Visa Types

Italy Student Visa Tips

Apply to study in Italy as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while Find out what documents you need to study in Italy.

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  • What Is Schengen Visa?

    The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
    To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.

  • Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:

    Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.

Key Points for Italy Student Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to Italy?

To visit Italy, Indians will need a Schengen visa.

Italy visa application is made online or offline?

The visa application process is offline. You can complete the application form online/offline. After filling out the form, print the completed version, sign it, and bring it to the Italian Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Centre.

Do I need to give biometrics?

Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain Italy visa?

No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Italy visa, but it may vary. The Embassy may interview you by phone or in person.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a Student visa?

Depending upon your study program.

What kind of visa will we acquire from Italy?

It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)

VISA FEE TYPE

IN EUROS

Visa Fee (Categories D)

€ 50

To more information about visa fee, please click here

 

Step-by-step guide

Let us walk you through the process

  • When applying for a visa to Italy as a Schengen State, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, education, or family reunion, to choose the appropriate visa type.
  • Consult the official website of the Italian embassy or consulate in your country to access detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas to Italy.
  • Ensure you meet the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category to increase the chances of a successful visa application for Italy as a Schengen State.

Get started with your visa application
To apply for a visa, download and fill out the application form, then print and bring it to the Visa Application Centre for submission. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months longer than the visa you're applying for and has been issued within the last 10 years. You should apply between 15 and 180 working days prior to your departure date. If you live in the Western or Southern part of India, the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai has specific submission requirements. Submit any required documents in Italian and have non-Italian documents translated by a certified translator. If you live in the Eastern part of India, check if you're eligible to apply at the Kolkata Application Centre . Keep in mind that if you apply within 15 working days prior to departure, you'll need to sign a declaration. Passports must be machine-readable and cannot contain written observations. Check photograph specifications in Kolkata or use Digital Document Check to save time during your appointment.
List of insurance providers authorised to issue Schengen visas
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Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment
To apply for a visa, you need to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to submit your documents and have your biometric information taken, which includes your fingerprints and photo. Once you book your appointment, you'll receive an email confirmation with an attached Appointment Confirmation letter. Before booking your appointment, it's important to read the guidance provided on the visa application process. If you don't need to submit biometrics, you can also submit your visa application at one of 29 Drop Boxes located across India. For more

Find out how much you need to pay

After submitting your visa application, you will be required to pay the visa application fee. If you apply online, you will make the payment as part of the application process. However, if you download the visa application form and submit it in person at the Visa Application Centre, you can pay the fee at the time of your appointment.

Attend your scheduled appointment
To apply for an Italian visa, you must submit your complete visa application form in person at the Visa Application Centre . If you live in the northern part of India and need to report to the Italian Embassy upon arrival in India, you can visit the centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 15:00 and 16:00 with a prior appointment. If you have already submitted your visa application at the Embassy Counter and are required to provide further documents, you can visit the Visa Application Centre on Tuesdays to Thursdays anytime between 15:00 and 16:00 with a prior appointment. Applicants must arrive at the Centre 15 minutes prior to their appointment time, and they are not allowed to be accompanied inside the Centre, except for those accompanying children under 18 years old or applicants who need special assistance for health reasons or a disability.

Stay informed about the progress of your application
To track the status of your visa application , you can visit the website of the Visa Application Centre and enter your reference number and date of birth. Additionally, some Visa Application Centres may offer SMS and email updates for detailed tracking information. You can check with the Visa Application Centre you’re visiting to see if this service is available.

Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre
It's important to note that if you choose to have someone else collect your documents on your behalf, they must bring specific documents with them to the Visa Application Centre, such as a government ID card, an original ICR, and an authorization letter from you. Additionally, the types of people who can collect your documents on your behalf are limited to immediate family members, one member of a group application, someone collecting on behalf of government officials, and a representative of a company.

If someone other than the applicant is collecting the visa documents, they must provide a photocopy of their government ID card, the original ICR, and an authorization letter from the applicant. If the applicant has a "Report Back" notice, they must email a scanned copy of their visa page and the facing page of their passport to consolatogenerale.calcutta@esteri.it within 7 days of returning from the Schengen area. It's crucial to send this proof of return, or legal consequences may be imposed by the Consulate General of Italy. Even if the applicant didn't travel to the Schengen area, they must still provide this information via email.

Prepared to apply?

