Italy Student Visa 2027: Requirements and Steps

Types of Italy Student Visas

Italy offers world-famous universities, affordable public tuition and a rich student life, with many programs taught in both Italian and English. If your course lasts up to 90 days, such as a summer school or short course, you usually need a short-stay type C visa. For a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, you need a long-stay type D national visa. After arriving with a type D visa, you apply for a residence permit for study, which lets you live in Italy for your whole program.

Italy Student Visa Requirements

First, you need a place at an Italian university and a completed pre-enrollment on the official Universitaly portal. For 2026/27 and 2027/28, you must show at least €10,179.85 a year in financial means. These funds must come from lawful, traceable sources, either your own or your family’s, and a scholarship only counts once it has actually been awarded. You also need health insurance, proof of accommodation, and the language level your program requires. There is no official age limit, but the consulate checks that your study plan makes sense for your background.

Steps to Get an Italy Student Visa

First, apply to your university and complete pre-enrollment on Universitaly. Next, prepare your documents, including your passport, the visa form, proof of funds, insurance, accommodation and your previous degrees. Then book an appointment with the Italian visa centre in your country, submit your file and pay the fee. Validation on Universitaly does not guarantee a visa, because the final decision belongs to the Italian embassy or consulate. Within eight working days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for your residence permit for study.

Working on an Italy Student Visa

With a residence permit for study, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. The yearly limit is 1,040 hours, and you cannot go over 20 hours a week even in summer. This lets you earn some extra income without affecting your studies. If you want to work more hours, you must first convert your study permit into a work permit.

Renewing Your Italy Student Residence Permit

Your residence permit for study is renewed each year for as long as your program lasts. To renew it, you must still meet the financial and insurance requirements. You must pass at least one exam in your first year and at least two exams in each following year. Apply before your permit expires, and after graduation you may be able to convert it into a work permit.

Check if you qualify for an Italy student visa →