How to obtain a student visa for Italy: steps and requirements

Types of student visas for Italy

The student visa for studying in Italy is divided into two main types: short-term and long-term. The short-term category C visa is usually issued for a period not exceeding 90 days and is intended for studying in language courses or participating in intensive training programs. In turn, the long-term national class D visa allows foreign students to study at Italian universities or language schools for up to a year. Upon arrival in Italy with a D visa, the newcomer must apply for a temporary residence permit for study purposes within eight days. This type of permit can be renewed each year until the completion of the study program.

Conditions for obtaining a student visa

To successfully obtain a student visa, several conditions must be met. First and foremost, the student is required to demonstrate their knowledge of English or Italian, achieving a level no lower thanupper-intermediateAdditionally, it is necessary to complete preliminary online tests. If the educational institution requires in-person attendance for exams, then a short-term tourist visa should be arranged in that case.

It is also necessary to have an official invitation from an Italian educational institution, as well as proof of financial means for living and studying in Italy. Alternatively, it may be possible to agree on budget education. It is also important to provide information about the place of residence, whether it is a dormitory, a personal or rented apartment, or an invitation from acquaintances. To obtain a D visa, you will need to go through the biometric data submission procedure at the visa center, as well as an interview at the consulate.

Online application for a student visa

Students planning to study in Italy for the 2020-2021 academic year can apply for a student visa online. The initial application to Italian universities is done via the internet. Participation of the Italian Institute of Culture is not mandatory, except for programs related to higher education in the arts, music, and dance (A.F.A.M.).

Students need to:

• Log in to the portalUniversitaly
• Fill out the form for preliminary registration.
• Get confirmation and print this document.
• Translate the necessary documents into Italian and have them apostilled.

The translation of diplomas and other documents required by the university is mandatory, while documents in English do not need to be translated.

Steps to obtain a student visa

The process of obtaining a student visa involves several crucial steps:

• Registration on the online portalUniversitaly
• Printing the questionnaire and certifying documents with an apostille
• Translation of documents that also need to be legalized.
• If the university requires diploma verification, then you should obtain the documents.declaration of value
• Preparation of all remaining documents and submission of the visa application at the visa center.VMS
• Interview process at the consulate for students applying for a D visa

Additional information

If you are interested in more detailed information about higher education in Italy, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Ministry of Universities of this country, where you can find up-to-date information on all the nuances of obtaining the necessary documents for studying in this beautiful European state.

Introduction

Questions regarding admission, residence, and enrollment of international students in Italy are clarified in an official document available in English. The process of obtaining a student visa follows a standard procedure and does not allow for online applications. This visa is intended for those who wish to study at various higher education institutions, including academies of fine arts, music, and dance (AFAM), higher schools of linguistic mediation (SSML), specialized academies for psychotherapy, and postgraduate courses at technical institutes (ITS).

The process of applying to educational institutions

Regarding admission to academic courses such as the Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello or Diploma Accademico di Secondo Livello offered by AFAM, foreign students must follow the established pre-registration procedure. To do this, they should contact the Italian Institute of Culture. Starting from the 2021-2022 academic year, registration for admission will be conducted through the online platform Universitaly. All necessary information about available courses, quotas, and the number of available places will be posted on the AFAM website.

Obtaining a type D visa

To obtain a type D visa, two identical sets of documents must be prepared. The applicant is required to pay a consular fee of 50 euros, and they should also pay the service fee of the visa center, which is 3500 rubles. It is particularly worth noting that there is no consular fee for processing a student visa of category C.

Visa type C

When it comes to a type C visa, the application form is created automatically, which simplifies the process. It's important to remember that gathering documents and forming the package can take some time, so it's advisable to start preparing in advance.

Compliance with the visa application procedure

The visa is a key step on the path to studying in Italy, and adhering to the established regulations will help avoid unnecessary difficulties.

