Are you thinking about going to Italy for studies but you do not know how to get started? You are not alone as there are several students like you who intend to go there.
To study there you will need an Italian student visa as you may have already known but the answer to the question of how to get the visa will be addressed in this publication.
Italy is surely a good choice as it presents you both a world of fun and quality education. There are also ample things to try out such as the food and coffee. Not also forgetting the lovely architecture which is also among the special stuff you will want no one to tell you but see for yourself.
Entice enough? So, let us take you on the Visa application process.
Do I need a Student Visa to Study in Italy?
This will depend on where you are from. If you are a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you won’t need an Italian study visa to study in the country.
Only citizens who are not part of European Union Countries (EU) will need to obtain a visa to study in Italy. They will also need to secure a residence permit upon entering the country,
Requirements for an Italian Student Visa
- Applicants requiring the student visa must be non-EU nationals.
- Confirmation of admission issued by an Italian University.
- Sufficient funds for studies, upkeep, and other basic expenses.
- Visa processing fee payable to the embassy or consulate.
What is the cost of the Italian Visa application?
A non-refundable processing fee applies when applying for a Study Visa for Italy. Student visa applications will cost between €50 and €116. The fee must be paid in the local currency of the country where you’re applying.
How to get an Italian Student Visa?
1. Get an acceptance letter from an Italian
To get a letter of acceptance from an accredited university in Italy, you will need to have applied for admission into the school. Since you may not be familiar with the country, you will first need to conduct very intensive research on your selected schools.
The good thing is that it is even easier now with the internet. All you need is to access content on online forums, search engines, and social media as well. You can also research the location of the school to know if it is your ideal location since you are more likely to be taking accommodation close to the school.
After getting all the information to make an informed decision, you can apply to the school of your choice. All you need is a letter of acceptance signed by the school as the document will be needed during your visa application.
2. Determine the type of Student Visa you need
The type of visa that will be issued to you will depend on how long you want you stay. Basically, there are two types of Italian student visas, they are Short stay visa (type C) and Long stay visa (type D).
Short stay Visa is for foreign students who will be studying a course or on training lasting fewer than 90 days.
Long Stay Visa is usually issued to foreign students who will be running a program that lasts more than 90 days. This is usually issued to students who have applied for a degree course in the University or College.
To know more about the visa type you will be issued including the contact details of the consulate in the country you are in, complete this form and you will get instant replies.
3. Get ready all the necessary documents
There are documents that you are to tender when applying for the Italian student visa. According to their governing bodies, below is the list of documents you are to gather:
- Visa application form for entering the country.
- Acceptance letter or letter of offer from a college or university in Italy.
- A recent passport-size photograph. You can have two copies ready for any emergency.
- Proof of Accommodation.
- Evidence of enough money to support yourself during your stay in Italy.
- Health insurance (If applicable).
- A valid travel document that has an expiration date three months later than the requested visa’s expiration date.
- Certificates showing your previous education.
- Evidence of proficiency in English or Italian.
- Receipt of the visa processing fee.
4. Begin your visa processing
To ensure a smooth process, schedule your visa interview approximately 4 to 6 weeks ahead of time, and remember to apply at least 3 months before your intended arrival in Italy, as the processing time may vary from 1 to 3 weeks, and occasionally longer.
Visa applications are often attended to at the embassy or consulate in your home country. You can always reach out to the embassy online or get their contact details to schedule an appointment.
Do note that the visa application fee will be received during the appointment. Therefore, it is important you go with everything you will need including your visa fee.
Applicants can get the contact details including the address of the embassy in the country online.
5. Entering Italy
The student visa is no different from an entry visa but to stay, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Meanwhile, When you arrive in Italy, even with your visa, the authorities will once again go through all the necessary documents that you tendered for the issuance of your student visa.
You must apply for a residence permit within eight days of arriving in Italy. To get a residence permit, you should start by submitting your application through the Post Office’s Immigration Portal.
You’ll need to provide your passport, travel documents, and necessary paperwork. The Immigration Police Headquarters (Questura) will then receive your application and set up an appointment with you. One key point you should also know is that the residence permit is for students from non-EU countries who are on National or long-stay visas,
However, if you are a Citizen of EU countries and you will be staying more than 90 days for study purposes, you do not need a student visa or residence permit but a valid copy of your passport or national ID. might be requested by your school or the Registry Office of the municipality in Italy.
Can I work with an Italian Student Visa?
Yes, International Students will be able to work for up to 20 hours per week, with a total limit of 1040 working hours over a span of 52 weeks.
After completion of your program, you are also allowed to convert your residence permit to a work permit to get a job provided the conditions are met. The work permit has a duration of a year.