Begin the visa application procedure, then return to VFS Global with your reference number to utilise the services provided.
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DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

When applying for a study visa for Italy from India, you will typically need the following documents and forms. However, please note that specific requirements may vary depending on your circumstances and the university or institution you are applying to. It is recommended to check the official website of the Italian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Submission of Documents
  1. Passport:Valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in Italy.
  2. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed below application forms.
    • Application for National Visa: You will need to complete and sign the application form for a national study visa for Italy. This form is typically available on the website of the Italian embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction.
    • Declaration of Presence: Some consulates may require you to complete a declaration of presence form, which states that you will reside in Italy for study purposes.
    • Declaration of Accommodation: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to submit a declaration of accommodation form, providing details of your accommodation arrangements in Italy.
  3. Passport-sized Photos: Recent, color photos meeting specific size and background requirements.
  4. Acceptance Letter:: Official acceptance letter from the Italian university or institution where you have been admitted.
  5. Proof of Financial Means: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your study and living expenses in Italy, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship documents.
  6. Accommodation Proof: Proof of accommodation arrangements in Italy, such as a lease agreement or accommodation confirmation from the university.
  7. Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Italy.
  8. Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including flight reservations.
  9. Educational Documents: Copies of your educational certificates, transcripts, and any other relevant academic documents.
  10. Language Proficiency: Evidence of your language proficiency, such as a certificate from a recognized language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
  11. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV detailing your educational background, work experience, and other relevant information.

Please note that additional documents and forms may be required based on your specific situation, such as medical certificates, police clearance certificates, or proof of payment for visa fees. It is important to carefully review the requirements provided by the Italian embassy or consulate and seek guidance from the respective authorities or your educational institution to ensure you have a complete and accurate application.

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.

Italian Schengen Visa Application Form (For Short Term C-Type)

Italian National Visa Application Form (For Long Term Visa D-Type) 

Note:

  • Please print this form on an A4 paper
  • The visa application form must be filled out entirely and signed by each visa applicant.
  • Each applicant needs a separate visa application form.
  • Remember to print the visa application form back-to-back.

Declaration Form: Complete a declaration form affirming the purpose of your study in Italy, the duration of your intended stay, and your commitment to complying with Italian laws and regulations.

 
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.

Once you have been admitted to an Italian educational institution and have all the necessary documents ready, you can follow these steps to apply for a study visa to Italy from India:

  1. Confirm visa requirements: Check the specific visa requirements for study purposes on the official website of the Italian Embassy or Consulate in India. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria.
  2. Prepare your application:Gather all the required documents, including application forms, supporting documents, and photographs, as per the embassy or consulate guidelines. Make sure to have both the original documents and photocopies.
  3. Fill out the application forms: Complete the National Visa Application form for Italy, available on the embassy's or consulate's website. Fill in the form accurately and legibly. Additionally, complete any other forms or declaration forms required.
  4. Pay the visa fee: Check the applicable visa fee and make the payment as per the instructions provided on the embassy's or consulate's website. Retain the payment receipt as proof of payment.
  5. Arrange supporting documents: Organize all the supporting documents according to the specific requirements. This may include your passport, acceptance letter from the Italian educational institution, proof of financial means, health insurance, academic qualifications, study plan, accommodation proof, and other relevant documents.
  6. Schedule an appointment: Visit the online appointment booking system of the Italian Embassy or Consulate in India and schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application. Choose a convenient date and time slot.
  7. Attend the appointment: On the scheduled date, go to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in India for your appointment. Bring all the required documents, completed application forms, and the visa fee payment receipt.
  8. Submit your application: Submit your visa application and supporting documents to the visa officer at the embassy or consulate. They will review your documents and may ask you additional questions or request further clarification.
  9. Provide biometric data: In most cases, you will be required to provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, at the visa application center or embassy. Cooperate with the authorities during this process.
  10. Collect your passport: After the visa processing is complete, you will be notified to collect your passport. Return to the embassy or consulate on the specified date and time to retrieve your passport. Check the visa sticker to ensure all details are correct.
  11. Verify visa details: Carefully review the visa sticker on your passport to verify the accuracy of the dates, duration, and any other relevant details. Contact the embassy or consulate immediately if you notice any discrepancies.

It's important to note that this guideline provides a general overview of the visa application process, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary. Therefore, it's always advisable to consult the official website of the Italian Embassy or Consulate in India or seek guidance from authorized visa application centers for the most accurate and up-to-date information