Application for a D visa for studying in Italy

When applying for a type D visa for studying in Italy, it is necessary to gather a specific set of documents. The most important element of this package is an invitation from the Italian educational institution, which will confirm your intention to begin your studies. In addition, you will need a document verifying your preliminary registration on the Universitaly platform or the "A bis" form, which is intended for candidates applying for AFAM courses.

Necessary documents

A key part of your file will be a copy of your school certificate obtained after 12 years of education. If you have already started studying at a university, a replacement certificate will suffice — this is a document confirming the completion of the first year of study. You will also need to provide a copy of your diploma for your previous education.

In certain cases, an original and a copy of the consular declarations may be required.declaration of value), which confirm the level of education obtained abroad. Next, you will need to demonstrate your financial capabilities. For this, the following will suffice:

• Bank statements;
• Documents confirming the availability of the scholarship.

Your funds must be at least460 euros per monththat ultimately amounts to more6000 eurosnecessary for a year of living in Italy.

Proof of residence

The next step is to provide proof of your residence in Italy. This can be either:

• Lease agreement;
• Documents confirming ownership of the property;
• Confirmation of residence in a dormitory or with friends.

You will also need health insurance that is valid in Italy for the entire duration of your studies.

Additional documents

Remember the need to provide:

• A foreign passport, as well as a copy of it, which includes your personal information and photograph;
• A passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation with copies of the pages that contain your photo and registration;
• A color photograph in format35x45 mm;
• Air ticket or confirmed reservation.

Consent to the processing of personal data

In addition, it is necessary to attach your consent to the processing of your personal data. Despite careful preparation, visa denials, although rare, are still possible. If your application has been rejected, you can reapply after correcting all the indicated deficiencies. The main reasons for denials are most often:

• Expired validity of important documents;
• Lack of any documents;
• Insufficient financial guarantees;
• Providing false information.

Obtaining a residence permit

If you have managed to obtain a student visa D and have arrived in Italy, you need to do so within8 daysfrom the moment of entry, submit documents for obtaining a residence permitresidence permit) for studying. This document will allow you to legally stay in Italy for a longer period.90 daysIt is important to understand that you can only apply for a residence visa if your studies last more than three months.

Extension of residence permit

A residence permit issued on the basis of studies is valid for one year and can be extended until the completion of studies. A student residence permit allows for part-time work, not exceeding20 hours a weekUpon completion of the study program, this status can be converted into a work residence permit, and after five years, you will be able to apply for permanent resident status.PMIOne of the easiest ways for international students to obtain a residence permit is considered to be this type of visa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize the importance of understanding the process of obtaining a student visa for foreign students in Italy. Italian education attracts many young people from all over the world, and knowing all the nuances related to visa requirements is a key factor for successful admission and study in this amazing country.

It's important to distinguish between two types of visas:short-termandlong-termThe short-term C visa is perfect for students who want to take language courses or training for up to 90 days. Meanwhile, the long-term D visa allows for studying at an Italian university for the entire academic year and is a more preferred option for those planning a longer stay.

Steps to obtain a student visa

Preparing to obtain a visa requires careful consideration and thorough preparation. It is necessary to:

• Confirm language proficiency,
• Gather all the required documents.,
• To go through an interview at the consulate..
• Order a document translationand obtain an apostille.

Online platformuniversitalyIt has significantly simplified the registration process at universities, allowing students to conveniently and effortlessly advance their applications and engage in the learning process. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with each point and not overlook important details to avoid any surprises.

Recommendations for students

If you have a need to obtain higher education abroad, Italy could be your ideal choice. Don't miss the opportunity to receive a quality education in a country with a rich cultural heritage and high academic standards.

At every stage of my research process, I found a lot of valuable information, and I am confident that any student who reads this article will be able to easily navigate the process of obtaining a student visa for Italy. By referring to official sources and following all the recommendations, you will be able to realize your dream of studying in beautiful Italy!