Student visaItaly student visa
Before Italy grants you anything, you clear UNIVERSITALY. Every non-EU applicant completes pre-enrolment on that portal first, tying you to a specific programme at an institution recognised by Italy's Ministry of University and Research (MUR). Only then do you lodge the national (Type D), long-stay visa for study running more than 90 days, filed through VFS Global on behalf of the Italian Embassy or Consulate covering the state where you have lived for the last six months.
Studying works in your favour on cost: study applicants are generally exempt from the visa fee, though a VFS service charge still applies. A study national visa can take up to 90 days to process, and you may file up to six months before you travel, so start early. One step catches people out after landing: within 8 working days of your first entry into Italy, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
Who this visa is for
- ✓Admission or enrolment letter from an Italian higher education institution recognised by the MUR.
- ✓Completed UNIVERSITALY pre-enrolment (must not show the red "NON IMMATRICOLATO" status).
- ✓Proof of financial means of at least EUR 534.41 per month, or EUR 6,947.33 for a full academic year.
- ✓Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction (Italian or English), typically at B2 (CEFR) level as required by the programme.
- ✓Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond the study programme, with 2 blank pages.
- ✓Application submitted within the Italian consular jurisdiction where the applicant has resided for at least 6 months.
Visa options for Italy
University study visa (Type D, national)
Long-stay visa for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes exceeding 90 days at a MUR-recognised institution; requires UNIVERSITALY pre-enrolment and a flight reservation.
Short-stay study visa (Type C)
For courses of up to 90 days; requires a round-trip ticket reservation.
AFAM / vocational study visa
For higher artistic, musical and dance education (AFAM) or recognised professional courses; follows the Type D framework for programmes over 90 days.
Documents typically required
- ✓Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond the study programme, with 2 blank pages and no handwritten entries.
- ✓Completed national (Type D) application form with two 35x45 mm white-background photographs.
- ✓UNIVERSITALY pre-enrolment confirmation and admission/enrolment letter from the Italian institution, plus proof of enrolment-fee payment (visible on bank statements).
- ✓Final degree/school certificate and transcripts, attested and apostilled via E-Sanad; SDM attestation is not accepted by the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi.
- ✓Declaration of Value (DoV) or CIMEA statement of comparability, if required by the institution.
- ✓Proof of financial means of at least EUR 534.41 per month or EUR 6,947.33 per year, with original 6-month bank statements stamped by the branch manager and ITR for the last 3 years; only a parent may act as sponsor.
- ✓Overseas medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000, valid for the first period in Italy, including a repatriation clause.
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Italy (hotel booking, rental agreement or university housing).
- ✓Flight tickets showing intended travel (a round-trip reservation is required for a short-stay Type C course); do not purchase the ticket before the visa is issued.
- ✓Cover letter / statement of purpose, CV and proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
- ✓For minor applicants: apostilled birth certificate, a notarised and apostilled parental affidavit consenting to expatriation for study, and a guardian's acceptance letter with ID proof.
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Academic documents must be apostilled through E-Sanad or the MEA; SDM attestation is not accepted by the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi. Lodge your application at the VFS Global centre for the consulate covering your state of residence, and within 8 working days of arriving in Italy, apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. The decision rests solely with the Italian Embassy or Consulate. What we do is give you a frank read on your profile and build the strongest, most complete application possible. Over the last 2-3 years our student-visa applications have had a 97% success rate.
How early should I apply, and how long does processing take?
A study national (Type D) visa can take up to 90 days to process at the Italian Consulate, and you may file up to six months before travel. Apply the moment your UNIVERSITALY pre-enrolment and admission letter are in hand.
How much money do I need to show?
Prove means of support of at least EUR 534.41 per month, or EUR 6,947.33 for a full academic year, backed by original 6-month bank statements and income proof (ITR for the last 3 years). Only a parent may act as a sponsor.
Anything I need to do after reaching Italy?
Yes. Within 8 working days of your first entry into Italy, apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
Trusted by travellers to Italy
“Parashars are the reliable agency. They are always there in your need regarding the visa. Varsha ji is very nice person, approachable, and dedicated towards her work. She always listens to your queries and tries her best to work on them.”
“I had a great experience with THE PARASHARS CONSULTANCY & SERVICES. Their team is professional, supportive, and very responsive. They provided clear guidance and completed the work smoothly and on time. The staff was polite and helpful.”
“Awesome; no other words; excellent services. Prompt, highly cooperative and flexible. Ms. Shivani madam was leading the processing for us backed by her team. The processing was very fast.”
“I had a great experience with The Parashars. The entire visa process was handled very professionally and efficiently. The team specially Varsha was always available to answer my questions and guided me through every step with patience.”
“Shivani ma'am was so supportive throughout the prep and she made sure I'm sure with everything that I need to. Honestly she was with me on multiple calls throughout this process. Thanks a lot for your morning message too.”
“Very supportive and helpful. They guided me through every step.”
“Prompt and fast services. Helped me throughout the process and follow up.”
“Great experience and recommended!”