Italy is one of the most wonderful countries in the world. It’s not just a spectacular tourism hub with an endless list of monuments, museums, and natural sights, it’s also a great place for higher education. It is one of the most suitable places for students to study with its impressive international universities, multi-cultural environments, and delicious food. Italy is also home to the University of Bologna, one of the oldest educational institutions in the world. At the same time, Italy, the country that hosts the most Erasmus students (exchange students from EU countries) in Europe within the city of Bologna. Higher education in Italy attracts students with its low tuition fees and living costs ranging from 850 to 1,000 euros per year. For those who want to study in this beautiful country full of wonders, this post has got you covered. We are going to answer all your questions regarding getting a student visa in Italy. Let’s get started.

Student Visa In Italy: All You Need To Know

What kind of visa is required to study in Italy?

If you are an EU student, you do not need an Italian visa, and a passport and any identity document will suffice. In addition, there are 2 categories for international students outside the European Union. These are covered under:

Italy Type C Visa

This kind of visa is a short-term Schengen visa for students who enroll in a course or training program under 90 days, It is only meant for short-term education programs. If you want to study in Italy for certificate or course programs at universities or language schools, this should be the type of Schengen visa you choose for a period of 3 months. 

Italy D Type Visa 

The long-term visa for students who will study in Italy for more than 90 days is the Italy D Type Visa. It is also known as an Italy student visa or national education visa. In general, students who enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs or will do Erasmus in Italy, have to go to the “permesso di soggiorno”, that is, the local post office, to fill out a residence card within 8 days of entering the country for such visas.  

How to apply for a student visa in Italy? 

You can make your Italy student visa applications from the visa application centers, which are the institutions officially authorized by the Italian consulates in the cities or countries where you have resided for at least the last 6 months. At this stage, the first thing you need to research is to find out where you can apply from the official website of the consulate in your own city or the nearest city. 

By contacting authorized persons directly on the website, you can get more detailed information about the necessary documents and procedures for the Italian visa. In addition, you can get official, correct, and clear answers to many of your questions, such as when the Italy visa applications have started or how much is the Italy visa. 

Which documents are needed for a student visa in Italy? 

• International students who want to study in Italy must first fill out the Italy student visa application form in order to receive a visa. 
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
• 2 passport size photographs with white background taken within the last 6 months. 
• Statement of sufficient funds for your stay in Italy.
• Health insurance certificate valid for the duration of study in Italy.
• Your round-trip flight tickets.
• Official acceptance letter issued by the university proving that you have been accepted.
• Accommodation certificate of the place where you will stay during your education in Italy.
• A diploma from the last school you attended or a graduation certificate if you are still a student.

Apart from the above-mentioned documents, you must not have a criminal record and should not have been denied entry to Italy before. At the same time, you do not have to know the Italian language when applying for an Italy visa, but visa officers may be impressed by having at least a daily conversational level of Italian. It is a good idea to make your Italy visa applications in person at least four weeks in advance.

How much does it cost to get a student visa in Italy?

One of the most popular questions among students applying for a visa to study in Italy is how much is the application fee for it. It is worth noting that you can reach the exact information about the Italy visa fee updates from the consulates of the country you live in or from the Italian visa application centers. 

Italy student visa fees vary. Normally, you have to pay 80 euros for a Schengen visa for less than 90 days, while it will be free for students who hold a Type C Visa to Italy if a few criteria are met. Accordingly, you will need to be full-time and at least 20 lesson hours per week for the course you will study for under 90 days. 

For Italy D Type education visas over 90 days, a fee of 50 euros is charged. At the same time, it is worth noting that there is no passport fee for students under the age of 25. Another point to note is that the Italy visa fee will not be refunded if your application is rejected.

When should you apply for a student visa in Italy?

For students studying in Italy, the academic year consists of two terms. The first semester starts in September-October and ends in January-February, while the second semester continues between February and July. For an Italy student visa, it is beneficial for students to gather the necessary documents for the visa within a month after they have applied to universities until May when they learn that they have been accepted. 

If the necessary documents are completed and delivered correctly and completely, no setback will occur. While applications are submitted within one day, responses may take a week or a month.

Can your student visa in Italy be rejected? 

Yes, your Italy student visa applications can be rejected. For this reason, the accuracy and completeness of the documents you submit should be the top priorities for you to consider. At the same time, you must have sufficient economic competence to cover the period of your study in Italy. 

Can you work on a student visa in Italy?

International students studying in Italy are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, provided that they are enrolled in undergraduate programs and have studied for more than 6 months. If you want to work full time, you can work up to 40 hours a week during the holidays. 

Can you stay in Italy after graduation?

Studying in Italy as an international student will be a unique experience. Students in undergraduate and graduate programs who meet the Italian visa requirements can stay in the country for up to 12 months after graduation and extend their residence permit to look for a job. If you find a job to stay in Italy during this period, you can convert your student residence permit into a work permit.

Where can students work in Italy while studying? 

The jobs that students studying in Italy can find while studying are very diverse, on and off campus. If you don’t want to leave the university, you can work in international student offices or library departments. If you have improved your knowledge of Italian while studying in Italy, or if you know enough to speak this language on a daily basis, job opportunities are plentiful in the markets, restaurants, and cafes in the city.