ItalyStudy and training
Italy student visa for university studies
National visa for study – university enrolment
In short
Students enrolling in Italian bachelor's, master's, single-cycle or AFAM programmes apply for a national study visa after their university validates the Universitaly pre-enrolment. You show sufficient means from traceable sources and B2 language skills and, for 2026/2027, apply by 30 November 2026 at the Italian mission responsible for your place of residence.
checked 23 October 2026
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
- Fee
- €50Study visa fee under Italy's consular fee table; the mission states the currency and method of payment, and an external service provider, where used, charges its own fee.
- Funds required
- Means of subsistence for the academic year, from lawful and traceable sources, as set in the study checklist of the mission where you apply; funds for repatriation come on top.
- Processing time
- Statutory processing time for a type D visa: 90 days; apply by 30 November 2026 for the 2026/2027 intake.
- Work
- Part-time work is possible with a study permit within the limits set by Italian law.
- Where to apply
- Italian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, after Universitaly pre-enrolment.
Programmes covered
The enrolment visa covers bachelor's and two-year master's degrees, five- or six-year single-cycle degrees and first- and second-level AFAM diplomas in art, music and dance. A separate checklist exists for foundation-year courses and for short courses under 90 days.
Academic documents
Bachelor's applicants need a legalised or apostilled and translated high school diploma (12 years of schooling), proof of academic eligibility such as a national university entrance exam result where the checklist asks for one, and a CIMEA comparability and authenticity certificate or a declaration of value. Master's applicants need the apostilled degree and diploma supplement or transcript. You must also show B2 Italian or B2 English depending on the language of instruction.
Required documents
Identity
- National (type D) application form, completed, dated and signed at item 37 and on the last page
- One ICAO photo 35 × 40 mm and a passport valid at least three months beyond the visa, with copies of current and previous passports
- Copy of your national ID card; non-nationals: residence permit in the country where you apply; civil status certificate where the checklist asks for it
Travel
- Accommodation: hotel booking for the first period, registered lease, hospitality declaration or university residence
Money
- Proof of sufficient means: six months of bank statements, payslips, tax returns; guarantee letter if supported by parents
Study
- Universitaly pre-enrolment summary validated by the university
- Diploma (apostilled and translated), proof of academic eligibility where required, CIMEA certificate or declaration of value
- B2 Italian or English certificate depending on the language of the course
Insurance
- Health insurance of at least EUR 30,000 valid in the EU
Supporting documents (where they apply)
Family
- Minors: birth certificate, apostilled parental consent naming a guardian in Italy, guardian's declaration
Financial means
The missions require proof of sufficient means for the academic year from lawful and traceable sources, assessed together with the family's overall financial situation; the study checklist states the amount. Parents or one relative up to the fourth degree can guarantee with a signed letter, bank statements for six months, payslips, tax returns and property documents. A simple application for an Italian government scholarship is not proof of funds.
Universitaly first
Submit your pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal and wait for the university to validate it; the visa cannot be issued while the conditional admission status has not been cleared. Then book an appointment with the mission or its external service provider, bringing the Universitaly summary, academic documents, proof of funds, accommodation and insurance of at least EUR 30,000.
- Apply to the university and submit your pre-enrolment on Universitaly; wait for the university to validate it.
- Download the official "Study – enrolment" checklist from the Italian mission responsible for your place of residence and complete the national (type D) application form.
- Book an appointment with the mission or its external service provider and lodge the file in person with originals, apostilled and translated documents where required.
- Pay the visa fee as the mission indicates; the statutory processing time for a type D visa is 90 days.
- Within 8 working days of entering Italy, apply for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) through the post office kit or the Questura.
- Attend the Questura appointment for fingerprints and, for permits of a year or more, sign the integration agreement.
Forms
- Universitaly pre-enrolment portal · Mandatory pre-enrolment for international students.
After arrival: permesso di soggiorno
Within 8 working days of first entry you must apply to the Questura of the province where you will live, in many cases through authorised post offices. The fee is EUR 40 for permits of more than three months up to one year and EUR 50 for up to two years; applicants for permits of at least one year sign an integration agreement with the State. The card is usually issued within about 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for an Italian student visa?
The amount set in the study checklist of the mission where you apply, from lawful, traceable sources, plus means for repatriation.
What is the deadline for 2026/2027?
Enrolment visa applications must be submitted by 30 November 2026.
Which language certificate is needed?
B2 Italian for Italian-taught courses or B2 English for English-taught courses.
Official sources
- Italian missions in Türkiye – checklist: study visa, enrolment 2026/2027
- Italian missions in Türkiye – checklist: study visa, foundation year
- Embassy of Italy in Ankara – visa fees and payment
- Embassy of Italy in Ankara – choose the right visa and check the documents
- Polizia di Stato – issuing the residence permit (8 working days, fees)
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for Italy
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Study and training
Work
- Work visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
- EU Blue Card Validity: Two years for an open-ended contract; for fixed-term contracts, the contract length plus three months.
- Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
Family
- Family reunification visa
- Spouse and partner visa Validity: Residence card for family of EU citizens and family permit for family of Italian citizens: five years.
Residence
- Retirement visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
- Permanent residence Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors; the status is permanent.
Protection
- Asylum and international protection Validity: Asylum-seeker permit: until the decision; refugee and subsidiary protection: five years, renewable; special protection: two years, renewable.