Italy | CrossBorders

Study in Italy in 2023: How to Get a Student Visa for Italy? (+ Intakes, Universities, Eligibility, Documents & More!)

This article highlights the importance of how to study in Italian universities through a student visa.

Key Highlights

Intakes in Italian Universities
Top Universities in Italy
Documents Required
Application Procedure
Cost of Living in Italy
Processing Time for Italy Study Visa
Other FAQs

European countries are known for their higher education infrastructure. This is because of their uncompromised teaching facilities whilst also offering substantial financial support to international students. And Italy is one of them.

Read on to know more about studying in Italy with a student visa.

Why Should You Choose Italy for Higher Education?

Educational History:

One of the main elements that have been alluring people from all over the world into this country is its top-notch quality of education. Some of the earliest universities were established in Italy, which reflects how progressive and welcoming to advancements of the country is.

Italy is one of the pioneering countries to sign the Sorbonne Declaration in the year 1998, thereby laying down the foundation of the "Bologna Reform"- an academic revolution that changed the face of higher education in Europe.

Immigrant Benefits:

Besides the status of studies in Italy, other factors like healthcare facilities, transport services, infrastructure, accommodation, and university campuses are in their best condition here.

Scenic Landscape & Cultural Hub:

The Italian culture is as pure and beautiful as its people. Located in the southwestern part of Europe, Italy is one of the top destinations on every single person's bucket list when it comes to planning a vacation.

Heritage sites like The Historic Centre of Florence, Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, Villa Romana del Casale, Botanical Garden in Padua, Amalfi Coast, etc. are a few names to list that make Italy the perfect place for spending your holiday.

Intakes in Italian Universities

Students studying in Italian universities and colleges can get admission through two intakes per year.

Intake One:

The first one begins in September and lasts till January or February.

It is the most general pattern of intakes that the educational institutes in Italy generally follow. Some might differ by a few weeks or a month; hence it is better if the students are attentive to the important dates mentioned on the university websites and are up-to-date.

Intake Two:

The second semester commences in February and ends in July.

Top Universities in Italy

Italy is an abode to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, making it one of the top choices of international students. Let's have a look at these educational institutions:

Politecnico di Milano:

Being one of the leading universities when it comes to engineering, architecture and design, Politecnico di Milano is located in the city of Milan, Italy. It was established in the year 1863 and had many pronounced alumni.

Being one of the members of the IDEA League, the university introduces extra-curricular activities for talented aspiring engineers.

Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna:

Ranked 160 in the QS World University Rankings 2021, it is one of the oldest universities to be established in Europe, in the year 1088. It offers a wide variety of courses, around 200, categorized into 32 departments and five schools. Its splendid graduate employability ranking (#84) reflects the quality of education it offers.

Sapienza University of Rome:

Being one of the earliest universities globally, Sapienza University of Rome is prominent not only in the field of education but also in the history and culture of the country. It has continuously contributed to the societal, economic, political, and cultural changes that have shaped the country into what it is today.

Some Other Prestigious Universities are:

John Cabot University
University of Padua
University of Milan
University of Pisa
University of Trento
University of Florence
University of Turin

Documentation Required for a Student Visa

Visa Type C:

It is a short-stay visa that lasts for not more than 90 days and can be used for more than one entry.

For gaining entry to the borders of Italy, you must have a valid passport and a visa as per your reason of stay and duration. For international students (non-EU/EFTA), there are two types of entry visas available:

To issue either of them, you will be required to have the following documents ready:

Visa application form (completed and without any faults)
Valid passport (whose validity exceeds that of the visa)
Passport-size photographs (recent)
Proof of accommodation in Italy
Health Insurance
University Offer Letter
Proof of Funds
Receipt of Application fee payment

Visa Type D:

It is a long-stay visa whose validity exceeds 90 days.

