete application will be rejected, which may lead to resubmission and time overrun.

Procedure to apply for Italy Student Visa

As an international student from other parts of the world, other than the exempted countries, you must apply for Italy Student Visa in your home country’s Italian embassy or consulate. If you do not find Italian embassy/consulate operates in your country, you have to apply to a Visa Application Center or the embassy/consulate of another Schengen country.

Firstly, you have to contact Italian embassy or consulate or Visa Application Center to book an appointment.

Secondly, you need to gather all the required documents and submit them in person on the given date.

Thirdly, make sure to bring the originals of all your documents as well as photocopies.

Fourthly, on the day you apply, you need to take part in the visa interview.

Fifthly, if you have all the necessary documents, and the Italian embassy decides you meet the conditions, you will receive your Italian student visa.

Bear in mind that visa process will take at least three weeks; therefore you need to submit at least 3 months before your planned trip to Italy.

Lastly, on receipt of Italy student visa, you get ready to fly to Italy as per plan. After reaching  you may have to apply for an Italian residence permit.

Residence Permit for Italy Student Visa

Within eight days of entering Italy with a student visa, you must approach your local post office to submit an application for residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). You will receive an application kit with the other related forms from the post office. Your application needs to be accompanied by:

• A copy of your passport, specifically the bio-data page and your visa pages.
• A copy of your health insurance.
• A copy of your acceptance letter from your university.

Your local Italian post office will give you an acknowledgement confirming your request for residence permit. Afterwards, you have to apply at the local Italian police headquarters (Questura) and submit a residence permit request for “Study – University”.

Work Permit for Overseas Students

As an international student from countries outside EU, you are permitted to work in Italy on part-time basis, for a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year, for which you need to apply, along with signed employment contract for work permit at a local immigration office in Italy. If you are from the European Union, you are allowed to work in Italy, for which you do not require a work permit.

If you think the part-time work do not meet your requirements, you can work full-time during the holidays between semesters.However, getting a student job is not that difficult, especially if you speak a little Italian as well. You can even find job opportunities within your university and work as a library assistant or office attendant throughout the academic year.

Once your studies are completed, you can apply to convert your residence permit from a student one, to a work permit.You can only do this once the Italian immigration system for non-EU foreign workers, the “decretoflussi” is opened.

Validity of Italy Student Visa

The Italian study visa is generally valid for one year initially, which can be renewed based on the duration of your course, provided you have qualified your annual exam at the university.

Visa refusal

As per the immigration law in Italy, foreigners do not have any right to obtain a visa. The Italian consulate / embassy can refuse visa if the request of the foreigners are not in accordance with the provisions of the immigration law. The reasons for refusal shall be communicated to the concerned foreigner in a language that he / she is familiar with. In the event of refusal, the concerned foreigner can make an appeal to the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Laziowithin 60 days of the notification. In case of the refusal for family or family reunification in tow, the concerned can lodge appeal without time limits.Any appeals must be notified directly to the State Attorney.

Visa Process

As an international student, you need to apply for Italy Student Visa, for which you need to undergo the following application steps:

1. Determine the type of Italy visa:

Before you apply for an Italy visa, you should first find out the type of visa that you need, which depends on the purpose of your visit. As a student, you have to apply for Italy Student Visa, although there are 21 types of visas.

2. Submit the application on time:

The visa process will take at least three weeks; therefore you need to submit it at least 3 months before your planned trip to Italy.

3. Find out where to submit your Italy visa application:

Where you can submit your Italy visa application differs based on the country. You have to submit your application in one of the following:

• • Italian embassy or consulate in your country;
  • Visa Application Center, an Italian government has outsourced visaapplications, such as FS Global, COX and Kings, or TLS International;
  • Another Schengen country’s representation

If you are travelling to more than one Schengen country, you can use Schengen visa to travel to other Schengen countries, provided it does exceed the period allowed. However you may have to submit a visa application if:

• • You will spend more days in Italy than other countries
  • Italy is the first country you will visit

4. Book an appointment for Italy visa application:

After completion of above stages, you need to contact Italian representation for an appointment, keeping the wait time in mind.

5. Fill in Visa Application Form:

After taking an appointment with the concerned, you have to find an Italy visa application form online and fill it carefully with all details. You must complete and print the form before signing it. Make sure you attach the application form with all the other related and required documents.

6. Gather the required documents:

You have to gather the following documents (additional documents if required), before you apply for Italy visa.

• • Italian visa application form.
  • Valid passport/travel document.
  •  
  • Civil status documents.
  • Copies of previous visas.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of travel.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means.
  • Visa fees.
  • Police clearances from your home country.
  • Proof of enrollment or pre-enrollment in an Italian university course
  • Certificates of prior education
  • Proof of knowledge of English or Italian
  • Any additional documents for minors.
  • Any additional documents based on the purpose of entry.

7. Submission of Application and Participation in Visa Interview:

As a student, you make sure of your appointment with Italian representation. On the date of your appointment, you have to appear for an interview at the office of the Italian representation in person within the stipulated time. You need to impress upon the visa officers so that the authority grants visa.

When you submit your application, you will be asked to take part in a visa interview, which lasts around 10-15 minutes. During the interview, questions relating to the purpose of travel, financial means, accommodation, and personal questions about your life. You need to answer all the questions confidently. Your friendliness and body language may help you to create good impression, so that you can get Italian visa.

8. Payment of Italy visa fee:

On the day you submit your application, you need to pay fees towards visa processing. All the foreigners have to pay visa fee, which is non-refundable. As a student, you need to pay €50, which may be revised from time to time.

9. Wait for your Italy visa application to be processed:

After you submit your Italy visa application, the authorities will take 2-3 weeks for processing, which may vary depending upon the country. Therefore you are advised to apply well in time.