How to Apply for a Italy Student Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on: Sep 5, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Apply for a Italy Student Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to study in Italy for more than three months, you will be required to apply for a study visa to start your course. Whether you need a visa or not generally depends on your nationality, and for Indians, it is a must. Additionally, along with an Italy student visa, you will also require a residence permit.

The visa is also known as a D-visa or long-stay visa and is needed to enter the country for a course. Let’s know more about the same in this article.

Italy Student Visa Guide

Student or study visas for Italy are issued by the Consulate General Offices or Italian Embassies in the country of origin. If a student is from a European country or an EFTA member, they can enter Italy with an EU card or a valid passport and stay in the country without a visa for the duration of the course.

All non-EU students, including those from India and other countries, are required to obtain a valid visa to study in Italy.

Types of Student Visas for Italy

Listed below are the various types of student visas available to international students in Italy. You can check the one applicable to you and apply accordingly:

1. Type C (Single Entry) Study Visa-

This visa allows you to enter Italy and stay there for a maximum of 90 days. However, you can only enter once.

2. Type C (Multiple Entry) Study Visa-

This visa allows you to enter Italy multiple times and stay for a maximum period of 90 days.

3. Type D (Single Entry) Study Visa –

Under this visa, you can travel outside of Italy once within the first 90 days. After that, you can travel and remain in the country at any time, provided you have obtained your residence permit and till your course is completed.

4. Type D (Multiple Entry) Study Visa –

Under this visa, you can travel outside of Italy multiple times within the first 90 days. After that, you can travel and remain in the country at any time, provided you have obtained your residence permit and till your course is completed. Make sure your Italy travel insurance covers multiple re-entries and an extended stay.

Eligibility Criteria for Italy Study Visa

Let’s look at the eligibility criteria that you must meet before you can apply for the Italian study visa.

1. Age

There is no strict age limit, but applicants are preferred to be under 30 for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

2. Academic Requirements

If applying for a Bachelor’s degree, you must have completed 10+2. For a Master’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree is required, and for a PhD, a Master’s degree is required.

3. Financial Proof

You should have approximately €5,818.80/year in the bank account.

4. Health Insurance

There is a requirement to take out insurance of €30,000 for the Schengen area.

Additional Requirements for an Italy Student Visa

Besides the above-listed eligibility criteria that you have to follow, you can also be asked to present the following additional documents for your student visa:

1. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

This is required if you are staying in India for more than 90 days and is issued by the concerned authorities or the Regional Passport Office.

2. Travel Plans or Flight Itinerary

Though it is not always needed, they may ask you to show your travel plans. While you book your flight, you can also purchase travel insurance online to safeguard your journey. This link has everything you need to know about insurance for your travel.

3. Italian Accommodation

You may be required to submit proof of your accommodation, such as a letter from the university if you are staying on campus or a rental agreement.

4. Scholarship Award Letter

If you have been offered a scholarship, it can be beneficial during your visa application process. Alongside this, having student travel insurance can strengthen your application, as it demonstrates preparedness for medical or travel-related emergencies.

Application Process for an Italian Student Visa

Here is a step-by-step guide on the Italy visa process for your reference:

1. Accept the university’s offer

You must pay the necessary fee to secure your admission to one of the Italian colleges or universities.

2. Visit or contact your nearest embassy or consulate

Check out the visa process for your specific country, including the required documents, and schedule a visa application appointment.

3. Attend your visa interview.

Submit the required documents, along with the visa application fee.

4. Wait for approval

The consulate or embassy will notify you in writing whether your visa was approved or denied.

5. Apply for a residence permit.

You are required to apply for a residency permit at the nearest Italian police station, or Questura, within eight days of your arrival in Italy.

6. Receive the permit

It can take a couple of months for the permit to be processed, so during that time, you may be given a temporary document.

In addition to the above steps, it is also recommended that you carry international travel insurance with you to protect against unexpected financial burdens. To know more about the benefits of purchasing one, click the link.

Italy Student Visa Required Documents

The table below shows the required documents you need to submit for your Italian student visa:

Document	Details
Passport	• Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the estimated stay duration. • It should have two blank pages.
Visa application form	• For minors, the form must be filled out by their parents.
Covering letter	• Statement of purpose of max one page.
Proof of admission	• An admission letter from an Italian higher education institution. • Pre-enrollment summary • Receipt of enrollment fee payment
Proof of previous education	• Colour copy of the final degree • A colour copy of the marksheet or transcript • Resume • One of the following documents, if asked: ○ Copy of the declaration of value ○ Copy of CIMEA certificate ○ If no DOV, you can apply for a student visa and DOV on the same day.
Proof of economic and financial support	• Proof of support of no less than €607945 for one year. • Bank statements for six months • Proof of income source.
Overseas medical insurance	• Insurance of €30,000 valid for a six-month stay in Italy. You can always purchase student travel insurance to have peace of mind while studying in Italy.
Air ticket	• Round-trip air ticket
Accommodation	• Proof of accommodation for at least 30 days.

Best Time to Apply for an Italy Student Visa

It is essential to know the correct time to apply for this visa. The ideal time to apply is three months before your trip to Italy, or at least 15 days before your flight. If you submit it any later than 15 days, the chances of you not receiving the visa on time will be higher.

Conclusion

Your visa will depend on the length of your course and the duration of your intended stay in Italy. Along with your visa, do not forget to carry Italy travel insurance to cover emergencies, such as hospitalisation, medical emergencies, repatriation, accidents, lost or delayed baggage, trip cancellation, and personal liability. You can find more details on the link attached to this page.

FAQs

1. Can I work in Italy while on a study visa?

Yes, you can work part-time on a study visa. Students can work up to 20 hours a week to support their expenses.

2. Can a D-type visa be used to study in Italy?

Yes, you should apply for a D-type visa if your course is for more than 90 days.

3. Can I travel to Germany on an Italian study visa?

If your visa is multiple-entry, you can travel from Italy to Germany on a study visa.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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