To issue either of them, you will be required to have the following documents ready:

Visa application form (completed and without any faults)
Valid passport (whose validity exceeds that of the visa)
Passport-size photographs (recent)
Proof of accommodation in Italy
Health Insurance
University Offer Letter
Proof of Funds
Receipt of Application fee payment

Application Process for a Student Visa

Follow the steps given below to issue a student visa for Italy:

Step 1:

Apply for a visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country.

Get the application form and fill it correctly, without any errors. Make sure all the information you fill in is right and not old. Submit the form with all the required documents and make sure you have a couple of copies of all the original documents with you. Please complete the necessary payment for fees and do not forget to print it as well.

Step 2:

Schedule a visa interview around 4 to 6 weeks in advance

The next step is to schedule an appointment for the visa interview. Do not stress over it. The basic questions asked in such interviews are related to your reason for travel, the motivation of learning your course, future goals, etc.

It is also vital that you prepare and take a language test (English or Italian) to prove your proficiency. Without it, you will not be able to apply for a visa.

Step 3:

Apply for a student visa at least 3 months before your arrival in Italy

Once you get approval, collect your visa and get ready for departure.mWithin eight days of your arrival in Italy, remember to apply for the residence permit to legalise your stay. Carry all the required documents for the same with you.

As soon as you receive your offer letter, you must begin the application process for a student visa so that you can arrive in Italy before the semester starts and can take your time to settle and adjust in the new environment. Therefore, make sure you apply for the university as soon as the application opens.

Worried about the student visa application procedure for studying in Italy? Reach out to us for making the entire process smooth and efficient.

Cost of Living in Italy

Italy, compared to the USA, UK and other European countries, is inexpensive in terms of studying as well as living. To have a rough idea regarding the living expenses in Italy,

please refer to the following table:

Therefore, your living costs per month will range between 500 EUR to 600 EUR, which is exceptionally cheaper when compared to other European countries. If you're not sharing the flat, the budget might increase by 200-350 EUR.

Processing Time for Student Visa Application

The processing time of your application may take between 1–3 weeks and sometimes longer.

Why Choose Us?

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Our services:

Profile Evaluation: Based on your unique profile history, we make matches with the visa eligibility requirements, and advise you with the visas you must apply for.
Resume Writing: We guide you to create a resume that stands out as desired by the concerned immigration authority.
Procuring documents: Help you arrange documents needed before applying for a visa.
Professional guidance: Be it providing you with interview training, French/English courses or working samples for resumes, cover letters or assisting with application forms, medical or police clearance certificates - we will always be there for you.
Dedicated Case Officer: We offer personal assistance and a single point of contact between the company and you, throughout the process
Post-Landing Services: We help you settle down in the country after you’ve received your visa. These services are specifically customized as per your requirements.

Don’t wait. Begin your visa application today!

Other Important FAQs

1. Should I go for studies or a training course in Italy?

It depends on you. Although if you look at it from an educational point of view, it would be better if your foundation begins from there if you wish to settle in Italy later on. Or else, if you want to take up a training program from a specialised institute in Italy, it is totally up to you.

2. Can you stay in Italy after graduation?

Yes, you can stay in Italy after graduation as well. All you'll need is to find a suitable job that can support you financially well-enough within six to twelve months of completing your graduation.

3. Why do so many students choose to study abroad in Italy?

The serene and artistic lifestyle in Italy is the show-stopper for most of the international students that come here for only educational purposes. Leaving such a country that has rich heritage and culture, great art forms and history, unique cuisine, unbelievably incredible architecture and infrastructural facilities, nature and scenic beauty is impossible.

Moreover, Italy is a developed nation with the best healthcare facilities, employment opportunities, and scope for a brighter future.

4. What to do in case I lose my residence permit?

There are many reasons which might contribute to losing your residence permits like theft, loss or damage. In the first and second cases, it is mandatory to report the incident to the nearest Police Station and get a copy of the report filed.

Then, you can visit the local post office and request a new application. Complete it and attach all the necessary documents with it before submitting it.

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